re for" continued Mrs. Mumpson loftily, and regardless of Jane's
departure. "I shall decline to do menial work any longer, especially on
this sacred day, and after I have made my toilet for church. Mr.
Holcroft has had time to think. My disapproval was manifest last night
and it has undoubtedly occurred to him that he has not conformed to the
proprieties of life. Indeed, I almost fear I shall have to teach him
what the proprieties of life are. He witnessed my emotions when he
spoke as he should not have spoken to ME. But I must make allowances
for his unregenerate state. He was cold, and wet, and hungry last
night, and men are unreasonerble at such times. I shall now heap coals
of fire upon his head. I shall show that I am a meek, forgiving
Christian woman, and he will relent, soften, and become penitent. Then
will be my opportunity," and she descended to the arena which should
witness her efforts.

During the period in which Mrs. Mumpson had indulged in these lofty
reflections and self-communings, Mrs. Wiggins had also arisen. I am
not sure whether she had thought of anything in particular or not. She
may have had some spiritual longings which were not becoming to any day
of the week. Being a woman of deeds, rather than of thought, probably
not much else occurred to her beyond the duty of kindling the fire and
getting breakfast. Jane came down, and offered to assist, but was
cleared out with no more scruple than if Mrs. Wiggins had been one of
the much-visited relatives.

"The hidee," she grumbled, "of 'avin' sich a little trollop round
hunder my feet!"

Jane, therefore, solaced herself by watching the "cheap girl" till her
mother appeared.

Mrs. Mumpson sailed majestically in and took the rocking chair,
mentally thankful that it had survived the crushing weight imposed upon
it the evening before. Mrs. Wiggins did not drop a courtesy. Indeed,
not a sign of recognition passed over her vast, immobile face. Mrs.
Mumpson was a little embarrassed. "I hardly know how to comport myself
toward that female," she thought. "She is utterly uncouth. Her manners
are unmistakerbly those of a pauper. I think I will ignore her today.
I do not wish my feelings ruffled or put out of harmony with the sacred
duties and motives which actuate me."

Mrs. Mumpson therefore rocked gently, solemnly, and strange to say,
silently, and Mrs. Wiggins also proceeded with her duties, but not in
silence, for everything in the room