Life And Letters Of Maria Edgeworth/Volume 2/Letter 139

MARIA to MRS. R. BUTLER.

EDGEWORTHSTOWN, May 2, 1844.

Not the least tired with my journey. Francis read to me indefatigably through Australia. There is an excellent anecdote of an old Scotch servant meeting his master unexpectedly in Australia after many years' absence: "I was quite dung down donnerit when I saw the laird, I canna' conceit what dooned me&mdash;I was raal glad to see him, but I dinna ken hoo I couldna' speak it."

If anybody can conceive anything much more absurd than my copying this out of a printed book of your own which you will have back in seven days,&mdash;let them call aloud.

"I canna' speak it" how happy I was yesterday, at the tender, warm reception I had from your dear mother, and all young and old.