“And a terrible risk, too,” said Bell. “Oh, mem, try and dinna let the maister do’t, at least no’ as suddenly as he speaks of.”
“I leave Mr. Barrie entirely to the guidance of his own conscience in the matter. If he goes, I go.”
“So will we a’, I fancy.”
“Well, Bell,” said Mrs. Barrie thoughtfully, “we may not be able to keep a servant. If we are, and you are willing to go with us, you will be an immense help to us all.”
Bell and Daisy. (Page 70).
BELL’S PARISH.
This overwhelmed Bell. Leaving the manse was bad, but leaving the family was terrible; such a thing had never entered her mind. Luckily the cow “Daisy” began to low impatiently, which relieved Mrs. Barrie of present embarrassment. Bell methodically started for her milking-pail, muttering, “The very coo’s no’ hersel’ the nicht, naether am I; I’m behint time wi’ Daisy, and kye should be milkit regular,”—which Bell set about with more than her ordinary vigour, all the time speaking away to Daisy about leaving the manse, and stiffly arguing the matter with the cow. The cow did not seem quite to understand her; she usually did, and answered Bell with her meek eye and stolid face; but Bell’s manner to-night was abrupt and excited, and Daisy had probably more difficulty in comprehending the matter; so she wagged one ear quickly, made sundry short, impatient shakes of her head, and stared intently at Bell, but not with the usual signs of intelligent concert. Daisy couldn’t make it out; neither, alas! could Bell.
I did not go into the manse, although Mr. Barrie asked me. I excused myself on the ground of his requiring all the time at his disposal to prepare for to-morrow’s journey, but said that many along with myself would wait anxiously for the decision he might make, and I asked him to give me as early intimation of it as he conveniently could, assuring him that I would be most happy to be of any service in my power. He thanked me, and putting his arm in mine walked slowly down the garden. As we passed between its healthy crops and trim flower-beds, he said:
“This is Bell’s parish, and well tended it is. I’m very sorry for Bell; it must be a severe trial to her—worthy, honest, laborious Bell!”