Altogether the tribute was a very comfortable assistance to the housekeeping of a lady living in a small way in lodgings.
Mr Cheesacre, when he saw the array on the long sofa-table, knew that he was to prepare himself for some resistance; but that resistance would give him, he thought, an opportunity of saying a few words that he was desirous of speaking, and he did not altogether regret it.

"I just called in," he said, "to see how you were." "We are not likely to starve," said Mrs Greenow, pointing to the delicacies from Oileymead.
"Just a few trifles that my old woman asked me to bring in," said Cheesacre.

"She insisted on putting them up." "But your old woman is by far too magnificent," said Mrs Greenow.
"She really frightens Kate and me out of our wits." Mr Cheesacre had no wish that Miss Vavasor's name should be brought into play upon the occasion.

"Dear Mrs Greenow," said he, "there is no cause for you to be alarmed, I can assure you.

Mere trifles;--light as air, you know.