She
wondered if the house she was going to was as grand as Woodview, and she
was struck by the appearance of the maidservant who opened the door to
her.
"Oh, here you are," Mrs. Rivers said. "I have been anxiously expecting
you; my baby is not at all well. Come up to the nursery at once. I don't
know your name," she said, turning to Esther.
"Waters, ma'am."
"Emily, you'll see that Waters' box is taken to her room."
"I'll see to it, ma'am."
"Then come up at once, Waters. I hope you'll succeed better than the
others."
A tall, handsome gentleman stood at the door of a room full of beautiful
things, and as they went past him Mrs. Rivers said, "This is the new
nurse, dear." Higher up, Esther saw a bedroom of soft hangings and bright
porcelain. Then another staircase, and the little wail of a child caught
on the ear, and Mrs. Rivers said, "The poor little thing; it never ceases
crying. Take it, Waters, take it."
Esther sat down, and soon the little thing ceased crying.
"It seems to take to you," said the anxious mother.
"So it seems," said Esther; "it is a wee thing, not half the size of my
boy."
"I hope the milk will suit it, and that it won't bring up what it takes.
This is our last chance."
"I daresay it will come round, ma'am. I suppose you weren't strong enough
to nurse it yourself, and yet you looks healthy.
Pages:
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210