“If you have the time to spare—”
There was time enough. In a minute or two the fire was burning brightly. Allison knew what to do, and where to find what was needed without a question; and Mrs Beaton lay, following her movements with great interest.
“I was once young and strong like you,” said she, with a sigh.
Allison said nothing, but went on with the making of the gruel.
“You have done that before,” said Mrs Beaton.
“Ay, many a time.”
She left the gruel to simmer by the fire, and taking the coverlid from the bed, spread it over the arm-chair, then she lifted the sick woman as if she had been a child, and placed her in it. Then she put a pillow behind her, and wrapped her warmly round.
“And you have done this before.”
Allison answered nothing.
“Was it your mother, my dear?” said Mrs Beaton, laying her small, wrinkled hand on hers.