"You're very good, sir; I'm ever so much obliged to you."
"Oh, mother, I've 'ad sech a supper! Did yer get the money for the washing?"
She was accustomed to take her part in these domestic matters, which were, in a sense, vital.
"Don't worry, child, before the gentlemen."
"But did yer, mother?" persisted Little Prue, thinking of the chances of food for to-morrow.
"No. There, child, let me alone."
"Have you a candle in the place?" asked Grantham, suspecting the state of affairs.
"No, sir. I am really ashamed----"
"We owe your little one a shilling for some matches," said Grantham, pitying her confusion, and slipping the money into her hand. "Is it too late to buy some candles?"
He would have taken his departure under these awkward circumstances, but he considered it his duty to tell Mrs. Flower of the accident that had happened to her husband.