"Missus Hopmead! I never! Oi, it's been so long since I've seen you!"
"Aye, aye, my girl! Oh! Oof! Now then, you'll knock me clear off my feet, ha ha!"
"Oh! Oh, I'm sorry. That were right clumsy of me to just jump on you and hug you! But don't stand out there freezing on the mat, bless me! Come in, come in!"
"Ah, thank you, my dear. Oh, it is a nippy one today, isn't it? Well, now. Look at this place. You've made it as homey as ever could be. Such a cheerful fire!"
"Here, let me take your scarf, Missus Hopmead! Have you anything else about you to put down? What brings you to Knotwood today? Some hot tea, perhaps?"
"Ah, bless you, my girl! You've still got that running-away tongue, I see. Oh, don't be embarrassed! I don't mind it. I'm surrounded by prattling little 'uns all day and night as it is! Aye, I'll take some tea."
"Just a bit of milk is how you like it, aye? See, I remember! Here, take the chair by the oven, it's the warmest spot unless you want to crawl right into the fireplace."
"Ah, thank you, dear Taite! Well, I was just...eh? What's this? Oi, can it be? Who's this little ragamuffin? Still missing your tail, little one? But my, she's grown into a pretty cat!"
"Ah, that's Pumpkin! Aye, she's pretty! We love her to bits. I think every home needs a cat. Now, here's your tea, piping hot! And you was saying?"
"Hmm? Oh, aye. I was, wasn't I? Well, I was just coming by to visit Missus Holbrook because...well, I don't think you've heard, but...she isn't doing too well. And I saw your door, and of course, I wanted to stop in and see you."
"What? What...what's wrong with Missus Holbrook?"
"Well, she's not young, is she? After all. She's old enough to be your gran, I daresay, or my own ma. She's not at death's door or anything. Not yet, at least. Ohhh, now. Don't look so down in the mouth, my dear. Folk get old. It's just a part of living."
"I should go and see her."
"Aye, aye. She would like that. She's a proud sort of woman. I think that's why she hasn't wanted folk to know. Doesn't want tongues wagging and such. But I heard about it anyway, and...well, that's that. If she hadn't even wanted you to know, then I think we best keep it between us, aye?"
"Of course. But...I do feel rather glum now that you've told me. A bit of a prick in my heart, as they say. I'm sorry! I were so happy to see you just now, too."
"Come now! Pour yourself a cup and we'll talk until you feel better."
"Ha ha! I'm supposed to be the hostess here, Missus Hopmead!"
"But who taught you everything you know, eh? Eh? Here, fetch those tarts I see on the shelf, and come tell me all about what's been going on with my little Taite!"
