"Do what, dear?—go to sleep, I hope. I will run up presently and see how you get on."
Lina and little Edgar slept in the nursery, Flo in her mother's room. When the children were in bed, Hetty stole in softly to look at Flo. The child had fallen asleep, with tears on her cheeks and her pretty eyelashes all wet. She moved restlessly, and made a little moan occasionally. Hetty ran down to tell her mistress.
"Miss Flo is not sleeping easily at all, ma'am."
"I'll go up to her. Oh, John, what am I to do if Flo is ill, and Mrs. Goodenough will not do a thing for me?"
"Did she tell you she would not, ma'am?" said Hetty quickly.
"I told her to-day that we could not manage to keep you, and that we must manage as we did before you came; and she said it was only fair to tell me that she could not help about the children; that she would do her own work, and no more."
"I declare," said Mr. Eyre indignantly, "I should have given her warning on the spot."
"She said much the same to me this morning, ma'am. And then I thought—maybe if you let her go, and kept me. I went and asked mother, and she's coming to-morrow to find out if Mrs. Goodenough is in earnest. I know I'm not as good a servant, but I would do my best—I would do anything, ma'am, to be with you and Miss Flo. I know what has to be done, too—a stranger would give you more trouble, and I should be here to carry Miss Flo, and all. Mother was quite satisfied. Oh, do let me stay, ma'am!"
"It would be too much work for you, Hetty."
"Not it, ma'am. Not half as tiring as a day over mother's tubs! I'm very strong—if you can overlook my heedless ways; and, oh! but I would do my best."