“And I fancy nursing was but a small part of Janet’s work in those days,” said Arthur. “She was nurse, and cook, and housemaid, all in one. Eh, Graeme?”
“Ay, and more than that—more than could be told in words,” said Graeme, with glistening eyes.
“And I am sure you will like her,” said Rose, looking straight into Mrs Grove’s face. “Her husband is very rich. I think he must be almost the richest man in Merleville.”
Arthur did not reprove Rose this time, though she well deserved it. She read her reproof in Graeme’s look, and blushed and hung her head. She did not look very much abashed, however. She knew Arthur was enjoying the home thrust; but the subject was pursued no farther.
“Do you know, Fanny,” said Mrs Grove, in a little, “I saw Mrs Tilman this morning, and a very superior person she turns out to be. She has seen better days. It is sad to see a lady—for she seems to have been quite a lady—so reduced.”
“And who is Mrs Tilman?” asked Arthur.
Fanny looked annoyed, but her mamma went on.
“She is a person Mrs Gridley was speaking to Fanny about—a very worthy person indeed.”
“She was speaking to you, you mean, mamma,” said Fanny.
“Was it to me? Well, it is all the same. She is a widow. She lived in Q— a while and then came here, and was a housekeeper in Haughton Place. I don’t know why she left. Some one married, I think. Since then she has been a sick nurse, but it didn’t agree with her, and lately she has been a cook in a small hotel.”