As her Luggage was but light, I made her find Room for a small but very rich Plum-Cake, a present from my Mother to hers, and also some Gingerbread-Nuts for the Children.
In the Afternoon, a Boatman stepped into the Shop with some Boat-Cloaks, saying that Mr. and Mrs. Arbuthnot were coming up from the Water-Side to take Tea in our Gardens. I knew not the young Gentleman was married; and indeed he was not so, but his Companion proved to be his Aunt; the quietest, sweetest-looking old Lady I ever set Eyes on. The Sky having clouded over, we had little Company that Afternoon; I set their Table in our nicest Arbour, and had Pleasure in serving them myself, and providing them with the freshest Shrewsbury Cakes and lightest Buns. They seemed on the pleasantest of Terms together; the young Man's Attention to the old Lady, without fulsomeness, was very agreeable to see; and their Conversation was somewhat above the common Run. Towards the Conclusion of their Repast, a Rain-Shower came on, which alarmed Mrs. Arbuthnot, and made her request Shelter in the House. I instantly shewed them into our Parlour; where Gatty, having finished her Packing, was embroidering an Apron which Prue had commenced for my Mother, but had got tired of before it was half done. Gatty was such a superior Needlewoman that her Work, besides being done so quickly, put Prudence's quite to shame; the Leaves, Flowers, and Sprigs seemed to grow under her nimble Fingers. Old Mrs. Arbuthnot watched her a little While, admiring her Facility; and then raising her Eyes from Gatty's white Hands to her almost as white Face, "You look very delicate, young Woman," says she.
"Oh, Ma'am, I'm a great deal better now; almost well," says Gatty, scarcely looking up.
"Have you been very ill?"
"Yes, Madam, I have had a Fever."
"This is the young Person, Aunt," says Mr. Arbuthnot, "whom I mentioned to you as having been taken ill, the Day of Lady Betty's Folly."
"And are you going to return to Lady Betty?" says Mrs. Arbuthnot.
"No, Madam, I am going Home To-morrow; into the Country."
"The best Place for you, Child. Are you going into Service no more?"
"I wish it were so, Madam," said Gatty, hemming away a Sigh.