"When will be a convenient time for me to do my washing?"
"Ha' you things to wash?"
"Yes, I am sorry to say. You will lend me a tub, and a little soap, won't you?"
"I don' know whether I will or not. Suppos'n you've got the tub, do you know how to get your things clean? I don' believe you never done it."
"No, I have never done it. But I can learn."
"I guess it'd be more trouble to learn you, than to do the things. You fetch 'em here, and I'll do 'em my own self."
"But I cannot pay you a cent for it, Mrs. Purcell; not now, at least.
You'll have to take it on trust, if you do this for me."
"All right," said Prissy. "You go fetch the things, 'cause I'm bound to have my tubs out o' the way before dinner."
Rotha obeyed, wondering and thankful. The woman was entirely changed towards her; abrupt and unconventional, certainly, in manner and address, but nevertheless shewing real care and kindness; and shewing moreover what a very handsome woman she could be. Her smile was frank and sweet; her face when at rest very striking for its fine contour; and her figure was stately. Moreover, she was an uncommonly good cook; so that the viands, though plain, were made both wholesome and appetizing. In that respect Rotha did not suffer; the exclusive companionship of two such ignorant and unrefined persons was a grievance on the other hand which pressed harder every day.
She kept herself busy. When her dresses were done, she began to spend hours a day out of doors.