"
The latter, however, took it as a serious matter, and observed that,
when she was young, children were not allowed to speak so to their
elders. "But, I don't know as I can blame 'em much," she continued,
wiping her eyes with the corner of her apron, "when their own
parents encourage 'em in it."
Timothy was warned, by experience, that silence was his best (sic)
defence. Since anything he might say would only be likely to make
matters worse.
Aunt Rachel sank into a fit of deep despondency, and did not say
another word till dinner time. She sat down to the table with a
profound sigh, as if there was little in life worth living for.
Notwithstanding this, it was observed that she had a good appetite.
Indeed, Rachel seemed to thrive on her gloomy views of life and
human nature. She was, it must be acknowledged, perfectly consistent
in all her conduct, as far as this peculiarity was concerned.
Whenever she took up a newspaper, she always looked first to the
space appropriated to deaths, and next in order to the column of
accidents, casualties, etc., and her spirits were visibly
exhilarated when she encountered a familiar name in either list.
Mr. Crump continued to look out for work, but it was with a more
cheerful spirit. He did not now feel as if the comfort of his family
depended absolutely upon his immediate success.
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