good boy,
Jack."

"Well, that's settled--but now, we must have some one to sit up with
you."

"Sit up with me? nobody will sit up with an old thing like me."

"Yes, I will, mother," said I, "and I'll look in upon you in the
daytime, and see if you want to drink."

"No, no, Jack! then you'll make no money."

"Yes I will--never mind that."

"Well, at all events," replied the doctor, "Jack will sit up with you
this night; and we'll see how you are to-morrow. Now, Jack, come back
with me, and I'll give you something for her. Good-night, Nanny," said
the doctor, leaving the room.

"Good-night," grumbled old Nanny; and as we were going through the shop
I heard her continue: "It's very easy saying 'good-night,' but how can a
poor wretch like me, with every bone aching as if it would split, expect
to have a 'good night'?"

As the doctor walked home, he appeared not to be in his usual talkative
mood. He went to the shop, made up the medicines, and gave me the
directions.

"Here, Jack, take these; and it will be a kindness to sit up with her
to-night. I will see her to-morrow; and as I can't allow you to be the
only good Samaritan in the place, understand, Jack, that I attend the
poor old woman and find medicine for nothing."

I thanked him and hastened back. Old Nanny took her draught, and then
turned round on her side. I suppose there was opium in it, for she soon
fell fast asleep; not, however, until she had said, "Jack, have you
locked the door?"

"Yes, mother, I have."

"Well, now, don't you think you could watch without burning a candle?
You ain't afraid?"

"No, mother, I'm not afraid; but if I do, I shall fall asleep; and,
besides, if you wake and want anything, I shall not be able to find it.
I should break the jug and other things, and they would cost more than a
candle."

"Very true, Jack. I feel sleepy already"--and old Nanny was soon in a
loud snore.

I had stopped at my mother's to say that I intended to stay with old
Nanny, so that they might not sit up for me; and now all that I had to
do was to keep myself awake. I had forgotten to bring a book with me, so
I looked about the room for something to read; but I could find
nothing. At last I ventured to open a drawer--it creaked, and old Nanny
was roused. "Who's that?" cried she, but she did not wake up, the opiate
was too powerful. I went to her; she was in a perspiration, which I knew
was what the doctor wished. I put the clothes close up to he