"And I'm jealous and envious enough of Patty already,
without having those traits fostered."
"Yes," went on Aunt Adelaide, reminiscently, "my little girl had
blue eyes and golden hair,--they said she looked like me. She was
very pretty. Her father was a plain-looking man. Good as gold,
Henry was, but plain looking. Not to say homely,--but just plain."
A faraway look came in the speaker's eyes, and she rambled on and
on about her lost husband and daughter, until Patty looked at Mona
questioningly.
"Yes, yes, Aunt Adelaide," Mona said, speaking briskly; "but now,
don't you want to change your travelling gown for something
lighter? And then will you lie down for a while, or come with us
down to the west veranda? It is always cool there in the morning."
"No, I don't want to lie down. I'll join you girls very shortly. I
suppose you have a maid for me, Mona? I shall need one for my
exclusive service."
"Oh, yes, Auntie; you may have Lisette."
"Not if she's French. I can't abide a French maid."
"Well, she is,--partly. Then I'll give you Mary. She's a good
American."
"Americans have no taste. Is there a Norwegian girl on the place?
I had a Norwegian maid once, and she--"
"No, there isn't," said Mona, deeming it wise to cut short another
string of reminiscences.
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