Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

"And now, Marie," said St. Clare, "your golden days are dawning. Here is our practical, businesslike New England cousin, who will take the whole budget of cares off your shoulders, and give you time to refresh yourself, and grow young and handsome. The ceremony of delivering the keys had better come off forthwith."

This remark was made at the breakfast-table, a few mornings after Miss Ophelia had arrived.