“Well, madam, have you reflected upon my proposition, and what do you think of it?”
Miss Joe hemmed, cleared her throat, blew her nose, wiped the tears from her eyes, rubbed her specs and replaced them, and then said:
She didn’t know. She was used to staying where she was. She had lived there twenty odd years, and did not feel like leaving it at her time of life. Besides, she must see what could be done for Hugh. She must take time to consider. She couldn’t give an answer no way till next day.
General Garnet acceded to the short delay, and, smiling to himself, arose to take leave; tasted and praised Miss Joe’s mulled cider; kissed and fondly embraced little Nettie; nodded to Hugh Hutton; shook hands with Miss Joe, and withdrew.
CHAPTER XXXI.
NETTIE IN THE MANSION.
She shall dwell in lordly houses, with gardens all about,
And servants to attend her when she goes in and out;
She’ll have music for the hearing, and pictures for the eye,
And exquisite and costly things each sense to gratify.
—Howitt.