Chapter Five.
Aunt Grace Sows the Seed of Discontent.
Laura Chester possessed what her aunt termed a bad habit.
“You are so restless, my dear,” said that lady. “Why can’t you stay in your bed of a morning, and then come down at a Christian-like hour?”
“Nine o’clock, aunt dear,” said the girl, smiling.
“Well, say a quarter to, my dear, because that gives ample time to ring for the urn and make the tea, though nine is really a very nice hour. It is not right for a young lady to be racing downstairs before seven o’clock and dusting; and I do not really like for you to be going out for walks at such early hours.”
“London is at its best before breakfast, aunt; everything looks so fresh and bright.”
“What nonsense, my dear! Nothing of the kind. The steps are not cleaned, and there is nobody about but sweeps and dustmen, and milk carts.”