“Well, that gentleman maided lots and lots of very rude noises, and he didn’t put his hand up to his mouf and say ‘pardon.’ Why didn’t he, muvver?”
“Darling, please don’t go on making remarks about people. It’s not kind.”
Letizia was dejected by this insinuation, and sat silent for a space. Then she cheered up:
“Muvver, if that gentleman makes a rude noise again, would it be kind for me to put up my hand to my mouf and say ‘pardon’?”
Nancy thought that her daughter’s present humour of critical observations augured ill for her success at Lebanon House, and she began to wish that she had left her behind in London.
“Listen, darling. I don’t want you to be a horrid little girl and go on chattering when mother asks you to keep quiet. If you behave like this, your Uncle Caleb won’t like you.”
“If he doesn’t like me, I won’t like him,” said Letizia confidently.
Nancy shook a reproachful head.
“Well, I shan’t talk to you any more. In fact, I’ve a very good mind to leave you behind in the train when we get to Brigham.”
“Where would I go?” Letizia asked, perfectly undismayed by this threat.