"They have always--for generations back, I may say--been called
excellent servants; faithful in the discharge of their duties, and
attached to their owners," returned Mrs. Sutton tremulously. "And
since I have been in charge--ever since my dear sister's death, I
have done my best with them, as with everything else committed by my
nephew to my care. But of course I have nothing to urge against your
plan. If I can help you in any way"--"Thank you! You are extremely kind, my dear madam," honeyedly. "But
I should be ashamed and sorry to be compelled to call upon you for
assistance in performing what you have done so easily and
successfully for fifteen years. I must learn confidence in my own
powers, if I would be respected by underlings. They would be quick
to detect the power behind the throne; let me hold counsel with you
ever so secretly, and my authority would be weakened by the
discovery. I have not the vanity to believe that my maiden attempt
at housewifery will be attended by the distinction that has crowned
yours, but practice will perfect in this, as in other labors. And my
dear Mrs. Sutton, Mr. Aylett bids me say, in his name, as it gives
me pleasure to do in my own, that although your occupation is gone,
you are ever welcome to a home at Ridgeley, free of all expense. It
is our hope that you may still content yourself here, even if Mabel
has gone from the nest. I suppose, however, nothing will satisfy
her, when she goes to housekeeping, but having you with her as a
permanent institution. My brother intimated as much to me before his
marriage."
Declining with mild hauteur, that gave great, but secret amusement
to her would-be benefactress, the handsome offer of a free asylum,
Mrs. Sutton went to live with a cousin of her late husband's, whose
snug plantation was situated about twelve miles from the Aylett
place, and in the neighborhood of the Tazewells. It was a pleasant,
but not a permanent arrangement, she gave out to her numerous
friends, any of whom would have accounted themselves favored by an
acceptance of a home for life in their families.
"Ridgeley was changed and lonely since Mabel's departure, and her
own habits were too active to be conformed to those of so small a
household. Indeed, there was nothing for her to do there any longer,
so she was glad to avail herself of Mrs. William Sutton's invitation
to stay a while with her. The children made the house so lively. In
the fall, the house Mr. Dorrance was having built for his Southern
bride would be ready for them, and Mabel's claim upon her aunt's
society and services must take precedence of all others."