'"
"I never knew what she has done," said Aurelia.
"'Tis a long story," hastily said Betty, "too long to tell at table.
I must make haste to prepare the poultice for my father."
She quickly broke up the supper party, and the two younger sisters
repaired to their chamber, both conscious of having been repressed;
the one feeling injured, the other rebuked for forwardness and
curiosity. The three sisters shared one long low room with a large
light closet at each end. One of these was sacred to powder, the
other was Betty's private property. Harriet had a little white bed
to herself, Betty and Aurelia nightly climbed into a lofty and solemn
structure curtained with ancient figured damask. Each had her own
toilette-table and a press for her clothes, where she contrived to
stow them in a wonderfully small space.
Harriet and Aurelia had divested themselves of their finery before
Betty came in, and they assisted her operations, Harriet preferring
a complaint that she never would tell them anything.
"I have no objection to tell you at fitting times," said Betty, "but
not with Palmer putting in his word. You should have discretion,
Harriet."
"The Dean's servants never speak when they are waiting at table," said
Harriet with a pout.
"But I'll warrant them to hear!" retorted Betty.
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