“Dear me!⁠ ⁠… What a treasure! Fancy Justin proving a temptation to me!” she said. “Who’s been telling you lies?”

“What were you saying to him in the passage?”

“What was I saying? Why, that the tub wanted a new hoop.⁠ ⁠… But what are you bothering me for?”

“I command you: tell me the truth!⁠ ⁠… or I’ll kill you, you dirty slut!”

And he seized her by the plait. She pulled it out of his hand, and her face contracted with pain.

“Beating’s all I’ve ever had from you! What good have I had of you?⁠ ⁠… A life like mine’s enough to drive one to anything!”

“… To what?” uttered he, approaching her.

“What have you pulled half my plait out for? There⁠ ⁠… it’s coming out by handfuls!⁠ ⁠… What are you bothering for? And it’s true!⁠ ⁠…”