“Run along, Victoria, like a good girl.”
“Yes, lidy,” said she. Loud sniff.
As she turned to go she caught sight of Noll smoking in bed. She smuggled a laugh into her hand:
“The ridic’lous little creature,” said she, and disappeared. The door softly shut after her, and her weary young feet could be heard shuffling down the stairs.
“I say, Julia,” said Noll, from his bed—“ain’t it time we had a meal?”
Caroline Baddlesmere looked up:
“There’s some bread soaked in milk for you, Noll—on the table. I will heat it for you.”
The boy’s stomach turned against it. He shook his head:
“I’m afraid, mother, I can’t eat it,” he said.... “I’m sorry.”
Caroline, rising calmly, put on her cloak and hat and let herself out of the room. She said she would soon be back....