"Why!" echoed Martha. "Because they
scarce ever had their stomachs full in their lives.
They're as hungry as young hawks an' foxes."

"I don't know what it is to be hungry," said
Mary, with the indifference of ignorance.

Martha looked indignant.

"Well, it would do thee good to try it. I can
see that plain enough," she said outspokenly.
"I've no patience with folk as sits an' just stares
at good bread an' meat. My word! don't I wish
Dickon and Phil an' Jane an' th' rest of 'em had
what's here under their pinafores."

"Why don't you take it to them?" suggested
Mary.

"It's not mine," answered Martha stoutly.
"An' this isn't my day out. I get my day out
once a month same as th' rest. Then I go home
an' clean up for mother an' give her a day's rest."

Mary drank some tea and ate a little toast and
some marmalade.

"You wrap up warm an' run out an' play you,"
said Martha. "It'll do you good and give you
some stomach for your meat."

Mary went to the window. There were gardens
and paths and big trees, but everything looked
dull and wintry.

"Out? Why should I go out on a day like
this?"

[[40]]

p039 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p040w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p041

v?