‘Oh, I can’t do that. It’s no trouble just to hear what they have to say.’

‘How many more have been here today? Why don’t you establish open house for them? They would soon oust me and the children.’

‘You know dear, it doesn’t hurt me to hear what they have to say. And if they really are in trouble — well, it is my duty to help them out of it.’

‘It’s your duty to invite all the rats in the world to gnaw at your bones.’

‘Come, Christiana, it isn’t like that. Don’t be uncharitable.’

But she suddenly swept out of the room, and out to the study. There sat the meagre charity-seekers, looking as if they were at the doctor’s.

‘Mr