"Crumbs!" exclaimed Joe, "what a bloodthirsty old cove he is, with his gallers-trees! This means jam, this does."
"Jam?" repeated Ravenslee wonderingly.
"Sir, whenever the Old Un's put out, 'e flies to jam same as some chaps do to drink; makes a fair old beast of hisself, he do. If you'll excuse us, sir, Spider an' me'll just keep a eye on him to see as he don't go upsettin' his old innards again."
Ravenslee nodded, and smiling, watched them hurry after the little old man; but gradually his amusement waned, and he became lost in frowning thought. So deeply abstracted was he that he started to find Mrs. Trapes regarding him with her sharp, bright eyes.
"Mr. Geoffrey, here's a cup o' beef tea as I've prepared with my own hand—"
"But where's—"
"She's gone t' bed. Here's a cup o' beef tea as is stiff with nourishment, so get it into your system good an' quick."
"Gone to bed—"
"She says it's a headache, o' course—drink it down while it's hot—but I reckon it's more 'n a headache—yes, sir. A while back I says t' you—'woo her,' I says, Mr. Geoffrey. I now says—let her alone awhile. The poor child's all wore out—it's nerves as is the matter with her, I reckon. So, Mr. Ravenslee, be patient, this ain't no wooin' time; it's rest she needs an' change of air—"
"Why, then, Mrs. Trapes, she shall have them!"