I've eaten no dinner these two days for thinking on 't; it's been a weary burden on my mind, but it's off now I see how well it looks.

I told mother not to come near it till we'd spread it all out, and now I'll go fetch her.' Bessy ran off into the house-place.
'It's well enough in a country kind o' way,' said Molly, with the faint approbation of condescension.

'But if I'd thought on, I'd ha' brought 'em down a beast or two done i' sponge-cake, wi' currants for his eyes to give t' table an air.' The door was opened, and Bessy came in smiling and blushing with proud pleasure.

Her mother followed her on tip-toe, smoothing down her apron, and with her voice subdued to a whisper:-- 'Ay, my lass, it _is_ fine! But dunnot mak' an ado about it, let 'em think it's just our common way.

If any one says aught about how good t' vittle is, tak' it calm, and say we'n better i' t' house,--it'll mak' 'em eat wi' a better appetite, and think the more on us.
Sylvie, I'm much beholden t' ye for comin' so early, and helpin' t' lasses, but yo' mun come in t' house-place now, t' folks is gatherin', an' yo'r cousin's been asking after yo' a'ready.' Molly gave her a nudge, which made Sylvia's face go all aflame with angry embarrassment.