On being told that she was, three of them returned to their cups, while one shook her head, saying.

"Poor child, I pity you." Mary had heard that remark many times, but she knew that the words now conveyed other meaning than what referred to her face or teeth.
"Where can I find Mrs.Grundy ?" she at last ventured to ask.
"Where can you find who ?" asked a spiteful looking woman.

"Did she tell you to call her so ?" "She told me that was her name,--yes, ma'am," said Mary.
"Well, _Mrs._ Grundy is in the but'ry," indicating with her elbow the direction.
Mary had no trouble in finding "the but'ry," but on trying the door, she found it fastened inside.

In answer to her gentle knock a harsh voice replied, "Who's there ?" "It's I.I've come after the milk for Alice." With a jerk Mrs.Grundy opened the door, and putting a pint cup two thirds full of blue milk in Mary's hand, she hastily shut and fastened it again.

Quick as her movements were, Mary caught a smell of strong green tea, and the sight of a sugar bowl and a slice of white bread.
She knew now why the door was buttoned, but thinking it was none of her business, she started to return to the kitchen.