She had debated the question with herself, and could not
make up her mind to hazard losing her visit.
So she dressed herself very carefully. One of her dark merinos
was affectionately put on; her single pair of white stockings;
shoes, ruffle, cape — Ellen saw that all was faultlessly neat,
just as her mother used to have it; and the nice blue hood lay
upon the bed ready to be put on the last thing, when she heard
her aunt's voice calling —
"Ellen! — come down and do your ironing — right away, now! the
irons are hot."
For one moment Ellen stood still in dismay; then slowly
undressed, dressed again, and went down stairs.
"Come! you've been an age," said Miss Fortune; "now make
haste; there ain't but a handful; and I want to mop up."
Ellen took courage again — ironed away with right good will;
and as there was really but a handful of things, she had soon
done, even to taking off the ironing blanket and putting up
the irons. In the mean time she had changed her mind as to
stealing off without leave; conscience was too strong for her;
and, though with a beating heart, she told of Miss Humphreys'
desire and her half engagement.
"You may go where you like — I am sure I do not care what you
do with yourself," was Miss Fortune's reply.
Full of delight at this ungracious permission, Ellen fled up
stairs, and dressing much quicker than before, was soon on her
way.
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