Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/311

 details, so huddled together was everything. Part of the general huddling were five children, of various ages; and among them, very busy, sat Pennyloaf.

“Everything going on well?” was Jane’s first question.

“Yes, Miss.”

“Then I know it isn’t. Whenever you call me ‘Miss,’ there’s something wrong; I’ve learnt that.”

Pennyloaf smiled, sadly but with affection in her eyes. “Well, I have been a bit low, an’ that’s the truth. It takes me sometimes, you know. I’ve been thinkin’, when I’d oughtn’t.”

“Same with me, Pennyloaf. We can’t help thinking, can we? What a good thing if we’d nothing more to think about than these children! Where’s little Bob? Why, Bob, I thought you were old clothes; I did, really! You may well laugh!”

The laughter was merry, and Jane encouraged it, inventing all sorts of foolish jokes. “Pennyloaf, I wish you’d ask me to stay to tea.”

“Then that I will, Miss Jane, an’ gladly. Would you like it soon?”

“No; in an hour will do, won’t it? Give