"She is young, I know," returned the washerwoman--"too young to be
confined down as much as she is. But then she is a very patient
child, and knows that her mother has a great deal to do. I often
wish it was easier for her; though, as it can't be helped, I don't
let it fret me, for you know that would do no good."

"But how in the world, Mrs. Partridge," said I, "do you manage to
provide for four children, and do for them at the same time?"

"I find it hard work," she replied; "and sometimes I feel
discouraged for a little while; but by patience and perseverance I
manage to get along."

Mrs. Partridge went to her washing, and I sat down in my comfortable
room, having a servant in every department of my family, and ample
means for the supply of every comfort and luxury I could reasonably
desire.

"If she can get along by patience and perseverance," said I to
myself, "it's a shame for me that I can't." Still, for all this,
when I thought of losing my cook through the bad influence of Netty,
the chambermaid, I felt worried; and thinking about this, and what I
should do for another cook, and the trouble always attendant upon
bringing a new domestic into the house, made me, after a while, feel
almost as unhappy as before. It was not long before Netty came into
my room, saying, as she did so--

"Mrs. Smith, what frock shall I put on Alice?"

"The one with a blue sprig," I replied.