er that it was impossible she could submit the decoration of her person
to one who has so contaminated herself with a tobacco-chewing seaman--
who was all pigtail within and without; for, as the Scripture says, "Who
can touch pitch without being defiled?"

Although my mother had made up her mind, that if it was to be a question
between a place and a husband, she should decide upon retaining the
latter, still she thought it advisable, if it were possible, to
conciliate my lady. She therefore pulled out a cambric handkerchief,
and while her ladyship scolded, she covered up her face and wept. Lady
Hercules continued to scold until she was out of breath, and thereby
compelled to stop. My mother then replied, with deep humility and many
tears, "that indeed she had been so persuaded (sob) that she at last
promised, to (sob) marry; but only on one condition--yes, indeed--(sob)
that her ladyship gave her consent--positively on no other (sob)--no,
indeed, upon her honour! Mr Saunders was--(sob)--excellent young
man--(sob), so attached to Sir Hercules (sob), and had such a great
respect for her ladyship, that--(sob--sob--sob)--he had won her heart."

By this time her ladyship had regained her breath, and she interrupted
my mother by pointing out to her, that allowing all she said to be
correct, yet still that was no reason why she should allow such indecent
liberties; that Sir Hercules had never obtained such favours from her
until after the ring had been put on her finger. Then, indeed, such
things might be--that is, occasionally; but the kitchen of all places!--
And, besides, how did she know how many wives the coxswain had already?
She shouldn't be surprised, if, with that long pigtail of his, he had
five at least--nay, perhaps, six on seven. Here my mother replied, that
"it was out of gratitude to her (sob) for having consented to permit him
to (sob) speak to Sir Hercules (sob), who would plead with her ladyship
(sob), which had occasioned Mr Saunders (sob) to take--such--a--liberty
(sob--sob--sob)--which he had never--done before--(sob)--No!--never--
upon her honour--never--!" And here my mother's sobs choked her
utterance.

This explanation somewhat pacified, and a little subsequent humility and
flattery gained the mistress, who consented to settle the matter with
Sir Hercules, alleging, as one principal reason for so doing, that after
the familiarity which had taken place between them, the sooner they were
married