She knew at once that her brother was not in a good humor; he never called her Mrs.Moss except when he was angry, and when they were in company.

But she thought it was in the order of nature that people who were poorly off should be snubbed.

Mrs.Moss did not take her stand on the equality of the human race; she was a patient, prolific, loving-hearted woman.
"Your husband isn't in the house, I suppose ?" added Mr.Tulliver after a grave pause, during which four children had run out, like chickens whose mother has been suddenly in eclipse behind the hen-coop.
"No," said Mrs.Moss, "but he's only in the potato-field yonders.
Georgy, run to the Far Close in a minute, and tell father your uncle's come.

You'll get down, brother, won't you, and take something ?" "No, no; I can't get down.

I must be going home again directly," said Mr.Tulliver, looking at the distance.
"And how's Mrs.Tulliver and the children ?" said Mrs.Moss, humbly, not daring to press her invitation.
"Oh, pretty well.