It was agreeable to be able to repeat what my lord this or my lady that said about the cabinets and chairs; but after all she was half afraid that her boasting deceived nobody, and Gertrude would never come to her aid with any little innocent fibs about their grand visitors.
"I never did believe a word of it," repeated Madam, after a pause.
"Gertrude, why do you not answer when I speak to you?
You are as dull as a Dutch doll, sitting there and saying nothing.

I would that Frederick were at home! He can speak when he is spoken to; but you are like a deaf mute!" "I beg your pardon, ma'am.

I was reading--I did not hear." "That is always the way--reading, reading, reading! Why, what good do you think reading will do you?
Why don't you get your silk embroidery or practise upon the spinnet?
Such advantages as you have! And all thrown away on a girl who does not know when she is well off.

I have no manner of patience with you, Gertrude.

If I had had such opportunities in my girlhood, I should never have been a mere citizen's wife now." A slightly mutinous look passed across Gertrude's face.