It's a bad habit as grows on me, I fear.

If Lyddy 'ad only tell me of it, both together you might do me good.

But Lyddy treats me like a spoilt child.
It's her old way.' 'Mary shall take us both in hand,' said Lydia.

'She shall cure me of my sharp temper and you of grumbling, grandad; and I know which 'll be the hardest job!' Laughing with kindly mirth, the old man drew on his woollen gloves and took up his hat and the violin-bag.

Then he offered to say good-bye.
'But you're forgetting your top-coat, grandad,' said Lydia.
'I didn't come in it, my dear.' 'What's that, then?
I'm sure _we_ don't wear such things.' She pointed to a chair, on which Thyrza had just artfully spread the gift.