What do you call _that_?" She pointed to a
plate of something on the kitchen table. "Is that a dinner for a
human being, or is it a dinner for a beetle? D'you think I'd eat it,
and me with money in my pocket to buy better? You want to make a
walkin' skeleton of me, do you?--but I'll have it out of you, I
will--There goes another dish! And _here_ goes a sugar-basin! And
here goes your teapot!"
With a shriek of dismay, Mrs. Cross sprang forward. She was too late
to save the cherished object, and her aggressive movement excited
Martha to yet more alarming behaviour.
"You'd hit me, would you? Two can play at that game--you old
skinflint, you! Come another step nearer, and I'll bring this poker
on your head! You thought you'd get somebody you could do as you
liked with, didn't you? You thought because I was willing, and tried
to do my best, as I could be put upon to any extent, did you? It's
about time you learnt your mistake, you old cheese-parer! You and me
has an account to settle. Let me get at you--let me get at
you--"
She brandished the poker so menacingly that Mrs. Cross turned and
fled. Martha pursued, yelling abuse and threats. The mistress vainly
tried to shut the sitting-room door against her; in broke the
furious maid, and for a moment so handled her weapon that Mrs. Cross
with difficulty escaped a dangerous blow. Round and round the table
they went, until, the cloth having been dragged off, Martha's feet
caught in it, and she fell heavily to the floor.
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