It was part of the procession of events that the butcher should heave in sight at that moment, and that Steve should hail him and take him in to look at the returned prodigal.
“She's so lean she wouldn't be good for much,” said the man. “If you'd fatten her up I'd——”
“No, I think not. I'd rather you'd take her now.”
“I couldn't give you but ten dollars for her this way.”
“Take her,” said Steve.
And the bargain was concluded. Shortly after this Bridget was ill with cramps for a few days.
“What has upset you?” asked Nannie.
“I couldn't tell at fust,” groaned Bridget, “but I mind now—it's thet Sarah Meriah.”
“Why, she's gone! What can she have to do with you now?”
“Shure she was in that last beefsteak I ate. I recognized her the minnit she passed me lips. 'Are ye back agin?' sez I, 'bad cess ter yez!' 'Thrue fer yez,' sez she, 'an' I'll be ther upsettin' of yez yit.' An' faith she is, fer it's feel her I do this blissed minnit, hookin' me in'ards an' kickin' me vitals, an' behavin' in a most disgraceful and unleddylike fashion throughout.”