“Precious little,” said Sam. “Well, you’ve offered ’em at six bob, eh? Well, you are a nice one; and doing their work, too!”
“No, Sam, dear, I told them they could have them for five shillings a week.”
“Five!” shouted Sam.
“Yes, dear,” said Mrs Jenkles, pitifully; “don’t be cross, dear. They said they wouldn’t take them.”
“That’s a comfort,” said Sam.
“But,” exclaimed Mrs Jenkles, hurriedly, “I persuaded them to come. I told them that they would be saving half a crown a week, and that in twelve weeks they would have paid off the thirty shillings you lent them, and they’re coming.”
“And how many more weeks will it take to pay off the money you lent them?” said Sam, facing round sharply.
“Only three, dear; it was only seven and sixpence, Sam.”
“You’ll ruin me,” said Sam. “You know as we’re as poor as can be,” he went on, with his eyes averted from her.
“No, Sam, we’re not; for we’ve a comfortable home, and we always save a little.”