I thought he wouldn't keep us up so late, two nights running, mim.

Master's always considerate so far.

I'm so glad, mim, on your account.

I'm a little'-- here Miggs simpered--'a little sleepy myself; I'll own it now, mim, though I said I wasn't when you asked me.

It ain't of no consequence, mim, of course.' 'You had better,' said the locksmith, who most devoutly wished that Barnaby's raven was at Miggs's ankles, 'you had better get to bed at once then.' 'Thanking you kindly, sir,' returned Miggs, 'I couldn't take my rest in peace, nor fix my thoughts upon my prayers, otherways than that I knew mistress was comfortable in her bed this night; by rights she ought to have been there, hours ago.' 'You're talkative, mistress,' said Varden, pulling off his greatcoat, and looking at her askew.
'Taking the hint, sir,' cried Miggs, with a flushed face, 'and thanking you for it most kindly, I will make bold to say, that if I give offence by having consideration for my mistress, I do not ask your pardon, but am content to get myself into trouble and to be in suffering.' Here Mrs Varden, who, with her countenance shrouded in a large nightcap, had been all this time intent upon the Protestant Manual, looked round, and acknowledged Miggs's championship by commanding her to hold her tongue.
Every little bone in Miggs's throat and neck developed itself with a spitefulness quite alarming, as she replied, 'Yes, mim, I will.' 'How do you find yourself now, my dear ?' said the locksmith, taking a chair near his wife (who had resumed her book), and rubbing his knees hard as he made the inquiry.
'You're very anxious to know, an't you ?' returned Mrs Varden, with her eyes upon the print.