of
inferior
order were
preparing
to attack
this stout
repast,
while
others sat
smoking
and
gossiping
over their
ale on two
high-backed
oaken
settles
beside the
fire. Trim
housemaids
were
hurrying
backwards
and
forwards
under the
directions
of a
fresh,
bustling
landlady,
but still
seizing an
occasional
moment to
exchange a
flippant
word and
have a
rallying
laugh with
the group
round the
fire. The
scene
completely
realized
Poor
Robin’s
humble
