For the maternal and paternal Slowboy were alike unknown to Fame , and Tilly had been bred by public charity , a foundling ; which word , though only differing from fondling by one vowel 's length , is very different in meaning , and expresses quite another thing . To have seen little Mrs. Peerybingle come back with her husband , tugging at the clothes basket , and making the most strenuous exertions to do nothing at all -LRB- for he carried it -RRB- , would have amused you almost as much as it amused him . It may have entertained the Cricket , too , for anything I know ; but , certainly , it now began to chirp again vehemently . -LSB- Illustration : Tilly Slowboy . -RSB- `` Heyday ! '' said John in his slow way . `` It 's merrier than ever to-night , I think . '' `` And it 's sure to bring us good fortune , John ! It always has done so . To have a Cricket on the Hearth is the luckiest thing in all the world ! '' John looked at her as if he had very nearly got the thought into his head that she was his Cricket in chief , and he quite agreed with her . But it was probably one of his narrow escapes , for he said nothing . `` The first time I heard its cheerful little note , John , was on that night when you brought me home -- when you brought me to my new home here ; its little mistress . Nearly a year ago . You recollect , John ? '' Oh , yes ! John remembered . I should think so ! `` Its chirp was such a welcome to me ! It seemed so full of promise and encouragement .
It seemed to say , you would be kind and gentle with me , and would not expect -LRB- I had a fear XXXXX that , John , then -RRB- to find an old head on the shoulders of your foolish little wife . ''
To as at by for in of on than though