“This is my master,” said Riah, stepping forward.

(“Don’t look like anybody’s master,” observed Miss Wren to herself, with a hitch of her chin and eyes.)

“This, sir,” pursued the old man, “is a little dressmaker for little people. Explain to the master, Jenny.”

“Dolls; that’s all,” said Jenny, shortly. “Very difficult to fit too, because their figures are so uncertain. You never know where to expect their waists.”

“Her friend,” resumed the old man, motioning towards Lizzie; “and as industrious as virtuous. But that they both are. They are busy early and late, sir, early and late; and in bye-times, as on this holiday, they go to book-learning.”

“Not much good to be got out of that,” remarked Fledgeby.

“Depends upon the person!” quoth Miss Wren, snapping him up.