As I thought about this wall of ill-feeling and division, I could not help hoping that my dear father would somehow contrive to break it down. I had so often seen him in the character of peacemaker, that I could scarcely imagine his failing if he once took the matter fairly in hand.
[CHAPTER V]
AN EARNEST TALK
I AM not going to tell all about our doings that happy Christmastide. All I can say is, that I hope every one who listens to my story may spend this Christmas as happily as we spent ours that year. Aunt Milly duly wore the famous diamonds, and we girls as duly admired them, and wondered at their beauty.
My mother made the remark that they must have cost a fortune, and Aunt Milly said, "Yes, they did;" and laughingly added:
"They are to be part of Mildred's. She is my namesake and godchild, and years hence, when your girls, perhaps, have children and homes of their own, Mildred will be mistress here, and the youngsters will talk about another 'Aunt Milly' and her diamonds."
My mother exclaimed, "Hush, dear Milly! Please do not put such a thought into the girl's head. I should never like to think of Mildred filling your place at Denesfield."
"Not while I live, Ellen, of course. Now she is as a daughter to me. You can hardly think how much happiness she has brought to a lonely woman. You must give Mildred to me. She must be my child, without ceasing to be yours; and if she fills the position of daughter here, what would there be unnatural in her stepping into my place?"
"You are very good to her, Milly," said my mother; "but while I shall be only too glad for her to be all you wish, neither her father nor I would like you to carry out your present design. Stephen is not anxious that his children should have great wealth. We have enough to provide for them in the station of life they are accustomed to—a very happy state, as they all feel."
"Then would you have me find some stranger to bestow my wealth upon, Ellen?"