[The English Orphans by Mary Jane Holmes]@TWC D-Link book
The English Orphans

CHAPTER V
13/21

"She won't get many baths here, I can tell you, nor you either, unless it is a dishwater one.
Know how to wash dishes hey ?" "Yes, ma'am," said Mary meekly.
"Then I'll give you a chance to try your hand after breakfast, but come, I'm in a hurry." Mary glanced at Alice.

She was sleeping sweetly, and though there seemed to be no reason, she still lingered.
"What are you waiting for ?" asked Mrs.Grundy, and Mary, with some hesitation, answered, "I haven't said my prayers yet." A change passed suddenly over Mrs.Grundy's face, and she turned away without a word.

When she was gone Mary fell on her knees, and though the words she uttered were addressed more to her mother than to God, she felt comforted, and rising up started for the kitchen.

It was a motley group which she found assembled around the breakfast table, and as she entered the room, the man called Uncle Peter smiled on her, saying, "Come here, little daughter, and let me touch you with the tip of my fourth finger." Shrinking to nearly half her usual size, she managed to pass him without coming in contact with said finger, which was merely a stump, the first joint having been amputated.

On reaching the back room she readily found the place where she with all the rest was to wash.


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