Martin himself was out on business, and would dine abroad that day, and nothing better pleased the careful housewife than to dispense with any formal dinner when there was a company supper to be cooked, and thus save the attendant labour of washing up as well as the time wasted in the consumption of the meal.
Jemima and Keziah never dreamed of disputing their aunt's will; but Cherry pouted and complained that it was hard to work all day without even the dinner hour as a relief.

Mistress Susan gave her a sharp rebuke that silenced without subduing her; and she kept throwing wistful glances out of the window, watching the play of sunshine on the water, and longing to be out in the fresh air--for such a day as this was too good to be wasted indoors.

Tomorrow belike the sun would not shine, and the wind would be cold and nipping.
Jemima and Keziah saw the wistful glances, and longed to interpose on behalf of their favourite; but Mistress Susan was not one it was well to interfere with, and Cherry was not in favour that day.

But an inspiration came over Jemima at last, and she suddenly exclaimed: "Sure, but how badly we need some fresh rushes for the parlour floor! There be not enough to cover it, and they all brown and old.
There has been scarce any frost as yet.

I trow the river rushes will be yet green, and at least they will be fresh.