"Don't let Mr.Backhouse beat her; she didn't mean it, she was only in fun, I'm sure." "Well, missy, it's very troiblesome fun I'm sure," said Mrs.Backhouse, patting Milly kindly on the shoulder, for she was a good-natured woman, and it wasn't her way to be angry long.

"I don't know what I'm to give John for his supper, that I don't.

I had nothing in the house but just those little odds and ends of meat, that I thought would make a nice bit of broth for supper.

And now he'll come in wet and hungry, and there'll be nothing for him.

Well, we must do with something else, I suppose, but I expect her father'll beat her." Milly and Olly looked rather awestruck at the idea of a beating from John Backhouse, that great strong brawny farmer; and Milly, whispering something quickly to Aunt Emma, slipped out into the garden again.