Meta smiled, and was pleased to think that her first-fruits would be offered to-morrow.
CHAPTER XXII.
“Oh, dear!” sighed Etheldred, as she fastened her white muslin, “I’m afraid it is my nature to hate my neighbour.”
“My dear Ethel, what is coming next?” said Margaret.
“I like my neighbour at home, and whom I have to work for, very much,” said Ethel, “but oh! my neighbour that I have to be civil to!”
“Poor old King! I am afraid your day will be spoiled with all your toils as lady of the house. I wish I could help you.”
“Let me have my grumble out, and you will!” said Ethel.
“Indeed I am sorry you have this bustle, and so many to entertain, when I know you would rather have the peaceful feelings belonging to the day undisturbed. I should like to shelter you up here.”
“It is very ungrateful of me,” said Ethel, “when Dr. Spencer works so hard for us, not to be willing to grant anything to him.”