Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/59

Rh and his lady continued, "I can assure you, Mrs. Whyte is not the only old servant I should rejoice to be rid of."

"There are not," replied Mr. Dalton, "many now left to interfere with your arrangements."

"Why there is that tiresome old black woman."

"Eda is not black," said her husband.

"But she is as obstinate as a mule—she minds nothing that I say—she manages those children—the way in which they are spoilt is enough to ruin them: I never saw any thing so rude as they grow, and it is all Eda's fault."

"I am sorry to hear this, as they grow older I trust that they will be more amenable to your advice. But," and his brow darkened as he spoke, "the spoiling of an old woman cannot much matter, counteracted as it is by your judicious control."

"I am sure," continued the lady, "the wisest thing we could do would be to get rid of her."

"We will drop this subject once and for ever," replied her husband. "While I have a house, that