heart to see
all the vexatious things as is happenin' nowadays! I'll go right to Miss
Emily this minute, and tell how things go on."

"No, you won't, Mrs. Prime," said Gertrude, persuasively; "when I ask
you not. You forget how unhappy it would make her, if she knew that Mrs.
Graham was so wanting in consideration. I would rather iron dresses
every day, or do anything else for our dear Miss Emily, than let her
_suspect_ even that anybody could willingly be unkind to her."

Mrs. Prime hesitated. "Miss Gertrude, I thought I loved our dear young
lady as well as anybody, but I believe you love her better still, to be
so thoughtful all for her sake; and I wouldn't say nothing about it,
only I think a sight o' _you_, too; you've been here ever since you was
a little gal, and we all set lots by you, and I can't see them folks
ride over your head, as I know they mean to."

"I know you love me, Mrs. Prime, and Emily too; so, for the sake of us
both, you mustn't say a word to anybody about the change in the family
arrangements. We'll all do what we can to keep Emily from pain; and, as
to the rest, we won't care for ourselves; if they don't pet and indulge
me as much as I have been accustomed to, the easiest way is not to
notice it."

"Lord bless yer heart, Miss Gertrude, them folks is lucky to have you to
deal with; it isn't everybody as would put up with 'em. They don't come
much in my way, thank fortin! I let Miss Graham see, right off, that I
wouldn't put up with interference; cooks is privileged to set up for
their rights, and I scared her out o' my premises pretty quick, I tell
yer! It's mighty hard for me to see our own ladies imposed upon; but
since you say 'mum,' Miss Gertrude, I'll try and hold my tongue as long
as I can. It's a shame, though, I do declare."

An hour after, Gertrude was at the glass, braiding her long hair, when
Mrs. Ellis, after a slight knock, entered. "Well, Gertrude," said she,
"I didn't think it would come to this!"

"Why, what is the matter?" inquired Gertrude, anxiously.

"It seems we are going to be turned out of our rooms!"

"Who?"

"You, and I next, for ought I know."

Gertrude coloured, but did not speak, and Mrs. Ellis related that she
had received orders to fit up Gertrude's room for some visitors who were
expected. She was astonished to hear that Gertrude had not been
consulted on the subject. Mrs. Graham had spoken so carelessly of her
removal, and seemed to think it so agreea