slightly-frayed edge visible on his shirt-collar; and a final tug at a
grey hair--to all of which operations he submitted in resigned silence,
except the last, which produced a mild "Come, come, Ann," by way of
expostulation.

"Really, Reuben, 'tis quite a disgrace to see such a man," said Mrs.
Dewy, with the severity justifiable in a long-tried companion, giving him
another turn round, and picking several of Smiler's hairs from the
shoulder of his coat. Reuben's thoughts seemed engaged elsewhere, and he
yawned. "And the collar of your coat is a shame to behold--so plastered
with dirt, or dust, or grease, or something. Why, wherever could you
have got it?"

"'Tis my warm nater in summer-time, I suppose. I always did get in such
a heat when I bustle about."

"Ay, the Dewys always were such a coarse-skinned family. There's your
brother Bob just as bad--as fat as a porpoise--wi' his low, mean, 'How'st
do, Ann?' whenever he meets me. I'd 'How'st do' him indeed! If the sun
only shines out a minute, there be you all streaming in the face--I never
see!"

"If I be hot week-days, I must be hot Sundays."

"If any of the girls should turn after their father 'twill be a bad look-
out for 'em, poor things! None of my family were sich vulgar sweaters,
not one of 'em. But, Lord-a-mercy, the Dewys! I don't know how ever I
cam' into such a family!"

"Your woman's weakness when I asked ye to jine us. That's how it was I