VI
THE PRIMROSE RING
Bridget, oldest of the ward, general caretaker and best beloved, hunched herself up on her pillows until she was sitting reasonably straight, and clapped her hands. "Whist!" she called, softly. "Whist there, all o' ye! What's ailin'?"
Eight woebegone pairs of eyes turned in her direction.
"Ye needn't be afeared o' speakin'. Miss Peggie give us leave to talk quiet."
"It's them trusters," wailed Peter. "They come a-peekin' round to see we don't get well."
"They alters calls us 'uncurables,'" moaned Susan.
"Pig of water-drinking Americans!" came from the last cot.
"Ye shut up, Michael! Who did ye ever hear say that?"
"Mine fader." And Michael spat in a perfect imitation thereof.