“Indeed, Mrs. Rhines, I trust you don’t think I’m afraid of a goose.”
But Sally persisted in going with him.
The reverend gentleman was very much pleased with the goslings, who bore a strong resemblance to both parents; but he was especially delighted with the wild gander, which was a splendid fellow, and, from being well fed, was large and plump.
“I feel that I must get over in the pen, Mrs. Rhines; the gander seems perfectly docile.”
“Don’t, Mr. Goodhue, I beg of you; he is very savage, I assure you.”
He, however, persisted in getting into the pen, despite her entreaties.
“Only observe how affectionate and quiet he has become in captivity; intercourse with human beings has doubtless exerted an ameliorating influence upon his naturally savage nature: you will notice, Mrs. Rhines, that he does not open his mouth and siss, as even the tame ganders will do; indeed, I have always thought the study of natural history a most delightful and fascinating recreation: it is, in one sense, a revelation.”
As we have before observed, suspenders were not worn in those days; and any exertion often caused the breeches to work down, and the waistcoat to work up, so as to render the linen visible between them.
