Avery — Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

"Oh, Pink Mother can't lift you.... I would if I could.... Yes, I know I used to- "Molly, take the baby. Couldn't you amuse him, somehow? Perhaps, if you tried hard, you could keep him still. When he screams so, it seems to hit me-here. It makes it harder to breathe. He cried 'most all night. And if you could contrive to keep Pink, too- "What is it, Kate? You'll have to manage without me this morning. Pick up anything for luncheon-I don't care. I couldn't eat. You can warm over that mutton for yourselves. We must keep the bills down. They were too large last month. Order a grouse for Mr. Avery. He says he will dine at home to-night- "There 's the telephone Somebody answer it. I can't get down, myself.... Is it Mr. Avery? ... Wants me? ... I don't see how I can.... Yes. Hold the wire. I 'll try-