She proved to be a shiftless slattern, never dressed, never tidy, and selfish to the core under the cloak of a good-natured smile.

She was always resting from the fatigue of imaginary labours, and her house was a pigsty.

Nothing was in its place, and nothing could be found when it was wanted.

This, she always explained with a placid smile, was owing to the fact that they were busy looking for a house where they could settle down.
The burden of moving fell on Pinkey, for her father had never lost a day at Grimshaw's in his life; and after Mrs Partridge had hindered for half an hour by getting in the way and mislaying everything, Pinkey usually begged her in desperation to go and wait for the furniture in the new house.
Meanwhile, lower down the street, Chook was slowly working his way from house to house, hawking a load of vegetables.

In the distance he remarked the load of furniture, and resolved to call before a rival could step in and get their custom.