Page:Live and Let Live.djvu/51

 given a promise to Jemmie that she could not perform without violating a paramount duty to her mother — that duty, after a little reflection, she resolved to fulfil; still she hankered after her little dependant Jemmie, and tear followed tear as her imagination presented the struggle of expectation and disappointment on his loved countenance.

Bridget observed her emotion — she rarely spoke to her, seldom even looked at her, but now she said, "What frets ye, child?"

It was kindly spoken, and Lucy poured out her griefs. "If that's all," said Bridget, "I'll mind the house while you run home after dinner."

"But Mrs. Broadson has forbidden me."

"And won't she be at church, and none the wiser?"

"I had rather not go so, Biddy ; but if you will be just so good as to let me speak to her — "

"Take your own way, child — it's all one to me."

Mrs. Broadson acceded to her petition. Bridget's name was a potent one. She well knew the cause of Bridget's late sulkiness. She felt the importance of propitiating her; and, eager to profit by the first symptom of returning good-humour, she said, "Oh, yes, if Biddy is willing, you can change days with her - but remember, next Sunday I must hear no dinging about this home business."

The "run" home that Bridget had proffered, Lucy knew was no equivalent for the next Sunday's half day; but further negotiation was out of the question, and the poor child, like the weaker party in all treaties, took what she could get. The first free moment found her on her way home, and soon after, for she went quick "as the thoughts of