--And how does your mistress? cried my father, taking the same step over again from the landing, and calling to _Susannah_, whom he saw passing by the foot of the stairs with a huge pincushion in her hand--how does your mistress? As well, said _Susannah_, tripping by, but without looking up, as can be expected. --What a fool am I! said my father, drawing his leg back again--let things be as they will, brother _Toby_, 'tis ever the precise answer ----And how is the child, pray? ----No answer. And where is Dr. _Slop?_ added my father, raising his voice aloud, and looking over the ballusters--_Susannah_ was out of hearing.

'And how does your mistress?' cried my father, calling from the landing to Susannah, whom he saw passing the foot of the stairs with a huge pincushion in her hand.
Susannah, without looking up, said, 'As well as can be expected.'
'What a fool am I!' said my father, drawing his leg back again. ''Tis ever the answer. - And how is the child, pray?' - No reply. - 'And where is Dr. Slop?' added my father, raising his voice, and looking over the banisters. - Susannah was out of hearing.
