As for the question of serving wenches, I trow the wench who goes will have an easier time than the sisters who abide at home.

Susan, I think it only right to help Prudence in this matter; I can see no reason against so doing." Susan seldom opposed the master of the house, but she looked a little sour and displeased.
"We shall have Christmas upon us right soon; we can ill spare any hands then," she said.
"O--ho! So it is the thought of thine own pies and stuffed meats that weighs with thee!" said Martin with a laugh.

"Then I will tell thee what I will do.

I will send Cherry, whom thou art ever chiding for being useless to thee.

She shall go to wait upon the two young madams and help good Prudence at the Cross Way House, and thou shalt keep thy two useful nieces at home with thee." Susan's brow cleared somewhat, but she made a movement of her bony shoulders indicative of scorn.
"Cherry may go with all my heart, for she is idler and more useless than ever, and does naught from morning to night but sit at the window, watching the folks in the street, and turning from red to pale and pale to red as though she were a bride looking for the arrival of her bridegroom.