Page:Live and Let Live.djvu/59

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MORE RULES THAN RIGHT.
59

the wide world to care for her but her!" Though Mrs. Broadson was resolved upon the sacrifice of Lucy rather than part with Bridget, yet it being one of her golden "rules" "never to let servants feel that they have the upper hand," she carefully avoided sudden concession, and merely said, "Perhaps I can make it an object for you to stay; at any rate, don't look out for a place till next week."

"I've something else to do," thought poor Bridget, as she hastened back to the sick child, "and what in the world am I to do with her!" She met Lucy at the kitchen door, who, shutting it so as not to be overheard, said, in her most gentle voice, "I think you did not understand me, Bridget, when I said 'something must be done to-night;' I meant Judy could not go out of the house, for it's a cold storm, and she's getting worse every minute. Now, if you will put her into your bed, I can sit up in the kitchen, and I can keep her drink warm and bring it up to you. If we can get her in a perspiration, she will be better directly — that's always mother's way with a sudden cold."

"But," said Bridget, in a softened voice, "you can't sit up all night, and you such a childer."

"Oh, yes, I've often done it with our Jemmie, and not felt it; and," she continued, encouraged by Bridget's softened manner, "I'll go first of all to Mrs. Broadson, and ask for some liniment for Judy's throat."

"Bless your kind heart! — stop a bit — she'll be after sending her home! First we'll just get her snug in the bed, and then my old lady must make the best of it."

This mode of proceeding was not according to