So if it is any one's mismanagement, it is
Aunt Maria's, and if you wont tell her so, I will.'
'Gently, Sophy, that would hardly be grateful, after the pains that
she has taken with you, and the care she meant to give.'
'Her care was all worry,' said Sophy, 'and it will be very lucky if I
don't tell her so, if she says her provoking things to mamma. But
you wont believe them, papa.'
'Most certainly not.'
'Yes, you must tell her to be happy again,' continued Sophy; 'I
cannot bear to see her looking sorrowful! Last night, when she
fancied me asleep, she cried--oh! till it made me miserable! And
to-day I heard Miss Ferrars say to Mrs. Annesley, that her fine spirits
were quite gone. You know it is very silly, for I am the last
person in all the world she ought to cry for.'
'She has an infinite treasure of love,' said Mr. Kendal, 'and we have
done very little that we should be blessed with it.'
'There, they are come home!' exclaimed Sophy, starting up as sounds
were heard on the stairs, and almost at the same moment Albinia was
in the room, overflowing with contrition, gladness, and anxiety; but
something of sweetness in the first hasty greeting made the trust
overcome all the rest; and, understanding his uppermost wish, she
stepped back to the staircase, and in another second had put Maurice
into his arms, blooming and contented, and with a wide-mouthed smile
for his papa.
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