She could not proceed with her work because Mrs.Lessways had chosen this moment to instruct her, with much snuffling, in the duties and responsibilities of her position.
"Yes, mum," Florrie whispered.

She seemed to be incapable of speaking beyond a whisper.

But the whisper was delicate and agreeable; and perhaps it was a mysterious sign of her alleged unusual physical strength.
"You'll have to be down at half-past six.

Then you'll light your kitchen fire, but of course you'll get your coal up first.

And then you'll do your boots.