She said something
good-natured to each, but neither responded graciously, and Lucy went
on talking, showing off the room, the chiffonieres, the ornaments,
and some pretty Indian ivory carvings. There was a great ottoman of
Aunt Maria's work, and a huge cushion with an Arab horseman, that
Lucy would uncover, whispering, 'Poor mamma worked it,' while Sophy
visibly winced, and Albinia hurried it into the chintz cover again,
lest Mr. Kendal should come. But Lucy had full time to be
communicative about the household with such a satisfied, capable
manner, that Albinia asked if she had been keeping house all this
time.
'No; old Nurse kept the keys, and managed till now; but she went this
morning.'
Sophy's mouth twitched.
'She was so very fond--' continued Lucy.
'Don't!' burst out Sophy, almost the first word Albinia had heard
from her; but no more passed, for Mr. Kendal came in, and Lucy's
conversation instantly was at an end.'
Before him she was almost as silent as the others, and he seldom
addressed himself to her, only inquiring once after her grandmamma's
health, and once calling Sophy out of the way when she was standing
between the fire and--He finished with the gesture of command,
whether he said 'Your mamma,' none could tell.
It was late, and the meal was not over before bed-time, when Albinia
lingered to find remedies for Gilbert's toothache, pleased to feel
herself making a commencement of motherly care, and to meet an
affectionate glance of thanks from Mr.
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