n even in its widest sense.

"An' pray, ma'am," said the other, for however paradoxical it may
appear, it is an established case that in all such displays between
women, politeness usually keeps pace with scurrility; "An' pray, ma'am,"
replied Kitty, "is it to the likes o' you we're to say our catechize?"

Biddy was resolved not to be outdone in politeness, and replied--

"Af you plaise, ma'am," with a courtesy.

"Lord protect us! what will we hear next, I wondher? Well, ma'am?" Here
her antagonist stood, evidently waiting for the onset.

"You'll hear more than'll go down your back pleasant afore I've done wid
you, ma'am."

"Don't be makin' us long for it in the mane time, Miss Biddy."

"You didn't answer my question, Miss Kitty. Why did you refuse to let me
in tonight?"

"For good raisons--bekase I--hard you cologgin' an' whisperin' wid a
pack of fellows without."

"An' have you the brass to say so, knowin' that it's false an' a lie
into the bargain?" (Head energetically shaken.)

"Have I the brass, is it? I keep my brass in my pocket, ma'am, not in
my face, like some of our friends." (Head shaken in reply to the action
displayed by Kitty.)

This was a sharp retort; but it was very well returned.

"Thank you, ma'am," replied Biddy, "if it's faces you're spakin' about,
I know you're able to outface me any day; but whatever's in my face
there's no desate in my heart, Miss Lowry. Put that in your pocket."
(One triumphant shake of the head at the conclusion.)

"There's as much in your heart as'll shame your face, yet, Miss Nulty.
Put that in yours." (Another triumphant shake of the head.)

"Thank God," retorted Biddy, "none o' my friends ever knewn what a
shamed face is. I say, madam, none o' _my_ family iver wore a shamed
face. _Thiguthu shin?_" (Do you understand that? )

This, indeed, was a bitter hit; for the reader must know that a sister
of Lowry's had not passed through the world without the breath of
slander tarnishing her fair fame.

"Oh, it's well known your tongue's no slander, Biddy."

"Thin that's more than can be said of yours, Kitty."

"If my sisther met with a misfortune, it was many a betther woman's case
than ever you'll be. Don't shout till you get out of the wood, ma'am.
You dunna what's afore yourself. Any how, it's not be lettin' fellows
into the masther's kitchen whiff the family's in bed, an' dhrinkin'
whiskey wid them, that'll get you through the world wid your character
safe.