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The Von Toodleburgs - Or, The History of a Very Distinguished Family by F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
page 58 of 272 (21%)

"Of great importance to us both," he replied, with great seriousness, as
he brushed his long black hair back over his parchment-like forehead.

"I'll be bound it refers to what took place to-day between our Mattie
and that young sailor. I saw it all; and you saw it all, too, my dear,
and you never said a word. We never can agree on that matter, my dear,
never. On everything else we can. You can't mistake what two young
people mean when they go to waving handkerchiefs, and picking wild
flowers in the woods. This little love matter must be stopped before it
gets into a big one. Yes, it must, my dear. So fine a young woman as
our daughter condescending to marry a sailor! As I said before, my dear,
you know I have had experience in these matters--"

"In other matters, you know, Mrs. Chapman, I have always yielded to
you--"

"And I have always yielded to you," resumed the anxious woman, "and
never considered it a condescension. But in this I must have my own
way." And Mrs. Chapman got up and walked to a window overlooking the
Tappan Zee. The night was bright and starlight, and shadows were
flitting and dancing over the smooth waters. The picture of the ship,
with Tite waving Mattie an adieu from the forecastle, haunted her mind.

"If that ship goes to the bottom of the sea, not a tear shall I
shed--not a tear!" resumed the speaker, in an agitated tone. "And I have
as tender a heart as anybody. But we must elevate the family. That's
laudable, you know. Nice people are very particular about these things.
And you know how much there is in names. Think of elevating the family
by taking a man by the name of Toodlebug into it! Think of our going to
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