'If I am ever,' said Mrs V.--not scolding, but in a sort of monotonous
remonstrance--'in spirits, if I am ever cheerful, if I am ever more than
usually disposed to be talkative and comfortable, this is the way I am
treated.'
'Such spirits as you was in too, mim, but half an hour ago!' cried
Miggs. 'I never see such company!'
'Because,' said Mrs Varden, 'because I never interfere or interrupt;
because I never question where anybody comes or goes; because my whole
mind and soul is bent on saving where I can save, and labouring in this
house;--therefore, they try me as they do.'
'Martha,' urged the locksmith, endeavouring to look as wakeful as
possible, 'what is it you complain of? I really came home with every
wish and desire to be happy. I did, indeed.'
'What do I complain of!' retorted his wife. 'Is it a chilling thing to
have one's husband sulking and falling asleep directly he comes home--to
have him freezing all one's warm-heartedness, and throwing cold water
over the fireside? Is it natural, when I know he went out upon a matter
in which I am as much interested as anybody can be, that I should wish
to know all that has happened, or that he should tell me without my
begging and praying him to do it? Is that natural, or is it not?'
'I am very sorry, Martha,' said the good-natured locksmith.
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