“You can’t keep ’em from it, and the older they get the more they have to say about their neighbours.
“Not that I care, you know, my dear; they can talk as much as they like for all me, so they pays their bills, and don’t actually insult me to my face.
“But it is very aggravating, my dear, to see ’em chatting and whispering in each other’s rooms, passing unkind remarks behind one’s back, and appearing all smiles and friendly like before your face.
“It don’t matter what you do for ’em, my dear, they will talk about you; and, although I’m no eavesdropper, and wouldn’t listen at any one’s door for all the world, I do know certain things of certain parties, which would surprise certain quarters, if it was only whispered in their ear confidentially, my dear.
“But I’m not one of that kind; I know my position too well for that, my dear, and wouldn’t lower my dignity by peeping into their rooms when they are out, not me! or prying into boxes and drawers, and rummaging about with their work-boxes and private notes. No indeed, nothing of that kind in my house, my dear.
“If they meets me on the landing and says,
“‘Dame Worthington, will you come in for a few moments?’
“I always says,
“‘Certainly, with pleasure, Mistress Perkins; how do you do this morning ma’am? you are looking very well, I never saw you look so young and captivating, indeed I didn’t. Come in! of course I will, for a few minutes, to have a friendly chat, like, about old times.’
“But I always says,