Mrs. Y. Do—I entreat.
It would be so convenient to know.
Some certain rule by which to guide one's self.
My glass deceives me often.
Mrs. M. (in a mental aside.) Rather say
Your glass tells often some unpleasant truths.
Mr. M. My weather-glass, dear madam, is my corn.
Mrs. M. Why, really, Mister M., you're quite absurd;
Have we the means of guidance such as that?
You're positively rude.
Mrs. Y. (laughing.) Oh, not at all;
He's trod upon no tender place of mine.
Mrs. S. I've heard some story of the tails of cows
'Tis said that when to the wind's quarter turn'd,
They augur rain. Now tell me, Mr. Muffle,
Do you believe in that?
Mr. M. I'd trust a cow's,
As well as any other idle tail.
Mrs. Y. That's saying very little. Tell me, now,
(For your opinion, really, I respect,)
Are mackerel-looking clouds a sign of wet?
Mr. M. I think it probable that mackerel clouds
Betoken wet, just as a mackerel's self
Puts us in mind of water.
Mrs. S. Are you joking
Or speaking as a scientific man?