“We won’t recall those old times,” said Mrs. Ross, impatiently. “I was going to say you wouldn’t be happy here. We don’t live as you were accustomed to do; and, in fact, it would be inconvenient for us to have a new inmate. My health is delicate, and——”
“You look pretty rugged, Lucindy.”
“Appearances are deceitful,” said Mrs. Ross, nodding her head solemnly. “I am very nervous and all excitement is bad for me.”
“I hope I haven’t excited you, Lucindy,” said Uncle Obed. “I thought I was pretty quiet. As to the work, you’ve got two girls to help in the kitchen.”
“Yes; but there’s a certain amount of care that falls upon me which you can’t understand.”
“I hope you won’t alter your living for me, Lucindy. I’m one of your own folks, and I don’t mind a picked-up dinner now and then.”
“The ridiculous old man,” thought Mrs. Ross, impatiently. “As if I’d alter my style of living for a destitute old man that looks as if he’d just escaped from an almshouse.”
“We always live the same, company or no company,” she said, coldly.
“If we don’t change for fashionable visitors from New York and Philadelphia, it is hardly likely would for you.”
“I’m glad I don’t give you any trouble.”