In spite of his abundant means, he talked much of poverty, and kept the household on the narrowest footing of economy.
One Irishwoman, with a little aid from her husband now and then, did all their work; and the only company they saw was Miss Cynthia Badlam, who, as a relative, claimed a home with them whenever she was so disposed.
The "little Indian," as Malachi called her, was an awkward accession to the family.

Silence Withers knew no more about children and their ways and wants than if she had been a female ostrich.

Thus it was that she found it necessary to send for a woman well known in the place as the first friend whose acquaintance many of the little people of the town had made in this vale of tears.
Thirty years of practice had taught Nurse Byloe the art of handling the young of her species with the soft firmness which one may notice in cats with their kittens,--more grandly in a tawny lioness mouthing her cubs.
Myrtle did not know she was held; she only felt she was lifted, and borne up, as a cherub may feel upon a white-woolly cloud, and smiled accordingly at the nurse, as if quite at home in her arms.
"As fine a child as ever breathed the breath of life.

But where did them black eyes come from?
Born in Injy,--that 's it, ain't it?
No, it's her poor mother's eyes to be sure.

Does n't it seem as if there was a kind of Injin look to 'em?
She'll be a lively one to manage, if I know anything about childun.