I'm--"

"Ye're a bit daft, hi'm a-thinkin'." Then to Jane, "Vy don't ye go an' hearn
yer salt?"

"Jane, I forbid--" But it had not taken Jane half a minute to decide between
the now jarring domestic powers, and henceforth she would be at Mrs. Wiggins'
beck and call. "She can do somethin'," the child muttered, as she stole upon
Holcroft.

Mrs. Mumpson sank back in her chair, but her mode of rocking betokened a
perturbed spirit. "I will restrain myself till tomorrow, and then--" She
shook her head portentously and waited till the farmer appeared, feeling
assured that Mrs. Wiggins would soon be taught to recognize her station. When
breakfast was on the table, she darted to her place behind the coffeepot, for
she felt that there was no telling what this awful Mrs. Wiggins might not
assume during this day of sacred restraint. But the ex-pauper had no thought
of presumption in her master's presence, and the rocking chair again
distracted Mrs. Mumpson's nerves as it creaked under an unwonted weight.

Holcroft took his seat in silence. The widow again bowed her head devoutly,
and sighed deeply when observing that the farmer ignored her suggestion.

"I trust that you feel refreshed after your repose," she said benignly.

"I do."

"It is a lovely morning--a morning, I may add, befitting the sacred day.
Nature is at peace and suggests that we and all should be at peace."