"But," said Esther, "I'll give you sixpence to get your buttons with."
"Yes, that's it; give us sixpence, and yer shall have it back to-morrow if you are 'ere. How long are yer up for? If not, we'll send it."
"I'm not going back just yet."
"What, 'ave yer lost yer situation?"
"No, no," said Mrs. Saunders, "Esther ain't well—she 'as come up for 'er 'ealth; take the sixpence and run along."
"May I go too?" said Julia. "I've been at work since eight, and I've only a few more dogs to do."
"Yes, you may go with your sister. Run along; don't bother me any more,
I've got to get your father's supper."
When Jenny and Julia had left, Esther and Mrs. Saunders could talk freely; the other children were too young to understand.
"There is times when 'e is well enough," said Mrs. Saunders, "and others when 'e is that awful. It is 'ard to know 'ow to get him, but 'e is to be got if we only knew 'ow. Sometimes 'tis most surprising how easy 'e do take things, and at others—well, as about that piece of steak that I was a-telling you of. Should you catch him in that humour 'e's as like as not to take ye by the shoulder and put you out; but if he be in a good humour 'e's as like as not to say, 'Well, my gal, make yerself at 'ome.'"
"He can but turn me out, I'll leave yer to speak to 'im, mother."