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52 during her life. Moreover, that very day after. dinner, as soon as the servants were withdrawn, and Mrs. Dalton and himself quietly settled down into the arm-chairs on each side the fire, he even mentwent [sic] so far as to say, "Do you know, my dear, I am very sorry that you have found it necessary to part with Mrs. Whyte; poor old creature, I have known her ever since I was born, and she was so attached to the family."

"I am sure, my love," replied Mrs. Dalton, in her blandest tones, "I am very sorry, I did not know that she was so great a favourite with you—I would not have parted with her on any account; but, indeed, my dear, you have spoilt all your servants—I could do nothing with them—I shall not have half the trouble with a new set, who know my ways from the first. I am not very particular, but, I own, I know when work is well done. I used to tell you I piqued myself on my housekeeping: I kept mamma's house for her since I was sixteen." A pause ensued, and Mr. Dalton began to crack his walnuts with unusual industry,