What have I got to do with a water-supply for the village?
It will be as much as ever I can manage to keep a water-tight roof over our heads during the winter after the way in which Robert has behaved." Marcella's cheek flushed.
"The village water-supply is a _disgrace_," she said with low emphasis.
"I never saw such a crew of unhealthy, wretched-looking children in my life as swarm about those cottages.

We take the rent, and we ought to look after them.

I believe you could be _forced_ to do something, papa--if the local authority were of any use." She looked at him defiantly.
"Nonsense," said Mr.Boyce testily.

"They got along in your Uncle Robert's days, and they can get along now.

Charity, indeed! Why, the state of this house and the pinch for money altogether is enough, I should think, to take a man's mind.