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I was once an exceedingly odd young lady—
 * Suffering much from spleen and vapours.

Clergymen thought my conduct shady—
 * She didn't spend much upon linen-drapers.

It certainly entertained the gapers.
 * My ways were strange
 * Beyond all range—

Paragraphs got into all the papers.

We only cut respectable capers.

I've given up all my wild proceedings.
 * My taste for a wandering life is waning.

Now I'm a dab at penny readings.
 * They are not remarkably entertaining.
 * A moderate livelihood we're gaining.
 * In fact we rule
 * A National school.
 * The duties are dull, but I'm not complaining.


 * This sort of thing takes a deal of training!

We have been married a week.

One happy, happy week!

Our new life—

Is delightful indeed!

So calm!

So unimpassioned! [Wildly.] Master, all this I owe to you! See, I am no longer wild and untidy. My hair is combed. My face is washed. My boots fit!

Margaret, don't. Pray restrain yourself. Remember, you are now a district visitor.

A gentle district visitor!

You are orderly, methodical, neat; you have your emotions well under control.

I have! [Wildly.] Master, when I think of all you have done for me, I fall at your feet. I embrace your ankles. I hug your knees!

Hush. This is not well. This is calculated to provoke remark. Be composed, I beg!

Ah! you are angry with poor little Mad Margaret!