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 she should go too! Sophy was too valuable a domestic to lose without an effort. "Really, Sophy," replied Mrs. Ardley, kindly, "it is foolish of you to go on account of the few words we had this morning."

"It is not altogether that, Mrs. Ardley," replied Sophy, softened; but, when Mary Minturn goes, I shall sleep alone; and you know, when there were two of us, we never liked David's having to pass through our room to get to his."

"Oh, I understand now—but indeed, Sophy, it is too absurd and old maidish! Such a respectable man as David!"

"I know that, Mrs. Ardley—and that is why we have submitted to it so long—but I do not think it will be suitable when I am alone. You ladies are fenced and guarded on every side; poor folks must take care of themselves."

"Well, Sophy, I thought you was one that was above changing for every trifle."

"I have borne a good many disagreeable trifles for two years rather than change, Mrs. Ardley; but my mind is made up now."

Had Mrs. Ardley thought it worth while any time within the preceding two years to have had a door cut from David's room to the passage-way (an improvement that would not have been deferred a day, if females of her own grade had occupied Sophy's department), she would have attached Sophy by an attention that expressed respect, and would probably have secured her valuable services. Not