I have four children, madam, but--" "I suppose by talking of your four children you wish to check me for having none," said Mrs.Chikno, bursting into tears; "if I have no children, sister, it is no fault of mine, it is--but why do I call you sister ?" said she, angrily; "you are no sister of mine, you are a grasni, a regular mare--a pretty sister, indeed, ashamed of your own language.

I remember well that by your high-flying notions you drove your own mother--" "We will drop it," said Mrs.Petulengro; "I do not wish to raise my voice, and to make myself ridiculous.

Young gentleman," said she, "pray present my compliments to Miss Isopel Berners, and inform her that I am very sorry that I cannot accept her polite invitation.

I am just arrived, and have some slight domestic matters to see to--amongst others, to wash my children's faces; but that in the course of the forenoon, when I have attended to what I have to do, and have dressed myself, I hope to do myself the honour of paying her a regular visit; you will tell her that, with my compliments.

With respect to my husband he can answer for himself, as I, not being of a jealous disposition, never interferes with his matters." "And tell Miss Berners," said Mr.Petulengro, "that I shall be happy to wait upon her in company with my wife as soon as we are regularly settled: at present I have much on my hands, having not only to pitch my own tent, but this here jealous woman's, whose husband is absent on my business." Thereupon I returned to the dingle, and, without saying anything about Mrs.Chikno's observations, communicated to Isopel the messages of Mr.
and Mrs.Petulengro; Isopel made no other reply than by replacing in her coffer two additional cups and saucers, which, in expectation of company, she had placed upon the board.