on. Catching at words confined to pothouse farmers and village
witty bodies! No, nor to Jasper Petulengro. Listen for an hour or two
to the discourse of a set they call newspaper editors, and if you don't
go out and eat grass, as a dog does when he is sick, I am no female
woman. The young lord whose hand I refused when I took up with wise
Jasper once brought two of them to my mother's tan, {249b} when hankering
after my company; they did nothing but carp at each other's words, and a
pretty hand they made of it. Ill-favoured dogs they were, and their
attempt at what they called wit almost as unfortunate as their
countenances."

"Well," said I, "madam, we will drop all catchings and carpings for the
present. Pray take your seat on this stool, whilst I go and announce to
Miss Isopel Berners your arrival."

Thereupon I went to Belle's habitation, and informed her that Mr. and
Mrs. Petulengro had paid us a visit of ceremony, and were awaiting her at
the fireplace. "Pray go and tell them that I am busy," said Belle, who
was engaged with her needle. "I do not feel disposed to take part in any
such nonsense." "I shall do no such thing," said I, "and I insist upon
your coming forthwith, and showing proper courtesy to your visitors. If
you do not their feelings will be hurt, and you are aware that I cannot
bear that people's feelings should be outraged. Come this moment, or . . ."
"Or what?" said Belle, half smiling. "I was about to say something
in Armenian," said I. "Well," said Belle, laying down her work, "I will
come." "Stay," said I, "your hair is hanging about your ears, and your
dress is in disorder; you had better stay a minute or two to prepare
yourself to appear before your visitors, who have come in their very best
attire." "No," said Belle, "I will make no alteration in my appearance;
you told me to come this moment, and you shall be obeyed."

So Belle and I advanced towards our guests. As we drew nigh Mr.
Petulengro took off his hat and made a profound obeisance to Belle,
whilst Mrs. Petulengro rose from the stool and made a profound curtsey.
Belle, who had flung her hair back over her shoulders, returned their
salutations by bending her head, and after slightly glancing at Mr.
Petulengro, fixed her large blue eyes full upon his wife. Both these
females were very handsome--but how unlike! Belle fair, with blue eyes
and flaxen hair; Mrs. Petulengro with olive complexion, eyes black, and
hair dark-