"What," says he, "a Hynds woman painting of strange folks
their faces? Out upon thy notion, Jessamine!" And my Cozzens
laugh'd and said, Ever did Gentlemen dislike a Learn'd
Female. Should have gotten me a good Husband this Ten Years
since but for my Shrew's Temper & Vanity of Books.
To cure me they did Cruelly bait me to Marry the Pursy Ninny
that hath the Plantation beyond the Hopes, he that hath been
Ogling of me for years. Could scratch the Wretch his eyes
Out! Puffeth with his mouth in a way hateful to me & hath
pig's jowls. Yet were all they fair mad I should marry me
this Paragon. Should have a home of mine Own, worthy a Lady.
Aye,--and be out of the way, lest I lead Richard Astray.
Mine Uncle chid me for Ingratitude to God in that I stamp'd
my foot and said No! But Richard laugh'd at the idea of
Jessamine wedding yon tun. Quoth Richard, "Let Jessamine be,
all of ye! she is meat for his masters." Freeman smil'd
sourly, & shrug'd. I love not Freeman, nor do I hate him
overmuch though he call'd me "Madame Jezebel."
And then came Emily home from Visiting of her Aunts in
London Town.
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