Mrs. Rimmer gave them very hearty welcome, in her surprised spasmodic fashion.
"Ech, but it's good on yo' all to come an' see an old woman," she said, gazing round at them from her bed, with bright restless eyes and a curious anxious scrutiny. "Yo' grow so I connot hardly keep pace wi' yo'. It seems nobbut a year or two sin' yo' lads were running naked on the flats."
"We were just recalling it all as we came along, Mrs. Rimmer, and regretting that we couldn't remain children all our lives," said Gracie.
"Ah--yo' connot do that"--with a wistful shake of the head.
"And how's Mr. Rimmer?" asked Eager.
"Hoo's a' reet. Hoo's at his work."
"And Seth?"
"Seth's away."
"And where's Kattie?" asked Jim.
"Hoo went across to village, but hoo'd ought to be home by now. But once the lasses git togither they mun clack, and they nivver know when to stop."