What could be simpler and more direct? And in the matter of nails, Tom abided by it.
"Wot day in the week was you born?" asked 'Melia Jane.
"Blessed if I know," answered Tom.
"'Ow could you be so careless," said 'Melia Jane, severely, "as not to get to know? Then we could settle it?"
"Settle what, 'Melia Jane?"
"Why, don't you know?" she replied.
"'Monday's child is fair of face.
Tuesday's child is full of grace.
Wednesday's child is loving and giving.
Thursday's child works hard for a living.
Friday's child is full of woe.
Saturday's child has far to go.
But the child that is born on Sabbath-day
Is bonnie and happy, and wise and gay.'"
"I say Thursday," said Tom, good-humouredly. "That's the most likely day for me."
"I say Sabbath-day," said 'Melia Jane.
"That won't fit," said Tom. "Happy? Yes. And gay, sometimes. But wise? No, no, 'Melia Jane; not a bit of it."