"I reckon she does not relish Canada about this time."
"No; let us ask her candid opinion of it," said Miss Tildy, who considered herself the wit of the family, and this last speech she regarded as quite an extraordinary flash.
"That's very good, Till," said her patronizing sister, "but you are always witty."
"Now, sister, ain't you ashamed to flatter me so?" and with the most Laura Matilda-ish air, she turned her head aside and tried to blush.
I could read, from his clear, manly glance, that Mr. Worth was sick at heart and goaded to anguish by what he saw and heard; yet, like many another noble man, he sat in silent endurance. Miss Jane caught the idea of his gloom, and, with a good deal of sly, vulpine malice, determined to annoy him. She had not for him, as Miss Tildy had, a personal admiration; so, by way of vexing him, as well as showing off her smartness, she asked:
"Till, is there much Worth in Abolitionism?"
"I don't know, but there is a Robin in it." This she thought a capital repartee.
"Bravo! bravo, Till! who can equal you? You are the wittiest girl in town or country."
"Wit is a precious gift," said Mr. Worth, as he satirically elevated his brows.
"Indeed is it," replied Miss Tildy, "but I am not conscious of its possession." Of course she expected he would gainsay her; but, as he was silent, her cheeks blazed like a peony.