After that she acknowledged that "one man's meat
might be another man's poison," and contented herself thence-
forward with an occasional remonstrance when she thought the
purchaser was too young and innocent to be acquainted with the evil
effects green tea produced on some constitutions, and an habitual
sigh when people old enough to choose more wisely would prefer it.
I went over from Drumble once a quarter at least to settle the
accounts, and see after the necessary business letters. And,
speaking of letters, I began to be very much ashamed of remembering
my letter to the Aga Jenkyns, and very glad I had never named my
writing to any one. I only hoped the letter was lost. No answer
came. No sign was made.
About a year after Miss Matty set up shop, I received one of
Martha's hieroglyphics, begging me to come to Cranford very soon.
I was afraid that Miss Matty was ill, and went off that very
afternoon, and took Martha by surprise when she saw me on opening
the door. We went into the kitchen as usual, to have our
confidential conference, and then Martha told me she was expecting
her confinement very soon--in a week or two; and she did not think
Miss Matty was aware of it, and she wanted me to break the news to
her, "for indeed, miss," continued Martha, crying hysterically,
"I'm afraid she won't approve of it, and I'm sure I don't know who
is to take care of her as she should be taken care of when I am
laid up.
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