`` They told me you were dead , and I only heard of you by accident , not knowing I should find my old friend alive , but not well , I 'm afraid ? '' `` There ai n't much left of me but bones and pain , ma'am . I 'm powerful glad to see you all the same . Dust off a chair , Patsey , and let the lady set down . You go in the corner , and take turns lickin ' the dish , while I see company , '' said Joe , disbanding his small troop , and shouldering the baby as if presenting arms in honor of his guest . `` Why did n't you let me know how sick you were ? And how came they to think you dead ? '' I asked , as he festooned the wet linen out of the way , and prepared to enjoy himself as best he could . `` I did send once , when things was at the wust ; but you had n't got back , and then somehow I thought I was goin ' to be mustered out for good , and so would n't trouble nobody . But my orders ai n't come yet , and I am doing the fust thing that come along . It ai n't much , but the good soul stood by me , and I ai n't ashamed to pay my debts this way , sence I ca n't do it in no other ; '' and Joe cradled the chubby baby in his one arm as tenderly as if it had been his own , though little Biddy was not an inviting infant . `` That is very beautiful and right , Joe , and I honor you for it ; but you were not meant to tend babies , so sing your last lullabies , and be ready to go to the Home as soon as I can get you there . '' `` Really , ma'am ? I used to lay and kind of dream about it when I could n't stir without yellin ' out ; but I never thought it would ever come to happen . I see a piece in the paper describing it , and it sounded dreadful nice . Should n't wonder if I found some of my mates there . They were a good lot , and deservin ' of all that could be done for 'em , '' said Joe , trotting the baby briskly , as if the prospect excited him , as well it might , for the change from that damp nursery to the comfortable quarters prepared for him would be like going from Purgatory to Paradise . `` I do n't wonder you do n't get well living in such a place , Joe . You should have gone home to Woolwich , and let your friends help you , '' I said , feeling provoked with him for hiding himself . `` No , ma'am ! ''
he answered , with a look I never shall forget , it was so full of mingled patience , pride , and XXXXX .
babies company corner debts linen mates nursery pain paper way