I was abroad at the time . '' `` Sick ? '' `` No , busy with a novel . '' `` Took four years to write it ? '' `` I was obliged to travel and study before I could finish it . These things take more time to work up than outsiders would believe . '' `` Seems to me our war was a finer story than any you could find in Europe , and the best way to study it would be to fight it out . If you want heroes and heroines you 'd have found plenty of 'em there . '' `` I have no doubt of it , and shall be glad to atone for my seeming neglect of them by hearing about your own exploits . Major . '' Randal hoped to turn the conversation gracefully , but Saul was not to be caught , and left the room , saying , with a gleam of fun in his eye , -- `` I ca n't stop now ; heroes can wait , pigs ca n't . '' The girls laughed at this sudden descent from the sublime to the ridiculous , and Randal joined them , feeling his condescension had not been unobserved . As if drawn by the merry sound Aunt Plumy appeared , and being established in the rocking-chair fell to talking as easily as if she had known her guests for years . `` Laugh away , young folks , that 's better for digestion than any of the messes people use . Are you troubled with dyspepsy , dear ? You did n't seem to take your vittles very hearty , so I mistrusted you was delicate , '' she said , looking at Emily , whose pale cheeks and weary eyes told the story of late hours and a gay life . `` I have n't eaten so much for years , I assure you , Mrs. Basset ; but it was impossible to taste all your good things . I am not dyspeptic , thank you , but a little seedy and tired , for I 've been working rather hard lately . '' `` Be you a teacher ? or have you a ` perfessun , ' as they call a trade nowadays ? ''
asked the old lady in a tone of kindly interest , which prevented a laugh at the idea of XXXXX 's being anything but a beauty and a belle .
Basset Emily Europe Plumy Saul digestion hours perfessun vittles war