"
"There would not be the same preparations for your comfort," replied her
father, taking a seat by her on the sofa, for they were in their own
private parlor; "you may find unaired bed-linen and an empty larder,
which, beside inconveniencing yourself, would sorely mortify and trouble
Aunt Phillis and her right-hand woman, Sarah, the cook."
"I should be sorry you should have an inhospitable reception, papa, but
fires are soon kindled and linen aired, and is not the pantry kept
supplied with canned and preserved fruits? and are there not fresh fruits,
vegetables, chickens, and eggs at hand for immediate use?"
"Yes, certainly; and we are not likely to suffer. We Will, then, leave
here to-morrow, if you wish, taking the steamer for Berwick Bay. But why
prefer to come upon them unexpectedly?"
Elsie smiled, and blushed slightly. "You know I never have any
concealments from you, papa, and I will be frank about this," she said. "I
don't think I apt to be suspicious, and yet the thought has come to me
several times within the last few days, that the overseer has had every
opportunity to abuse my poor people if he happens to be of a cruel
disposition. And if he is ill-treating them I should like to catch him at
it," she added, her eyes kindling, and the color deepening on her cheek.
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