Eliza Margaret Jane Humphreys

“ It was with some trepidation that she tackled her astute handmaiden.
"Tibbie," she said, "I intend to fix one day a week — Wednesday, I think — in order to be at home to my friends. Every one does it, and it is really a very excel- lent plan. It prevents pur being unpre- pared for callers (as is too often the case with us, Tibbie) , and one can offer a cup of tea, as is usually done, without waiting for the kettle to boil first."
Tibbie had listened in silence. She had just brought up the tray with Catherine's frugal supper, and she stood contemplat- ing it with a grim expression. ”

“ Your brither is the master, if the house is his ain. Does he pay my wages, or do you? that will just settle the business, I'm thinking."
"He pays everything, of course," allowed Catherine Macpherson reluctantly; " but I am here to look after him and his household affairs, and you must not trouble him on any domestic matters. His head isn't quite strong, and he must be kept free from all excitement."
"Oh, I'll no excite him," said Tibbie, commencing the work of "washing up"; "only it's mair satisfactory to hae a proper understanding at once. I ken your place weel eno', mem, and I ken my ain. ”

“ Catherine drew back with a shiver.
"Oh ! I hate cats," she exclaimed. "I don't like them in the house at all."
"Deed, then, I'm sorry for that, for this is my ain, and I'm no goin' to part wi' it," said Tibbie. " What sort o' nature can ye hae at all, to be glowerin' like that at a wee, dumb creaturie that wouldna harm a fly. Deed, an I were ye, Mistress Macpherson, I'd take shame to mysel' for sic folly." She cuddled the little soft thing against her own cheek, murmuring all sorts of endearments.
"I have no objection to your keeping it in the kitchen," said Catherine diplomatically ; " ”