putting the supper out.

'Mrs Blockson,' said Miss Knag, reproachfully, 'how very often I have
begged you not to come into the room with your bonnet on!'

'I can't help it, Miss Knag,' said the charwoman, bridling up on the
shortest notice. 'There's been a deal o'cleaning to do in this house,
and if you don't like it, I must trouble you to look out for somebody
else, for it don't hardly pay me, and that's the truth, if I was to be
hung this minute.'

'I don't want any remarks if YOU please,' said Miss Knag, with a strong
emphasis on the personal pronoun. 'Is there any fire downstairs for some
hot water presently?'

'No there is not, indeed, Miss Knag,' replied the substitute; 'and so I
won't tell you no stories about it.'

'Then why isn't there?' said Miss Knag.

'Because there arn't no coals left out, and if I could make coals I
would, but as I can't I won't, and so I make bold to tell you, Mem,'
replied Mrs Blockson.

'Will you hold your tongue--female?' said Mr Mortimer Knag, plunging
violently into this dialogue.

'By your leave, Mr Knag,' retorted the charwoman, turning sharp round.
'I'm only too glad not to speak in this house, excepting when and where
I'm spoke to, sir; and with regard to being a female, sir, I should wish