J. J. Bell

Name: Jess & Co. — Chapter 3
Author: J. J. Bell

Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

Summary

“Jess & Co. — Chapter 3”, is a work by J. J. Bell. It explores elements such as Miss Perk, Jess and Kinlochan.

Quotes from Jess & Co. — Chapter 3 (J. J. Bell)

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ But she was a woman given to such phrases as "quite a lady" and "a terribly common person"; and, though overflowing with good advice for her humbler fellow-beings, she was practically void of sympathy. She forced herself upon the Kinlochan folk, who were too simple and kindly to tell her to mind her own business. As a young man once put it—vulgarly, perhaps—she tried to elevate the masses like balloons—with gas.
She shook hands with Jess as if she were conferring a favor. ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ Miss Perk was so taken up with herself that she failed to notice the countenance of Mrs. Wallace. "Now," she went on, "I've no doubt that if you would induce Mr. and Mrs. Houston to attend our meetings, they would both benefit considerably. As I said, the husband is doubtless an estimable man, but there is certainly room for improvement, mentally if not morally. You, Mrs. Wallace, must naturally be anxious about your niece's welfare, and, of course, it is your duty to influence the young couple in the right direction." ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ Houston," she said, graciously. "Has your husband come home yet?"
"No, Miss Perk," Jess replied, adding, "my aunt is with me this afternoon."
"Oh, indeed," said Miss Perk, shortly, and at that moment she caught sight of Mrs. Wallace sitting in the porch, her face wearing its grimmest expression.
Miss Perk was annoyed, but, assuming her platform smile, she stepped forward and shook hands with the older woman. "How do you do, Mrs. Wallace? Is this not a beautiful day?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ They're kind to yin anither, an' they're happy thegither, an', efter a', it's nae great maitter if yin or twa o' the gentry aboot here gangs to the jiners at Kilmabeg an' Fairport."
"Yes, yes," returned Miss Perk, in some confusion. "Of course, I never meant to imply that there was anything wrong; nor did I suggest that they were not kind and happy. But is kindness and happiness sufficient?"
"Deed, ay! if ye ha'e them in plenty."
Miss Perk shook her head pityingly. "It is the duty of every human being to improve his or her intellect, Mrs. Wallace." ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ Ye'll hardly mind yer Uncle Wallace, Jess?"
"Not very well."
"Ah, ye canna be expec'it to mind him. But fur a man he wisna bad—na, he wisna bad. In fac', I micht say I never kent a better man. An', efter a', his complainin' micht ha'e been waur, an' his compliments cudna ha'e been better. Ye see, he aye peyed a compliment jist afore he made a complaint, so I wis aye ready fur the complaint, an' I jist never heedit. There's naething cures a man's complaints quicker nor peyin' nae attention to them. Yer uncle never complained twice aboot the same thing. ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ Fur Jess is a great reader when she gets the time, and her man's no' jist as eegnorant as some micht suppose."
"Books are certainly good, but I hold that the spoken word is more effective."
"Mphm!... Whiles... But I doot guid books is easier got nor guid speakers, ma'am."
"Good speakers, as you suggest, are no doubt comparatively rare," said Miss Perk, modestly. "But one must do one's best." She was going to say a good deal more, but Mrs. Wallace, who could endure no more, sat up in her chair and bawled through the doorway:
"Jess! Is ma tea no' ready yet?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ A lady was bidding another good-bye at the gate, and was evidently about to enter.
"Oh, dear!" sighed Jess. "It's Miss Perk, from Point View."
"If it's her," said Mrs. Wallace, rising, "she's gotten a new hat, an' a daftlike yin furbye. Weel, I canna thole Miss Perk, hat or nae hat; so I'll bid ye—"
"Don't go, Aunt Wallace, please don't go," the young wife implored. "If you stay she won't wait long. If she catches me alone, she'll wait till Davie comes home, and I—I don't want that."
"Ye dinna mean to tell me ye're feart fur her!" ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ In spite of her worry Jess nearly laughed.
"'Deed, ay!" continued Mrs. Wallace. "It's a sad job when folk is aye wunnerin' an' speirin' aboot yin anither.... I suppose ye're expec'in' David hame the nicht?"
"Oh yes. I think he'll be here with the next boat."
"Ye wud be rale prood that he got the job o' the Arden greenhooses." ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ Wallace. I understand you have some young men lodging with you," Miss Perk remarked, pleasantly. She had a satisfied feeling that she had impressed the old woman, yet looked forward to getting rid of her.
"Oh, I'm in plenty of time fur ma ludgers, thenk ye. But I dinna want to keep Jess frae gettin' ready fur her man comin' hame. I sudna ha'e askit fur the tea, I doot."
"I should much like to have a word with Mr. Houston," said the visitor.
"Weel, ye 'll get him in the shope near every day. He'll be busy fur a while at the Arden greenhooses.... ”

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Source: Wikisource

J. J. Bell, Jess & Co. — Chapter 3

“ I wis hearin' the Fairport jiner wis wild at no' gettin' the job. He had been ower shair o' gettin' it, an' he had laid in a heap o' wudd, an' noo he disna ken whit to dae wi' the wudd, the stupit buddy! ”

J. J. Bell

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