patient。
〃We dont live with you;〃 she said; thrusting forward
her little head at him。 〃You……youre……youre a
bomakle。〃
〃A what?〃 he shouted。
Her voice wavered……but it came。
〃A bomakle。〃
〃Ay; an youre a akle。〃
She meditated。 Then she hissed forwards her head。
〃Im not。〃
〃Not what?〃
〃A akle。〃
〃No more am I a bomakle。〃
He was really cross。
Other times she would say:
〃My mother doesnt live here。〃
〃Oh; ay?〃
〃I want her to go away。〃
〃Then wants your portion;〃 he replied laconically。
So they drew nearer together。 He would take her with him when
he went out in the trap。 The horse ready at the gate; he came
noisily into the house; which seemed quiet and peaceful till he
appeared to set everything awake。
〃Now then; Topsy; pop into thy bonnet。〃
The child drew herself up; resenting the indignity of the
address。
〃I cant fasten my bonnet myself;〃 she said haughtily。
〃Not man enough yet;〃 he said; tying the ribbons under her
chin with clumsy fingers。
She held up her face to him。 Her little bright…red lips moved
as he fumbled under her chin。
〃You talk……nonsents;〃 she said; re…echoing one of his
phrases。
〃That face shouts for th pump;〃 he said; and taking
out a big red handkerchief; that smelled of strong tobacco;
began wiping round her mouth。
〃Is Kitty waiting for me?〃 she asked。
〃Ay;〃 he said。 〃Lets finish wiping your face……itll