Eben had never seen his mother so animated and cheerful since the change in her circumstances, and he went about his work rejoicing. Mrs. Antis grew rapidly worse instead of better, and Mrs. Fairchild had her hands full.
"Never mind the dishes, ma, I'll take care of them," said Eben. "You just attend to Mrs. Antis."
"Well, I declare! Before I'd be a kitchen drudge and wash dishes," said Tom Wilbur, coming in to see what Eben was about, "I'd see the whole concern at the bottom of the pond before I'd do it!"
"Would you? Well, I wouldn't. I'd do more than this for Mr. Antis. I can't say it is work that I should choose, but I am willing to do anything to help."
"Well, I shouldn't think it would be very pleasant," said Tom. "Suppose any of the boys should come in and see you! But you haven't a bit of spunk, Eben; you are willing to let any one drive you."
[CHAPTER V.]
MRS. FAIRCHILD FINDS HER MISSION.
THE girl came when she promised, for a wonder, and proved a very nice, efficient person, and still Mrs. Fairchild stayed on at the mill cottage. Mrs. Antis was very ill, and Mrs. Fairchild was an excellent nurse.
"I don't seem to be much wanted at home," said she. "I can just run home now and then to see how the children get on and help Flora with the work, for it won't do for her to be hindered; though I do think," added Mrs. Fairchild, "that Flora is all the better for having something to do about house, instead of sitting all day over the machine."
"Oh, very well, ma, so long as you don't get overtired," said Eben. "It is very nice to have you here, and I am sure I don't know what Mrs. Antis would do without you. Mary is a real good girl, but she never could do the work and take care of Mrs. Antis too, especially when we are having so much company all the time."