Eleanor H Porter

Miss Billy Eleanor H Porter

On the first Sunday after the wedding Pete came up-stairs to tell his master, William, thatMrs. Stetson wanted to see him in the drawing-room. William went down at once."Well, Aunt Hannah," he began, reaching out a cordial hand. "Why, what's the matter?" hebroke off concernedly, as he caught a clearer view of the little old lady's drawn face andtroubled eyes."William, it's silly, of course," cried Aunt Hannah, tremulously, "but I simply had to go tosome one. I-I feel so nervous and unsettled! Did-did Billy say anything to you-what shewas going to do?""What she was going to do? About what? What do you mean?""About the house-selling it," faltered Aunt Hannah, sinking wearily back into her chair. William frowned thoughtfully."Why, no," he answered. "It was all so hurried at the last, you know. There was reallyvery little chance to make plans for anything-except the wedding," he finished, with asmile."Yes, I know," sighed Aunt Hannah. "Everything was in such confusion! Still, I didn't knowbut she might have said something-to you.""No, she didn't. But I imagine it won't be hard to guess what she'll do. When they get backfrom their trip I fancy she won't lose much time in having what things she wants broughtdown here. Then she'll sell the rest and put the house on the market.""Yes, of-of course," stammered Aunt Hannah, pulling herself hastily to a more erectposition. "That's what I thought, too. Then don't you think we'd better dismiss Rosa andclose the house at once?""Why-yes, perhaps so. Why not? Then you'd be all settled here when she comes home. I'm sure, the sooner you come, the better I'll be pleased," he smiled. Aunt Hannah turned sharply."Here!" she ejaculated. "William Henshaw, you didn't suppose I was coming here to live, did you?