"Oh, mamma!" said Margaret, lifting herself up, "don't punish me for so careless a speech. I don't mind ironing, or any kind of work for you and papa. I am myself a born and bred lady through it all, even though it comes to scouring a floor, or washing dishes. I am tired now, just for a little while; but in half an hour I shall be ready to do the same over again. And as to Mr. Thornton's being in trade, why he can't help that now, poor fellow. I don't suppose his education would fit him for much else," Margaret lifted herself slowly up, and went to her own room; for just now she could not bear much more.

'Oh, mamma!' said Margaret, 'I don't mind ironing, or any kind of work, for you and papa. I am a born and bred lady through it all. I am just tired now; but in half an hour I shall be ready to do the same over again. And as to Mr. Thornton's being in trade, why, he can't help that, poor fellow. I don't suppose his education would fit him for much else.' She rose slowly and went to her own room; for just now she could not bear much more.
