The kitchen was behind it, and Jabez Gum stalked on down the passage, and went into it.

On the other side of the passage was the best sitting-room, and a very small room at the back of it, which Jabez used as an office, and where he kept sundry account-books.
"Where's your missis ?" asked he of the maid, who was on her knees toasting bread.
"Not down yet," was the short response.
"Not down yet!" repeated Jabez in surprise, for Mrs.Gum was generally down by seven.

"You've got that door open again, Rebecca.

How many more times am I to tell you I won't have it ?" "It's the smoke," said Rebecca.

"This chimbley always smokes when it's first lighted." "The chimney doesn't smoke, and you know that you are telling a falsehood.