I've 'eard 'im threaten 'em quite vi'lent." "Poor child!" "But I won't 'ave you say anything 'gainst father," said Tilda, taking her up quickly, "for 'e's the best father in the world, if 'twasn' fur the drink." The effect of this masterstroke was that the lady gave her a copper and let her go, wishing her a speedy recovery.

The gift, although she took it, did not appear to placate Tilda.

She hobbled up the next street with quickened pace, now and then muttering angrily.
"Serves me right!" she broke out at length.

"Bill--you don't know Bill, but 'e's the wisest man in the 'ole world, _an'_ the kindest, _an'_ the bestest.

Bill would 'a-slapped my ear if 'e 'd 'eard me jus' now.
Near upon gave the show away, I did, an' all through wantin' to 'ear somebody else tell what I knew a'ready.