..a self she
was barely conscious of even yet...lurking in her subconsciousness, the
personal and peculiar blend of many and diverse ancestors....Sometimes
she had glimpsed it...wondered a little with a not unpleasant sense of
apprehension....
But for the most part Circumstance had decreed that she abide on the
abundant surface of her nature and enjoy a highly enjoyable life as it
came. Now, she had experienced her first grief, which at the same time was
her first set-back. She did not go out at all. She saw much of Mortimer and
little of any one else. It was the summer season and all her friends were
in the country or in Europe.
She had given Mortimer her power of attorney (largely a gesture of
defiance, this) and he had attended to all details connected with her new
fortune. Between the inheritance tax, small legacies, and depreciations,
she would have a little over six thousand dollars a year; which, however,
with Mortimer's contribution, would run the old house, and keep her
wardrobe up to mark after she went out of mourning. She knew nothing of the
value of money, and was accustomed to having little to spend and everything
provided. But her mind regarding finances was quite at rest. Even if
Mortimer remained a victim of the hard times, they would be quite
comfortable.
The cares of housekeeping were very light. She discussed the daily menus
with James, but he had run Ballinger House for years, little as Mrs.
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