CHAPTER VI--HER MAID OF ALL WORK.
And sometimes I was her maid of all work.
It is early morn, and my mother has come noiselessly into my room.

I know it is she, though my eyes are shut, and I am only half awake.
Perhaps I was dreaming of her, for I accept her presence without surprise, as if in the awakening I had but seen her go out at one door to come in at another.

But she is speaking to herself.
'I'm sweer to waken him--I doubt he was working late--oh, that weary writing--no, I maunna waken him.' I start up.

She is wringing her hands.

'What is wrong ?' I cry, but I know before she answers.