But what should she do with Berintha, who showed no indications of leaving, though Lizzie was much better?
"I declare," said she to herself, "that woman is enough to worry the life out of me.

I'll speak to Liz about it this very day." Accordingly, that afternoon, when alone with her sister, she said, "Lizzie, is it absolutely necessary that Berintha should stay here any longer, to tuck you up, and feed you sage tea through a straw ?" Lizzie looked inquiringly at her sister, who continued: "To tell you the truth, I'm tired of having her around, and must manage some way to get rid of her before next week, for I mean to have a party Thursday night." Lizzie's eyes now opened in astonishment, as she exclaimed, "A party! oh, Lucy, wait until I get well." "You'll be able by that time to come down-stairs in your crimson morning-gown, which becomes you so well," answered Lucy.
"But father's away," rejoined Lizzie; to which Lucy replied: "So much the better, for now I shan't be obliged to ask any old things.

I told him I meant to have it while he was gone, for you know he hates parties.

But what shall I do with Berintha ?" "Why, what possible harm can she do ?" asked Lizzie.

"She would enjoy it very much, I know; for in spite of her oddities, she likes society." "Well, suppose she does; nobody wants her round, prating about white hairs and mercy knows what.