If he had not been in such a hurry to get back to his mother , he would have gone too , for he loved shows with giants and dwarfs and the like . He was quite puzzled when he reached the market-place . There sat his mother , with a good deal of fruit still in her baskets , so he felt he could not have slept so very long , but it struck him that she was sad , for she did not call to the passers-by , but sat with her head resting on her hand , and as he came nearer he thought she looked paler than usual . He hesitated what to do , but at last he slipped behind her , laid a hand on her arm , and said : ` Mammy , what 's the matter ? Are you angry with me ? ' She turned round quickly and jumped up with a cry of horror . ` What do you want , you hideous dwarf ? ' she cried ; ` get away ; I ca n't bear such tricks . ' ` But , mother dear , what 's the matter with you ? ' repeated Jem , quite frightened . ` You ca n't be well . Why do you want to drive your son away ? ' ' I have said already , get away , ' replied Hannah , quite angrily . ` You wo n't get anything out of me by your games , you monstrosity . ' ` Oh dear , oh dear ! she must be wandering in her mind , ' murmured the lad to himself . ` How can I manage to get her home ? Dearest mother , do look at me close . Ca n't you see I am your own son Jem ? ' ` Well , did you ever hear such impudence ? '
asked Hannah , turning XXXXX a neighbour .
If as at behind for of on than to with