I handed it dutifully to my aunt, who was in her usual inflexible state of figure; and ventured a remonstrance with her on the subject of her sitting on a box.

“Let me draw the sofa here, or the easy-chair, aunt,” said I. “Why should you be so uncomfortable?”

“Thank you, Trot,” replied my aunt, “I prefer to sit upon my property.” Here my aunt looked hard at Mrs. Crupp, and observed, “We needn’t trouble you to wait, ma’am.”

“Shall I put a little more tea in the pot afore I go, ma’am?” said Mrs. Crupp.

“No, I thank you, ma’am,” replied my aunt.