“Better not begin to wish,” I said again. “It only means discontent.”
Cherry looked up at this, and smiled. “I was only amusing myself,” she said. “I don’t think I am avaricious.”
She did not look so, with her sunny face. Maimie made no response to all this, but sat silently, leaning back, and working slowly, with downcast eyes.
I do not know how long we all three remained thus: between one and two hours, perhaps.
It was a half-holiday, and Maimie had resolutely refused to take a ramble with the elder boys. They went out somewhat vexed at her refusal; but Jack returned early, as I expected him to do.
He came in upon us, as we sat together, a busy trio, and before I could look up, I heard his voice in a tone of consternation—
“Maimie! what’s the matter?”
[CHAPTER IX.]
BURDENS.
MAIMIE’S work had dropped to the ground, and she was leaning forward, with eyes shut, one hand pressed to her side, the other holding a chair for support.