She's dead." "Dead, what do you mean ?" said Nancy.
"I mean she's dead," said Phillis, "and cold, and very likely has been so, for most of the night.

Don't be frightened and make a noise, for Miss Alice is very sick, and you're so near the house." Nancy went with her to the other room.

A child would have known there was no mistake about death's being there, if the idea had been suggested to it.
Nancy was in a moment satisfied that such was the case, but she shed very few tears.

She was quite worn out taking care of the old woman, and the other servants were not willing to take their turns.

They said they "couldn't abide the cross, ill-natured old thing." Phillis went home for a few moments, and returned to perform the last offices.