"
Lawton turned an eye in the direction of the sound, and perceived a
female emerging from the ruins, loaded with a bundle that vied in size
with the renowned pack of the peddler.
"Whom have we here," said the trooper, "rising like a phoenix from the
flames? Oh! by the soul of Hippocrates, but it is the identical
she-doctor, of famous needle reputation. Well, good woman, what means
this outcry?"
"Outcry!" echoed Katy, panting for breath. "Is it not disparagement
enough to lose a silver spoon, but I must be left alone in this lonesome
place, to be robbed, and perhaps murdered? Harvey would not serve me so;
when I lived with Harvey, I was always treated with respect at least, if
he was a little close with his secrets, and wasteful of his money."
"Then, madam, you once formed part of the household of Mr. Harvey
Birch?"
"You may say I was the whole of his household," returned the other;
"there was nobody but I, and he, and the old gentleman. You didn't know
the old gentleman, perhaps?"
"That happiness was denied me. How long did you live in the family of
Mr. Birch?"
"I disremember the precise time, but it must have been hard on upon nine
years; and what better am I for it all?"
"Sure enough; I can see but little benefit that you have derived from
the association, truly.
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