If I were you, I think I would enter on the subject with Stelling at once: there's no necessity for sending the boy before Midsummer, but I would be on the safe side, and make sure that nobody forestalls you." "Ay, there's summat in that," said Mr.Tulliver.
"Father," broke in Maggie, who had stolen unperceived to her father's elbow again, listening with parted lips, while she held her doll topsy-turvy, and crushed its nose against the wood of the chair,--"father, is it a long way off where Tom is to go?
Sha'n't we ever go to see him ?" "I don't know, my wench," said the father, tenderly.

"Ask Mr.Riley; he knows." Maggie came round promptly in front of Mr.Riley, and said, "How far is it, please, sir ?" "Oh, a long, long way off," that gentleman answered, being of opinion that children, when they are not naughty, should always be spoken to jocosely.

"You must borrow the seven-leagued boots to get to him." "That's nonsense!" said Maggie, tossing her head haughtily, and turning away, with the tears springing in her eyes.

She began to dislike Mr.Riley; it was evident he thought her silly and of no consequence.
"Hush, Maggie! for shame of you, asking questions and chattering," said her mother.

"Come and sit down on your little stool, and hold your tongue, do.