personal plane before. Still, in spite of it all, I felt better for my deliverance. At least I had put the situation on its proper basis and whatever the consequences, they must be faced on the same terms.
It was about twenty-four hours later that reformation began to take place in our establishment. It declared itself in the spotless linen and lustrous silver which adorned the table, and in sundry dainty garnishings which began to reappear with the viands.
The parlor became innocent of dust and the brass fender disclosed unsuspected capacities for shininess. The pantries presently partook of the remobilization, and showed a spotless order never before achieved by even the erstwhile orderly Charlotte herself. Moreover, the tones in which she chirruped to the bird or addressed the melancholy cat that had taken up its abode with us, were as healing balm to my soul, or would have been, if only I could have known what her intentions were. That she was a reformed character and meant to stay and do her whole duty, or that she was relieved at the prospect of early departure and wished to give me a sample of her excellence
