"Jack Sheppard's mother," answered the little girl, dejectedly; "she has brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for you."
"For me!" vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. "Eggs for me! You mistake, child. They must be for your father."
"No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you," replied Winifred; "but she does want to see father."
"I thought as much," sneered Mrs. Wood.
"I'll go to her directly," said Wood, bustling towards the door. "I dare say she has called to inquire about Jack."
"I dare say no such thing," interposed his better half, authoritatively; "remain where you are, Sir."
"At all events, let me send her away, my dear," supplicated the carpenter, anxious to avert the impending storm.
"Do you hear me?" cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. "Stir a foot, at your peril."
"But, my love," still remonstrated Wood, "you know I'm going to look after the boys——"
"After Mrs. Sheppard, you mean, Sir," interrupted his wife, ironically. "Don't think to deceive me by your false pretences. Marry, come up! I'm not so easily deluded. Sit down, I command you. Winny, show the person into this room. I'll see her myself; and that's more than she bargained for, I'll be sworn."