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Stockton, Frank Richard, 1834-1902

"The House of Martha"

"
"Yes," I answered, "that is true."
"Poor fellow," said the old lady, her eyes a little dimmed as she spoke,
"the fates have not been using you well. Is there anything else you want
me to inquire about?"
"Oh, yes," I answered. "I take a great interest in the institution."
"Which is natural enough, since Sylvia is there," interpolated my
grandmother.
"And I should be glad," I continued, "to know anything of interest
regarding the sisterhood, from the Mother Superior down."
"Mother Anastasia is a very fine woman," said my grandmother, "and I
should think you would be likely to be greatly interested in her. I am
going to make some inquiries about the rules of the House of Martha. I
see no reason why the sisters should not occasionally accept invitations
to tea."
This remark startled me, and I was prompted to make a cautionary
observation. But I restrained myself; in cases like this interference
would be likely to provoke comment, and by my grandmother's desire I
went to order the carriage.
In less than an hour she returned. I was promptly at hand to receive her
report.
"Well," said she, "I have visited the sisters, but I am sorry I did not
see Mother Anastasia. She was away."
"Away!" I exclaimed.


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