"Ay!" said Bessy heavily--in a manner very different from that she had spoken in but a minute or two before. "He and many another,--all Hamper's men,--and many a one besides. Th' women are as bad as th' men, in their savageness, this time. Food is high,--and they mun have food for their childer, I reckon. Suppose Thorntons sent 'em their dinner out,--th' same money, spent on potatoes and meal, would keep many a crying baby quiet, and hush up its mother's heart for a bit!"
"Don't speak so!" said Margaret. "You'll make me feel wicked and guilty in going to this dinner."

'Ay!' said Bessy, more heavily. 'He and many another. Th' women are as bad as th' men, in their savageness. Food is dear, and they must have food for their childer. Suppose Thorntons sent 'em their dinner out - th' same money, spent on potatoes and flour, would keep many a crying babby quiet, and hush up its mother's heart for a bit!'
'Don't speak so!' said Margaret. 'You'll make me feel wicked and guilty in going to this dinner.'
