What are you thinking of ?" But they were already out of hearing.

"I was never so shamefully treated anywhere as I am here," muttered the angry lady, sinking back upon her pillows.

"I'll leave this house to-morrow, if it is a possible thing, and never darken its doors again." Listening again, she thought she heard sounds of grief, sobbing and wailing, groans and sighs.
She was by no means deficient in curiosity, and it was exceedingly trying to be compelled to lie there in doubt and suspense.
The time seemed very much longer than it really was before Aunt Phillis came back, sobbing, and wiping her eyes on her apron.
"What is the matter ?" asked Miss Deane impatiently.
"Dere's--dere's been a awful commission on de railroad," sobbed Aunt Phillis; "and Marse Ed'ard's 'most killed." "Oh, dreadful!" cried Miss Deane.

"Have they sent for his mother ?" Aunt Phillis only shook her head doubtfully, and burst into fresh and louder sobs.
"Most killed! Dear me!" sighed the lady.

"And he was so young and handsome! It will quite break his mother's heart, I suppose.