Shut de door after you, and come into de kitchen, and don't keep me standin' here all night," added she, puffing and blowing as she waddled back into her sanctum.
Waiting until the irate old cook had recovered her breath, Mrs.Ellis modestly inquired if Mrs.Thomas was at home.

"Go up and see," was the surly response.

"You've been up stars often enuff to know de way--go long wid you, gal, and don't be botherin' me, 'case I don't feel like bein' bothered--now, mind I tell yer .-- Here, you Cad, set down on dis stool, and let that cat alone; I don't let any one play with my cat," continued she, "and you'll jest let him alone, if you please, or I'll make you go sit in de entry till your mother's ready to go.

I don't see what she has you brats tugging after her for whenever she comes here--she might jest as well leave yer at home to darn your stockings--I 'spect dey want it." Poor Caddy was boiling over with wrath; but deeming prudence the better part of valour, she did not venture upon any wordy contest with Aunt Rachel, but sat down upon the stool by the fire-place, in which a bright fire was blazing.

Up the chimney an old smoke-jack was clicking, whirling, and making the most dismal noise imaginable.