For the next two days domestic life was
very unpleasant indeed; mother and daughter exchanged few words;
meanwhile Martha was tasked, if possible, more vigorously than ever,
and fed mysteriously, meals no longer doled out to her under
Bertha's eyes. The third morning brought another crisis.
"I have a letter from Emily," said Bertha at breakfast, naming a
friend of hers who lived in the far north of London. "I'm going to
see her to-day."
"Very well," answered Mrs. Cross, between rigid lips.
"She says that in the house where she lives, there's a
bed-sitting-room to let. I think, mother, it might be better for me
to take it."
"You will do just as you please, Bertha."
"I shall have dinner to-day with Emily, and be back about tea-time."
"I have no doubt," replied Mrs. Cross, "that Martha will be so
obliging as to have tea ready for you. If she doesn't feel _strong_
enough, of course I will see to it myself."
CHAPTER 42
On the evening before, Martha had received her month's wages, and
had been promised the usual afternoon of liberty to-day; but, as
soon as Bertha had left the house, Mrs. Cross summoned the domestic,
and informed her bluntly that the holiday must be postponed.
"I'm very sorry, mum," replied Martha, with an odd, half-frightened
look in her watery eyes. "I'd promised to go and see my brother as
has just lost his wife; but of course, if it isn't convenient,
mum--"
"It really is not, Martha.
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