"Oh, I likes the country 'm, I does indeed, but it ain't so clean as it ought to be, and there be no water-carts nor mud-carts nor any road-scrapers along the roads, so 'tis terrible for yer boots. But when I come back to London and see'd the shops and people and hosses and carriages, I could have hugged 'em in my arms 'm, I was that pleased to see 'em agen. And how be Mrs. Jones and h'Arthur 'm? Do you see 'em?" "Yes, I does on occasions, Peggy. You must just run in and see 'em for a minute, if you've time." "That I will. But oh my, Mrs. Creak! Ain't I glad I went to proper service! Why, do you know, Nesbitt is gain' to learn me wait at table? I'm a-tremblin' with the thought o' it, but I means to try my very best. And if I can ketch hold of the dishes and hand them proper without breakin', shan't I be just proud of myself!" It was a happy little visit. Peggy ran over to Mrs. Jones, and was embraced most warmly by mother and son. When she returned to Mrs. Dale's house, she assured Nesbitt "that visitin' old friends and places were most excitin' and agreeable." "For, Nesbitt, I looks at myself as I were a year ago, and then at myself now, and I says to myself, 'Why, Peggy, you was a dreadful common girl when you first took a place, you didn't know nothin', and you hadn't seen nothin', and now you feels as if you were full up with h'information about house cookin' and housework.' And Nesbitt, I'm awful glad I don't live in Bone Alley now!" Peggy did not see much of her mistress. Mrs. Dale was out a good deal, and she received a great many visitors, but one day she sent for her. She was suffering from one of her headaches and lay in a darkened room. "Peggy, I remember you telling me of hot water fomentations. I wonder if you could bring me some hot water and try it. As Nesbitt is out this afternoon, I must rely on you." Peggy was delighted at the honour conferred upon her. She was away and back again in a very few minutes, and as she bathed her mistress's forehead, she said softly— "I does wish I knew a certain cure for the headache. You has had yer heart cured, but the head is the trouble." "I don't think I have had my heart cured," said Mrs. Dale, half-smiling. Peggy looked at her gravely. "I thought you did, please 'm. I thought you wanted it made well, and that's what made me tell you." "Yes," said Mrs. Dale, "but I haven't followed your prescription, Peggy." Peggy looked troubled, but for once her tongue failed her. Mrs. Dale went on— "A patient must always believe in their doctor, Peggy, must they not? And they must be ready to take the medicine he gives them." "In course they must, please 'm." "And there are some people, Peggy, who find it difficult to get back the belief they once had. They would like to cure themselves if they knew how; they can't throw off their own efforts, and do nothing." "Like the leper capting," said Peggy thoughtfully. "He was in a temper, when he was told he must just wash hisself."