“Stephen, is it? Good even, lad. I’m fain to see thee back. Art only just come?”
“Long enough to eat half a supper, and for Anania to get into more than half a temper,” said Stephen, laughing. “I’m come to see, Aunt, if you’ll give me another half.”
“That I will, lad, and kindly welcome. What will thou have? I’ve a fat fish pie and some cold pork and beans.”
“Let’s have the pork and beans, for I’ve been eating pie up yonder.”
“Good, and I’ll put some apples down to roast. Hast thou enjoyed thy holiday?”
“Ay, middling, thank you, if it hadn’t been so cold.”
“It’s a desperate cold winter!” said Isel, with a sigh, which Stephen felt certain was breathed to the memory of the Germans. “I never remember a worse.”
“I’m afraid you feel lonely, Aunt.”
“Ay, lonely enough, the saints know!”
“Why doesn’t Haimet wed, and bring you a daughter to help you? Mabel’s a bit too grand, I reckon.”