It was with the greatest reluctance my mother could be brought to admit a stranger into the family circle.

She had been everything and had done everything for her two boys.

This was her life, and she resented with all a strong woman's jealousy the introduction of a stranger who was to be permitted to do anything whatever in the home.

She had cooked and served her boys, washed their clothes and mended them, made their beds, cleaned their home.

Who dare rob her of those motherly privileges! But nevertheless we could not escape the inevitable servant girl.