means.




CHAPTER XXXIX

_COUSIN MONICA AND UNCLE SILAS MEET_


Cousin Monica, with her hands upon Milly's shoulders, looked amusedly and
kindly in her face. 'And,' said she, 'we must be very good friends--you
funny creature, you and I. I'm allowed to be the most saucy old woman in
Derbyshire--quite incorrigibly privileged; and nobody is ever affronted
with me, so I say the most shocking things constantly.'

'I'm a bit that way, myself; and I think,' said poor Milly, making an
effort, and growing very red; she quite lost her head at that point, and
was incompetent to finish the sentiment she had prefaced.

'You think? Now, take my advice, and never wait to think my dear; talk
first, and think afterwards, that is my way; though, indeed, I can't say
I ever think at all. It is a very cowardly habit. Our cold-blooded cousin
Maud, there, thinks sometimes; but it is always such a failure that I
forgive her. I wonder when your little pre-Adamite butler will return. He
speaks the language of the Picts and Ancient Britons, I dare say, and your
father requires a little time to translate him. And, Milly dear, I am very
hungry, so I won't wait for your butler, who would give me, I suppose, one
of the cakes baked by King Alfred, and some Danish beer in a skull; but
I'll ask you for a little of that nice bread and butter.'