"Ay," said the woman, shaking her head, "he loved us a'. We had some one to love us once. It's a long time ago; but when he were in life and with us he did love us, he did. He loved this babby mappen the best on us; but he loved me and I loved him, though I was calling him five minutes agone. Are yo' sure he's dead?" said she, trying to get up. "If it's only that he's ill and like to die, they may bring him round yet. I'm but an ailing creature mysel'--I've been ailing this long time."
"But he is dead--he is drowned!"

'Ay,' said the woman, shaking her head, 'he loved us a'. We had someone to love us once. It's a long time ago; but he did love us, he did. He loved this babby the best; but he loved me and I loved him, though I was calling him five minutes ago. Are yo' sure he's dead?' said she, trying to get up.
'He is dead - drowned!'
