You'll happen be a bit moithered
with it while it's so little; but I'll come, and welcome, and see to
it for you: I've a bit o' time to spare most days, for when one gets
up betimes i' the morning, the clock seems to stan' still tow'rt
ten, afore it's time to go about the victual. So, as I say, I'll
come to see to the child for you, and welcome.'
'Thank you... kindly,' said Silas, hesitating a little, 'I'll be
glad if you'll tell me things. But,' he added, uneasily, leaning
forward to look at Baby with some jealousy, as she was resting her
head backward against Dolly's arm, and eyeing him contentedly from a
distance- 'But I want to do things for it myself, else it may get fond
o' somebody else, and not fond o' me. I've been used to fending for
myself in the house- I can learn, I can learn.'
'Eh, to be sure,' said Dolly, gently. 'I've seen men as are
wonderful handy wi' children. The men are awk'ard and contrairy
mostly, God help 'em- but when the drink's out of 'em, they aren't
unsensible, though they're bad for leeching and bandaging- so fiery
and unpatient. You see this goes first, next the skin,' proceeded
Dolly, taking up the little shirt, and putting it on.
'Yes,' said Marner, docilely, bringing his eyes very close, that
they might be initiated in the mysteries; whereupon Baby seized his
head with both her small arms, and put her lips against his face
with purring noises.
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