"Why, grandma," said she, "I've spoken to you three times; but I can't get you to answer or look at me."
"What does thee want, my dear? I will try to attend to thee."
"O, grandma, there are ever so many things I want to say, now mother is out of the room, and father hasn't got home. I must tell somebody, or my heart will break; and you know, grandma dear, I can talk to you so easy."
"Can thee? Then go on, Susy; what would thee like to say?"
"O, two or three things. Have you noticed, grandma, that I've been just as sober as can be?"
"For how long, Susan?"
"O, all day; I've felt as if I couldn't but just live!"
Grandma Read did not smile at this. She knew very well that such a child as Susy is capable of intense suffering.
"Well, Susan, is it about thy sister Prudence?"
"O, no, grandma! she's getting; better; isn't she?"