"You would not like to add to the cares I already find so heavy, by not behaving nicely to me, would you?" Nellie asked.
The cook twisted her apron, and then suddenly burst into tears. "It ain't a bit the same, now she's gone!" she exclaimed.
"Do you not think we must feel that, cook?" asked Nellie, with filling eyes. "Do you think I like being mistress?"
Cook was silent, wiping away her tears and thinking.
"I suppose not, miss," she answered at last.
"Then help me," said Nellie, turning away, "for it is sad work."
"I will, miss," cook answered with a sob; "I never thought."
It was now drawing on towards Christmas.
Wilmot Elliot, after the disappointment of his plans, altered his mind. A softer, humbler feeling came over him with regard to Nellie, and in the visits which he now made from time to time, he tried to show her that he was sorry for his hastiness.
He could not decide to his satisfaction whether Nellie had understood his manner before, or understood the alteration in it now.