"I guess you'll have to, Jane. There'll be more chance of your teaching your
mother than of her teaching you, I fear. But we'll see, we'll see; it's
strange people can't see what's sensible and best for 'em when they see so
much."

The child made no reply, but watched him intently as he measured out and then
ground half a cup of coffee.

"The firs thing to do," he began kindly, "is to fill the kettle with water
fresh drawn from the well. Never make coffee or tea with water that's been
boiled two or three times. Now, I'll give the kettle a good rinsing, so as to
make sure you start with it clean."

Having accomplished this, he filled the vessel at the well and placed it on
the fire, remarking as he did so, "Your mother can cook a little, can't she?"

"I s'pose so," Jane replied. "When father was livin' mother said she kept a
girl. Since then, we've visited round. But she'll learn, and if she can't, I
can."

"What on earth--but there's no use of talking. When the water boils--bubbles
up and down, you know--call me. I suppose you and your mother can get the
rest of the breakfast? Oh, good morning, Mrs. Mumpson! I was just showing
Jane about the coffee. You two can go on and do all the rest, but don't touch
the coffee till the kettle boils, and then I'll come in and show you my way,
and, if you please, I don't wish it any other way."

"Oh, certainly, certainly!" began Mrs. Mumpson, but Holcroft waited to hear no
more.