Good intentions are very
dangerous things."
When next Warburton found time to go to Holloway, he heard all about
the ladies' visit. He learnt, moreover, that Mr. Potts had told them
the story of his kindness to the sick lad at St. Kitts, and of his
first visit to Kennington Lane.
CHAPTER 45
When Bertha, at her mother's request, undertook the control of the
house, she knew very well what was before her.
During a whole fortnight, Mrs. Cross faithfully adhered to the
compact. For the first time in her life, she declared, she was
enjoying peace. Feeling much shaken in her nervous system, she rose
late, retired early, and, when downstairs, reclined a good deal on
the sofa. She professed herself unable to remember the new servant's
name, and assumed an air of profound abstraction whenever "what do
you call her" came into the room. Not a question did she permit
herself as to the details of household management. Bertha happening
(incautiously) to complain of a certain joint supplied by the
butcher, Mrs. Cross turned a dreamy eye upon it, and said, in the
tone of one who speaks of long ago, "In my time he could always be
depended upon for a small shoulder"; then dismissed the matter as in
no way concerning her.
But repose had a restorative effect, and, in the third week, Mrs.
Cross felt the revival of her energies. She was but fifty-three
years old, and in spite of languishing habits, in reality had very
fair health.
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