night, or else the fright upset me."

"Oh, I _am_ sorry," cried Huldah, with genuine feeling. Mrs. Perry
really did look very white and ill, and Huldah felt quite alarmed.
"Can I get you something? What can I do? Shall I light the fire?"
she asked, eagerly.

"Yes, if you will, I'd be very much obliged. I'd like a cup of tea,
as hot as I can drink it, and," pointing to some flannel lying on the
bed, "if you could make that very hot, and bring it up to me, I'd be
glad. Perhaps heat'll ease the pain a bit."

"I'll be as quick as I can," said Huldah, eagerly, turning to hurry
downstairs. "Is there anything else?"

"Oh my, yes! there's the fowls; they'll be wanting their breakfast.
It's all put ready for them in a pan in the scullery, if you'll give
it to them. Don't let them out into the garden."

"I'll see to that," said Huldah, cheerfully.

"Then when they're out eating their food, go into the house, and see
if there's any eggs in the nests."

"Yes, ma'am, and please may I borrow the loan of the bucket, to have
a wash? I'm feeling all dusty and dirty."

Mrs. Perry smiled, in spite of her pain. "Yes, of course.
You'll find a basin and soap, and a rough towel in the scullery, too.
I'm glad you reminded me."