He has a nose of his
own, which he keeps tolerably exalted; he does not think small-beer
of himself, madam; and all the time I have been with him, I never
heard him ask a favour before; therefore, madam, I am sure you will
oblige him. My sister Ursula would be very willing to oblige him
in many things, but he will not ask for anything, except for such a
favour as a word, which is a poor favour after all. I don't mean
for her word; perhaps he will some day ask you for your word. If
so--"
"Why, here you are, after railing at me for catching at words,
catching at a word yourself," said Mr. Petulengro.
"Hold your tongue, sir," said Mrs. Petulengro. "Don't interrupt me
in my discourse; if I caught at a word now, I am not in the habit
of doing so. I am no conceited body; no newspaper Neddy; no
pothouse witty person. I was about to say, madam, that if the
young rye asks you at any time for your word, you will do as you
deem convenient; but I am sure you will oblige him by allowing me
to braid your hair."
"I shall not do it to oblige him," said Belle; "the young rye, as
you call him, is nothing to me."
"Well, then, to oblige me," said Mrs. Petulengro; "do allow me to
become your poor tire-woman."
"It is great nonsense," said Belle, reddening; "however, as you
came to see me, and ask the matter as a particular favour to
yourself--"
"Thank you, madam," said Mrs.
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