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Holmes, Mary Jane, 1825-1907

"Tracy Park"


'And, Frank, do you remember the bitter mornings, when the
thermometer was below zero, and we performed our ablutions in the
wood-shed, and the black-eye you gave me once for telling mother
that you had not washed yourself at all, it was so cold? She sent
you from the table, and made you go without your breakfast, and we
had ham and johnny-cake toast that morning, too. That was long ago,
and our lives are different now. There are marble basins, with
silver chains and stoppers, at Tracy Pack, and you can have a hot
bath every day if you like, in a room which would not shame
Caracalla himself. And I know you will like it all, and Dolly, too;
but don't make fools of yourselves. Nothing stamps a person as a
_come-up_ from the scum so soon as airs and ostentation. Be quiet
and modest, as if you had always lived at Tracy Park. Imitate Squire
Harrington and Mr. St. Claire. They are the true gentlemen, and were
to the manner born. Be kind to Mrs. Crawford. She is a lady in every
sense of the word, for she comes of good New England stock.
'And now, good-bye. I shall write sometimes, but not often.
'Your brother,
'Arthur Tracy.'


CHAPTER III.
MR.


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