20. THE SILVER LAKE STORIES.

ter looked up to me, and were. gener-
ally ready to do as I bade them. From
this time we all awaited in dread and
anxiety the arrival of the new ‘mis-
tress’ and ‘mother,’ growing every day
more and more dissatisfied with the
anticipated change. |

“The day came at last, and a car-
riage drove up to the door, from which
my father and a lady alighted. Jane
received them at the door, but, though
respectful, she was very cold and state-
ly. In a few moments, we children
were summoned down to the parlor,
and. we went with beating hearts. and
wicked. feelings, to meet. the. stranger.