Mortified beyond measure at what had occurred, Mrs. Livingstone hastened to explain that her servants were nearly all sick, and that in her dilemma, ’Lena had volunteered her services, adding by way of compliment, undoubtedly, that “her niece seemed peculiarly adapted to such work—­indeed, that her forte lay among pots and kettles.”

An expression of scorn, unusual to Mr. Graham, passed over his face, and in a sarcastic tone he asked Mrs. Livingstone, “if she thought it detracted from a young lady’s worth, to be skilled in whatever pertained to the domestic affairs of a family.”

Ready to turn whichever way the wind did, Mrs. Livingstone replied, “Not at all—­not at all.  I mean that my daughters shall learn everything, so that their husbands will find in them every necessary qualification.”

“Then you confidently expect them to catch husbands some time or other,” said John Jr., whereupon Carrie blushed, and looked very interesting, while Anna retorted, “Of course we shall.  I wouldn’t be an old maid for the world—­I’d run away first!”

And amidst the laughter which this speech called forth the company retired from the table.  For some time past Mrs. Nichols had walked with a cane, limping even then.  Observing this, Mr. Graham, with his usual gallantry, offered her his arm, which she willingly accepted, casting a look of triumph upon her daughter-in-law, who apparently was not so well pleased.  So thorough had been grandma’s training, that she did not often venture into the parlor without a special invitation from its mistress, but on this occasion, Mr. Graham led her in there as a matter of course, and placing her upon the sofa, seated himself by her side, and commenced questioning her concerning her former home and history.  Never in her life had Mrs. Nichols felt more communicative, and never before had she so attentive a listener.  Particularly did he hang upon every word, when she told him of her Helena, of her exceeding beauty, her untimely death, and rascally husband.

“Rivers—­Rivers,” said he, “what kind of a looking man was he?”

“The Lord only knows—­I never see him,” returned Mrs. Nichols.  “But this much I do know, he was one scandalous villain, and if an old woman’s curses can do him any harm, he’s had mine a plenty of times.”

“You do wrong to talk so,” said Mr. Graham, “for who knows how bitterly he may have repented of the great wrong done to your daughter.”

“Then why in the name of common sense don’t he hunt up her child, and own her—­he needn’t be ashamed of ’Leny.”

“Very true,” answered Mr. Graham.  “No one need be ashamed of her.  I should be proud to call her my daughter.  But as I was saying, perhaps this Rivers has married a second time, keeping his first marriage a secret from his wife, who is so proud and high-spirited that now, after the lapse of years, he dares not tell her for fear of what might follow.”