"Precisely. What do you say to that, Mrs. Fogson?"
"I say, as everybody says, that the Averys squandered the town's money."
"They certainly didn't put it into their own pockets. The town, I think I am safe in saying, doesn't mean to starve the poor people whom it provides for. Do I understand that you are actuated by a desire to save the town's money?"
"Of course I am, and Squire Dixon approves all I do," answered Mrs. Fogson defiantly.
"If he approves your withholding the necessities of life from those under your charge he is unfit for his position. When the accounts of the poorhouse are audited at the end of the year I shall make a searching examination, and ascertain how much less they are under your administration than under that of your predecessors."
Judging from her looks, Mrs. Fogson was aching to scratch Dr. Redmond's eyes out; but as he was not a pauper she was compelled to restrain her anger.
"Now, Mrs. Connolly," said the doctor, "you are to have tea twice a day, and three times on Sunday. I shall see that it is given to you," he added, with a significant glance at Mrs. Fogson.
"Oh, how glad I am!" said the poor creature. "God bless you, Dr. Redmond!"
"Mrs. Fogson," went on the doctor, "do you limit yourself to tea once a week?"
"I ain't a pauper, Dr. Redmond!" replied Mrs. Fogson indignantly.