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.Petulengro, leading Belle to the stool; "please to sit down here.Thank you; your hair is very beautiful, madam," she continued, as she proceeded to braid Belle's hair; "so is your countenance.Should you ever go to the great city, among the grand folks, you would make a sensation, madam.I have made one myself, who am dark; the chi she is kauley, which last word signifies black, which Iam not, though rather dark.There is no colour like white, madam; it's so lasting, so genteel.Gentility will carry the day, madam, even with the young rye.He will ask words of the black lass, but beg the word of the fair."In the meantime Mr.Petulengro and myself entered into conversation."Any news stirring, Mr.Petulengro?" said I.
"Have you heard anything of the great religious movements?""Plenty," said Mr.Petulengro; "all the religious people, more especially the Evangelicals - those that go about distributing tracts - are very angry about the fight between Gentleman Cooper and White-headed Bob, which they say ought not to have been permitted to take place; and then they are trying all they can to prevent the fight between the lion and the dogs, which they say is a disgrace to a Christian country.Now I can't say that I have any quarrel with the religious party and the Evangelicals; they are always civil to me and mine, and frequently give us tracts, as they call them, which neither I nor mine can read; but I cannot say that I approve of any movements, religious or not, which have in aim to put down all life and manly sport in this here country.""Anything else?" said I.
