Irma rarely acted on impulse (that was for the twins), but was a woman who lived by the phrase Actions speak louder than words . That was the very same path of thought that made her take work as a boot-embroiderer to support her family.

One very member of it, the one who wasn't there anymore, her father, comes back to her mind, reciting Shakespeare again as he used to do: Speak, cousin, or stop his mouth with a kiss, and let not him speak neither.

Maybe it's not that bad of an idea. But first she should speak, nonetheless.

"Then, would my blessed mind if I ask him for a favour?"