“How many in family?”
“Only two,” Lucy answered; “myself and this little boy.”
“D’ye expect me to do the washing?”
Lucy was ready to cry out that she did not “expect” her to do anything, except to go away! But she was so demoralised that she meekly replied—
“My last servant did the washing, with help; but if I get one who suits me in other ways, I am willing to put the washing out.”
“Are you a widder, then?”
Lucy’s heart thumped.
“No, my husband is on a long voyage.”
“A ship-captain is he?”
“No, he is travelling for his health. He will be at home within the year.”