The family gathered round me. I heard the wonted sound of the banging of doors. "The doors at grand'ther's," I mused, "had list nailed round their edges; but then he had the list, being a tailor."
"I vum," said Temperance, with her hand on her hip, and not offering to approach me, "your hair is as thick as a mop."
Hepsey, rubbing her fingers against her thumb, remarked that she hoped learning had not taken away my appetite. "I have made an Indian bannock for you, and we are going to have broiled sword-fish, besides, for supper. Is it best to cook more, Mrs. Morgeson, now that Cassandra has come?"
The boy, by name Charles, came to see the new arrival, but smitten with diffidence crept under the table, and examined me from his retreat.
"Don't you wish to see Arthur?" inquired mother; "he is getting his double teeth."
"Oh yes, and where's Veronica?"
"She's up garret writing geography, and told me nothing in the world must disturb her, till she had finished an account of the city of Palmiry," said Temperance.
"Call her when supper is ready," replied mother, who asked me to come into the bedroom where Arthur was sleeping. He was a handsome child, large and fair, and as I lifted his white, lax fingers, a torrent of love swept through me, and I kissed him.
"I am afraid I make an idol of him, Cassy."
"Are you unhappy because you love him so well, mother, and feel that you must make expiation?"