“When I need assistance from you or anyone in Dorton, or out of it, I will ask it,” replied Jerusha haughtily, her black eyes gleaming with unshed tears, and, seeing that her presence was no longer desired, Mrs. Courtney went home.
When she reached there she found a note from Mrs. Merryman saying that Mrs. Flynn was ready any day to assume the duties of housekeeper at “My Lady’s Manor,” and Mr. Courtney was encouraged to proceed with his arrangements for housekeeping.
Busy days now followed, for Mrs. Courtney resolved that her brother’s home should be in perfect order for his reception on his return from the city the first evening of taking possession of his inheritance, and all the Courtney family be there to welcome him.
At length all was in readiness and not only the parlor but the kitchen at “Friedenheim” was interested, for Chloe was to depart to take up her abode as cook at “My Lady’s Manor,” and the evening of the home-coming was sent over by Mrs. Courtney to have all in readiness for the supper which she and Kitty had prepared, and would be brought later by Mose.
Chloe never felt her importance more than when, as sole occupant of “My Lady’s Manor,” she unlocked the china closet and took out the beautiful and costly ware, once the property of Mrs. Joshua Farnsworth. She was absorbed in admiration of a tea plate, almost transparent when held between her and the light, when the door quietly opened and Archie came in, and without so much as a glance at the startled Chloe made his way to the corner of the broad hearth.
“Archie was glad when he saw the smoke coming again from the chimney. Archie has often looked for it,” he said, rubbing his hands in satisfaction at seeing the glow from the open grate of the range.
“Nobody comes into my kitchen without knockin’. Don’t like folks to come in that way nohow,” remarked Chloe, keeping at a respectful distance.
“Archie never knocks. All the houses he goes to are Archie’s homes.”
“This is Marse Courtney’s house and I am boss of this kitchen,” proclaimed Chloe.
“Archie is tired. He has walked and walked,” and before Chloe could make further protest he had leaned back and closed his eyes in the comfortable chair.