"Oh, aye that sounds delicious," Anne replied. "I suppose Mr. Blacke wouldn't like to be a fisherman then." When Anne's meals contained protein at all, it was usually fish. Occasionally there was a little bacon. Other meats were usually saved for Sunday, unless it was a good season.

"I think that would be nice." She stood around the kitchen because she wasn't sure what Mrs. Blacke wanted her to do. "D'ye know, Ellie's quit 'er old job and she works for a new employer now. Apparently, it's the lady who owns the bookshop at --- street." Anne had no idea that she had encountered the lady that very afternoon. "I've 'eard she's been real kind to Ellie and 'as bought 'er nice clothes."

She stopped herself. Her father had said it was a disgrace and Anne couldn't understand why. But she suddenly worried that Mrs. Blacke would feel the same way.