“I haven't touched the dinner, and I sha'n't open the door till the lady comes,” she answered, and would say no more.
After a good deal more abuse, Rosie in despair went away; but presently the cook came up, and Fan opened to her. She had a second supply of food and beer, without any ashes in it this time, and put it on the table. “Now, have your dinner, miss,” she said, with mock humility. She was taking away the first tray, but at the door she paused and, looking back, said, “You won't say nothing to the missus, will you, miss?”
“If she'll let me be I'll not say anything,” said Fan.
“Very well, miss, she won't trouble you no more. But, lors, she don't mean no harm; it's only her little funny ways.” And having thus explained and smoothed matters over, she went off to the kitchen.
About five o'clock Miss Starbrow came in and found Fan still sitting by the open window in the darkening room.
“Why, my poor girl, you must be half frozen,” she said, coming to the sofa.
But how little Fan felt the chill evening air, when she started up at the kind greeting, her eyes brightening and her face flushing with that strange new happiness now warming her blood and making her heart beat quick!
“Oh no, ma'am, I'm not a bit cold,” she said.
The other pulled off her glove and touched the girl's cheek with her fingers.
“Your skin feels cold enough, anyhow,” she returned. “Come into my room; it is warmer there.”