The Writings of George Eliot (Volume 1) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1908. Excerpt: ... her arms, removing the knives and forks, which had been laid for dinner three hours ago. "Master says he can't eat no dinner," was Nanny's first word. "He's never tasted nothin' sin' yesterday mornin', but a cup o' tea." "When was your missis took worse?" "O' Monday night. They sent for Dr. Madeley i' the middle o' the day yisterday, an' he's here again now." "Is the baby alive?" "No, it died last night. The children's all at Mrs. Bond's. She come and took 'em away last night, but the master says they must be fetched soon. He's upstairs now, wi' Dr. Madeley and Mr. Brand." At this moment Mrs. Hackit heard the sound of a heavy, slow foot, in the passage; and presently Amos Barton entered, with dry despairing eyes, haggard and unshaven. He expected to find the sitting-room as he left it, with nothing to meet his eyes but Milly's workbasket in the corner of the sofa, and the children's toys overturned in the bow-window. But when he saw Mrs. Hackit come towards him with answering sorrow in her face, the pent-up fountain of tears was opened; he threw himself on the sofa, hid his face, and sobbed aloud. "Bear up, Mr. Barton," Mrs. Hackit ventured to say at last;" bear up, for the sake o' them dear children." "The children," said Amos, starting up. "They must be sent for. Some one must fetch them. Milly Will want to --" He could n't finish the sentence, but Mrs. Hackit understood him, and said, "I 'll send the man with the pony-carriage for 'em." She went out to give the order, and encountered Dr. Madeley and Mr. Brand, who were just going. Mr. Brand said, "I am very glad to see you are here, Mrs. Hackit. No time must be lost in sending for the children. Mrs. Barton wants to see them." "Do you quite give her up, then?" "She can hardly live through the night. She begged us to tell her how l...