"I believe you are the only person who has any influence with her," remarked Calista. "I think so too, and I don't know how long that influence will last; but while it does, I am bound to use it." "But about the trunks?" said Calista. "Well, they are another condition. Of course, I cannot say in what state you may find their contents, but they have never been touched since they were piled up in that room." "I wonder Aunt Priscilla has not ransacked them long ago." "She never had the chance," replied Miss Druett. "I mislaid the keys, and did not find them for a long time, and when I did, I thought it just as well not to mention the fact. But now, Calista, I have one or two conditions to impose as you, if this bargain of ours is to stand. The first is, that you shall not go out, visit, or make any new acquaintances, without consulting me." "I am sure I agree to that," said Calista; "I am only too thankful to have some one who really cares what I do." "The second is, that you shall never speak disrespectfully to, or of, Priscilla; it is not good for you or her." "I agree to that, too," said Calista. "I never speak of her at all, if I can help it; never to any one but Mr. Settson or Mary, who know all about her. I never fancied making family matters common property—'setting all your broken dishes out on the fence,' as Chloe says." "That is the true ladylike spirit," said Miss Druett. "You must come to me whenever you want money, clothes, or books, and you must let me be the judge as to your need of them. When I have time to look over and calculate my resources, I shall try to make you a regular allowance of pocket-money, though it will have to be very small. Take care of your keys; keep the trunks always locked, and the keys in your pocket or under your pillow. Now get yourself ready for supper, and mind you don't say anything to exasperate Priscilla." Calista obeyed. It required some firmness on her part to resist the temptation at once to open the trunks, which she could hardly believe to be really within her reach. She made herself as neat as she could, taking particular pains with her hair, which Miss Druett said was like her father's. As she entered the sitting-room, Miss Druett sighed, and even Miss Priscilla seemed struck with her appearance. "Just like her father," said she, half to herself; "just like him, mind and body; and would make the money fly just so, if she could get it; but that won't be in my time. No, no." Calista thought of her promise just in time to suppress a sharp retort. She took her place at the table, which was rather better furnished than ordinary, and helped herself to bread and butter without receiving the usual rebuke. Indeed, Miss Priscilla seemed rather anxious to conciliate her niece, and actually asked her two or three civil questions. "Well, really, she got through a meal without snapping at me once," said Calista to herself; "but I suppose it is too good to last."