After pursuing their several
occupations for some minutes with a silence that
had lately been a stranger to them, the aunt
observed--
"You appear to have something new in hand, my
love. Surely you must abound with trimmings, and
yet you are working another already?"
"It is for Anna Miller," said Julia with a flush of
feeling.
"I was in hopes you would perform your promise to
your cousin Katherine, now Miss Miller is gone, and
make your portion of the garments for the Orphan
Asylum," returned Miss Emmerson gravely.
"Oh! cousin Katherine must wait. I promised this
trimming to Anna to remember me by, and I would
not disappoint the dear girl for the world."
"It is not your cousin Katherine, but the Orphans,
who will have to wait; and surely a promise to a
relation is as sacred as one to an acquaintance."
"Acquaintance, aunt!" echoed the niece with
displeasure. "Do not, I entreat you, call Anna an
acquaintance merely. She is my friend--my very
best friend, and I love her as such."
"Thank you, my dear," said the aunt dryly.
"Oh! I mean nothing disrespectful to yourself, dear
aunt," continued Julia. "You know how much I owe
to you, and ought to know that I love you as a
mother."
"And would you prefer Miss Miller to a mother,
then?"
"Surely not in respect, in gratitude, in obedience;
but still I may love her, you know. Indeed, the
feelings are so very different, that they do not at
all interfere with each other--in my heart at least.
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