"Then you think you wouldn't like to live here?" asked Asahel from the balcony outside, where he was enjoying a cigar.
"No, indeed," answered Marion; "I don't fancy living where locomotive engines are allowed to run loose in the streets as they do here. I think the noises are quite dreadful."
"But up where we went this afternoon there are no noises and no engines," said Gerty, her colour rising a little.
"No, it was pretty; but still, you know, you would have to come down very often. After all, I suppose I may be prejudiced against Coaltown, though it is my native place, you know," Marion added, smiling.
"Your native place!" repeated Asahel. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that I was born here. Why, surely you knew that. But mother had pretty hard times here, I suppose; anyhow, she dislikes the place very much."
"What were you thinking of, Asahel? Don't you know Mrs. Van Alstine went from here to be cook or nurse—which was it?—to your mother?" said Gerty.
"Housekeeper," said Marion, trying to speak quietly, though her blood tingled.
"And a great blessing she was," said Asahel.
"Oh, housekeeper, was it? Well, it must be admitted that she succeeded in keeping the house very effectually," said Gerty, with her peculiar little laugh—"a good deal better than her mistress did. Asahel, why don't they call us to supper? Oh, here they come."