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The girl had been only too glad to stay as general servant, and worked well, worked as hard as any one could expect, Mrs. Gandle said. But she was far from well, and every day, after the first week, her strength fell off. At length she had a fainting fit, falling with two dishes in her hands. Her work had to be lightened.
On a side table stood a great red dripping mass, whence Mrs. Gandle severed portions to be supplied as roast beef. Vessels on the range held a green substance which was called cabbage, and yellow lumps doled forth as potatoes. Before the fire, bacon and sausages were frizzling; above it was spluttering a beef-steak.
Ormonde walked quickly down the narrow gangway, and to the door in the partition. A young woman was just coming forth, with steaming plates on a tray. 'Can I see Mrs. Gandle? the visitor asked. The girl cried out: 'Mother, you're wanted! and pushed past, with grins bestowed on either side. Above the partition appeared a face like a harvest moon. 'I have come in reply to your letter, Mrs.
Ormonde sat by her, but at those times she generally kept her face averted, closing her eyes if either of her nurses seemed to watch her. She asked no questions. Mrs. Gandle came up occasionally, and to her Thyrza spoke very gently and gratefully. She asked to see 'Lizabeth, and that damsel made an elaborate toilette for the ceremony of introduction to the transformed sickroom.
'Well, mum, she calls herself Mary Wood. Do you know any one o' that name? 'I think not. 'Now come along, 'Lizabeth! screamed the woman of a sudden, at the top of her voice. 'Don't stand a-talkin' there! Two beefs, 'taters and greens. 'That's right, Mrs. Gandle! roared some man. 'You give it her. It's the usial Bow-bells with her an' Sandy Dick 'ere!
Ormonde bade the driver wait, and entered. It was the dinner-hour of this part of the world. Every available place was occupied by men, some in their shirt-sleeves, who were doing ample justice to the fare set before them by Mrs. Gandle and her daughter.
She spoke a few disconnected words, then her eyes half-closed again, and the lethargy returned upon her. In a few minutes Mrs. Ormonde left the room and sought her acquaintance in the cooking department. Mrs. Gandle gave her the exact address of the medical man, and she found the house without difficulty.
You see, we have to 'conomise room, as my husband says. But I can talk and work, both; only I've got to keep one ear open A shrill voice cried from the shop: 'Two beefs, 'taters an' greens! One steak-pie, 'taters! Two cups o' tea! 'Right! cried Mrs. Gandle, and proceeded to execute the orders. 'What is this poor girl's name? Mrs. Ormonde asked. 'You didn't mention it.
The neighbourhood was unknown to her save by name. On entering the Caledonian Road, her cabman had to make inquiries for Bank Street, which he at length found not far from the prison. He drew up before a small coffee-shop, on the window whereof was pasted this advertisement: 'Dine here! Best quality. Largest quantity! Lowest price. Over the door was the name 'Gandle. Mrs.
Well, of course, you may say as it isn't everybody 'ud a' took her in for sevenpence, but then, as I was a-sayin', we did want somebody to help me an' 'Lizabeth, an' I don't take much to myself for what I did. 'You acted well and kindly, Mrs. Gandle, said Mrs. Ormonde. So the long story went on.
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