This is a world of trial and
tribulation, and I've had my share. So you've come after Ida, I
hear?" with a sudden change of subject.
"At her mother's request," said the nurse.
"She wants to see her, then?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I wonder she didn't think of it before," said Aunt Rachel, sharply.
"She's good at waiting. She's waited eight 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," said Mrs. Hardwick, who evidently did not relish this
cross-examination.
"Have you lived with the mother ever since?"
"No,--yes," stammered the nurse. "Some of the time," she added,
recovering herself.
"Umph!" grunted Rachel, darting a sharp glance at her.
"Have you a husband living?" inquired Rachel, after a pause.
"Yes," said Mrs. Hardwick. "Have you?"
"I!" repeated Aunt Rachel, scornfully. "No, neither living nor dead.
I'm thankful to say I never married. I've had trials enough without
that. Does Ida's mother live in the city?"
"I can't tell you," said the nurse.
"Humph, I don't like mystery."
"It isn't my mystery," said the nurse. "If you have any objection to
make against it, you must make it to Ida's mother."
The two were not likely to get along very amicably. Neither was
gifted with the best of tempers, and perhaps it was as well that
there should have been an interruption as there was.
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