"Whether she has or not, she is going to leave us."
"What?" said Aunt Katrina, quickly, turning towards him her altered countenance. He scarcely knew it, with its reddened eyes and spotted look.
"You thought, I believe, that she was only going to be absent a short time," he went on; "that it was merely that she wished a change. But it was more than that; she has a plan for opening that old house of hers near Cherry Valley, and living there."
"And me?" said Aunt Katrina, in angry amazement. "Does she cut herself free from me in that way? In my state of health?"
"It appears so."
Aunt Katrina remained speechless. Pure dismay was now conquering every other feeling.
"The truth is, Aunt Katrina, you have not been kind enough to Margaret, ever."
"No. She has done everything for you for years, and you have constantly illtreated her."
"Illtreated! Good heavens!"