The bell is a signal for visitors to retire, and so they have come to say good night; but there is plenty of time, plenty of time.

Girls, Mr Clennam will excuse any household business you may have together.

He knows, I dare say, that I have but one room here.' 'I only want my clean dress from Amy, father,' said the second girl.
'And I my clothes,' said Tip.
Amy opened a drawer in an old piece of furniture that was a chest of drawers above and a bedstead below, and produced two little bundles, which she handed to her brother and sister.

'Mended and made up ?' Clennam heard the sister ask in a whisper.

To which Amy answered 'Yes.' He had risen now, and took the opportunity of glancing round the room.
The bare walls had been coloured green, evidently by an unskilled hand, and were poorly decorated with a few prints.