Page:Live and Let Live.djvu/32

 when your husband was able to earn a living by writing, he should be so very poor — is he a sober man?"

Mrs. Lee's faded cheek glowed as she replied, "He could scarcely be otherwise in his present condition."

"Is he kind to you?"

Lucy looked up to her mother with tearful eyes. "Excuse me, ma'am," said Mrs. Lee, "from answering questions that have nothing to do with my child's qualifications."

"Hem! I understand — why have not you put out your child before?" "I wanted her at home."

"The old excuse! Let me tell you, good woman, it's a very poor one. I am patroness of an infant school — I know children can't be taught too early."

"I have an infant school at home", replied Mrs. Lee, somewhat proudly.

"Oh, yes, I know; but your children get such shocking habits sosling about, and doing nothing, and living all in a clutter."

"What work do you wish to employ my child for, ma'am?"

"Oh, you should not be too particular. I make it a rule that a child should be willing to be called on for anything. I have two servants, and at most her work will not be worth speaking of. There are but two of us, I and husband."

At this juncture Mrs. Broadson was called out, and an Irish servant who remained in the room asked Mrs. Lee to sit down, and kindly drew a low chair for Lucy to the fire. "Warm ye, child," she