"But I should never be happy out of my kitchen, my love," said Mrs.Pill, biting a piece of darning-cotton, "so here I stay till missus goes under." "And she won't do that for a long time," said Thomas.

"Missus is strong.

A good, kind, healthy lady." Geraldine followed with an account of herself, which related chiefly to her good looks and many lovers, and the tyranny of mistresses.

"I will say, however, that after being here a year, I have nothing to complain of." "I should think not," grunted Thomas.

"I've been twenty years with Miss Loach, and a good 'un she is.