"Is Uncle Winthrop very rich?"
"I—I don't know."
"But there are no children and boys to wear out their clothes and stockings. There's so much knitting to be done. I go to school in winter, but there is too much work in summer. Doris Adams, you are a lucky girl if your fortune doesn't spoil you."
"Fortune!" exclaimed Doris in surprise.
"Yes. I heard father talk about it. And all that from England! Then someone died in Boston and left you ever so much. I suppose you will be a grand lady!"
"I'd like to be a lovely old lady like Madam Royall."
"And who is she?"
Doris was in the full tide of narration when Mrs. Manning came to the hall door. She caught some description of a party.
"Elizabeth, put Ruth to bed at once and go yourself. Doris, talking of parties isn't a very good preparation for the Sabbath. Elizabeth, when you say your prayers think of your sins and shortcomings for the week, and repent of them earnestly."
Ruth had fallen asleep and gave a little whine. Her mother slapped her.