"I wouldn't give two straws for anybody else's say so," said
Nancy; "but as you're as stiff as the mischief, I s'pose
I'll have to let it go. I'll trust you! Now listen. It don't
look like anything, does it?"
"Why, no," said Ellen, laughing; "you hold your apron so loose, that I cannot see anything."
"Well, now listen. You know I've been helping down at your aunt's did you?"
"No."
"Well, I have these six weeks. You never see anything go on quieter than they do, Ellen. I declare it's fun. Miss Fortune never was so good in her days. I don't mean she ain't as ugly as ever, you know, but she has to keep it in. All I have to do, if I think anything is going wrong, I just let her think I am going to speak to him about it; only I have to do it very cunning, for fear she would guess what I am up to; and the next thing I know, it's all straight. He is about the coolest shaver," said Nancy, "I ever did see. The way he walks through her notions once in a while not very often, mind you, but when he takes a fancy it's fun to see! O, I can get along there first-rate, now. You'd have a royal time, Ellen."
"Well, Nancy your story?"
"Don't you be in a hurry. I am going to take my time. Well, I've been there this six weeks, doing all sorts of things, you know taking your place, Ellen don't you wish you was back in it? Well, a couple of weeks since, Mrs. Van took it into her head she would have up the waggon, and go to Thirlwall, to get herself some things a queer start for her; but, at any rate, Van Brunt brought up the waggon, and in she got, and off they went. Now, she meant, you must know, that I should be fast in the cellar-kitchen all the while she was gone, and she thought she had given me enough to keep me busy there; but I was up to her. I was as spry as a cricket, and flew round, and got things put up; and then I thought I'd have some fun. What do you think I did? Mrs. Montgomery was quietly sitting in the chimney-corner, and I had the whole house to myself. How Van Brunt looks out for her, Ellen! he won't let her be put out for anything or anybody."
"I am glad of it," said Ellen, her face flushing, and her eyes watering "it is just like him. I love him for it."
"The other night she was mourning and lamenting at a great rate because she hadn't you to read to her; and what do you think he does, but goes and takes the book, and sits down and reads to her himself! You should have seen Mrs. Van's face!"
"What book?" said Ellen.