It was old Esther Dudley, who had dwelt almost immemorial years in this mansion, until her presence seemed as inseparable from it as the recollections of its history.
What other shelter is there for old Esther Dudley, save the Province House or the grave?"
If it had not been for Laurie, and old Esther, the maid, she felt that she never could have got through that dreadful time.
Esther was a Frenchwoman, who had lived with`Madame', as she called her mistress, for many years, and who rather tyrannized over the old lady, who could not get along without her.
'Esther!' he said; you should have heard his voice!
'Esther!' he began, 'there is something you ought to know.
As the light began to fail, Esther collected her younger children at her side, and placing herself on a projecting point of her insulated fortress, she sat patiently awaiting the return of the hunters.
Esther followed the young fry with a more measured gait; nor did Ellen deem it wise, or rather discreet, to remain behind.
'No, no,
Esther! you will seriously displease me if you do; and I shall leave you immediately, and not come again for months - perhaps years.'
"My child," he said, holding out his hands, "my dear
Esther, welcome home again!
Rachael, our only servant, who took my light away when I was in bed (another very good woman, but austere to me), and she had only said, "
Esther, good night!" and gone away and left me.
Janet loved me for it, just as she detested poor
Esther because
Esther had said so much shade was unhygienic and had objected to sleeping on a feather bed.