“An’ why?”
“Somehow I’ve gotten my feet all wet,” and Tommy, who by this time was inside the quaint, low-ceilinged room, looked ruefully down at the thick, sodden boots.
“Keziah Kate,” called Granny, “take thicky lamb home.”
“Taint the same thing,” argued Tommy, “’tisn’t a bit the same. Aunt Keziah Kate do allus be a-comin’, she be. Come yourself, Granny, come home along of I.”
So persistent was the pleading that for the first time in many weeks Granny put on bonnet and shawl and emerged from her doorway.
It was very slow progress that the two made along the uneven cobbles. When they were about half-way home they saw Mrs. Tregennis in the distance.
“Sh-sh-sh!” warned Tommy, putting a grimy finger across his lips.
But all caution was vain; Mammy looked up, saw them, turned and walked towards them.
“Why, Granny,” she asked, “whatever’s brought ee out-o’-doors, and evenin’ time, too?”