It is a way she has, and Kit and me are bound to put up with it.

She means no harm, doesn't Kezia; she is a hard-working crittur, and does her duty, though she is a bit noisy over it; she is good to us both in her way, and I am not quarrelsome by nature, so, as I like to work in peace, I just stop my ears and hum to myself, and if she scolds I mind it no more than I do the buzzing of the blue-bottles on the glass." "But the child Kit ?" questioned Malcolm a little anxiously.

Then a queer little twisted smile came to Caleb's face.
"She is used to it, is Kit, and she don't take it to heart much.

I have heard her cheek Ma'am sometimes.

Ma'am wouldn't hurt a hair of her head, for all her bouncings and flinging of pots and kettles when she is in a temper.