“It’s God’s truth Sig-nor, and nothing else. I’ve seen the kitchen table, which it must weigh ’alf a ton, waltz after that gal all over the kitchen, and she’ll set the cups and saucers and glasses spinning like tops. And then when I remonstrances with ’er, she’ll cry like a ninny and say she’s not done nothing. The way in which she’s broke china since she’s bin in this ’ouse is wicked. And I won’t stand it no longer--that’s flat, for if she don’t do it, why, the Devil do, and ’ome she must go!” “But, Mrs. Battleby, one moment! I do not quite understand you. If Hannah does not make the furniture dance, who does?” “That is what I want to know, Sig-nor! But ’ow the gal moves a heavy table is beyond me. Nor ’ow she makes the glasses spin! But if I remonstrances with ’er, as I said before, she do nothing but cry and say ’tain’t ’er fault, which is all nonsense. And so back she goes to Settlefield, as soon as I’ve got some one to take ’er place!” “It is very curious,” remarked the Professor, pensively, “and there must be some solution of the problem. Do you think that Hannah would make the table dance for me, Mrs. Battleby?” “Lor, Sig-nor! don’t you go a tempting of Providence! Let the gal and ’er tricks alone!” “But I am interested in what you have told me, from a scientific point of view! There may be a reason for it all, and if so, I should like to find it out. Would you have any objection to my seeing Hannah by herself this evening, and questioning her on the subject?” “Dear me, no, Sig-nor--not if you’ll take the trouble! But you won’t get nothing for your pains. She’s just obstinate, that gal is, and cries if you hold up your little finger at her!” “Does she suit you in other respects, Mrs. Battleby?” “O! she ain’t no better nor wuss than others. Them gals are all alike--a set of sloppy, dirty, careless ’ussies, as don’t care if you go to gaol next week all along of their breakages and lies. In course you can interlude Hannah whenever you choose, Sig-nor. I’ll send ’er up to clear as soon as you’ve ’ad your tea, and then you can ’ave a talk with ’er. But you won’t make nothink out of it, them’s my words! But that’s the Doctor’s knock, as sure as sure! Well! he is a good friend to you, Sig-nor, and no mistake!” “Yes! I am glad he has come! I hardly expected him after last night,” replied the Professor, who was quite excited at his new thoughts regarding Hannah Stubbs. Karl Steinberg entered the room with an outstretched hand, as the landlady curtsied and disappeared.