Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/224

218 originated in any one but herself, it would have been impossible to obtain her consent. The only servant who remained with them was the housemaid, who was Fanny's chief attendant. Her strong attachment to her young mistress induced her to linger with them to the last. She often spoke of her native village, and of her Aunt, who lived there, and the idea struck Fanny that it might afford them a home, as quiet and as cheap as their circumstances required. She soon obtained all the requisite information, and, finding that the said Aunt had two rooms which she was glad to let—wrote to say that her mother would take them, and that they might be expected the end of the week. Mrs. Beaumont complained bitterly of the haste in which the arrangement was made, but the absolute necessity of leaving their own house silenced, if it did not satisfy, her. Mary went with them to the coach, and the tears of the affectionate girl were the only ones shed at the departure of those who had so recently been the centre of so gay and brilliant a circle.