Tim came up while we were busy, and stared at us.

I was helping Peggy drag the mattresses and bedclothes into the passage.

The open windows and the wet boards reeking with soft soap evidently astonished him.
'Where be us to sleep to-night ?' quoth Tim; 'it is colder than in the yard.' But Peggy, who was excited by her work, bade him hold his tongue and not stand gaping there blocking up the passage.
I had been singing over my work, just to put heart into all of us and make us forget what a very disagreeable business it was, when Tim again made his appearance and said there was a gentleman in the kitchen.

'He thought he knowed him, but wasn't sure, but he had asked for the lady.' I went down at once, and found it was Mr.Tudor; he was sitting very comfortably by the fire, with all the children round him; little Janie was on his knee; her face was clean, and her pretty curls had been nicely brushed, so I did not mind her cuddling up to him, and I knew he was fond of children and always ready to play with them.
He put her down and shook hands with me, and said the vicar had sent him to look after me, as he could not come himself.

I thought he looked a little amused at my appearance; and no wonder.