hedgehog! A pretty thing for a woman to be called by her husband!
Now you don't think I'll lie quietly in bed, and be called a
hedgehog--do you, Mr. Caudle?

"Well, I only hope Miss Prettyman had a good dinner, that's all. I
had none! You know I had none--how was I to get any? You know that
the only part of the turkey I care for is the merry-thought. And
that, of course, went to Miss Prettyman. Oh, I saw you laugh when
you put it on her plate! And you don't suppose, after such an insult
as that, I'd taste another thing upon the table? No, I should hope I
have more spirit than that. Yes; and you took wine with her four
times. What do you say?

"ONLY TWICE?

"Oh, you were so lost--fascinated, Mr. Caudle; yes, fascinated--that
you didn't know what you did. However, I do think while I'm alive I
might be treated with respect at my own table. I say, while I'm
alive; for I know I sha'n't last long, and then Miss Prettyman may
come and take it all. I'm wasting daily, and no wonder. I never say
anything about it, but every week my gowns are taken in.

"I've lived to learn something, to be sure! Miss Prettyman turned up
her nose at my custards. It isn't sufficient that you are always
finding fault yourself, but you must bring women home to sneer at me
at my own table. What do you say?

"SHE DIDN'T TURN UP HER NOSE?

"I know she did; not but what it's needless--Providence has turned it