For answer Peggy slowly pulled up her skirt, and displayed one boot, which she raised in the air for inspection. It was certainly very muddy.
"I had to turn back 'm. It was awful! I never see'd such mud—never! It ain't like the mud I've bin accustomed to; it sticks! And it got worse, and a cab-horse wouldn't a-walked through it!"
Joyce stared at her, then lost her patience.
"You stupid girl! It's no good to be afraid of mud in the country. Here are we waiting for our tea! How do you expect us to get our milk? If you don't do it, I must."
Tears that had been very near the surface now ran over.
"Please 'm, it's my best boots, and they cost four shillings and sixpence; but I'll try again 'm."
Peggy choked down a sob, and departed.
Joyce went back to her sister half-amused, half-vexed.
"She thinks no end of her clothes," she said. "If she could only see what a little guy she looks!"
"Oh, hush, Joyce! I don't think she is half bad-looking. She is very thin, and has that stunted, wizened appearance that most London children have, but she has a dear little face. It will be getting dark if she does not make haste. I never should have thought that mud would have turned her back."