Just sit down and rest, and see what a Vassar with a diploma can do.' As she talked she was replenishing the fire with hard-wood, putting on the kettle, pouring out the coffee dregs saved from yesterday's breakfast, and hunting for an egg with which to settle the fresh cup she intended to make.
'No, no, Jerrie.

No, you must not take that; it is all we have in the house, and grandma must have a fresh one every day at eleven o'clock, the doctor says--it strengthens her,' Harold said, rising quickly, while Jerrie put the one egg back in the box and asked what Mrs.Crawford did settle coffee with.
'I am sure I don't know; cold water, I guess,' Harold said, resuming his seat, while Jerrie tripped here and there, laying the cloth, bringing his cup and saucer and plate, and at last pouncing upon the bit of steak in the refrigerator.
But here Harold again interfered.
'Jerrie--Jerrie, that is for your breakfast and grandma's.

You must not take that.' 'But I shall take half of it.

I would rather have a glass of Nannie's milk any time than meat, and you are going to have my share; so, Mr.
Hastings, just mind your business and let the cook alone, or she'll be givin' ye warnin',' Jerrie answered laughingly, as she divided the steak, which she proceeded at once to broil.
So Harold let her have her way, and felt an increase of self-respect, and that he was something more than a common day laborer, as he ate his steak and buttered toast, and drank the coffee, which seemed to him the best he had ever tasted.

Jerrie picked him a few strawberries, and laid beside his plate a beautiful half-opened rose, with the dew still upon it.