True, she went bravely in herself and
rescued them, but that did not count for very much. They were terribly
wet, and if they had been drowned it would have been all her fault.
It was Edith who let Tom's chickens out for a run, and the cat came and
killed two of them; that was just before she forgot to shut the
paddock-gate, when the donkey got into mamma's flower-garden and spoilt
all the best plants.
So poor Edith went on from day to day, thankful if she could only lay
her head upon her pillow at night without being blamed for some fresh
escapade, yet thoroughly happy in the freedom of her country life, in
the enjoyment of long summer-day rambles, and endless games with the
little brothers, who thought her "the jolliest girl that ever was," and
followed her lead without scruple, sure that whatever mischief she might
get them into she would bravely shield them from the consequences.
A country doctor, with a not very lucrative practice, Dr. Harley had,
when Edith was about ten years old, sustained a severe pecuniary loss
which greatly reduced his income. It was then that the governess had to
be given up, and the twin boys who came next to Maude and Jessie were
sent to a cheaper school. These boys were leaving now, one to go to the
university, through the kindness of a distant relative, the other to
pass a few weeks with the London coach who would prepare him for a Civil
Service examination.
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