Life And Letters Of Maria Edgeworth/Volume 2/Letter 139
MARIA to MRS. R. BUTLER.
EDGEWORTHSTOWN, May 2, 1844.
Not the least tired with my journey. Francis read to me indefatigably through Australia.[1] There is an excellent anecdote of an old Scotch servant meeting his master unexpectedly in Australia after many years' absence: "I was quite dung down donnerit when I saw the laird, I canna' conceit what dooned me—I was raal glad to see him, but I dinna ken hoo I couldna' speak it."
If anybody can conceive anything much more absurd than my copying this out of a printed book of your own which you will have back in seven days,—let them call aloud.
"I canna' speak it" how happy I was yesterday, at the tender, warm reception I had from your dear mother, and all young and old.
Footnotes
[edit]- ↑ Hood's Letters from Australia.