So then 'e and Tom set to work and built
themselves a fowl-house and a run. And there they spend their days
thinking out improvements."
Here Tilly gave the driver a cautionary dig with her elbow; as she did
this, an under-pocket chinked ominously. "Look out now, Davy, what
you're doing with us!--Yes, that's splosh, Mary. I always bring a bag
of change with me, my dear, so that those who lose shan't have an excuse
for not paying up." Tilly was going to pass her evening, as usual, at
the card-table. "Well, I hope you two'll enjoy yourselves. Remember now,
Mrs. Grindle, if you please, that you're a married woman and must behave
yourself, and not go in for any high jinks," she teased her prim little
stepdaughter, as they dismounted from the conveyance and stood
straightening their petticoats at the entrance to the hall.
"You know, Matilda, I do not intend to dance to-night," said Mrs Amelia
in her sedate fashion: it was as if she sampled each word before parting
with it.
"Oh, I know, bless you! and know why, too. If only it's not another
false alarm! Poor old pa' so like to have a grandchild 'e was allowed to
carry round. 'E mustn'n go near Henry's, of course, for fear the kid 'ud
swallow one of 'is dropped aitches and choke over it." And Tilly threw
back her head and laughed. "But you must hurry up, Mely, you know, if
you want to oblige 'im."
"Really, Tilly!" expostulated Mary. ("She sometimes DOES go too far,"
she thought to herself.
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