During this soliloquy Sarah was welcoming everybody; directing the maids as to the disposal of the guests and looking so amiable the while that the General was in a tremor of delight. He had not been without misgivings as to her appreciation of this large house party, for, as we know, he had neglected to inform her of his invitation to the Hazelnook boys and girls. When the last guest was disposed of, the General followed Sarah into the library, and looked expectantly at her.
"I gave her your mother's room," said Sarah, abruptly.
There was no need to ask whom Sarah meant; the General knew instinctively that it was Miss Celia.
"How did you know?" he said.
"How did I know where to put her?" said perverse Sarah, for she knew quite well what he meant. "I ought to know where to put guests in this house if anybody does."
"How did you know that nothing could be more gratifying to me than to have Miss Celia Linn in mother's room?" the General asked, earnestly.
"To tell the truth I didn't do it to gratify you; I thought she belonged there; she's the image of your mother."
The General actually grasped Sarah's hands. "Have I your consent?" said he; "I mean do you approve?"
"Yes,—have you hers?" replied Sarah, with a droll smile.