,« said Mrs. Tulliver, wiping
away one small tear from the corner of her eye, »but I'm sure he's never been
the man, since he married me, to object to my making the friends o' my side o'
the family welcome to the house.«
    »I don't want to make the worst of you, Bessy,« said Mrs. Pullet,
compassionately, »for I doubt you'll have trouble enough without that; and your
husband's got that poor sister and her children hanging on him, - and so given
to lawing, they say. I doubt he'll leave you poorly off when he dies. Not as I'd
have it said out o' the family.«
    This view of her position was naturally far from cheering to Mrs. Tulliver.
Her imagination was not easily acted on, but she could not help thinking that
her case was a hard one, since it appeared that other people thought it hard.
    »I'm sure, sister, I can't help myself,« she said, urged by the fear lest
her anticipated misfortunes might be held retributive, to take a comprehensive
review of her past conduct. »There's no woman strives more for her children; and
I'm sure, at scouring-time this Ladyday as I've had all the bed-hangings taken
down, I did as much as the two gells put together; and there's this last
elder-flower wine I've made - beautiful! I allays offer it along with the
sherry, though sister Glegg will have it I'm so extravagant; and as for liking
to have my clothes tidy, and not go a fright about the house, there's nobody in
the parish can say anything against me in respect o' backbiting and making
mischief, for I don't wish anybody any harm; and nobody loses by sending me a
pork-pie, for my pies are fit to show with the best o' my neighbours'; and the
linen's so in order, as if I was to die to-morrow I shouldn't be ashamed. A
woman can do no more nor she can.«
    »But it's all o' no use, you know, Bessy,« said Mrs. Pullet, holding her
head on one side, and fixing her eyes pathetically on her sister, »if your
husband makes away with his money. Not but what if you was sold up, and other
folks bought your furniture
