To see that
there Mrs. Broad! She might 'ave ordered me about; that wouldn't a
been nothin'; but to see 'er a orderin' 'IM, and a ridin' on 'im like
a wooden rockin'-'orse, and with no more feelin'! A nasty, prancin',
'igh-'eaded creatur'. Thinks I to myself, often and often, if things
was different I'd let yer know, that I would; but I 'eld my tong. It
'ud a been wuss for us all, p'r'aps, if I 'adn't."
"I should think so," said Mrs. Allen; "remember she is the minister's
wife."
"Minister's wife!" repeated Mrs. Barton, and with much scorn. "And
then them children of hern. Lord be praised I never brought such
things as them into the world. That was her fine nuss as she must
get down from London; and pretty creaturs they are!"
"Hush, hush; George has one of them, and she is mine."
"I can't 'elp it, ma'am, I must speak out. I say as he ought to 'ave
married somebody better nor 'er; though I don't mind a tellin' of yer
she's the best of the lot. Why did the Lord in heaven, as sent Jesus
Christ to die for our souls, let my George 'ave such a woman as that?
What poor silly creaturs we all are!" and the old woman, bending her
head down, shook it mournfully and rubbed her knees with her hand.
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