`` To judge by that sweet sound you have done one of your ` chores ' very beautifully , Mrs. Basset , and in spite of the follies of our day , succeeded in keeping one girl healthy , happy and unspoiled , '' said Emily , looking up into the peaceful old face with her own lovely one full of respect and envy . `` I do hope so , for she 's my ewe lamb , the last of four dear little girls ; all the rest are in the burying ground ` side of father . I do n't expect to keep her long , and do n't ought to regret when I lose her , for Saul is the best of sons ; but daughters is more to mothers somehow , and I always yearn over girls that is left without a broodin ' wing to keep 'em safe and warm in this world of tribulation . '' Aunt Plumy laid her hand on Sophie 's head as she spoke , with such a motherly look that both girls drew nearer , and Randal resolved to put her in a book without delay . Presently Saul returned with little Ruth hanging on his arm and shyly nestling near him as he took the three-cornered leathern chair in the chimney nook , while she sat on a stool close by . `` Now the circle is complete and the picture perfect . Do n't light the lamps yet , please , but talk away and let me make a mental study of you . I seldom find so charming a scene to paint , '' said Randal , beginning to enjoy himself immensely , with a true artist 's taste for novelty and effect . `` Tell us about your book , for we have been reading it as it comes out in the magazine , and are much exercised about how it 's going to end , '' began Saul , gallantly throwing himself into the breach , for a momentary embarrassment fell upon the women at the idea of sitting for their portraits before they were ready . `` Do you really read my poor serial up here , and do me the honor to like it ? '' asked the novelist , both flattered and amused , for his work was of the aesthetic sort , microscopic studies of character , and careful pictures of modern life . `` Sakes alive , why should n't we ? '' cried Aunt Plumy . `` We have some eddication , though we ai n't very genteel . We 've got a town libry , kep up by the women mostly , with fairs and tea parties and so on . We have all the magazines reg ` lar , and Saul reads out the pieces while Ruth sews and I knit , my eyes bein ' poor . Our winter is long and evenins would be kinder lonesome if we did n't have novils and newspapers to cheer 'em up . '' `` I am very glad I can help to beguile them for you . 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 XXXXX 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 .
Basset Plumy Randal broodin eddication evenins leathern left nook novils