"Well, I will try," said Ellen. "but sometimes, I know, she would not give it to me if I were to ask her. But I'll try, if I can."
"Well, now to change the subject at what o'clock did you dine to-day?"
"I don't know, Maam at the same time we always do, I believe."
"And that is twelve o'clock, isn't it?"
"Yes, Maam; but I was so full of coming here and other things? that I couldn't eat."
"Then I suppose you would have no objection to an early tea?"
"No, Maam whenever you please," said Ellen? laughing.
"I shall please it pretty soon. I have had no dinner at all to-day, Ellen; I have been out and about all the morning, and had just taken a little nap when you came in. Come this way, and let me show you some of my house-keeping."
She led the way across the hall to the room on the opposite side; a large, well-appointed, and spotlessly neat kitchen. Ellen could not help exclaiming at its pleasantness.
"Why, yes I think it is. I have been in many a parlour that I do not like as well. Beyond this is a lower kitchen, where Margery does all her rough work; nothing comes up the steps that lead from that to this but the very nicest and daintiest of kitchen matters. Margery, is my father gone to Thirlwall?"