stockens out walking, or your new bonnet to church. Only her poor
father was kind to her; and he, poor old muff! his kindness was of
no use. Mary bore all the scolding like a hangel, as she was: no,
not if she had a pair of wings and a goold trumpet, could she have
been a greater hangel.

I never shall forgit one seen that took place. It was when Master
was in the city; and so, having nothink earthly to do, I happened
to be listening on the stairs. The old scolding was a-going on,
and the old tune of that hojus "Battle of Prag." Old Shum made
some remark; and Miss Buckmaster cried out, "Law, pa! what a fool
you are!" All the gals began laffin, and so did Mrs. Shum; all,
that is, excep Mary, who turned as red as flams, and going up to
Miss Betsy Buckmaster, give her two such wax on her great red ears
as made them tingle again.

Old Mrs. Shum screamed, and ran at her like a Bengal tiger. Her
great arms vent veeling about like a vinmill, as she cuffed and
thumped poor Mary for taking her pa's part. Mary Shum, who was
always a-crying before, didn't shed a tear now. "I will do it
again," she said, "if Betsy insults my father." New thumps, new
shreex; and the old horridan went on beatin the poor girl till she
was quite exosted, and fell down on the sophy, puffin like a
poppus.

"For shame, Mary," began old Shum; "for shame, you naughty gal,
you! for hurting the feelings of your dear mamma, and beating your
kind sister."

"Why, it was because she called you a--"