Page 181 - sons-and-lovers

‘I’m very well, and I hope so are you. You must make
yourself very welcome.’
‘Oh, thank you,’ she replied, rather amused.
‘You will like to go upstairs,’ said Mrs. Morel.
‘If you don’t mind; but not if it is any trouble to you.’
‘It is no trouble. Annie will take you. Walter, carry up
this box.’
‘And don’t be an hour dressing yourself up,’ said William
to his betrothed.
Annie took a brass candlestick, and, too shy almost to
speak, preceded the young lady to the front bedroom, which
Mr. and Mrs. Morel had vacated for her. It, too, was small
and cold by candlelight. The colliers’ wives only lit fires in
bedrooms in case of extreme illness.
‘Shall I unstrap the box?’ asked Annie.
‘Oh, thank you very much!’
Annie played the part of maid, then went downstairs for
hot water.
‘I think she’s rather tired, mother,’ said William. ‘It’s a
beastly journey, and we had such a rush.’
‘Is there anything I can give her?’ asked Mrs. Morel.
‘Oh no, she’ll be all right.’
But there was a chill in the atmosphere. After half an
hour Miss Western came down, having put on a purplish-
coloured dress, very fine for the collier’s kitchen.
‘I told you you’d no need to change,’ said William to
her.
‘Oh, Chubby!’ Then she turned with that sweetish smile
to Mrs. Morel. ‘Don’t you think he’s always grumbling, Mrs.

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