getting on so well! I came up so slowly, stopping at every step. You
might have heard me--"

"I did; but you know, Nan, I said before--Never mind, it's done now, so
it's no use groaning. You look so white, dear; I am afraid you have had
a shock. Don't try to do anything more, but go to your room and take
some sal volatile, and lie down until dinner."

But at that Nan rose to her feet with a laugh of derision.

"I! I act the fine lady, and go to bed for a fall? Not likely. I
shall have to work harder than ever to make up for this. The knives
might as well go in their places first, and then I'll go down and get
something to brush up the glass. Don't you come: it's dangerous walking
over here, and I can do it quite well."

"Nan, please leave it to me! I am sure you are hurt, though you won't
acknowledge it. Sit down and rest, if it's only for five minutes."

But Nan would not be persuaded. She picked up the knives and hobbled
round the table, laying them in their places and tossing her head with
an air of triumph, oblivious of the fact that a drop of blood marked
each stage of her progress, leaving a vivid stain on the fresh white
cloth. A groan of dismay from Maud's lips aroused her attention,
whereupon she flushed red with dismay, and stared down at her cut
fingers with an air of shocked surprise.

It was really too aggravating, and even placid Maud felt aroused to
irritation; but it is difficult to upbraid an offender who is herself
overcome with penitence, and who lavishes such violent reproaches upon
her own head, as Nan now proceeded to do.

"Oh, mussey me, I thought they felt queer! They are cut all over.
Lockjaw, I suppose. I shall never be able to speak distinctly any more,
but have to push all my food between my teeth, like poor Jane Smith.
Oh, Maud, Maud, I wanted to help, and I've only made things worse than
before! I always do. Do please scold and get cross. Don't look so
wretched. Abuse me as I deserve!"

"What's the good?" sighed Maud dismally. "You didn't mean to do it, and
it's done, and can't be undone. Come to my room and I'll bandage your
hands. I'm not afraid of lockjaw, but you can't go about any longer
like that. Then we must get a clean cloth, and begin again."

Poor Maud! She set her lips and went through the new duties without
shirking or skimping, resolutely avoiding a look into the garden. There
was no chance now of being able to join Ned before dinner, and as s