VII.
A New Path.
Daph rose the following morning, at her usual early hour, and went to perform her customary ablutions beside the well, keeping, however, a sharp look out for Mrs. Ray, to be ready to beat a retreat as soon as that formidable person should make herself heard. No Mrs. Ray appeared, and Daph’s curiosity tempted her to take a peep into the room which served as kitchen, parlor, and general abiding-place for Mrs. Ray and Mary, though they slept in the loft above.
Mary was diligently ironing, at this early hour, giving from time to time, dolorous glances at a great basketful of damp clothes, which seemed to diminish but slowly under her efforts.
“Where’s your ma?” said Daph, as she thrust her head fairly in at the door, regardless of consequences.
“Mother’s very sick this morning,” said Mary, sorrowfully, “she can’t even turn herself in bed, and all these clothes must go home to-night, we have had to keep them too long now, it has been so wet.”
“Nebber fret bout de close,” said Daph, cheerily; “I’se held a flat ’fore dis! Do Daph good to work a little, she mighty tired, sittin up all day like a lady. Spose I jus steps up to look at your ma. May be I might do somewhat for her, to make her feel some better.”
“O, don’t!” exclaimed Mary, hastily, “she might not like it.”
“Nebber you mind dat!” said Daph, “you jus show me de way.”
Mary pointed to the door that led to the narrow staircase, and Daph needed no further guidance.