Consequently she did not observe the expression which crossed her
companion's face at her mention of the modest name of the boarding-house
keeper. Her features seemed to contract and sharpen, and there was
positively a glitter in her watery eyes, seemingly mingled of
consternation, astonishment, and hatred. In another moment the
expression had passed away, or was softened into one of nervous alarm
and anxiety; and even this, when she spoke, was wellnigh effaced.
"Certainly--yes, _certainly_! your dear father--_what_ a wise man he is!
he _has_ such a profound knowledge of medicine and surgery--all those
things--so prudent, so careful! Still, a woman is a treasure, you
know--a good, sensible, efficient woman is a _host_--oh, yes, in a
sick-room. This boarding-house keeper, now--she's just such a person, I
_dare_ say--elderly, sober, experienced--a married woman, probably, with
a large family, no doubt? Abbie, Abbie! what _did_ you say her last name
was, my love?"
Cornelia was so much amused at the idea of Abbie's being a married
woman with a large family that she did not observe how Aunt Margaret,
awaiting her answer, was all in a tremble. If she had not been laughing,
she could scarcely have helped seeing how the ear-trumpet shook as it
was presented to her.
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