Then the grandmother uncovered a large dish of steaming, floury potatoes, and helped them round. It was a simple meal; but it was cooked beautifully, and was served clean and hot. The colour came into the younger woman's cheeks as she ate.
"Nice potatoes, aren't they?" said her mother.
"Beautiful! You do boil them well, mother."
The moment the frugal dinner was over, the young woman took up her work and diligently went on with it; while the grandmother arrayed Maggie in a fresh pinafore, and sent her off to the village school; after which she washed up the few plates, and swept up the kitchen.
"I wish, child," said the woman, "you could get something to do that tried your eyes less, and that paid you better."
"So do I, mother," she answered, passing her hand over her eyes wearily; "but I do not hear of it."
"I am afraid this hard fare is injuring your health, Margaret; you have not been brought up to it, and it makes such a difference."
"I do not mind it, mother, so long as we can all keep together."
"But I do; what would our Jack say if he saw your thin checks?"
"He is not here to see," said the girl, lowering her head, while there was a sound of distress in her voice.