As a counterpoise, Mrs. Broad, who had
desired a nurse from a distance, whom she knew, installed herself
with Priscilla. Nurse Barton had a great dislike to Mrs. Broad,
although she attended Mr. Broad's ministrations at Tanner's Lane.
She was not a member of the church, and never could be got to propose
herself for membership. There was, in fact, a slight flavour of
Paganism about her. She was considered to belong to the "world," and
it was only her age and undoubted skill which saved her practice
amongst the Tanner's Lane ladies. There was a rival in the town; but
she was a younger woman, and never went out to any of the respectable
houses, save when Mrs. Barton was not available.
The child was safely born, and as soon as nurse Barton could be
spared for an hour or two she went to Mrs. Allen, whom she found
alone. The good woman then gave Mrs. Allen her opinions, which, by
the way, she always gave with prefect frankness.
"Thank the Lord-i-mercy this 'ere job, Mrs. Allen, is near at an end.
If it 'adn't been my dear boy George's wife, never would I have set
foot in that 'ouse."
"Why not?"
"Why not? Now, Mrs. Allen, you know as well as I do.
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