“And don’t forget, Sallie,” whispered the younger, “don’t forget about the baby.”
“Thee can ask that, Debby.”
The only worldly looking feature between them was Debby’s blue eyes, and they sparkled and ran riot in spite of her, but her mouth was very serious as she asked:
“Would it not relieve thee if Sally and I were to ’tend the baby?” then glancing at my company, “the children, I mean, while thee lies down on mother’s bed.”
My eyes filled with tears at the thoughtfulness of these strangers. I had never known anything about “Quakers” before.
The baby was ready enough to exchange Bridget’s charms for the dainty little ladies’, and I clasped each of his small hands in Debby’s, but instantly she transferred one-half her treasure to sister Sally, who turned demurely, and said:
“Thank thee. We will watch over him, and presently, if thee thinks best, I can give him some milk.”
They had not quite reached the garden when Johnny burst forth. In great wrath he was indeed.
“Do they fink I am a baby!” he roared out. “Get my cap, I want to go on the boat again!”
“On the boat, Johnny!”