Ah, many's the time, when my poor dear husband was alive, did I pine for a kind word, and get a black look instead! And a woman can turn to no one in a trouble like that.

She feels as if her own door had been slammed in her face.
What you want is a cheerful outing with a sympathetic friend, but I hear you're little more than a prisoner in your own house." "Who told yer that ?" cried Ada, flushing angrily.
"A little bird told me," said the woman, with a false grin.
"Well, I'd wring its neck, if I 'eard it," cried Ada.

"And as fer bein' a prisoner, I'm goin' out this very afternoon." "Why, how curious!" cried Mrs Herring.

"This is my afternoon out.

We could have a pleasant chat, if you have nothing better to do." Ada hesitated.