He came slowly up to the open door , which was all hung round with clematis and roses ; and then peeped in , half afraid . And there sat by the empty fireplace , which was filled with a pot of sweet herbs , the nicest old woman that ever was seen , in her red petticoat , and short dimity bedgown , and clean white cap , with a black silk handkerchief over it , tied under her chin . At her feet sat the grandfather of all the cats ; and opposite her sat , on two benches , twelve or fourteen neat , rosy , chubby little children , learning their Chris-cross-row ; and gabble enough they made about it . Such a pleasant cottage it was , with a shiny clean stone floor , and curious old prints on the walls , and an old black oak sideboard full of bright pewter and brass dishes , and a cuckoo clock in the corner , which began shouting as soon as Tom appeared : not that it was frightened at Tom , but that it was just eleven o'clock . All the children started at Tom 's dirty black figure , -- the girls began to cry , and the boys began to laugh , and all pointed at him rudely enough ; but Tom was too tired to care for that . `` What art thou , and what dost want ? '' cried the old dame . `` A chimney-sweep ! Away with thee ! I 'll have no sweeps here . '' `` Water , '' said poor little Tom , quite faint . `` Water ? There 's plenty i ' the beck , '' she said , quite sharply . `` But I ca n't get there ; I 'm most clemmed with hunger and drought . '' And Tom sank down upon the door-step , and laid his head against the post . And the old dame looked at him through her spectacles one minute , and two , and three ; and then she said , `` He 's sick ; and a bairn 's a bairn , sweep or none . '' `` Water , '' said Tom . `` God forgive me ! '' and she put by her spectacles , and rose , and came to Tom . `` Water 's bad for thee ; I 'll give thee milk . ''
And she toddled off into the next room , and brought a cup XXXXX milk and a bit of bread .
At by in of on that through to upon with