And would you belie' me, he read it out as if it were as clear a business as your giving me that thimble--no more ado, though it were thirty pound! I could understand it mysel'-- that were no law for me.

I wanted summat to consider about, and for th' meaning to be wrapped up as I wrap up my best gown.

So says I, 'Tom! it's not on parchment.

I mun have it on parchment.' 'This 'ill do as well,' says he.

'We'll get it witnessed, and it will stand good.' Well! I liked the notion of having it witnessed, and for a while that soothed me; but after a bit, I felt I should like it done according to law, and not plain out as anybody might ha' done it; I mysel', if I could have written.