The church-bells were going for a week-day service; they suggested a word of affectionate remonstrance on my part.

"Oh, aunt!" I said sadly.

"Is THIS worthy of a Christian Englishwoman?
Is the passage from time to eternity to be made in THIS manner ?" My aunt answered, "I'll put on my gown, Drusilla, if you will be kind enough to help me." What was to be said after that?
I have done wonders with murderesses--I have never advanced an inch with Aunt Ablewhite.

"Where is the list," I asked, "of the servants whom you require ?" My aunt shook her head; she hadn't even energy enough to keep the list.

"Rachel has got it, dear," she said, "in the next room." I went into the next room, and so saw Rachel again for the first time since we had parted in Montagu Square.
She looked pitiably small and thin in her deep mourning.