She nearly accomplished this feat, but not quite.
As she was going downstairs, with her best bonnet on, her lavender gloves drawn neatly over her hands, and her parasol, which was jointed in the middle and could fold up, tucked under her arm, she trod on a treacherous board which creaked loudly.
This was enough.

Mrs.Butler popped her head out of the drawing-room door and confronted the little spinster.
"Where now, Maria ?" she asked.

"Dear, dear, and I've been wondering what was keeping you all this time.

Where are you off to?
Why, I declare you have on your visiting things ?" "I thought I'd just go round and see one or two friends, as the afternoon is fine," answered Miss Maria, in a meek voice.
"The afternoon fine!" retorted Mrs.Butler.Have we any but fine afternoons in the month of August?
I don't feel disposed to visit to-day.

The lobster salad I ate last night disagreed with me.