Page:Wren--The young stagers.djvu/123

Rh muddle. Why don't yer 'range 'em along the wall?' "‘Wot's the meaning of this?' ses the good lidy at last, finding her voice and risin' to her feet.

"Then ol' Muvver Skin-the-Goat chips in. 'Wot's yore 'usband, my pore woman,' ses she. 'I 'ope 'e's in reg'lar work, an' brings 'is wages 'ome a Saturday nights? You know, if you wishes ter keep 'im houter the pubs, you must make 'is 'ome hattractive like for 'im, an' I means ter say yer must spruce yerself up a bit like, fer when 'e comes 'ome. 'Ave a bit o' pease-pudden an' a bloater ready for 'im, an' encourage 'im ter wash 'is faice afore 'e eats it. If 'e comes 'ome 'ere an' finds the fire aht, an' you likewise, stands ter reason 'e's agoin' ter foller yer ter the gin-shop and '

"‘This is a houtraige,' ses the lidy, an' the kid begins ter snivvle.

"‘Some there are as calls it Districk-visitin',' ses Muvver, 'but praps yer right. You oughter know, any'ow. That child's nose is simply filthy'—apintin' to the kid as was snivvlin'—'an' wot's it 'owlin' for? Is it 'ungry or wot?