Mary Stewart Cutting

“ Makes you eat what you had oughter, anyway. Think you don't care for it? Oh, yes, ma'am, we have baked beans in cans. Yes, he might like 'em to-night, as it's so long since he's had them, still—Yes, ma'am, that's just the way it happens, he'll most probable have et 'em for lunch to-day in the city. Last week I got my mind so set on oyster stew that I stopped into Salter's on my way home and filled up on two steamin' plates. When I got into the house my wife comes smilin' up to say, "I've got something you'll like for supper this cold night, something we ain't had for most a year." ”

“ That's what we mostly keep, things to eat. Yes, indeed, with a dressmaker in the house time is expensive. Jacob, don't you know better than to sweep up the floor onto the lady? If you'd just step one side, ma'am—not that way, this way. Thank you. It hasn't come to you yet, Mrs. Fairlie? Well, that's too bad. Yes, caterin' for a large family is a strain. Oh, no, ma'am, you're not keeping me, don't let that trouble you, Mr. Steers can wait on those two ladies in a moment, I guess. ”

“ She says she doesn't care as long as she can get somebody that'll take an interest. Yes, that's what people mostly want, somebody that'll take an interest. No, ma'am, I'm afraid I don't know of one. There was Mrs. Rich's girl, but there's been twenty-one ladies after her already and you have to get a letter of introduction. Yes, Mrs. Rich did come home last month, but she's gone away again, she has to have changes of scene, or else she goes right down; it's what they call nervous prosperity, her mind gives way under her, A-a-ll right, Mrs. ”

“ Takes up all the time you have; I should think so. Housekeepin' does strain you, there's no mistake about it. Thank you, I'll give my wife your message. Why yes, the little fellow's grown considerable. ”