he old garments of the family not judged fitting for the wear of
cottagers, she had nothing more to do than, by the removal of
half-a-dozen trunks, to get at a deal box, which contained the frocks,
and robes, and other garments which her nephew had discarded when he put
on jacket and trousers. From these she selected one of the smallest
suits, and they might have been seen airing at the kitchen fire by six
o'clock that morning. Hot water and soap were next put in requisition,
and as soon as the baby awoke, she was submitted to such an operation by
the kitchen fire, as it would appear she had not experienced for a long
time. The little creature was terribly frightened when soused in the
water, and screeched in a pitiful manner; the tears running from her
eyes, and the whole of her small person being in a violent tremor. The
maids, however, made a thorough job of it, and scoured the foundling
from head to foot. At length Mrs. Margaret, who sat by, directing the
storm, with a sheet across her lap and towels in her hand, pronounced
the ablution as being complete, and the babe was lifted from the tub,
held a moment to drip, and then set on the lap of the lady, and now the
babe seemed to find instant relief. The little creature was no sooner
placed on Mrs. Margaret's knee, than, by some strange and unknown
association, she seemed to think that she had found an old
friend,--some faintly remembered nurse or mother,--whom she had met
again in Mrs. Dymock, and quivering with delight, she sprang on her feet
on the lady's lap, and grasped her neck in her arms, pressing her little
ruby lips upon her cheek; and on one of the maids approaching again with
some of her clothes, she strained her arms more closely round Mrs.
Margaret, and perfectly danced on her lap with terror lest she should be
taken away from her.

"Lord help the innocent babe!" said the old lady, "what is come to her?"
and Mrs. Margaret's eyes were full of tears; but the good lady then
soothed and carressed the babe, and instructed her to sit down on her
knees, whilst she directed the servant to assist in dressing her. But
no, no, it would not do; no one was to touch her but Mrs. Margaret; and
the old lady, drawing herself up, at length said,--"Well, Janet, we must
give way, I suppose; it seems that I am to be the favourite; there is
something in my physiognomy which has taken the child's fancy; come,
hand me the clothes, I must try my skill in dressing this capricious