Cousin Rachel wrote back that if it was n't for one thing that was in the trunk she would ask mother to open the chest and dispose of the things as she liked . But she could not bear that any one but herself should see or touch that one thing . So she wanted it left as it was . Ma said she washed her hands of it , moths or no moths . She said if Cousin Rachel had to move that chest every time the floor had to be scrubbed it would cure her of her sentimental nonsense . But I think , '' concluded Cecily , `` that I would feel just like Cousin Rachel in her place . '' `` What was the thing she could n't bear any one to see ? '' I asked . `` Ma thinks it was her wedding dress . But father says he believes it was Will Montague 's picture , '' said Felicity . `` He saw her put it in . Father knows some of the things that are in the chest . He was ten years old , and he saw her pack it . There 's a white muslin wedding dress and a veil -- and -- and -- a -- a '' -- Felicity dropped her eyes and blushed painfully . `` A petticoat , embroidered by hand from hem to belt , '' said the Story Girl calmly . `` And a china fruit basket with an apple on the handle , '' went on Felicity , much relieved . `` And a tea set , and a blue candle-stick . '' `` I 'd dearly love to see all the things that are in it , '' said the Story Girl . `` Pa says it must never be opened without Cousin Rachel 's permission , '' said Cecily . Felix and I looked at the chest reverently .
It had taken on a new significance XXXXX our eyes , and seemed like a tomb wherein lay buried some dead romance of the vanished years .
So as at if in of on that to with