"She's good at waiting.

She's waited seven years." "There are circumstances that cannot be explained," commenced the nurse.
"No, I dare say not," said Rachel, dryly.

"So you were her nurse ?" "Yes, ma'am," answered the nurse, who did not appear to enjoy this cross-examination.
"Have you lived with Ida's mother ever since ?" "No--yes," stammered the stranger.

"Some of the time," she added, recovering herself.
"Umph!" grunted Rachel, darting a sharp glance at her.
"Have you a husband living ?" inquired the spinster.
"Yes," answered Mrs.Hardwick.

"Have you ?" "I!" repeated Rachel, scornfully.