This old smoke-jack was Aunt Rachel's especial _protege_, and she obstinately and successfully defended it against all comers.

She turned up her nose at all modern inventions designed for the same use as entirely beneath her notice.

She had been accustomed to hearing its rattle for the last forty years, and would as soon have thought of committing suicide as consenting to its removal.
She and her cat were admirably matched; he was as snappish and cross as she, and resented with distended claws and elevated back all attempts on the part of strangers to cultivate amicable relations with him.

In fact, Tom's pugnacious disposition was clearly evidenced by his appearance; one side of his face having a very battered aspect, and the fur being torn off his back in several places.
Caddy sat for some time surveying the old woman and her cat, in evident awe of both.

She regarded also with great admiration the scrupulously clean and shining kitchen tins that garnished the walls and reflected the red light of the blazing fire.