Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/105

Rh forbear no longer. Addressing Mrs. Dalton in the most respectful tone, she said, "I do not think, Madam, that you are quite aware of how ill Miss Ellen is; she has not tasted a morsel to-day."

"You are always," exclaimed Mrs. Dalton angrily, "making these children fancy themselves ill. You coddle them till they fancy they are like no one else. Come, Ellen, you have already dawdled half the morning away." The child walked a few steps feebly—and then, staggering towards Eda, sank again insensible, and would have fallen—but, that her nurse, who had seen her change countenance, was in time to catch her up in her arms. Mrs. Dalton was now thoroughly alarmed—she disliked the children from a petty jealousy—and she domineered over them from a naturally despotic temper, made worse from constant indulgence; but she did not want the common humanity which shudders at the sight of positive suffering. She rang the bell hastily for assistance, opened the window to its utmost extent,