’Why, here you are, after railing at me for catching at words, catching at a word yourself,’ said Mr. Petulengro.

‘Hold your tongue, sir,’ said Mrs. Petulengro.  ’Don’t interrupt me in my discourse; if I caught at a word now, I am not in the habit of doing so.  I am no conceited body; no newspaper Neddy; no pothouse witty person.  I was about to say, madam, that if the young rye asks you at any time for your word, you will do as you deem convenient; but I am sure you will oblige him by allowing me to braid your hair.’

‘I shall not do it to oblige him,’ said Belle; ’the young rye, as you call him, is nothing to me.’

‘Well, then, to oblige me,’ said Mrs. Petulengro; ’do allow me to become your poor tire-woman.’

‘It is great nonsense,’ said Belle, reddening; ’however, as you came to see me, and ask the matter as a particular favour to yourself—­’

‘Thank you, madam,’ said Mrs. Petulengro, leading Belle to the stool; ’please to sit down here.  Thank you; your hair is very beautiful, madam,’ she continued, as she proceeded to braid Belle’s hair; ’so is your countenance.  Should you ever go to the great city, among the grand folks, you would make a sensation, madam.  I have made one myself, who am dark; the chi she is kauley, which last word signifies black, which I am not, though rather dark.  There’s no colour like white, madam; it’s so lasting, so genteel.  Gentility will carry the day, madam, even with the young rye.  He will ask words of the black lass, but beg the word of the fair.’

* * * * *

I found Belle seated by a fire, over which her kettle was suspended.  During my absence she had prepared herself a kind of tent, consisting of large hoops covered over with tarpaulin, quite impenetrable to rain, however violent.  ‘I am glad you are returned,’ said she, as soon as she perceived me; ‘I began to be anxious about you.  Did you take my advice?’

‘Yes,’ said I; ’I went to the public-house and drank ale as you advised me; it cheered, strengthened, and drove away the horror from my mind—­I am much beholden to you.’

‘I knew it would do you good,’ said Belle; ’I remembered that when the poor women in the great house were afflicted with hysterics and fearful imaginings, the surgeon, who was a good, kind man, used to say:  “Ale, give them ale, and let it be strong."’

‘He was no advocate for tea, then?’ said I.

’He had no objection to tea; but he used to say, “Everything in its season.”  Shall we take ours now—­I have waited for you.’

‘I have no objection,’ said I; ’I feel rather heated, and at present should prefer tea to ale—­“Everything in its season,” as the surgeon said.’

* * * * *