She looked a little startled, odd look at me.
"Do you think I'm talking about that simple powder that I've been taking?"
"Weren't you?"
"Come here, innocent little thing!" she said, and motioned me to a footstool at her feet.
Her adjectives were both very unsuitable, when applied to me; but I was nurse, and must yield to the whim of my patient.
"Kate, look after Mr. Axtell."
Poor Kate went out, more from the habit of obedience than apparently to obey any such behest; but she went, nevertheless.
"I know who you are; I knew your mother," she said. "Never attempt to cover up bitterness; it has its use in the world."
"Will you go to bed now? It's very late," I ventured.
She went on as though I had not spoken at all,—