e me shuttin' my eyes," said Aunt Mary--and she was asleep in two
minutes.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - "GRANITE" - CONTINUED.

Mary and Arethusa--Aunt Mary's two nieces--were not uncommonly mercenary;
but about three weeks after the new arrival they became seriously troubled
over the ascendancy that she appeared to be gaining over the mind of their
aunt. Lucinda's duties had included for many years the writing of a weekly
letter which contained formal advices of the general state of affairs, and
after Janice's establishment, these letters became so provocative of
gradually increasing alarm that first Mary, and then Arethusa thought it
advisable to make the journey for the purpose of investigating the affair
personally. They found the new maid apparently devoid of evil intent, but
certainly fast becoming absolutely indispensable to the daily happiness of
their influential relative. Mary feared that a codicil for five thousand
dollars would be the result; but Arethusa felt, with a sinking heart, that
there was another naught going on to the sum, and that, unless the tide
turned, the end might not be even then.

Aunt Mary was so cool that neither niece stayed long, and Lucinda's
letters had to be looked to for the progress of events. Lucinda's letters
were frequent and not at all reassuring. After the sisters had talked them
over, they sent them on to Jack.

She [thus Lucinda invariably began] is the same as ever. It's
cross the heart and bend the knee, an' then you ain't down far
enough to suit her. But she's gettin' so afraid she'll go that
she's wax in her hands. It would scare you. She won't let her out
of her sight a minute. I must say that whatever she's giving her,
she certainly is earning the money, for she works her harder every
day. The poor thing is hopping about, or singing, or playing
cards, from dawn to dark, and unless it's a provision in her will
I can't see what would pay her enough for working so. Lord knows I
considered I earned my wages without skipping around with my legs
crossed like she does, and she has no end of patience too, even if
she won't ever let her take a walk. She's getting as pale as she
is herself. Seems like something should be done.

Respectfully,

L. COOKE.

Three days later Lucinda wrote again: