'I always
come out on top!'
'So you're in the washing business, ma'am?' said the barge-woman
politely, as they glided along. 'And a very good business you've got
too, I dare say, if I'm not making too free in saying so.'
'Finest business in the whole country,' said Toad airily. 'All the
gentry come to me--wouldn't go to any one else if they were paid, they
know me so well. You see, I understand my work thoroughly, and attend
to it all myself. Washing, ironing, clear-starching, making up gents'
fine shirts for evening wear--everything's done under my own eye!'
'But surely you don't DO all that work yourself, ma'am?' asked the
barge-woman respectfully.
'O, I have girls,' said Toad lightly: 'twenty girls or thereabouts,
always at work. But you know what GIRLS are, ma'am! Nasty little
hussies, that's what _I_ call 'em!'
'So do I, too,' said the barge-woman with great heartiness. 'But I
dare say you set yours to rights, the idle trollops! And are you very
fond of washing?'
'I love it,' said Toad. 'I simply dote on it. Never so happy as when
I've got both arms in the wash-tub.
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