Arriving at the G---- House, I had not the courage to venture instantly into Miss Nancy's presence; but sought refuge, for a few moments, in Louise's apartment, where she gave me a very _cordial_ reception, and a delightful beverage compounded of blackberries. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE NEW MISTRESS--HER KINDNESS OF DISPOSITION--A PRETTY HOME--AND LOVE-INTERVIEWS IN THE SUMMER DAYS. At last I contrived to "screw my courage to the sticking-place," and go to Miss Nancy's room. I paused at the closed door before knocking for admission. When I did knock, I heard a not unpleasant voice say-- "Come in." The tone of that voice re-inspired me, and I boldly entered. There, resting upon the bed, was one of the sweetest and most benign faces that I ever beheld. Age had touched it but to beautify. Serene and clear, from underneath the broad cap frill shone her mild gray eyes. The wide brow was calm and white as an ivory tablet, and the lip, like a faded rose-leaf, hinted the bright hue which it had worn in health. The cheek, like the lip, was blanched by the hand of disease. "Ah," she said, as with a slight cough she elevated herself upon the pillow, "it is you, Ann. You are a little tardy. I have been looking for you for the last half-hour." "I have been in the house some time, Miss Nancy, but had not the courage to venture into your presence; and yet I have been watching for your arrival with the greatest anxiety." "You must not be afraid of me, child, I am but a sorry invalid, who will, I fear, often weary and overtax your patience; but you must bear with me; and, if you are faithful, I will reward you for it. Henry has told me that you are pretty well educated, and have a pleasant voice for reading. This delights me much; for your principal occupation will be to read to me." Certainly this pleased me greatly, for I saw at once that I was removed from the stultifying influences which had so long been exercised over my mind. Now I should find literary food to supply my craving. My eyes fairly sparkled, as I answered, "This is what I have long desired, Miss Nancy; and you have assigned to me the position I most covet." "I am glad I have pleased you, child. It is my pleasure to gratify others. Our lives are short, at best, and he or she only lives _truly_ who does the most good." This was a style and manner of talk that charmed me. Beautiful example and type of womankind! I felt like doing reverence to her. She reached her thin hand out to help herself to a glass of water, that stood on a stand near by. I sprang forward to relieve her. "Ah, thank you," she said, in a most bland tone; "I am very weak; the slightest movement convinces me of the failure of my strength." I begged that she would not exert herself, but always call on me for everything that she needed. "I came here to serve you, and I assure you, my dear Miss Nancy, I shall be most happy in doing it. Mine will, I believe, truly be a 'labor of love.'"