When he had anything to say or do about us, it was said or done in a wholesale manner; disposing of us in classes or sizes, leaving all minor details to Aunt Katy, a person of whom the reader has already received no very favorable impression.

Aunt Katy was a woman who never allowed herself to act greatly within the margin of power granted to her, no matter how broad that authority might be.

Ambitious, ill-tempered and cruel, she found in her present position an ample field for the exercise of her ill-omened qualities.

She had a strong hold on old master she was considered a first rate cook, and she really was very industrious.

She was, therefore, greatly favored by old master, and as one mark of his favor, she was the only mother who was permitted to retain her children around her.