Page:Hollyhock house; a story for girls (IA hollyhockhousest00tagg).pdf/338

316 do; no pride left in me. All my pride was perfesh’nal, and, as I say, my acting days is over, with Petey’s life. Get me a job at anything, there’s a dear child! I’ll do my best, though, to tell the truth, I wouldn’t advise any one to get me to cook. Petey used to say: ‘Nettie,’ he’d say, ‘the quality of mercy is not strained; neither is your soup.’ Oh, my Petey! Always like that, jokin’, and witty, and great, simply great!” Peter’s widow gulped painfully. There was no doubt that her grief was profound.

“You wouldn’t care to look after children all day, would you?” asked Jane. “We have a charity we are starting here. It began in a sort of play; we began it, my other sister and I, but it is going to be a real charity, and go on far and long, we hope. We’ll tell you about it. But you must have lunch with us. Please excuse me a moment, while I tell my mother and sister you are here, and then we’ll have lunch. Why, I forgot! Florimel, please take Mrs. Mivle up to my room and let her cool her face and hands with fresh water. I know one doesn’t care to eat after one has been talking fast and feeling sad. You musn’t say a word, Mrs. Mivle! As you told me about my visit to you: it isn’t any trouble!” Jane ran away, and, as rapidly as she