Now tell me what you honestly think of my work ? Criticism is always valuable , and I should really like yours , Mrs. Basset , '' said Randal , wondering what the good woman would make of the delicate analysis and worldly wisdom on which he prided himself . Short work , as Aunt Plumy soon showed him , for she rather enjoyed freeing her mind at all times , and decidedly resented the insinuation that country folk could not appreciate light literature as well as city people . `` I ai n't no great of a jedge about anything but nat ` ralness of books , and it really does seem as if some of your men and women was dreadful uncomfortable creaters . ` Pears to me it ai n't wise to be always pickin ' ourselves to pieces and pryin ' into things that ought to come gradual by way of experience and the visitations of Providence . Flowers wo n't blow worth a cent ef you pull 'em open . Better wait and see what they can do alone . I do relish the smart sayins , the odd ways of furrin parts , and the sarcastic slaps at folkses weak spots . But massy knows , we ca n't live on spice-cake and Charlotte Ruche , and I do feel as if books was more sustainin ' ef they was full of every-day people and things , like good bread and butter . Them that goes to the heart and ai n't soon forgotten is the kind I hanker for . Mis Terry 's books now , and Mis Stowe 's , and Dickens 's Christmas pieces , -- them is real sweet and cheerin ' , to my mind . '' As the blunt old lady paused it was evident she had produced a sensation , for Saul smiled at the fire , Ruth looked dismayed at this assault upon one of her idols , and the young ladies were both astonished and amused at the keenness of the new critic who dared express what they had often felt . Randal , however , was quite composed and laughed good-naturedly , though secretly feeling as if a pail of cold water had been poured over him . `` Many thanks , madam ; you have discovered my weak point with surprising accuracy . But you see I can not help ` picking folks to pieces , ' as you have expressed it ; that is my gift , and it has its attractions , as the sale of my books will testify . People like the ` spice-bread , ' and as that is the only sort my oven will bake , I must keep on in order to make my living . '' `` So rumsellers say , but it ai n't a good trade to foller , and I 'd chop wood ` fore I 'd earn my livin ' harmin ' my feller man . ` Pears to me I 'd let my oven cool a spell , and hunt up some homely , happy folks to write about ; folks that do n't borrer trouble and go lookin ' for holes in their neighbors ' coats , but take their lives brave and cheerful ; and rememberin ' we are all human , have pity on the weak , and try to be as full of mercy , patience and lovin ' kindness as Him who made us . That sort of a book would do a heap of good ; be real warmin ' and strengthening and make them that read it love the man that wrote it , and remember him when he was dead and gone . '' `` I wish I could ! ''
and XXXXX meant what he said , for he was as tired of his own style as a watch-maker might be of the magnifying glass through which he strains his eyes all day .
Basset Randal Ruche Ruth cheerin ef folkses sayins spice-bread spice-cake