Mr.Robert, perhaps you'll be so good as let me help you, sir?
It's good tea; and my Dody," she added, cajolingly, "my home girl 'll tell us what she saw.
I'm pinched and starved to hear." "By-and-by, mother," interposed the farmer; "tomorrow." He spoke gently, but frowned.
Both Rhoda and Robert perceived that they were peculiarly implicated in the business which was to be discussed without Mrs.Sumfit's assistance.
Her father's manner forbade Rhoda from making any proposal for the relief of the forlorn old woman.
"And me not to hear to-night about your play-going!" sighed Mrs.
Sumfit.

"Oh, it's hard on me.

I do call it cruel.

And how my sweet was dressed--like as for a Ball." She saw the farmer move his foot impatiently.
"Then, if nobody drinks this remaining cup, I will," she pursued.
No voice save her own was heard till the cup was emptied, upon which Master Gammon, according to his wont, departed for bed to avoid the seduction of suppers, which he shunned as apoplectic, and Mrs.Sumfit prepared, in a desolate way, to wash the tea-things, but the farmer, saying that it could be done in the morning, went to the door and opened it for her.
She fetched a great sigh and folded her hands resignedly.

As she was passing him to make her miserable enforced exit, the heavy severity of his face afflicted her with a deep alarm; she fell on her knees, crying,-- "Oh, William! it ain't for sake of hearin' talk; but you, that went to see our Dahly, the blossom, 've come back streaky under the eyes, and you make the house feel as if we neighboured Judgement Day.