Why is Brigid slowing down at work in Lyddie by Katherine Paterson?

Brigid slows down because she is worried about her sick mother.

Brigid is one of the newer Irish factory girls.  Lyddie spent some time helping the new girls learn how to work the machines, but she has little patience for them.  She is too focused on her own work.

One day, Lyddie looks over and notices that Brigid is crying.  She decides that Brigid needs to “bear her own troubles.”  She doesn’t intervene.  She has...

Brigid slows down because she is worried about her sick mother.

Brigid is one of the newer Irish factory girls.  Lyddie spent some time helping the new girls learn how to work the machines, but she has little patience for them.  She is too focused on her own work.

One day, Lyddie looks over and notices that Brigid is crying.  She decides that Brigid needs to “bear her own troubles.”  She doesn’t intervene.  She has her own problems, since she is worried about her little sister Rachel. 

Then Mr. Marsden, the overseer, asks her to do something to speed Brigid up.

But it was not about Rachel that Mr.  Marsden wished to speak, it was about the wretched Irish girl.

"You must tell her," he said, "that she must get her speed up. I can't keep her on, even as a spare hand, unless she can maintain a proper pace." (Ch. 15) 

Lyddie is a little confused that Mr. Marsden does not just tell Brigid himself.  After all, it is his job as the overseer.  Brigid looks so frightened when she tells her that Lyddie feels sorry for her.  Brigid reminds her of Rachel.  That is the reason Lyddie agrees to help her. 

Unfortunately, Brigid is slower than ever, and Lyddie wants to scream.  She finally asks Brigid what is going on.  It turns out the girl has been worried about something. 

At last Lyddie exploded when once again the girl's inattention caused a snarl and a ruined piece. "You must mind, girl!" she shouted. "Forget everything else but the loom." 

"But I canna forget," Brigid cried out. "Me mother sick unto death and no money for a doctor." (Ch. 16) 

Lyddie gives her money for the doctor, and things improve.  Brigid is actually early to work, and eager.  Lyddie finds her “pathetically grateful,” but she is glad that Mr. Marsden is pleased.  Unfortunately, Lyddie becomes ill.