When her sister died and the old home had to go , Jessamine could only accept the shelter offered by her brother , John Stacy , who did business in the city . Of her stylish sister-in-law Jessamine was absolutely in awe . At first Mrs. John was by no means pleased at the necessity of taking a country sister into her family circle . But one day , when the servant girl took a tantrum and left , Mrs. John found it very convenient to have in the house a person who could step into Eliza 's place as promptly and efficiently as Jessamine could . Indeed , she found it so convenient that Eliza never had a successor . Jessamine found herself in the position of maid-of-all-work and kitchen drudge for board and clothes . She never complained , but she grew thinner and paler as the winter went by . She had worked as hard on the farm , but it was the close confinement and weary routine that told on her . Mrs. John was exacting and querulous . John was absorbed in his business worries and had no time to waste on his sister . Now , when the summer had come , her homesickness was almost unbearable . The next day Mr. Bell came he handed her a big bunch of sweet-brier roses . `` Here you are , '' he said heartily . `` I took the liberty to bring you these today , seeing you 're so fond of posies . The country roads are pink with them now . Why do n't you get your husband to bring you out for a drive some day ? You 'd be as welcome as a lark at my farm . '' `` I will when he comes along , but I have n't seen him yet . '' Mr. Bell gave a prolonged whistle . `` Excuse me .
I thought you were Mrs. Something-or-other XXXXX sure .
Of as at by for in into that to with