'No,' said Albinia, kindly; 'I do not expect that, my dear. I don't
ask for any more than you can freely give, dear child. You must bear
with having me in that place, and we will try and help each other to
make your papa comfortable; and, Lucy, you will forgive me, if I am
impetuous, and make mistakes.'

Lucy's little clear black eyes looked as if nothing like this had
ever come within her range of observation, and Albinia could
sympathize with her difficulty of reply.

Mr. Kendal was not in the drawing-room when they re-entered, there
was only Gilbert nursing his toothache by the fire, and Sophy sitting
in the middle of the rug, holding up a screen. She said something
good-natured to each, but neither responded graciously, and Lucy went
on talking, showing off the room, the chiffonieres, the ornaments,
and some pretty Indian ivory carvings. There was a great ottoman of
Aunt Maria's work, and a huge cushion with an Arab horseman, that
Lucy would uncover, whispering, 'Poor mamma worked it,' while Sophy
visibly winced, and Albinia hurried it into the chintz cover again,
lest Mr. Kendal should come. But Lucy had full time to be
communicative about the household with such a satisfied, capable
manner, that Albinia asked if she had been keeping house all this
time.

'No; old Nurse kept the keys, and managed till now; but she went this
morning.'

Sophy's mouth twitched.

'She was so very fond--' continued Lucy.