Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/57

Rh with new habits, and I only hope my mistress will be better satisfied with my successor." It might be supposed that she would, for Mrs. Dalton declared her intention of being, for the future, her own housekeeper. Mrs. Whyte's dismissal was the only one which drew a comment from Mr. Dalton. Provided no one interfered with either his library or his stable, he did not care how the rest of his establishment was managed, it being fully understood that he was to have as little trouble as was possible; but when the neat old woman, who had been "one of the old familiar faces" from his boyhood, claimed the privilege of an old servant, who had known him in his cradle, to bid him good-bye, and who could not restrain her tears when she came to say "God bless him," all Mr. Dalton's sympathies were aroused. He bade her adieu most kindly, inquired minutely about her circumstances, and even shook hands with her at parting. Nor did his kindness rest here: he immediately settled a small annuity on her, which would amply supply every comfort,