Page:Romance & Reality 2.pdf/262

260 we can afford to let the young ones see a little pleasure." "May I ask," said Emily,"what is Mr. Higgs's profession?" "Indeed!" exclaimed his offended spouse, "he's not one of your professing sort—he never says what he doesn't mean—his word's as good as his bond through St. Mary Within, any day—professions, indeed! what has he ever professed to you?" Emily took her most conciliating tone, and, as unwilling duellists say, the explanation was quite satisfactory. "Bless your silly soul! his business you mean. You are just like my girls—I often tells them to run for the dictionary: to see the blessings of edication! Our childer are a deal more knowing than ourselves. But Mr. H.'s business—though I say it that shouldn't, there isn't a more thriving soap-boiler in the ward. Mr. H. wanted to go to Moscow for our summer tower (Moscow's the sea-port which sends us our tallow)—but I said, 'Lord, Mr. H.,' says I, 'what signifies making a toil of a pleasure?'" "You are," said Emily, "quite a family party." "I never lets Mr. H. leave me and the girls