Mrs. Staines said that; but when it came to acting, she deferred to
her husband's wish; she resigned her intention of sending for Clara
and giving her warning. On the contrary, when Clara let her in, and the
white jackets rubbed together in the narrow passage, she actually said
nothing, but stalked to her own room, and tore her jacket off, and flung
it on the floor.

Unfortunately, she was so long dressing for the Zoo, that Clara came
in to arrange the room. She picks up the white jacket, takes it in both
hands, gives it a flap, and proceeds to hang it up in the wardrobe.

Then the great feminine heart burst its bounds.

"You can leave that alone. I shall not wear that again."

Thereupon ensued an uneven encounter, Clara being one of those of whom
the Scripture says, "The poison of asps is under their tongues."

"La, ma'am," said she, "why, 'tain't so very dirty."

"No; but it is too common."

"Oh, because I've got one like it. Ay. Missises can't abide a
good-looking servant, nor to see 'em dressed becoming."

"Mistresses do not like servants to forget their place, nor wear what
does not become their situation."

"My situation! Why, I can pay my way, go where I will. I don't tremble