She won't want to be lying
down to-night, I daresay. I don't suppose I shall sleep much myself, but
I am a little knocked up, and shall be glad of some sort of rest. I want
to be on the spot, come what may."
"But, sir, with the new nurse and me, there surely can't be no necessity;
and you might be round the first thing in the morning like to see how the
poor dear gentleman has slep'."
"I know that, but I would rather be on the spot. I have my own especial
reasons. You can go home to your children."
"Thank you kindly, sir; which I shall be very glad to take care of 'em,
poor things. And I hope, sir, as you won't forget that I've gone through
a deal for Mr. Saltram--if so be as he shouldn't get better himself,
which the Lord forbid--to take my trouble into consideration, bein' as he
were always a free-handed gentleman, though not rich."
"Your services will not be forgotten, Mrs. Pratt, depend upon it.
Perhaps I'd better give you a couple of sovereigns on account: that'll
make matters straight for the present."
"Yes, sir; and many thanks for your generosity," replied the laundress,
agreeably surprised by this prompt donation, and dropping grateful
curtseys before her benefactor; "and Mr. Saltram shall want nothing as my
care can provide for him, you may depend upon it."
"That is well.
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