J. J. Bell

“ But that work done, the overall was laid aside, and Christina admired herself in a muslin apron belonging to the invalid maid. The maid being tall of stature and Christina rather short, the apron reached considerably beyond the hem of the girl's skirt; but Christina did not mind that, and only wished she had a cap to complete her costume. While alone in the kitchen she wore on her head a paper bag, which had once held sugar biscuits, manipulated as nearly as possible into the semblance of a housemaid's cap, with strips of white paper, removed from a pound of bacon, for strings. ”

“ Write the name and message on the slate, and say you will tell the doctor immediately he comes home. I expect he will be back within an hour. Now, take care of yourself and the house, like a good girl." And with a cheerful nod the doctor's wife departed.
"Oh, Jamaica!" murmured Christina in an ecstasy of delight at being left alone. She resumed her cap, held out her apron by the edges, and waltzed round the kitchen table. Halting at last, she looked at the clock, the hands of which were at ten minutes past two.
"I wish it was time for Jane to get her meddicine! ”

“ She had remained thus for five minutes when she heard the invalid maid calling.
"Teeny! Here!"
Christina dried her eyes, sniffed, pulled herself together, and went to the door of the maid's room. Halting outside, she inquired whether Jane wanted anything.
"Am I never to get onything to eat?" Jane cried querulously.
"Are ye hungry, Jane?"
"Hungry? Did the mistress no' leave word what I was to get? "
"She didna say. Maybe she forgot. Ye was sleepin', ye ken. Wull I get ye a piece, Jane?"
"A piece? An' the doctor said I was to be fed up and nourished! Is there nae soup in the larder?" ”