Here the linen was boiled and disinfected.

By the light of the lanterns Laura discovered that her husband was standing by the copper, and that it was he who unloaded the barrow and immersed its contents.

The night was so calm and muggy that the conversation by the copper reached her ears.
'Are there many more loads to-night ?' 'There's the clothes o' they that died this afternoon, sir.

But that might bide till to-morrow, for you must be tired out.' 'We'll do it at once, for I can't ask anybody else to undertake it.
Overturn that load on the grass and fetch the rest.' The man did so and went off with the barrow.

Maumbry paused for a moment to wipe his face, and resumed his homely drudgery amid this squalid and reeking scene, pressing down and stirring the contents of the copper with what looked like an old rolling-pin.