`` If I could leave it I should n't be here for a minute . Since I ca n't , it simply has to be cleaned . I can tolerate men and dogs when I am compelled to , but I can not and will not tolerate dirt and disorder . Go into the sitting-room . '' Alexander Abraham went . As he closed the door , I heard him say , in capitals , `` WHAT AN AWFUL WOMAN ! '' I cleared that kitchen and the pantry adjoining . It was ten o'clock when I got through , and Alexander Abraham had gone to bed without deigning further speech . I locked Mr. Riley in one room and William Adolphus in another and went to bed , too . I had never felt so dead tired in my life before . It had been a hard day . But I got up bright and early the next morning and got a tiptop breakfast , which Alexander Abraham condescended to eat . When the provision man came into the yard I called to him from the window to bring me a box of soap in the afternoon , and then I tackled the sitting-room . It took me the best part of a week to get that house in order , but I did it thoroughly . I am noted for doing things thoroughly . At the end of the time it was clean from garret to cellar . Alexander Abraham made no comments on my operations , though he groaned loud and often , and said caustic things to poor Mr. Riley , who had n't the spirit to answer back after his drubbing by William Adolphus . I made allowances for Alexander Abraham because his vaccination had taken and his arm was real sore ; and I cooked elegant meals , not having much else to do , once I had got things scoured up . The house was full of provisions -- Alexander Abraham was n't mean about such things , I will say that for him . Altogether , I was more comfortable than I had expected to be .
When Alexander Abraham would n't talk I let him alone ; and when he would I just said as sarcastic things as he did , only I XXXXX them smiling and pleasant .
Go bring came cooked get got having leave said taken