Oh, dear." And the invalid groaned and turned
over.
"Mother, you are very weak; mother, please to take some tea; let me go
get you some hot."
"Tell me, Jacquelina; will you do as the old man wishes you?"
"I will tell you after you take some refreshments," said Jacquelina.
"Well! go bring me some."
The girl went and brought more hot tea and toast, and waited until her
mother had drunk the former and partaken of a morsel of the latter.
When, in answer to the eager, inquiring look, she said:
"Mother, if I alone were concerned, I would leave this house this
moment, though I should never have another roof over my head. But for
your sake, mother, I will still fight the battle. I will try to turn
uncle from his purpose. I will try to awaken Grim's generosity, if he
has any, and get him to withdraw his suit. I will get aunty to use her
influence with both of them, and see what can be done. But as for
marrying Dr. Grimshaw, mother--I know what I am saying--I would rather
die!"
"And see me die, my child?"
"Oh, mother! it will not be so bad as that."
"Jacquelina, it will. Do you know what is the meaning of these afternoon
fevers and night sweats and this cough?"
"I know it means that you are very much out of health, Mimmy, but I hope
you will be well in the spring.
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