"Let me introduce you. This is my friend, Mr. Escott, you have often
heard me speak of him."

"You must excuse my shaking hands with you, sir, I have been cooking."

"She is an excellent cook, too. Just you wait and see. What have we
got?"

"Some herrings and a piece of steak."

"Is that good enough for you?"

"I love herrings."

"I am glad of that, these are quite fresh; they were caught this
morning. You must excuse me, I must go back; they want a deal of
attending to." Presently she appeared with a tray and a beer jug.
Willy called to the office-boy. "We have no cheese," said Mrs.
Brookes.

Cissy begged to be allowed to fetch the cheese and beer.

"No, dear, I am afraid you aren't well enough."

"Yes, I am, uncle; give me a shilling, and let me go with Billy."
Then, breaking off with the unexpected garrulity of children, she
continued: "I am getting quite strong now; I was down on the beach
this morning, and watched the little boys and girls building mounds.
When I am quite well, uncle, won't you buy me a spade and bucket, and