But when Jane Murdstone is kind enough to come to my assistance in this endeavour, and to assume, for my sake, a condition something like a housekeeper's, and when she meets with a base return--' 'Oh, pray, pray, Edward,' cried my mother, 'don't accuse me of being ungrateful.

I am sure I am not ungrateful.

No one ever said I was before.

I have many faults, but not that.

Oh, don't, my dear!' 'When Jane Murdstone meets, I say,' he went on, after waiting until my mother was silent, 'with a base return, that feeling of mine is chilled and altered.' 'Don't, my love, say that!' implored my mother very piteously.
'Oh, don't, Edward! I can't bear to hear it.