a merry thought, asks, in a feeble voice, what there is in the larder.
"Why, Madam," says Mrs. Butterby, from the outside, "there's the partridges you did not eat at breakfast, there's a cold pigeon pasty and a nice fresh ham, and a lovely hasty pudding I made with my own hands, in the pot."
"Bring 'em all," says Moll, in the same aching voice; "and I'll pick what tempts me."
Therewith, she silently slips the bolt back, whips on her nightgown, and whips into bed.
Presently, up comes Mrs. Butterby, carrying a wax candle, followed by a couple of maids charged with all the provisions Moll had commanded. Having permission to enter, the good woman sets down her candle, puts on her glasses, and, coming to the bedside, says she can see very well by her poor looks, that her dear mistress has got a disorder of the biliaries on her, and prays Heaven it may not turn to something worse.
"Nay," says Moll, very faintly, "I shall be well again when I am relieved of this headache, and if I can only fall asleep,—as I feel disposed to,—you will see me to-morrow morning in my usual health. I shan't attempt to rise this evening" ("For mercy's sake, don't," cries Mrs. Butterby), "and so, I pray you, order that no one shall come near my room to disturb me" ("I'll see that no one so much as sets a foot on your stair, Madam, poor dear!" says t'other), "and you will see that all is closed carefully. And so good-night, mother, and good-night to you, Jane and Betsy—oh, my poor head!"
With a whispered "Good-night, dear madam," Mrs. Butterby and the maids leave the room a-tiptoe, closing
