“And wimmin is sich fools! For my part, when the chillun’s well the men may go to Old Nick for me! But she ’aint got no chillun to comfort her, poor young thing.”
“Not yet, mother,” said Pina, significantly.
“‘Not yet?’ What do you mean, gal? Soon will!”
“Yes, mammy.”
“When?”
“Don’t know exactly; neither does she; but soon; and that’s another reason why I sent for you.”
“Um hum. Well, if that’s so, she’s not to be let to go raving and tearing about, let who will come or stay away,” said the wise woman.
The abrupt entrance of Leo put an end to this part of the gossip.
The boy sat down at the table and took his tea.
“And now, mammy,” said Pina, “as it’s late and you’re tired, I’ll show you where you are to sleep. I shall have to stop in the room with the mist’ess.”