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 Emily 's being anything but a beauty and a belle . The others kept their countenances with difficulty , and she answered demurely , -- `` I have no trade as yet , but I dare say I should be happier if I had . '' `` Not a doubt o n't , my dear . '' `` What would you recommend , ma'am ? '' `` I should say dressmakin ' was rather in your line , ai n't it ? Your clothes is dreadful tasty , and do you credit if you made 'em yourself . '' and Aunt Plumy surveyed with feminine interest the simple elegance of the travelling dress which was the masterpiece of a French modiste . `` No , ma'am , I do n't make my own things , I 'm too lazy . It takes so much time and trouble to select them that I have only strength left to wear them . ''
`` Housekeepin ' used to be the favorite XXXXX in my day .
Basset Plumy Randal countenances digestion hours left modiste perfessun years