"A soldier?"
"No, a fox-hunting young gentleman. 'Tis a subject I don't care to think about. How did Satan tempt you, Susan?"
"Wi' a brandy-bottle. It stood there makin' eyes at me...."
"For all the world like my young gentleman."
"What saved you, Jane?"
"I dunno'. It might ha' been God A'mighty's grace. It might ha' been fear o' consequences.'
"Them two things saved me, Jane. But I calls it one thing. God A'mighty's grace made both on us think o' consequences. I says to myself: 'What will Alferd do if his mother don't go churchalong? What'll happen to him, if his mother be known as a drunkard?' And, there and then, Jane, my pore faith come a-flutterin' back, a-shaking its feathers, like a hen after a storm o' rain. And the storm was over, too. It's been warm and sunny for me ever since. Now you know why I be proud o' my Christian feelings."
Mrs. Mucklow nodded and finished her cake. She had begun her second cup of tea, when steps were heard upon the stone flags which led from the front wicket to the back door.
"'Tis Alferd," said Mrs. Yellam.
"And Miss Fancy Broomfield," added Jane Mucklow. "Come to ask your blessing, Susan."