`` If you have n't got any shame for yourself , Robert Chapley , you 've got a mother-in-law who can be ashamed for you . No strangers shall be charged for room and lodging in any house where Mrs. Matilda Pitman lives . Remember that , though I may have come down in the world , I have n't quite forgot all decency for all that . I knew you was a skinflint when Amelia married you , and you 've made her as bad as yourself . But Mrs. Matilda Pitman has been boss for a long time , and Mrs. Matilda Pitman will remain boss . Here you , Robert Chapley , take yourself out of here and let that girl get dressed . And you , Amelia , go downstairs and cook a breakfast for her . '' Never , in all her life , had Rilla seen anything like the abject meekness with which those two big people obeyed that mite . They went without word or look of protest . As the door closed behind them Mrs. Matilda Pitman laughed silently , and rocked from side to side in her merriment . `` Ai n't it funny ? '' she said . `` I mostly lets them run the length of their tether , but sometimes I has to pull them up , and then I does it with a jerk . They do n't dast aggravate me , because I 've got considerable hard cash , and they 're afraid I wo n't leave it all to them . Neither I will . I 'll leave 'em some , but some I wo n't , just to vex 'em . I have n't made up my mind where I will leave it but I 'll have to , soon , for at eighty a body is living on borrowed time . Now , you can take your time about dressing , my dear , and I 'll go down and keep them mean scallawags in order . That 's a handsome child you have there . Is he your brother ? ''
`` No , he 's a little war-baby I 've been taking care of , because his mother died and his father was overseas , '' answered XXXXX in a subdued tone .
Amelia Chapley Pitman Rilla brother girl lodging meekness scallawags skinflint