furniture. Scrubbing was the daily task for the maids, and there was
nothing extra possible in that line, but there was hurry enough to
exacerbate the temper, and when Aurelia offered her services she was
tartly told that she could solely be useful by keeping the children
out of the way; for in spite of all rebuffs, they persisted in
haunting the footsteps of the housekeeper and maids, Fay gazing with
delight at the splendours that were revealed, Amy proffering undesired
aid, Letty dancing in the most inconvenient places, romancing about
her mamma and little brother, and making sure that her big beautiful
brother was also coming.

The were very unwilling to let Aurelia call them away to practise
them in bridling, curtseying, and saying "Yes, madam," according to
the laws of good breeding so carefully inculcated by sister at home.
So anxious was she that she tried them over and over again till
they were wearied out, and became so cross and naughty that nothing
restored good-homour except gathering blackberries to feast brother
Archer.

The intelligence produced less apparent excitement in the dark chamber.
When Aurelia, in an eager, awe-stricken voice began, "O sir, have you
heard that my Lady is coming?" he calmly replied,

"The sounds in the house have amply heralded her, to say nothing of
Jumbo."

"I wonder what she will do!"

"You will not long have known her, my fair friend, without discovering
that she is one of the most inscrutable of her sex. The mere endeavour