Vol.1 f.084 recto

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 newer question where anyboby, 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. "I was really afraid you were not disposed to talk pleasantly; I'll tell you everything; I shall only be too glad, my dear.'
" No, Varden,' returned his wife, rising with dignity. "I dare say -- thank you! I'm not a child to be corrected one minute and petted the next -- I'm a little too old for that, Varden. Miggs, carry the light. [1You]1 can be cheerful, Miggs, at least."
Miggs, who, to this moment, had been in the very depths of compassionate despondency, passed instantly into the liveliest state conceivable, and tossing her head as she glanced towards the locksmith, bore off her mistress and the light together.
"Now, who would think,' thought Varden, shrugging his shoulders and drawing his chair nearer to the fire, " that that woman could ever be pleasant and agreeable? And yet she can be. Well, well, all of us have our faults. I'll