Page 147 (1/2)

"Well, if I ever put that thing on in July again," she said, "you

can use my head for a knock-maul Nancy Ellen, can't you stop at

a store as you coirls run o out in, and not

so hot it startsbefore my time?"

"Of course I can," said Nancy Ellen "About what do you want to

pay, Mother?"

"Whatever it takes to get a decent and a cool dress; cool, mind

you," said Mrs Bates, "an' any colour but black"

"Why, Mother!" cried Nancy Ellen "it must be black!"

"No," said Mrs Bates "Pa kept me in black all my life on the

supposition it showed the dirt the least There's nothing in

that It shows dirt worse 'an white I got ray, if you want me to wear it"

"Well, I never!" said Nancy Ellen "What will the neighbours

say?"

"What do I care?" asked Mrs Bates "They've talked about me all

my life, I'd be kinda lonesome if they's to quit"

Dinner over, Kate proposed that her mother should lie dohile

they washed the dishes

"I would like a little rest," said Mrs Bates "I guess I'll go

upstairs"

"You'll do nothing of the kind," said Kate "It's dreadfully hot

up there Go in the spare roo to stay Tuesday until I h for one, and you'll

feel ht of that," cried Mrs Bates