"I am sure it is not, aunt Erminia. I have been poking into every corner there; and there is no beef, I know."
"Maria, that is a very inelegant way of speaking. Where did you get it?"
"I don't know, ma'am, I'm sure. Out of the truth, I suppose. That's what I did."
"It is a very inelegant way of doing, as well as of speaking. Poking into every thing! What did you poke? your finger? or your hand?"
"My nose, I suppose," said Maria, hardily.
"I think I need not tell you that that is a very vulgar expression," said Mrs. Candy, with a lofty air; while Clarissa's shoulders gave a little shrug, as much as to say her mother was wasting time. "Don't you know any better, Maria?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then I hope you will speak properly next time."
"One gets so tired of speaking properly!" said Maria.
"You?" said Clarissa, with a gentle intonation.