"
"Is he a professor?"
"No, my family didn't seem to lean that way. But my! they was a sight
better'n some that did let on they was very good."
"He will become a Christian now, surely."
"Tain't likely. One soon forgets the feelins death leaves, and then we
all look for a quiet spell afore we die." I felt as if skeleton fingers
were clutching at my vitals; and altogether terrified I rose to go.
"The funeral will be to-morrow at two o'clock; perhaps you wouldn't mind
coming?"
"If you would like me to attend, I will do so."
"I don't know why it is, but seems to me it would be a comfort to have
you. Quality always could touch my heart better'n my own kind."
"You may be reckoned among that class in the next world."
She stood in the doorway, her eyes turned wistfully towards the setting
sun. "I hain't thought much about that world. I know it's a mistake to
live as I've done."
I wished so much I could recommend her to a better way of life; but
remembering that I too was living only for this world, I could say
nothing.
Pressing her hand gently I turned to leave, when I saw Esmerelda coming
out of the door after me.
The rigid form I had looked at and Mrs. Blake's words had softened my
heart; so I tried once more to chat pleasantly with my escort; but
probably she had not got the same lesson as I, for she put on as many
airs as before. When I met Mrs. Flaxman I inquired what Esmerelda's
position was in the household. To my astonishment she said:
"She is the chambermaid.
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