This account, though it shocked Mrs. Bernard extremely, still gave her hopes that disease was not the sole cause of the poor woman's deplorable situation, and induced her to believe, that proper nourishment, with other attentions, might be the means of preserving a life so valuable to her infant family.
Emily proposed hastening home for medical assistance, and also for that nourishment which seemed not less necessary.
Mrs. Bernard requested she would take charge of her brother and sister, as it was her intention to remain at the cottage till the poor woman should revive a little. She also begged her to send Jane as quickly as possible, who was an excellent nurse, and would cheerfully afford the assistance of which the poor sufferer stood so much in need.
Emily immediately set off, accompanied by Louisa and Ferdinand. Before they had proceeded far, they met a rosy milk-maid, singing with her pail upon her head.
"Oh!" exclaimed Louisa, "I do think some milk would be good for the poor woman and the children, till we can get them something better. Do let me ask the young woman to take some to the hut."
Emily quite approved her sister's plan, and pointing out to the girl the path that led to the hovel, they received her promise to call with the milk, and proceeded on their way, their hearts already lightened of a load of anxiety.
Mrs. Bernard was delighted at the sight of the milk-girl, and much pleased with the consideration of the children in sending her. She purchased a sufficient quantity, to supply, for the half starved children, a plentiful meal.
"Have you no bread in the house, my dear," said she to Susan, for that was the little girl's name.
"Yes, Ma'am, a little," returned she; "because I did not eat my last bit, for fear we should not get any more; and then, if poor little Tommy was ever so hungry, he would have nothing to eat, for mammy is too ill to work for us now."
"But are you not hungry yourself?" enquired Mrs. Bernard.