"
"It is in your chest, where you left it, Edward. The girls did propose
to make two josephs out of it for winter wear, but they never have
thought of it since, or have not had time. By-the-by, you have not
told me what you think of Alice and Edith after your long absence."
"I think they are both very much grown and very much improved,"
replied Edward; "but I must confess to you that I think it is high
time that they were, if possible, removed from their present homely
occupations, and instructed as young ladies should be."
"But how, Edward, is that to be?"
"That I can not yet tell, and it grieves me that I can not; but still
I see the necessity of it, if ever we are to return to our position in
society."
"And are we ever to return?"
"I don't know. I thought little of it before I went away and mixed in
society; but since I have been in the world, I have been compelled to
feel that my dear sisters are not in their sphere, and I have resolved
upon trying if I can not find a more suitable position for them. Had
we been successful I should have had no difficulty, but now I hardly
know what to do."
"I have not inquired about Mistress Patience, brother; how is she?"
"She is as good and as handsome as ever, and very much grown; indeed,
she is becoming quite womanly.
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