These ideas passed through Mrs. Cragg's mind. While Cragg was still meditating on his last words and on her reply, she had travelled miles ahead, and her next remark took him by surprise: "Well, if it's got to be—though I don't hold with you, mind, and I think a man's first duty is to his own wife and children—" "But not his whole duty, surely!" "That's another question, Mr. Cragg. What I was saying was, that I think a man's duty is to his wife and children, and not to any sort of riff-raff he can pick up anywhere. But if it's got to be, it's got to be; and I suppose she can have that little room at the back, on the ground floor. It isn't wanted particular for anything else, I suppose?" "It'll want making comfortable." "People living on charity have no business to expect grandeur." "My dear, if you would but be reasonable! Who spoke of grandeur? I simply wish the room to be made comfortable. In an hour or two I will take a look at it. A bed is easily put there, and—but I will see what is wanted. Pattie will not be here till late in the afternoon. I have promised to fetch her." "As if she couldn't walk alone. What's the good of making a fine lady of her? Hasn't she got any furniture of her own? Why isn't it brought up out of the mine?" "A few attempts have been made, but the things are so broken as to be almost useless." "I suppose she can take her meals with the servants?" "No, my dear. She will sit at table with us. I wish her to be one of ourselves. When you have learnt to know Pattie, you will feel as I do." Mrs. Cragg tossed her head. "Well, if she comes here, she ain't going to be idle. I shall give her something to do." "I am sure Pattie would wish to be useful. But she must not have hard work." Cragg thought he had said enough, and he made his escape. Busy as he was, he did not forget to take a look into the small room, and it was owing to him that, when he brought her that afternoon, the said little room wore a cosy and comfortable appearance. Pattie glanced round with pleased eyes. "How nice! What a dear room! I shall like to sleep here," she said gratefully. Cragg wondered how she would like something else in the house. He had to present Pattie to his wife, and that meant an ordeal for himself, as well as for the unconscious Pattie. Not that Pattie was so unconscious as he supposed. She had not the least expectation of a warm reception from Mrs. Cragg. And if her eyes did open rather widely at the first sight of the latter, it was not in surprise at the greeting vouchsafed, but in amazement at Mrs. Cragg's green velveteen jacket and red feather. Pattie's slim figure, in black skirt and jacket, with neat crape-trimmed hat, made an effective contrast. "So you've come?" said Mrs. Cragg, looking her up and down. "Mr. Cragg was so kind; he fetched me," Pattie answered, with a glow of gratitude. "I'm sure I don't know how he managed it. He never has time to do anything I want. Always too busy."