“Very weakly entirely in herself she was, latterly,” said Kitty, “and I could see no improvements in her, and ... and had no great comfort....”
“I used to be dreaming a power about her!” said Rosy.
“And it’s a long step, up that boreen, where your little place is, and I wasn’t so well able to go look after your mother,” said Kitty, “when this last baby came; a real little shaan she is, very little and donny in herself, and very contrary and cross, would do nothing only bawl at first, so that I mightn’t lay her out of me arms, day or night ... and....”
Kitty stopped a minute, not knowing what she ought to say next.
“Well?” says Rosy, with the two burning eyes of her fastened on Kitty’s face.
“Well, sure, Dan used to give her a look-in, as often as he could. And he brought me word how that Mrs. Rafferty said she wasn’t too lonesome at all. And that Moll Reilly was the best of company to her, bringing her all the news of the whole country; and real useful and handy, in spite of her having no use of her eyes; would get a few sprigs for the fire or a sup of water from the well, as handy as any one else ... and....”
Kitty stopped again here. It was much like a baulking horse being brought up to a jump and slipping off to one side or the other, every time you get close to it.
“She’ll not want Moll any more now!” said Rosy.
“No, indeed she’ll not!” said Kitty.
Of course, what she was thinking was, that where Mrs. Rafferty was at that present, she’d have no need of thinking about the fire or water either, only wait and take what she’d get, one of a crowd of other old women.... “And so, as I was saying, I went up to the boreen to see your mother, as soon as ever I could get to put the baby down and leave her ... and do you know, Rosy, it was the poor way I found your mother in!”