“When Lili found that she could reach the ceiling from Mr. Malbone’s shoulder,” said Emilia, “she asked no more.”
“Then you knew the pastor’s family also, my child,” said Aunt Jane, looking at her kindly and a little keenly.
“I was allowed to go there sometimes,” she began, timidly.
“To meet her American Cousin,” interrupted Philip. “I got some relaxation in the rules of the school. But, Aunt Jane, you have told us nothing about your health.”
“There is nothing to tell,” she answered. “I should like, if it were convenient, to be a little better. But in this life, if one can walk across the floor, and not be an idiot, it is something. That is all I aim at.”
“Isn’t it rather tiresome?” said Emilia, as the elder lady happened to look at her.
“Not at all,” said Aunt Jane, composedly. “I naturally fall back into happiness, when left to myself.”
“So you have returned to the house of your fathers,” said Philip. “I hope you like it.”
“It is commonplace in one respect,” said Aunt Jane. “General Washington once slept here.”
“Oh!” said Philip. “It is one of that class of houses?”