3

said as how, she was starved with hunger and cold."
"Thats very strange! I thought rich folks wanted for nothing!"
"Then you'll learn before many days are over your head, that they want
every thing--goodness, as well as comfort, and natural affection in the
bargain. How else do you suppose, that, that poor child is almost dying
for want--and that , there's another in the bed yonder, covered up under the
cloaths because theres no fire to keep it warm."
"Surely their mother cannot know it!"
"Know it? no truly she knows very little about whats passing
in the nursery, or as for the matter o'that any where in the house--
the parlour excepted--She don't get up till twelve or one oclock,
and then she's in such a hurry to dress herself to go out or see
company, that she hardly takes time to nurse the baby and if after dinner
she has it while the nurse is eating her dinner, she thinks she does
great things, and as for other victuals the child gets, she dont concern
herself much about it--If the milk-woman brings good milk--well
and good--If bad milk--well and good--If theres great parties
and all the milk in wanting for the dessert, well and good--the baby
must do without and eat bread and water, or indian-meal gruel, or what
ever it can get."