Conversation had not been very brisk hitherto, and when tea was
announced, Mary, determined to make talk, praised the biscuit, the
cake, and the delicious butter.
'Yes, my dear, Louise's butter is excellent, although I say it. I
suppose you know how to make butter? But I could take a hint myself
from Louise, and it will do you no harm to learn some of her
housekeeping wrinkles. Tom has always been accustomed to fine butter,
and I hear in Mapleton they churn up the milk with the cream.'
'I am sure I know nothing about it,' said Mary, forgetting her
resolve to be amiable.
However, Mrs. Cowell seemed almost pleased to know that Louise's
instructions would be given where they were most needed.
'Never mind, my dear; you are quick, I'll be bound, and we'll soon
make a good housekeeper of you. There's one thing to begin on: if you
travel in your handsome dresses you will never have anything decent
to wear. Get yourself a nice, neat black alpaca, that will never show
dirt, and last for years.'
Mary listened for a moment in speechless indignation, and then said:
'But I wish to be as well dressed when I travel as at home; any lady
must do so.
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