One glance at the place showed me that I could do nothing for my patient without help.

Happily, I had seen some sheets drying by the kitchen fire, but they would hardly be ready for us before the evening; but when Mrs.
Marshall had taken her beef-tea I covered her up and tried to smooth the untidy quilt.

Then, telling her that we were going to make her room a little more comfortable, I pinned up my dress and enveloped myself in a holland apron ready for work.
Peggy came back at this moment with a big, strapping girl of sixteen, who looked strong and willing.

She was evidently not a woman of words, but she grinned cheerful acquiescence when I set her to work on the grate, while I cleared the table and carried out all the miscellaneous articles that littered the floor.
Mrs.Marshall watched us with astonished eyes.

'Oh dear! oh dear!' I heard her say to herself, 'and a lady too!' but I took no notice.
I sent Hope once or twice across to her mother for various articles we needed,--black lead, a scrubbing-brush, some house flannel and soft soap,--and when she had finished the grate I set her to scrub the floor, as it was black with dirt.