She had a respectable bonnet on , however , instead of a straw saucer ; and her hair was neatly put under a cap , -- not made into a knob on the top of her head . `` My dear soul , what 's the trouble ? '' said I , quite touched by her tears . `` Lud a mercy , ma'am ! I 've been to market with my butter and eggs , -- for the price of both is so high , one can soon get rich nowadays , -- and , being tired , I stopped to rest a bit , but fell asleep by the road . Somebody -- I think it 's a rogue of a peddler who sold me wooden nutmegs , and a clock that would n't go , and some pans that came to bits the first time I used them -- somebody cut my new gown and petticoat off all round , in the shameful way you see . I thought I never should get home ; for I was such a fright , I actually did n't know myself . But , thinks I , my doggy will know me ; and then I shall be sure I 'm I , and not some boldfaced creature in short skirts . But , oh , ma'am ! doggy do n't know me ; and I ai n't myself , and I do n't know what to do . '' `` He 's a foolish little beast ; so do n't mind him , but have a cup of tea , and go to bed . You can make your gown decent to-morrow ; and , if I see the tricksy peddler , I 'll give him a scolding . '' This seemed to comfort the old woman ; though doggy still barked . `` My next neighbor has a dog who never behaves in this way , '' she said , as she put her teapot on the coals . `` He 's a remarkable beast ; and you 'd better stop to see him as you pass , ma'am . He 's always up to some funny prank or other . '' I said I would ; and , as I went by the next house , I took a look in at the window . The closet was empty , I observed ; but the dog sat smoking a pipe , looking as grave as a judge . `` Where is your mistress ? '' asked I. `` Gone for some tripe , '' answered the dog , politely taking the pipe out of his mouth , and adding , `` I hope the smoke does n't annoy you . ''
`` I do n't approve of XXXXX , '' said I. `` Sorry to hear it , '' said the dog , coolly .
doggy first nutmegs petticoat saucer smoking straw teapot to-morrow tricksy