She had had so few gifts in her whole life that she had a meek impulse of gratitude even if one were thrust into her hand hard enough to hurt her.
"Well," Mrs.Babcock continued, still sniggering unpleasantly, "I don't want to hurt your feelin's, Mandy; you needn't color up so; but I can't help laughin'." "Laugh, then, if you want to," said Amanda, with a quick flash.

She forgot the screen-door.
Mrs.Babcock drew her face down quickly.

"Land, Mandy," said she, "don't get mad.

I didn't mean anything.

Anybody knows that old maids is jest as good as them that gets married.