I've had three offered since noon."

"Do the Schuyler ladies still object?"

"No; at least, they are willing. But I don't want any except a capable
one. Not so much experienced, as quick-witted and intelligent. You may
as well know, Mr. Calhoun, since you are to look after my affairs,
that my late husband was of strictly plain habits. He was almost
frugal in his ideas of how little womankind should be indulged in any
luxuries or unnecessary comforts. This did not incommode his sisters
for they were of the same mind. But I desired certain things which he
saw fit to deny me. I make no complaint, I bear his memory no ill
will, but I feel that now I may have some of these things. I am my own
mistress, and while I have no wish to cast any reflection on Mr.
Schuyler's management of his own house, yet, it is now my house, and I
must have the privilege of ordering it as I choose."

It had come already, then. Ruth Schuyler and her Puritanical
sisters-in-law had met the issue, and Ruth had stood up for her
rights. I felt that I knew the woman well enough to know she would not
have taken this stand so soon after her husband's death except that
some discussion or disagreement had made it necessary for her to
assert herself. I bowed in acquiescence, and said, "I am sure, Mrs.
Schuyler, there can be no objection to your doing exactly as you
please. This house is entirely your own, half Mr. Schuyler's fortune
is yours, and you are responsible to nobody for your actions. If not
intrusive, I will offer to look you up a suitable secretary. I have a
young woman in mind, whom I think you would like."

"I am not easy to please," she said, smiling a little; "I have a very