Ветер в ивах

           "Takeoffthatcoatandwaistcoatofyours;you’refatenoughasitis."

           Shakingwithlaughter,sheproceededto"hook-and-eye"himintothecottonprintgown,arrangedtheshawlwithaprofessionalfold,andtiedthestringsoftherustybonnetunderhischin.

           "You’retheveryimageofher,"shegiggled,"onlyI’msureyouneverlookedhalfsorespectableinallyourlifebefore.Now,good-bye,Toad,andgoodluck.Gostraightdownthewayyoucameup;andifanyonesaysanythingtoyou,astheyprobablywill,beingbutmen,youcanchaffbackabit,ofcourse,butrememberyou’reawidowwoman,quitealoneintheworld,withacharactertolose."

           Withaquakingheart,butasfirmafootstepashecouldcommand,Toadsetforthcautiouslyonwhatseemedtobeamosthare-brainedandhazardousundertaking;buthewassoonagreeablysurprisedtofindhoweasyeverythingwasmadeforhim,andalittlehumbledatthethoughtthatbothhispopularity,andthesexthatseemedtoinspireit,werereallyanother’s.Thewasherwoman’ssquatfigureinitsfamiliarcottonprintseemedapassportforeverybarreddoorandgrimgateway;evenwhenhehesitated,uncertainastotherightturningtotake,hefoundhimselfhelpedoutofhisdifficultybythewarderatthenextgate,anxioustobeofftohistea,summoninghimtocomealongsharpandnotkeephimwaitingthereallnight.