[135] how to nail that carpet in the corner. He's nailed it all crooked; what shall he do? The black thread is all used up, and what shall I do about putting gimp on the back of that sofa? Mrs. Stowe, there is a man come with a lot of pails and tinware from Furbish; will you settle the bill now? Mrs. Stowe, here is a letter just come from Boston inclosing that bill of lading; the man wants to know what he shall do with the goods. If you will tell me what to say I will answer the letter for you. Mrs. Stowe, the meat-man is at the door. Had n't we better get a little beefsteak, or something, for dinner? Shall Hatty go to Boardman's for some more black thread? Mrs. Stowe, this cushion is an inch too wide for the frame. What shall we do now? Mrs. Stowe, where are the screws of the black walnut bedstead? Here's a man has brought in these bills for freight. Will you settle them now? Mrs. Stowe, I don't understand using this great needle. I can't make it go through the cushion; it sticks in the cotton.Then comes a letter from my husband saying he is sick abed, and all but dead; don't ever expect to see his family again; wants to know how I shall manage, in case I am left a widow; knows we shall get in debt and never get out; wonders at my courage; thinks I am very sanguine; warns me to be prudent, as there won't be much to live on in case of his death, etc., etc., etc. I read the letter and poke it into the stove, and proceed . .
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Houghton, Mifflin and Company, The Riverside Press, Cambridge, 1889.
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