"Well, perhaps not; but I am so afraid of burglars. I know perfectly well that some night I shall wake up and see a man in my room looking into my bureau. But, as I said, poor relations don't count. I dare say you have found that out."
"I don't know what you mean," said Percy, colouring. "I am sure Aunt Ackerman and Margaret are just as kind as they can be."
"Oh, well! I dare say they are kind to you, child. You have a social position, you see. And Cousin Julia Ackerman does mean to be kind, I dare say; but she is no hand to do shopping at all. I sent her sixty dollars to buy me a Paisley shawl; and when I came to look it over, there were three threads of cotton in it. Now, a shawl that is part cotton will fade in streaks, you know; and it seems hard to give so much money for a faded shawl."
"Has your shawl faded?" asked Percy.
"Why, no, not yet; but of course it will. Now, such a shawl ought to last one a lifetime; but I can't wear it after it is all faded out. My dear, I certainly do hear somebody up-stairs."
"I dare say it is only the cat; but I will go and see," said Percy, rising.
"But suppose it should be a robber?" whispered Cousin Sarah; "or suppose one of the servants should be looking over Margaret's bureau?"
"I don't suppose it is one or the other!" answered Percy, rather impatiently. "I suppose it is pussy. She lies on aunt's sofa half the time. There, don't you hear her mew to be let out? I must go, or she may do some mischief." Cousin Sarah would not be left alone, and Percy rang the bell for somebody to let out the cat. Then came another fear.
"My dear, I have left my trunk unlocked. You don't think any of the servants will meddle with my things, do you?"
"I should think not," replied Percy. "You know they have all lived here a long time, and aunt thinks they are quite honest. But I will go up and lock it, and bring you the key, if you like."