No one knew how she lived, and really she would be better off in the workhouse.

She could be sent to Brexley Union, and comfortably taken care of, but she had that singular, obstinate dislike to going, which it was so difficult to manage.

She had asked for a shilling a week from the parish, but that could not be allowed her, as it would merely uphold her in her obstinate intention of remaining in her cottage, and taking care of herself--which she could not do.

Betty gathered that the shilling a week would be a drain on the parish funds, and would so raise the old creature to affluence that she would feel she could defy fate.

And the contumacity of old men and women should not be strengthened by the reckless bestowal of shillings.
Knowing that Miss Vanderpoel had already gained influence among the village people, Mrs.Brent said, she had come to ask her if she would see old Mrs.Welden and argue with her in such a manner as would convince her that the workhouse was the best place for her.