"'Ow yer do 'arp on it! I've told yer that 'e's all right; nothing to signify, only a little poorly, but knowing you was that anxious I thought it better to come up. I didn't know but what you might like to 'ave in the doctor." "Does he require the doctor? I thought you said it was nothing to signify." "That depends on 'ow yer looks at it. Some likes to 'ave in the doctor, however little the ailing; then others won't 'ave anything to do with doctors--don't believe in them. So I thought I'd come up and see what you thought about it. I would 'ave sent for the doctor this morning--I'm one of those who 'as faith in doctors--but being a bit short of money I thought I'd come up and ask you for a trifle." At that moment Mrs. Rivers came into the nursery and her first look went in the direction of the cradle, then she turned to consider curtseying Mrs. Spires. "This is Mrs. Spires, the lady who is looking after my baby, ma'am," said Esther; "she has come with bad news--my baby is ill." "Oh, I'm sorry. But I daresay it is nothing." "But Mrs. Spires says, ma'am----" "Yes, ma'am, the little thing seemed a bit poorly, and I being short of money, ma'am, I had to come and see nurse. I knows right well that they must not be disturbed, and of course your child's 'ealth is everything; but if I may make so bold I'd like to say that the little dear do look beautiful. Nurse is bringing her up that well that yer must have every satisfaction in 'er." "Yes, she seems to suit the child; that's the reason I don't want her upset." "It won't occur again, ma'am, I promise you." Esther did not answer, and her white, sullen face remained unchanged. She had a great deal on her mind, and would have spoken if the words did not seem to betray her when she attempted to speak. "When the baby is well, and the doctor is satisfied there is no danger of infection, you can bring it here--once a month will be sufficient. Is there anything more?" "Mrs. Spires thinks my baby ought to see the doctor." "Well, let her send for the doctor." "Being a bit short of money----" "How much is it?" said Esther. "Well, what we pays is five shillings to the doctor, but then there's the medicine he will order, and I was going to speak to you about a piece of flannel; if yer could let me have ten shillings to go on with." "But I haven't so much left. I must see my baby," and Esther moved towards the door. "No, no, nurse, I cannot hear of it; I'd sooner pay the money myself. Now, how much do you want, Mrs. Spires?" "Ten shillings will do for the present, ma'am."