I know how late it is, and have been going on like anything to Lizzie over her carelessness.
Mrs.Cooper's walked up the village with Laura about some extra meat that's wanted, and when I came through for your tea if that girl hadn't let the kitchen fire right out!--Amusing herself down in the stable-yard, I expect, Mrs.Cooper being gone .-- And the business I've had to get a kettle to boil!" Verging on forty, tall, dark, deep-bosomed and comely, a rich flush on her cheeks under the clear brown skin thanks to a kitchen fire which didn't burn and righteous anger which did, Mary Fisher, the upper housemaid, set a tea-tray upon the garden table beside Damaris' chair.
"That's what comes of taking servants out of trades-peoples' houses," she went on, as she marshalled silver tea-pot and cream-jug--embossed with flamboyant many-armed Hindu deities--hot cakes, ginger snaps and saffron-sprinkled buns.

"You can't put any real dependence on them, doing their work as suits themselves just anyhow and anywhen.

Mrs.Cooper and I knew how it would be well enough when Miss Bilson engaged Lizzie Trant and Mr.Hordle said the same.

But it wasn't one atom of use for us to speak.

The Miss Minetts recommended the girl--so there was the finish of it.