Anne wasn't used to this much praise. She soaked it all up and it made her feel taller. Perhaps she really was for straightening her back. "Thank you, Mrs. Blacke," she muttered, quite overwhelmed.

Anne remembered her mother all too well, but it all seemed a lifetime ago. So much had happened. Anne still missed her very much, even more so now that all her sisters had left home and she was he oldest and had to look after the home and do all the woman's work and there was no one to comfort her when it all became too much. Mrs. Blacke's kind attention felt like a warm blanket to the motherless girl.

The thought of spotted dick almost made her mouth water. "Oh, yes please..." she said, wondering if this afternoon could get any better. She certainly felt special.

Right. Be the proper young lady. "I hope the whole family is well, Mrs. Black?"

Maybe that was over the top. She blushed.