Work: A Story of Experience - Chapter 8

LISHA WILKINS., ,WHEN Christie opened the eyes that had closed so wearily, afternoon sunshine streamed across the room, and seemed the herald ¹ of happier days. Refreshed by sleep, and comforted by grateful recollections of her kindly ² welcome, she lay tranquilly ⁴ enjoying the friendly atmosphere about her, with so strong a feeling that a skilful ⁵ hand had taken the rudder, that she felt very little anxiety or curiosity about the haven ⁶ which was to receive her boat after this narrow escape from shipwreck ⁷., ,Her eye wandered to and fro, and brightened as it went; for though a poor, plain room it was as neat as hands could make it, and so glorified ⁸ with sunshine that she thought it a lovely place, in spite of the yellow paper with green cabbage roses on it, the gorgeous plaster statuary on the mantel-piece, and the fragrance ⁹ of dough-nuts which pervaded ¹⁰ the air. Every thing suggested home life, humble ¹¹ but happy, and Christie's solitary ¹² heart warmed at the sights and sounds about her., , ,"I wish I could stay here; it's so comfortable and home-like. I wonder if they wouldn't let me have this room, and help me to find some better work than sewing? I'll get up and ask them," thought Christie, feeling an irresistible ¹⁹ desire to stay, and strong repugnance ²⁰ to returning to the room she had left, for, as Rachel truly said, it was haunted for her., ,When she opened the door to go down, Mrs. Wilkins bounced out of her rocking-chair and hurried to meet her with a smiling face, saying all in one breath:, ,Dawn is the herald of day.曙光是白昼的先驱。,Her neighbours spoke of her as kindly and hospitable.她的邻居都说她和蔼可亲、热情好客 。