Come now, no crackers!" said Sam.
"I never; I said `childer,'" pleaded the mother.
"And ain't babies childer ?" thundered Miss Jemima.
"'Ad 'er there, Jim!" chuckled the dutiful Samuel, this time favouring his sister with a sympathetic nudge.

"Better give in, and own you told a cracker, ma!" "Shan't!" said the lady, beginning to whimper.

"Oh, I wish my poor 'Oward was here to protect me! He was a gentleman, and I'm glad he didn't live to see what a pair of vulgar brats he'd left behind him, that I am!" "There you go!" said Sam; "taking on at nothing, as per usual! No one was saying anything to hurt you, old girl.

Simmer down, and you'll be all the better for it.

There now, dry your eyes; it's all that Jim, she's got such a tongue! Next time I catch you using language to ma, Jim, I'll turn you out of the house! Come, cheer up, ma." "Yes, cheer up, ma," chimed in Jemima; "no one supposes you meant to tell fibs; you couldn't help it." Amid consolations such as these the poor flurried lady subsided, and regained her former tranquillity of spirit.
The Shucklefords--such was the name of this amiable family--were comparatively recent sojourners in Dull Street.