"This, sir," the old man went on, "is a little dressmaker for little people.—Explain to the master, Jenny."
"Dressmaker for dolls," said Jenny, hitching her chin and her eyes with that look which made her seem so old and sharp and wise. "They're very difficult to fit, too, Mr. Master Fledgeby, because their figures are so uncertain; you never know where to expect their waists."
"This is the little one's friend," said Mr. Riah, pointing to Lizzie. "Worthy girls both, sir. They are busy early and late, and at times, when they have a holiday, they take to book-learning."
"Not much good to be got out of that," said Mr. Fledgeby.
"Depends upon the person," exclaimed Jenny, with a snap of her teeth, that made it seem as if her eyes snapped too.
"The way I came to know them," said the old man, "was by Miss Jenny's coming to buy of our remnants and waste for her work."
"She's been buying that basketful to-day, I suppose, then?" Mr. Fledgeby asked.
"I suppose she has," cried Jenny, with another little snap, "and paying for it too, most likely."
"Let's have a look at it," said the foxy-faced young man. "How much for this, now?"
"Two precious silver shillings. Put it down, please; it's paid," Jenny said.