It was touching to see him sitting idle on his working stool , regarding her so wistfully , and always saying in his face , `` Have I deceived her from her cradle , but to break her heart ? '' When it was night , and tea was done , and Dot had nothing more to do in washing up the cups and saucers ; in a word -- for I must come to it , and there is no use in putting it off -- when the time drew nigh for expecting the Carrier 's return in every sound of distant wheels , her manner changed again , her colour came and went , and she was very restless . Not as good wives are when listening for their husbands . No , no , no . It was another sort of restlessness from that . Wheels heard . A horse 's feet . The barking of a dog . The gradual approach of all the sounds . The scratching paw of Boxer at the door ! `` Whose step is that ? '' cried Bertha , starting up . `` Whose step ? '' returned the Carrier , standing in the portal , with his brown face ruddy as a winter berry from the keen night air . `` Why , mine . '' `` The other step , '' said Bertha . `` The man 's tread behind you ! '' `` She is not to be deceived , '' observed the Carrier , laughing . `` Come along , sir . You 'll be welcome , never fear ! ''
He spoke in a loud tone ; and , XXXXX he spoke , the deaf old gentleman entered .
as behind for from in of on that to with