"Such cruelty shall be stopped," was her energetic reflection; "but how?"
By half past eleven the lower part of the house was in fine order, though it must be confessed there was a strong odor of benzine with which the carpets had been cleansed. Marion ran softly up to the chamber and found Gertrude still sleeping; and concluding the rest was doing her more good than any thing else, went back to consult with the servant about dinner.
Mr. Dudley, she learned to her astonishment, usually took that meal away from home; but sometimes came in upon his wife all of a sudden; and then talked "awful" because there was nothing fit to eat.
"I believe," the young lady said, "that gentlemen are always cross when they are not well fed; and we must see that he has no excuse of that kind to-day; for I want to get his leave for you to stay and comfort your poor mistress."
An exploring expedition into the larder proved there was abundance in the house for a nice little family dinner. Enough dainties remained from the feast to furnish dessert for weeks.
There was half a boiled ham from which sandwiches had been made by the caterer; a slice of steak uncooked, potatoes, rice and plenty of nice little rolls. These last she had told Bridget to wrap in a towel to keep them moist; then when needed for breakfast to wet and crisp them in the oven.
Having begged an apron from the girl, she began to pare a ring around the potatoes, throwing them into the pot with a little salt; calling Bridget to observe every motion, with a view to another time.
When the potatoes and rice were boiling, she pounded the meat, to Bridget's great surprise, and laid it upon the gridiron to be ready for broiling; and then, seeing that the coal burned briskly, hurried off to set the table. But finding the servant had already been taught this operation by her young mistress, she resorted to the chamber; and faithful to her promise, softly kissed the sleeper's pale cheek.
"I feel so much better. My sister has cured me," Gertrude said, pulling Marion's face down for a second embrace.
This proved to be a day of pleasant surprises. Marion had assisted her new sister down stairs, where, with a pillow and shawl she was realizing how pleasant it was to be cared for once more, when another ring brought a hectic flush to her cheek.