“No, to be sure. But about these brothers of yours,—are they the only persons, or are there any others who share your attic?”
“Well, yes, sir; there’s my grand-darter Meg, as honest and truthful a gal as ever——”
“Picked a pocket, or told a falsehood.”
“No, sir, she don’t, nor she wouldn’t do nyther the one nor yet the other—not even in the way of business, as many an honest tradesman do.”
“But that’s rather hard on the honest tradesman, is it not?” smiled Everage.
“Gurr-r-r!” exclaimed the old woman, grinning and showing her snags of teeth. “Gurr-r-r! They hunt us poor creatures away from their shops and stalls, accusing of us of prowling about to see what we can pick up, when all they theirselves is a doing of the gentlefolks to no end! Don’t tell me!”
“But about this girl? Is she—your granddaughter—and her uncles, the only inmates of your attic chamber?”
“Yes, your honor, the onliest ones, and quite to be depended on.”
“Very well, then, I will look in at your place at nine o’clock this evening.”
“And much good may it do your honor and us, too. The Lord bless you, sir. But mind and don’t forget, your honor’s reverence, the four B’s and Number Nine.”