Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/233

 Prudence out of such little wits as she possessed. Now, however, she seemed to be paying no attention, but, with dilated eyes, kept staring at Augusta, who was certainly conducting herself in a very extraordinary fashion. To the dismay of the nurse, she was bending, wriggling, and stretching in her arms.

As the magistrate ceased speaking, there was a sudden sound of rent material, a shower of buttons flew about the heads of the junior counsel, and Augusta's sloppy work-*house frock and pinafore, that had been gradually tightening to bursting point, split explosively up the back and sleeves.

"Look, look!" cried Prudence, in a fever of anxiety. "It is passing off. I told you so. She is growing older. Oh! wait a little, your worship. Before long perhaps she will be able to speak. She will confirm what I've told you. Augusta dear, for heaven's, sake, speak if you can. They don't believe me."

The nurse, with alarm depicted on every feature, and drops of perspiration standing on her brow, gave up her efforts to hold the child, whose weight had increased amazingly, and put her sitting on the bench beside her,