As I say, Mr
Have-your-own-way is the best husband, and the only one I'd ever
promise to obey. I know it isn't pleasant, when you've been used to
living in a big way, and managing hogsheads and all that to go and put
your nose in by somebody else's fireside, or to sit down by yourself
to a scrag or a knuckle; but, thank God! my father's a sober man and
likely to live; and if you've got a man by the chimney-corner, it
doesn't matter if he's childish- the business needn't be broke up.'
The delicate process of getting her narrow gown over her head
without injury to her smooth curls, obliged Miss Priscilla to pause in
this rapid survey of life, and Mrs Osgood seized the opportunity of
rising and saying:
'Well, niece, you'll follow us. The Miss Gunns will like to go
down.'
'Sister,' said Nancy, when they were alone, 'you've offended the
Miss Gunns, I'm sure.'
'What have I done, child?' said Priscilla, in some alarm.
'Why, you asked them if they minded about being ugly- you're so
very blunt.'
'Law, did I? Well, it popped out: it's a mercy I said no more,
for I'm a bad un to live with folks when they don't like the truth.
But as for being ugly, look at me, child, in this silver-coloured
silk- I told you how it 'ud be- I look as yallow as a daffadil.
Anybody 'ud say you wanted to make a mawkin of me.'
'No, Priscy, don't say so. I begged and prayed of you not to let us
have this silk if you'd like another better.
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