Page:Jean Webster--Much ado about Peter.djvu/58

50 'Tis a thankless world, Annie dear. Thirteen years I 've worked for the Jaspers, an' on top o' that to ask me for soup, an' fish, an' roast, an' salad, an' dessert on a Fort' o' July night!"

Ellen showed signs of breaking down again and Annie hastily interposed.

"Don't cry about it, Ellen; it's too bad, it is, but Mr. Jasper likely did n't think what a lot o' trouble he was makin'. He ain't never washed no dishes an' he don't know what it's like. I 'll come over an' help you do them."

"But ye won't be here. Ye 're goin' yerself," Ellen blubbered.

Annie was silent.

"Thirteen years an' 'tis the only home I've got."

"Don't go, Ellen," Annie begged.

"Soup, an' fish, an' roast"

"I 'll stay if you will!"

Ellen heaved a final shuddering sigh and wiped her eyes.

"Ye 'll have to hurry, Annie, if ye 're goin'