'Is Pennyloaf in,
Mrs. Todd?'
'Yes, Miss. Will you walk through?'
The room behind is lighted from the ceiling. It is heaped with the
most miscellaneous clothing. It contains two beds, some shelves with
crockery, a table, some chairs--but it would have taken you a long
time to note all these details, so huddled together was everything.
Part of the general huddling were five children, of various ages;
and among them, very busy, sat Pennyloaf.
'Everything going on well?' was Jane's first question.
'Yes, Miss.'
'Then I know it isn't. Whenever you call me "Miss," there's
something wrong; I've learnt that.'
Pennyloaf smiled, sadly but with affection in her eyes. 'Well, I
have been a bit low, an' that's the truth. It takes me sometimes,
you know. I've been thinkin', when I'd oughtn't.'
'Same with me, Pennyloaf. We can't help thinking, can we? What a
good thing if we'd nothing more to think about than these children!
Where's little Bob? Why, Bob, I thought you were old clothes; I did,
really! You may well laugh!'
The laughter was merry, and Jane encouraged it, inventing all sorts
of foolish jokes. 'Pennyloaf, I wish you'd ask me to stay to tea.
Pages:
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744