Henry Handel Richardson

“ If Sarah came to fetch her she would hold on to the seat with both hands. But even if she had to yield to Sarah’s greater strength—well, at least she was up and dressed. Not like the last time—about a week ago Mother had tried this kind of thing. Then, she had been caught unawares. She had gone into Pin’s warm place, curious and unsuspecting, and thereupon Mother had begun to talk seriously to her, and not with her usual directness. She had reminded Laura that she was growing up apace and would soon be a woman ”

“ But she sighed again, in spite of the energy of her words, and stood gazing at the place where the coach had disappeared. She was still a comparatively young woman, and straight of body; but trouble, poverty and night-watches had scored many lines on her forehead.
“Don’t you worry,” said Sarah. “Miss Laura’ll be all right. She’s just a bit too clever—brains for two, that’s what it is. An’ children WILL grow up an’ get big . ”

“ Well do I remember the day ma’am, when I drove you all across for the first time. These children wasn’t big enough then to git up and down be thimselves. Now I warrant you they can—just look at ’em, will you?—But my! Ain’t you ashamed of yourself”—he spoke to Pin—“pipin’ your eye like that? Why, you’ll flood the road if you don’t hould on.—Yes, yes, ma’am, bless you, I’ll look after her, and put her inter the train wid me own han’s. Don’t you be oneasy. The Lord he cares for the widder and the orphun, and if He don’t, why Patrick O’Donnell does.” ”