"You don't know how often I have wanted you in this dismal hole." "Oh, have you?
Then, of course, if you wanted me, you have something for me to do: stockings to mend, perhaps." I never gave Ginevra a minute's or a farthing's credit for disinterestedness.
"Crabbed and crusty as ever!" said she.

"I expected as much: it would not be you if you did not snub one.

But now, come, grand-mother, I hope you like coffee as much, and pistolets as little as ever: are you disposed to barter ?" "Take your own way." This way consisted in a habit she had of making me convenient.

She did not like the morning cup of coffee; its school brewage not being strong or sweet enough to suit her palate; and she had an excellent appetite, like any other healthy school-girl, for the morning pistolets or rolls, which were new-baked and very good, and of which a certain allowance was served to each.

This allowance being more than I needed, I gave half to Ginevra; never varying in my preference, though many others used to covet the superfluity; and she in return would sometimes give me a portion of her coffee.