Book 1

, chap. xiv.]

[Illustration: THEN THE BELL RANG ONCE MORE, AND THEN ONCE MORE, AND THEN KEPT ON RINGING; IN DESPITE OF WHICH IMPORTUNATE SUMMONS, AFFERY STILL SAT BEHIND HER APRON, RECOVERING HER BREATH. AT LAST MR. FLINTWINCH CAME SHUFFLING DOWN THE STAIRCASE INTO THE HALL, MUTTERING AND CALLING "AFFERY WOMAN!" ALL THE WAY. AFFERY STILL REMAINING BEHIND HER APRON, HE CAME STUMBLING DOWN THE KITCHEN STAIRS, CANDLE IN HAND--