Polly, with Michael on her hip, opened it to find a strange woman there, carrying a huge carpetbag. At first she thought it was a gypsy telling fortunes or selling pegs. The woman, with black hair and swarthy skin, was dressed in flowery, flowing garments beneath a moth-eaten fur coat. Bracelets jangled on her wrists and her dark violet eyes caught and held Polly’s glance. Before the girl could speak, the woman said, ‘I’m Selina – Albie’s wife. He said you want to know how to make peg rugs.’ Polly’s face brightened. ‘Oh, yes, yes. Please come in. Just let me put this little one back in his pen. This is very good of you.’ Michael was now walking well and Polly had penned off one corner of the kitchen to keep the adventurous little boy safe. Selina stepped in and closed the door behind her. Then she set her bag on the kitchen table and held out her arms towards Michael. ‘Don’t cage the little fellow up. He’ll be all right with us both here to watch him. Long as you’ve got a fireguard – ’ She glanced at the range.
