The doctor said he would not last much longer . She told all her troubles unreservedly to Corona in her monotonous voice . Her `` man '' was drinking again and the mackerel catch was poor . When Mrs. Hart asked Corona to go in and see Jacky , Frances went too . The sick boy , a child with a delicate , wasted face and large , bright eyes , lay in a tiny bedroom off the kitchen . The air was hot and heavy . Mrs. Hart stood at the foot of the bed with her tragic face . `` We have to set up nights with him now , '' she said . `` It 's awful hard on me and my man . The neighbours are kind enough and come sometimes , but most of them have enough to do . His medicine has to be given every half hour . I 've been up for three nights running now . Jabez was off to the tavern for two . I 'm just about played out . '' She suddenly broke down and began to cry , or rather whimper , in a heart-broken way . Corona looked troubled . `` I wish I could come tonight , Mrs. Hart , but I 'm afraid I 'm really not strong enough yet . '' `` I do n't know much about sickness , '' spoke up Frances firmly , `` but if to sit by the child and give him his medicine regularly is all that is necessary , I am sure I can do that . I 'll come and sit up with Jacky tonight if you care to have me . '' Afterwards , when she and Corona were driving away , she wondered a good deal at herself .
But Corona was so evidently pleased with her offer , and took it all so much as a matter of course , that XXXXX had not the courage to display her wonder .
Corona Frances Hart Jabez Jacky bedroom deal hour nights troubles