46 DIGGING A GRAVE

of course I was; sure a drunken woman a
mad woman as long as she’s drunk but it’s
how she gets the drink, astonishes us all.
That old Irish woman was her nurse, we know
that; but there never was one stood out more
against bribery than Mrs. Byrne; yet, she’s
very fond of her, We have a weary, weary
time of it; we all pity Mrs. Layton and love
the dear children. The eldest was sent away,
and Mrs. Layton was as nice a lady and as
good a mistress, 1 have heard, as ever lived,
until she fell into this habit; but, of course.
as you are Mrs. Byrne’s friend, you know more
about it than I do.” *

‘‘ Indeed,” replied Mary, “I know nothing
about it; I have worked for the lady,— Mrs.
Byrne bringing me the work,—for a good
while; but I never knew she was her nurse ;
we poor Irish, | know, are very ignorant:
“but we have too much respect for our employ-

ers to make a talk about their affairs, particu.