If there were no Marthas there would never be anything fit to eat.

But it's odd how sure a wife is to be scolded.

If I did nothing at all, that wouldn't please a busy, hard-working man like you." "I don't know that I have scolded,--not as yet." "Are you going to begin ?" "Not to scold, my dear.

Looking back, can you remember that I ever scolded you ?" "I can remember a great many times when you ought." "But to tell you the truth, I don't like all that you have done here.
I cannot see that it was necessary." "People make changes in their gardens without necessity sometimes." "But these changes are made because of your guests.

Had they been made to gratify your own taste I would have said nothing,--although even in that case I think you might have told me what you proposed to do." "What;--when you are so burdened with work that you do not know how to turn ?" "I am never so burdened that I cannot turn to you.