Though in bed she has been listening, and this is what she has to say, in a voice that makes my mother very indignant, 'You drive a bargain! I'm thinking ten shillings was nearer what you paid.' 'Four shillings to a penny!' says my mother.
'I daresay,' says my sister; 'but after you paid him the money I heard you in the little bedroom press.

What were you doing there ?' My mother winces.

'I may have given him a present of an old topcoat,' she falters.

'He looked ill-happit.

But that was after I made the bargain.' 'Were there bairns in the cart ?' 'There might have been a bit lassie in the cart.' 'I thought as much.