She laughed, and laughed, and laughed, rocking herself to and fro as if in an ecstasy of mirth.
"Why, father, whatever's the matter with her ?" Daisy looked quite scared.
"She's in 'sterics--that's what it is," he said shortly.
"I'll just get the water-jug.

Wait a minute!" Bunting felt very put out.

Ellen was ridiculous--that's what she was, to be so easily upset.
The lodger's bell suddenly pealed through the quiet house.

Either that sound, or maybe the threat of the water-jug, had a magical effect on Mrs.Bunting.She rose to her feet, still shaking all over, but mentally composed.
"I'll go up," she said a little chokingly.

"As for you, child, just run down into the kitchen.