Loveday was very much shocked, all the more when Aurelia quietly said
she should not mind it so much if the rats would only stay down stairs,
and not run over her in bed.
"Yet you will not sign the paper."
"I cannot," again said Aurelia.
"My stars, I never could abear rats! Why they fly at one's throat
sometimes!"
"I hope God will take care of me," said Aurelia, in a trembling voice.
"He did last night."
Loveday began a formal leave-taking curtsey, but presently turned back.
"There now," she said, "I cannot do it, I couldn't sleep a wink for
thinking of you among the rats! Look here, I shall send a porter to
bring away those shells if you'll make up their bags again that the
nasty vermin have eaten, and there's a little terrier dog about the
place that no one will miss, he shall bring it down, and depend upon
it, the rats won't venture near it."
"Oh! thank you, Mrs. Loveday, how good you are!"
"Ah, don't then! If you could say that my dear!"
Mrs. Loveday hurried away, and after breakfasting, Aurelia repaired
the ravages of the rats, and made a last sorting of the residuum of
shell dust, discovering numerous minute beauties, which awoke in her
the happy thought of the Creator's individual love.
She had not yet finished before Madge's voice was heard in querulous
anger, and a heavy tread came along with her.
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