The chimney-piece was generally used as a place of refuge for all
small things which were in danger of being thrown away if left loose
on the table; but, often forgotten in their asylum, had accumulated
and formed a strange medley, which its mistress jealously defended
from all attacks of housemaids. In the middle stood a plaster cast
of the statue of the Maid of Orleans, a present from her little
brother Horace; above it hung a small Geneva watch, which had
belonged to Elizabeth's own mother; and there were besides a few
treasures of Horace's, too tender to be trusted in the nursery in his
absence at school.
The window looked out upon the empty solitary street of the old town,
and though little was to be seen from it which could interest the two
girls, yet after the little ones were gone, they stood there talking
for some minutes; Elizabeth inquiring after half the people about
Merton Hall, a place which she knew almost as well as her own home.
'When does Mrs. Hazleby come?' said Anne, beginning to dress.
'Oh! do not ask me,' said Elizabeth, 'I do not know, and hardly care;
quite late, I hope and trust.
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