Since the first evening of her arrival, she had never eaten at the table with her uncle, though. Unless they had company, she took her dinners with her aunt and cousins, Mr. Morgan being absent in the city. She had taken daily lessons, and not without some effect, in the handling of her knife and fork, keeping her elbows off the table, keeping her lips closed while eating, waiting until the food was passed her by a servant, asking when she wished anything, instead of making a dive at it. When she had cured herself of these uncouth habits, and learned to eat like a lady, instead of like a dog, she had been promised the reward of going to the table with her uncle.
At first, Milly said she'd rather not eat with him; it would be a great deal jollier to sit down with Hannah and Phebe in the kitchen. She wished she could go there; but when day after day she was sent from the room, and heard outside the pleasant talk, and the merry peals of laughter from Emily, she changed her mind, and really tried to do as her aunt wished.
[CHAPTER VI.]
MILLY'S REQUEST.
WE have left Mrs. Morgan and her cousin a long time, and must now return to them.
When they were seated at their sewing, Mrs. Roby said: "I have been wishing to ask you about Milly. What a very strange child she is! It is a perfect fascination to watch her."
"Yes, one never knows what she will do next. She has always been governed by her own impulses, good or bad. I am glad to say many of them are good. She is capable of the warmest attachments. I never knew until lately, how much she loves Emily. The poor child fell a short distance from home, as they were going together of an errand, and sprained her ancle. Milly actually tried to lift her cousin and bring her home; but finding she had not strength, she rushed back in her furious way, crying as though her heart was broken, to tell me Emily was hurt. Then, when Emily fainted, I thought Milly would faint too, she was so terrified for fear her cousin would die. I had to take her up stairs, and leave her with Hannah for a time. When I had bathed and bandaged Emily's ancle, I went to Milly, who was sobbing bitterly."
"'Oh, Aunt Priscilla, I wish it had been my ancle! Emily's so good and kind. Oh, dear! I'm so sorry I've vexed her so many times, I never, never will again. I'll let her things alone. Will she get well, aunty? Will she? Oh, I'd rather go back to India! Things are always happening here to make me ache,' putting both hands to her heart."
"I improved the opportunity while her feelings were tender, to talk with her about herself. I told her we were all growing to love her very dearly; and that, when she tried to be good and polite and tidy, it made Emily and all of us very happy."
"She fixed her keen, black eyes on me as she asked:"