A little farther on , I was shocked to see a goose dragging an old man down some steps that led to a little house . `` Dear me ! what 's the matter here ? '' I cried . `` He wo n't say his prayers , '' screamed the goose . `` But perhaps he was never taught , '' said I. `` It 's never too late to learn : he 's had his chance ; he wo n't be pious and good , so away with him . Do n't interfere , whatever you do : hold your tongue , and go about your business , '' scolded the goose , who certainly had a dreadful temper . I dared say no more ; and , when the poor old man had been driven away by this foul proceeding , I went up the steps and peeped in ; for I heard some one crying , and thought the cross bird , perhaps , had hurt some one else . A little old woman stood there , wringing her hands in great distress ; while a small dog was barking at her with all his might . `` Bless me ! the fashions have got even here , '' thought I ; for the old woman was dressed in the latest style , -- or , rather , she had overdone it sadly ; for her gown was nearly up to her knees , and she was nearly as ridiculous an object as some of the young ladies I had seen at home . 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 !
XXXXX do n't know me ; and I ai n't myself , and I do n't know what to do . ''
doggy first fright gown house nutmegs petticoat saucer somebody straw