"Ma'sh rosemary is the gargle that I always use," said Miss Roxy; "it cleans out your throat so."
"Marsh rosemary is a very excellent gargle," said Mr. Sewell.
"Why, brother, don't you think that rose leaves and vitriol is a good gargle?" said little Miss Emily; "I always thought that you liked rose leaves and vitriol for a gargle."
"So I do," said the imperturbable Mr. Sewell, drinking his tea with the air of a sphinx.
"Well, now, you'll have to tell which on 'em will be most likely to cure Mary Jane," said Captain Kittridge, "or there'll be a pullin' of caps, I'm thinkin'; or else the poor girl will have to drink them all, which is generally the way."
"There won't any of them cure Mary Jane's throat," said the minister, quietly.
"Why, brother!" "Why, Mr. Sewell!" "Why, you don't!" burst in different tones from each of the women.
"I thought you said that blackberry-root tea was good," said Mrs. Kittridge.
"I understood that you 'proved of ma'sh rosemary," said Miss Roxy, touched in her professional pride.
"And I am sure, brother, that I have heard you say, often and often, that there wasn't a better gargle than rose leaves and vitriol," said Miss Emily.