“Yes, ma'am,” said Mrs. Hardwick, who evidently did not relish this cross-examination.
“Have you lived with the mother ever since?”
“No,—yes,” stammered the nurse. “Some of the time,” she added, recovering herself.
“Umph!” grunted Rachel, darting a sharp glance at her.
“Have you a husband living?” inquired Rachel, after a pause.
“Yes,” said Mrs. Hardwick. “Have you?”
“I!” repeated Aunt Rachel, scornfully. “No, neither living nor dead. I'm thankful to say I never married. I've had trials enough without that. Does Ida's mother live in the city?”
“I can't tell you,” said the nurse.
“Humph, I don't like mystery.”
“It isn't my mystery,” said the nurse. “If you have any objection to make against it, you must make it to Ida's mother.”