"Where is what?"
"The grub you promised us."
"You shall have it presently."
I noticed that the children's clothes were drying on them, and I suggested to the woman that she should take them off.
"I've nothing to wrap 'em in, master," she said.
I went into my bedroom, and brought back sheets and blankets, which I gave to the woman. She took them in silence, and carried out my suggestion. I then made two or three journeys to the larder, and brought up the food I found there, bread, butter, meat, and the remains of a pie. When I came up for the last time I saw the man standing, looking round the room.
"He ain't took nothing, master," said the woman, "and sha'n't."
I nodded, and the man resumed his recumbent position before the fire. I handed them the food, and they devoured it wolfishly. They ate more like animals than human beings.
"Can't you treat us to a mug of beer, master?" asked the man.
"I have no beer," I replied. "I think I can find some tea, if you would like to have it."