“Annorah, an’ ye plaze, miss.”
“Annorah? Very well. When shall she come, mamma?”
“Not until Monday, I think,” replied Mrs. Lee. Then turning to Mrs. Dillon, she added, “You may send her on Monday.”
“An’ she gets a mad streak along o’ that pritty crathur,” said Mrs. Biddy, as she went down-stairs, “she desarves the warm bating she’ll get from her own mother at home.”
CHAPTER II.
ANNORAH’S FIRST APPEARANCE IN THE SICK-ROOM.
Monday came, and Annorah came too. It was with a doubting heart and a troubled look that Mrs. Lee introduced her into her daughter’s chamber. It would be difficult to find a plainer-looking or a more awkward girl.
Mrs. Lee looked at the monstrous foot in its heavy shoe, and at the thick, freckled hands, that seemed incapable of the gentle services that Annie’s helplessness required, and wondered at her own folly in indulging the singular caprice of her daughter. But a single look at Annie assured her that she, at least, felt no misgivings. Still, she did not like to leave them by themselves until she had tested the new attendant’s ability.
“Annorah,” she said, “what sort of work can you do? I’m afraid you are not used to such services as Miss Annie will require.”