Grandmother died at eighty-two, and that wouldn't give Aunt Rachel long to live." "You impudent boy!" exclaimed Aunt Rachel, in great indignation.

Then, relapsing into melancholy: "I'm a poor, afflicted creetur, and the sooner I leave this scene of trial the better." "I'm afraid, Mrs.Clifton," said Jack, "Aunt Rachel won't live to wear that silk dress you brought along.

I'd take it myself, but I'm afraid it wouldn't be of any use to me." "A silk dress!" exclaimed Rachel, looking up with sudden animation.
It had long been her desire to have a new silk dress, but in her brother's circumstances she had not ventured to hint at it.
"Yes," said Mrs.Clifton, "I ventured to purchase dresses for both of the ladies.

Jack, if it won't be too much trouble, will you bring them in ?" Jack darted out, and returned with two ample patterns of heavy black silk, one for his mother, the other for his aunt.

Aunt Rachel would not have been human if she had not eagerly examined the rich fabric with secret satisfaction.