“Only suppose,” returned Bella, “that poor Pa was to sit bolt upright in another corner.”

“My dear, he couldn’t do it,” said Lavvy. “Pa would loll directly. But indeed I do not believe there ever was any human creature who could keep so bolt upright as Ma, or put such an amount of aggravation into one back! What’s the matter, Ma? Ain’t you well, Ma?”

“Doubtless I am very well,” returned Mrs. Wilfer, turning her eyes upon her youngest born, with scornful fortitude. “What should be the matter with Me?”

“You don’t seem very brisk, Ma,” retorted Lavvy the bold.

“Brisk?” repeated her parent, “Brisk? Whence the low expression, Lavinia? If I am uncomplaining, if I am silently contented with my lot, let that suffice for my family.”