"Did you call, marm?" she asked.
"Of course I did," said Mrs. Putnam testily. "I guess ye wouldn't have come back if yer hadn't known I did."
Mrs. Putnam was evidently in a bad temper, and Samanthy had learned by years of experience to keep a close mouth under such circumstances, so she waited for Mrs. Putnam's next words without replying. Finally Mrs Putnam spoke. "I wish you'd bring up some wood and start a fire, the room's kinder cold."
When Samanthy reached the kitchen she found Lindy there.
"Why, Miss Lindy," said she, "what are you up so early for?"
"I heard mother pounding and I thought she might be sick."
"She is awful sick," rejoined Samanthy; "I never saw her look so poorly afore; she seems to be all choked up. She wants a big mustard plaster and a fire up in her room, and I don't know which to do fust. Oh!" she cried, "I must comb my hair before I go back;" and she wet a brush and commenced brushing out her long brown hair, which, with her rosy cheeks, formed her two principal claims to good looks.
"Sit down," said Lindy, "and I'll fix your hair up much quicker than you can do it yourself."
"And much better, too," added Samanthy thankfully.