During the next week, she knew little or nothing of how matters were progressing out of her own chamber.

A new cook had been hired, of whom she was pleased to hear good accounts, although she had not seen her, and Ellen, under the mild and judicious instruction of her sister, had learned to make up a bed neatly, to sweep, and dust in true style, and to perform all the little etceteras of chamber-work greatly to her satisfaction.

She was, likewise, good tempered, willing, and to all appearances strictly trust-worthy.
One morning, about a week after she had become too ill to keep up, she found herself so far recovered as to be able to go down stairs to breakfast.

Every thing upon the table she found arranged in the neatest style.

The food was well cooked, especially some tender rice cakes, of which she was very fond.
"Really, these are delicious!" said she, as the finely flavored cakes almost melted in her mouth.