Miss Cavendish went straight to the old lady's apartment.
Mrs. Cavendish was sitting in her great easy-chair by the fire, with her gold-rimmed spectacles on her nose and her Bible lying open on her lap.
As Emma entered the room the old lady closed the book and looked up with a welcoming smile.
"I have come to tell you, my dear grandma, that Aunt Fanning has arrived," said Emma, drawing a chair and seating herself by the old lady's side.
"Yes, my dear child; but I'll trouble you not to call her Aunt Fanning," said Madam Cavendish, haughtily.
"But she is my aunt, dear grandma," returned Emma, with a deprecating smile.
"Then call her Aunt Katherine. I detest the name of that tavern-keeper whom she married."
"Grandma—grandma, the man has gone where at least there can be no distinctions of mere family rank," said Emma.
"That's got nothing to do with it. We are here now. Well, and when did Katherine arrive, and where have you put her? Tell me all about it."
Emma told her all about it.