Phoebe did not hear; she was lost in reminiscences of the past.
"Poor, dear Mr. Larkins, he were took quite sudden like; his mother died of heart complaint, and yet I never thought to say to Larkins, 'Who knows, my dear, but you might be took the same yourself, one day.'"
"I should think not, Phoebe; it would have made poor Mr. Larkins very uncomfortable if you had. I daresay," I added, under my breath, "he was none too happy as it was," but, like all deaf people, the very thing I did not mean her to hear she heard at once, and turned upon me angrily.
"Not happy, miss! As happy as the day was long was Mr. Larkins, and a deal happier if the days be these here days in China."
"Oh, Phoebe, the day is bright enough; there is nothing wrong with that."
"The day is all right for them as wasn't kept awake all night by those bloodthirsty villains."
"I heard nothing, Phoebe; I was asleep."
"It's all very well for them as can sleep; but, there, you're only a child, after all."
"Why, Phoebe, you said a minute ago that I was old enough to be married," and with this parting shot I ran away.
Poor old Phoebe; our troubles pressed sore upon her. I had never seen her so put out before. She had been in our family for forty years, and was, therefore, privileged to be very disagreeable sometimes. As I ran down the path I met Mr. Crawford; he saluted, hesitated, and finally stopped short.