CHAPTER IX.
MARIA'S MOTHER.
"I know your uncle must feel dreadfully to lose you; but never mind—he'll see you soon," said Mr. Brooks.
"O, Uncle 'Gustus isn't there."
"Not there?" said Mrs. Brooks, turning round from the cracked looking-glass. "Where then?"
"O, he's gone off."
"Gone off? Why, pa, ain't that too bad? I'm right up and down disappointed. But, then, the colonel has a wife; I can go to see her, you know; and I'll tell her just how you're situ—"
"My Aunt Madge is gone off, too."
"You don't say so!"