And her putting slices from her plate to mine is a village custom, I find.
"Mother, the people here are wonderfully good and simple.

First of all, there's farmer Dence, with his high bald head, like a patriarch of old; and he sits and beams with benevolence, but does not talk much.

But he lets me see I can stay with him six years, if I choose.

Then, there's Martha, hospitality itself, and ready to fly at my enemies like a mastiff.

She is a little hot in the temper, feathers up in a moment; but, at a soft word, they go down again as quick.