Joe. No; 'tain't that at all. I only wish it was, if what you say be true of women.
Matthew. True enough, my son. I did the cutest day's work in my life when I persuaded Jane Ann to take little Joe to help we. I watched the two of 'em together and found he caught his tongueing, too, from she, but it had a sort of nestle sound in it as if she were a-cuddlin' of him. She've been gentler wi' me ever since Joe come back again after his long bout at home.
[Joe scratches his head very thoughtfully; a pause, in which he seems to be thinking before speaking again.]
Joe. I don't know of no sister's child to take on for Kezia at all. What's the next remedy, think you?
Matthew. A thrashin'.
[Joe jumps up and stares at Matthew.]
Joe. A what?
Matthew. Wallop her just once.
[Matthew looks on the ground and taps it with his foot, and he does not see that Joe is standing over him with his hands clenched.]
Joe. Shame on thee, mate! I feel more like strikin' thee nor a female. I'm sorry I told thee, if thee can offer no more help than that. I'm not much of a chap, but I've never struck a woman yet.