"Don't tell him." "I'm that fidgety I don't know what I'm sayin'.

The Lord bless us, but ye must be hungry!" said the good woman, as she spread the table for dinner.

She had guessed rightly, and Hester bustled about, helping her mother get the dishes on the table, with a critical eye to all the arrangements.

Rayel was much amused by the children, the youngest of whom had climbed upon his knee and was taking liberties with his cravat.
He was wholly unaccustomed to the pranks of children, and we frequently rallied to his defence.

He seemed to enjoy them, however, and was soon involved in a spree at which both Hester and I laughed heartily.
"This herring ain't extra good, sir, but I 'ope it won't go ag'in' ye," said Mrs.Chaffin to Rayel, as we sat down to the table.
He seemed in doubt for a moment as to what it would be proper to say in reply to this well-intended remark.
"I have never eaten a herring, madam," said he, gravely, "but I have no doubt it will be good." "I 'ope so, sir--indeed, I 'ope so; but I dare presume to say that it will taste bad enough to the likes of you." Mrs.Chaffin (good soul) had evidently concluded that my cousin was a man entitled to extra politeness.