But, instead of this, Ann and Hannah had "dilly-dallied" the whole day over cleaning the paint, and now the floor was not even washed up.

My poor wife was a sad way about it; and I am sure that I felt uncomfortable enough.
Afraid to sleep in a damp chamber, we put two sofas together in the parlor, and passed the night there.
The morning rose cloudily enough.

I understood matters clearly.

If Mrs.Sunderland had hired a couple of women for two or three days to do the cleaning, and got a man to shake the carpets, nothing would have been heard about the sulkiness of John, or the notice to quit of cook and chamber maid.

Putting upon them the task of house-cleaning was considered an imposition, and they were not disposed to stand it.
"I shall not be home to dinner to-day," I said, as I rose from the breakfast table.