Essays on Life 



The mediaeval boiled egg was always eaten by 

 dipping bread into the yolk. 



Behind the lady who is bringing in the eggs 

 is the under-under-nurse who is at the fire 

 warming a towel. In the foreground we have 

 the regulation midwife holding the regulation 

 baby (who, by the way, was an astonishingly 

 fine child for only five minutes old). Then 

 comes the under-nurse a good buxom crea- 

 ture, who, as usual, is feeling the water in 

 the bath to see that it is of the right tempera- 

 ture. Next to her is the head-nurse, who is 

 arranging the cradle. Behind the head-nurse 

 is the under-under-nurse's drudge, who is just 

 going out upon some errands. Lastly for 

 by this time we have got all round the chapel 

 we arrive at the Virgin's grandmother's 

 body-guard, a stately, responsible - looking 

 lady, standing in waiting upon her mistress. 

 I put it to the reader is it conceivable that 

 St. Joachim should have been allowed in such 

 a room at such a time, or that he should have 

 had the courage to avail himself of the per- 

 mission, even though it had been extended to 

 him ? At any rate, is it conceivable that he 



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