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294 At the Back of the North Wind
There wouldn't be much good in teaching her to drive a cab, for where would she get the cab to drive? There ain't fathers and old Diamonds everywhere. At least poor Nanny can't find any of them, I doubt."
" Perhaps if she were taught to be nice and clean, and only speak gentle words-----"
" Mother could teach her that," interrupted Diamond.
"And to dress babies, and feed them, and take care of them," Mr. Raymond proceeded, "she might get a place as a nurse somewhere, you know. People do give money for that."
"Then I'll ask mother," said Diamond.
"But you'll have to give her her food then; and your father, not being strong, has enough to do already without that."
"But here's me," said Diamond: "I help him out with it. When he's tired of driving, up I get. It don't make any difference to old Diamond. I don't mean he likes me as well as my father—of course he can't, you know — nobody could; but he does his duty all the same. It's got to be done, you know, sir; and Diamond's a good horse—isn't he, sir?"
"From your description I should say certainly; but I have not the pleasure of his acquaintance myself."
" Don't you think he will go to heaven, sir?"
"That I don't know anything about," said Mr. Raymond. " I confess I should be glad to think so," he added, smiling thoughtfully.
" I'm sure he'll get to the back of the north wind, anyhow," said Diamond to himself; but he had learned to be very careful of saying such things aloud. |
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