Page 33 - of-human-bondage-

Mrs. Carey wrote the date on each egg and put the number
down in a book. She then took the plate-basket on her arm
and went upstairs. Mr. Carey continued to read one of his
old books, but as the clock struck ten he got up, put out the
lamps, and followed his wife to bed.
When Philip arrived there was some difficulty in decid-
ing on which evening he should have his bath. It was never
easy to get plenty of hot water, since the kitchen boiler did
not work, and it was impossible for two persons to have a
bath on the same day. The only man who had a bathroom
in Blackstable was Mr. Wilson, and it was thought osten-
tatious of him. Mary Ann had her bath in the kitchen on
Monday night, because she liked to begin the week clean.
Uncle William could not have his on Saturday, because he
had a heavy day before him and he was always a little tired
after a bath, so he had it on Friday. Mrs. Carey had hers on
Thursday for the same reason. It looked as though Satur-
day were naturally indicated for Philip, but Mary Ann said
she couldn’t keep the fire up on Saturday night: what with
all the cooking on Sunday, having to make pastry and she
didn’t know what all, she did not feel up to giving the boy
his bath on Saturday night; and it was quite clear that he
could not bath himself. Mrs. Carey was shy about bathing a
boy, and of course the Vicar had his sermon. But the Vicar
insisted that Philip should be clean and sweet for the lord’s
Day. Mary Ann said she would rather go than be put upon—
and after eighteen years she didn’t expect to have more work
given her, and they might show some consideration—and
Philip said he didn’t want anyone to bath him, but could

Of Human Bondage