Agnes Darge. (A Scottish nanny)

Her eyes, through gold-rimmed glasses, shattered sham and subterfuge; Her starched white stiffness offered refuge from small hurts and fears; and her rich brogue's soft music brought firth and highland near -- Aggie, my childhood nurse, bristling with common sense, bursting with love for her ``bairns,'' tough or tender by turns. She'd caution, ``mind your tongue, Miss!'' if I sassed her, and her sternest scoldings filled my heart with dread; but still her presence was as reassuring as daybreak . . . or as bread.