"Snake oil?" That sounded fascinating and frightening at the same time, and all the more fascinating for that. She leaned in more. "What do you mean?"

"I could be wrong, but it's rumored he sells something that is said to be medicine but it isn't really?" she gave a shrug. "I haven't met him to know." Oh yes she had, she just didn't know it.

Rose gasped. "That's awful. Do you think we should report him?" She hated people who cheated poor folk out of the little money they had.

"It's only gossip," she said, "I would report him if I see him doing it though. I wonder who he is."

"Ye haven't met him? Ah, shame. Ye must let me know if you do." She sat back a little and chuckled. "There are such eccentric individuals in this town, don't you think?"

"I do. But then again, I must be one of the eccentric the way I am living alone." she snorted and smiled. "There are plenty more besides me though."

Rose giggled. "Well, I think you're the brave and nice sort of eccentric." And perhaps also a bit foolish, Rose thought. But who was she to judge? She and Pearl led such different lives, with such different opportunities, that what seemed foolish to her, might not be so for a girl like Pearl.

"How sweet of you," she said. The clock chimed and she rolled her eyes, "Where DID the time go? We were talking so much I scarcely paid attention to the clock." She gave a chuckle.

"Oh goodness!" said Rose, somewhat embarrassed. "I've been taking up so much of your time. I'm sorry! I should head back home."

"Think nothing of it! I had fun!" she said with a smile. "Thank you for bringing the oatcakes, they are delicious." She stood up and went to the bell pull, pulling it. Tilly appeared and arrangements were made to clean up, Pearl would help of course.