But Abby had been in the habit of spoiling her sister, who had a theory that she was never able to do anything early in the morning, and so it was much more considerate for her to stay in bed and keep out of Abby's way.

This is a comfortable theory.
"I suppose you've been an early riser, though ?" said Abby, as she poured the coffee, looking meanwhile approvingly at the figure of her guest, neatly attired in a pink and white print gown, which fitted her in a truly astonishing manner, proving, Abby thought in her simple way, that it had really been a "leading,"-- her bringing the stranger home last night.
"Oh, but yes," Marie answered.

"I help always Old Billy wiz the dogs first, they must be exercise, and do their tricks, and then they are feed.

So hungry they are, the dogs! It make very hard not first to feed them, _hein_ ?" "Is--William--feeble ?" Abby inquired, with some hesitation.
"Feeble, no!" said Marie, with a little laugh.

"But old, you know, and when he is too much drunk it take away his mind; so then I help him, that Le Boss does not find out that and beat him.