’Yes, Mr Montague; she wasn’t quite well, and wanted a breath of air, she said.  And aunt didn’t like she should go alone, as Mrs Hurtle is such a stranger.  And Mrs Hurtle said as she didn’t mind paying for two, and so they’ve gone, and the baby with them.  Mrs Pipkin said as the baby shouldn’t be no trouble.  And Mrs Hurtle,—­she’s most as fond of the baby as aunt.  Do you know Mrs Hurtle, sir?’

‘Yes; she’s a friend of mine.’

’Oh; I didn’t know.  I did know as there was some friend as was expected and as didn’t come.  Be I to say, sir, as you was here?’

Paul thought it...