children, you know it, Caudle, take so much of my time. I can't do
it, love; and I often reproach myself that I can't. Now, you shan't
go to sleep, Caudle; at least not for five minutes. You must hear
me.

"I've been thinking, dearest--ha! that nasty cough, love!--I've been
thinking, darling, if we could only persuade dear mother to come and
live with us. Now, Caudle, you can't be asleep; it's impossible--you
were coughing only this minute--yes, to live with us. What a
treasure we should have in her! Then, Caudle, you never need go to
bed without something nice and hot. And you want it, Caudle.

"YOU DON'T WANT IT?

"Nonsense, you do; for you're not strong, Caudle; you know you're
not.

"I'm sure, the money she'd save us in housekeeping. Ha! what an eye
she has for a joint! The butcher doesn't walk that could deceive
dear mother. And then, again, for poultry! What a finger and thumb
she has for a chicken! I never could market like her: it's a gift--
quite a gift.

"And then you recollect her marrow-puddings?

"YOU DON'T RECOLLECT 'EM?

"Oh, fie! Caudle, how often have you flung her marrow puddings in my
face, wanting to know why I couldn't make 'em? And I wouldn't
pretend to do it after dear mother. I should think it presumption.