The Last of the Mortimers: A Story in Two VoicesOliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)
General
The Last of the Mortimers: A Story in Two Voices
Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)
Fiction
We were nearly two years in Edinburgh; and it was there, of course, that
baby Harry came into the world. He made a great difference in many
things. I could not go out to walk with Harry any longer; I could not
even sit and talk with him so much, and, however economical I was, it
could not be denied that already three of us cost more than two of us
had done. It is strange enough, but still it is true, baby, bless him,
brought thorns upon the roses that came with him into the world. Harry
had not lived in a family since his father died long ago; he had lived a
young man’s life, and had his own fastidious fancies like (I suppose)
most young men. He was very much delighted when baby came, but he was
not so much delighted when baby was always with us, and occupying almost
all my time and attention; and it fretted him when he saw traces about
that once nice cosy sitting-room, which was nursery now as well as
dining-room and drawing-room; even baby’s basket, all trimmed with white
muslin and pink ribbons, which he thought very pretty at first, annoyed
him now when he saw it about; and when I had to stop talking to him in
order to see after baby, he would first laugh, then bite his lip, then
whistle, then go to the window, and after a while say he had better
smoke his cigar outside while I was so busy. I dare say this cost me a
few tears, for of course I thought there was no occupation in the world
so sweet as nursing baby, and was sadly disappointed just at first that
Harry could not be content to watch his pretty ways every moment as I
did; however, I had to make up my mind to it. And as it was my business
to mind Harry as well as his son, I had to think it all over in my mind
what was to be done. It was hard work considering what was best; for to
think of getting a servant upon our small means went to my very heart.
At last one day I formed a great resolution, and took Mrs. Saltoun into
my confidence.
“Here is how it is,” said I, “I must have a maid to help me with baby
when Mr. Langham is at home. Men can’t understand things; they think it
so odd to see one always with a baby on one’s lap; especially when they
have not been accustomed to anything of the sort. Mrs. Saltoun, I shall
be obliged to have a maid.”
“I told you so, my dear, the very day the lammie was born,” said Mrs.
Saultoun; “but I’m one that never presses my advice. I know experience
is far more effectual than anything I can say.”
“But look here--I can’t afford it--it’s a disgrace to think of such a
thing with our small means, while I am perfectly strong and quite able
to take care of him myself; but what can I do?” said I.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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