You will hear, perchance, mischief laid to my charge in this village of evil speakers and lazy folk.

They hate me because I am no gadabout to spend time abusing my neighbours at the village well.

But the children love me, and that is no ill sign.

Their young hearts are open to love a poor lone old woman.

What cares La Meffraye for the sneers of the ignorant and prejudiced so long as the children run to her gladly and search her pockets for the good things she never forgets to bring them from her kitchen ?" So the old woman, talking all the time, bustled here and there, setting sweet cakes baked with honey, confitures and bairns' goodies, figs, almonds, and cheese before her guests.