But, though Julius had succeeded in bringing his table so far within his
own ideas of comfort, in other respects he felt his impotence to order
events. Every meal-time brought him in contact with the widow Sandal and
with Charlotte; and neither Sophia, nor yet himself, had felt able to
request the late mistress to resign her seat at the foot of the table.
And Sophia soon began to think it unkind of her mother not to see the
position, and voluntarily amend it. "I do really think mother might have
some consideration for me, Julius," she complained. "It puts me in such
a very peculiar position not to take my place at my own table; and it is
so trying and perplexing for the servants,--making them feel as if there
were two mistresses."
"And always the calm, scornful face of your sister Charlotte at her
side. Do you notice with what ostentatious obedience and attention she
devotes herself to your mother?"
"She thinks that she is showing me my duty, Julius. But people have some
duties toward themselves."
"And towards their husbands."
"Certainly. I thank Heaven I have always put my husband first." And she
really glanced upwards with the complacent air of one who expected
Heaven to imitate men, and "praise her for doing well unto herself."
"This state of things cannot go on much longer, Sophia."
"Certainly it cannot. Mother must look after her own house soon."
"I would speak to her to-day, Sophia.
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