“There, now, if that isn’t funny!” said the girl, clapping her hands. “Why, that’s just what Martha said to him, and he quite quarrelled with her. He said it was his duty as the village constable to apprehend all vagabonds, and that if his sister did not know how to pay him more respect he should not stoop to come and speak to her again.”
“Well done, cook!” cried Waller, laughing. “What then?”
“Why, she up and told him that he was only a lazy vagabond himself, for he never did hardly any work, and that since he had been made constable the place had not been big enough to hold him. But there, I can’t stop talking here; I have got to get your tea. What am I to say to Martha about your taking that pork-pie?”
“Nothing,” said Waller gruffly.
“But she meant it for your tea.”
“Well, I had it for lunch instead. Now go away and don’t bother.”
“Well, I am sure!” cried the girl. “What’s come to you, Master Waller? You’re as cross as two sticks.”
“Of course I am, if you stop chattering here instead of getting me my tea.”
“But it won’t be tea-time for another hour.”
“I tell you it’s always tea-time for anyone who hasn’t had any dinner, so go and get it at once.”