“And as concerning the nests and the drawers,” said Sloppy, after measuring the handle on his sleeve, and softly standing the stick aside against the wall, “why, it would be a real pleasure to me. I’ve heerd tell that you can sing most beautiful; and I should be better paid with a song than with any money, for I always loved the likes of that, and often giv’ Mrs. Higden and Johnny a comic song myself, with ‘Spoken’ in it. Though that’s not your sort, I’ll wager.”

“You are a very kind young man,” returned the dressmaker; “a really kind young man. I accept your offer.⁠—I suppose He won’t mind,” she added as an afterthought, shrugging her shoulders; “and if he does, he may!”

“Meaning him that you call your father, Miss,” asked Sloppy.

“No, no,” replied Miss Wren. “Him, Him, Him!”

“Him, him, him?” repeated Sloppy; staring about, as if for Him.