odernized family would have been
called ladies'-maid or housekeeper, but here was a nondescript office,
if anything, upper housemaid. How she was loved and respected is known
to all who are happy enough to possess a "Judith."

"I beg your pardon, miss," said she, as Henrietta opened the door just
before her, and Mrs. Frederick Langford, on hearing her voice, called
out, "O Judith! is that you? I was in hopes you were coming to see me."

She advanced with a courtesy, at the same time affectionately taking the
thin white hand stretched out to her. "I hope you are better, ma'am. It
is something like old times to have you here again."

"Indeed I am very glad to be here, Judith," was the answer, "and very
glad to see you looking like your own dear self."

"Ah! Miss Mary; I beg your pardon, ma'am; I wish I could see you looking
better."

"I shall, I hope, to-morrow, thank you, Judith. But you have not been
introduced to Henrietta, there."

"But I have often heard of you, Judith," said Henrietta, cordially
holding out her hand. Judith took it, and looked at her with
affectionate earnestness. "Sure enough, miss," said she, "as Missus
says, you are the very picture of your mamma when she went away; but I
think I see a look of poor Master Frederick too."

"Have you seen my brother, Judith?" asked Henrietta, fearing a second
discussion on likenesses.

"Yes, Miss Henrietta; I was coming down from Missus's room, when
Mr. Geoffrey stopped me to ask how I did, and he said 'Here's a new
acquaintance for you, Judith,' and there was Master Frederick. I should
have known him anywhere, and he spoke so cheerful and pleasant. A fine
young gentleman he is, to be sure."

"Why, we must be like your grandchildren!" said Henrietta; "but O! here
comes Fred."

And Judith discreetly retreated as Fred entered bearing a summons to
his sister to come down to tea, saying that he could scarcely prevail on
grandmamma to let him take the message instead of coming herself.

They found Queen Bee perched upon the arm of her grandpapa's chair,
with one hand holding by his collar. She had been coaxing him to say
Henrietta was the prettiest girl he ever saw, and he was teasing her
by declaring he should never see anything like Aunt Mary in her girlish
days. Then he called up Henrietta and Fred, and asked them about their
home doings, showing so distinct a knowledge of them, that they laughed
and stood amazed. "Ah," said grandpapa, "you forgot that I