Ernest Pérochon

“ The little cousins had come dressed up with all sorts of ribbons and furbelows, for their mother thought much of appearance; but they had also brought some aprons along, so they could play without soiling their finery, and their mother had said pointedly:
"You've got to be careful and watch out for everything. If you don't, you can't make ends meet."
Madeleine thought:
"She's putting on airs for my benefit! She's welcome! But with all her watching out, she's only a braggart; you don't need aprons with so much lace trimming to keep a cotton dress from being mussed up." ”

“ But now the incident bothered her; not for herself but for the children, who must not stand behind the others in anything.
That Friday a passing pedlar knocked at the door and offered his wares to Madeleine.
"I've got some grand aprons—the latest style.— You ought to take advantage of the opportunity, Ma'am!"
"Thank you," said Madeleine, "I'm not in need of anything."
The pedlar, who knew his business, pointed to Lalie and Jo.
"Are these two all you have, Ma'am?"
"Yes," she said, turning red.
"It's a good beginning! They're pretty little dears. Don't you want to buy them anything? ”

“ She left, the slut quit 'em just like that!—four of 'em as they be!— An' me—I've got to keep me business goin', I have!— The two littlest be just like yours: the oldest, he's goin' most blind. Can I be lookin' after him? ”