"Matches!" said Nanty sternly, and Amelia produced a box like lightning.
Nanty knelt down and removed the fire-screen. Amelia stood and watched her.
"That is not getting tea and toast," said Nanty, without looking round.
"I'm not dressed, mum——" began Amelia argumentatively.
"Tea and toast!" thundered Nanty, and Amelia fled.
"How brave you are," I said.
She laughed.
"I'm certainly not going to be bossed by a young person like Amelia Cockles. How does she suit you?"
"I've never thought of how she suits us, but I think we suit her, although we are not grand like the Tompkinses."
"Who are the Tompkinses?" asked Nanty, settling herself comfortably in an arm-chair.