He's as kind a husband as a woman need
to have.' 'But his being a cripple is a heavy misfortune to you,'
said I. 'Why, ma'am, I don't look upon it in that light,' replied
the thread-woman; 'I consider that I've great reason to be thankful
he never took to any bad habits.' 'How many children have you?' 'Six
sons, and five _darters_, ma'am.' 'Six sons and five daughters! What
a family for a poor woman to support!' 'It's a family, surely, ma'am;
but there an't one of 'em I'd be willing to lose. They are as good
children as need to be--all willing to work, and all clever to me.
Even the littlest boy, when he gets a cent now and then for doing a
_chore_, will be sure and bring it to ma'am.' 'Do your daughters spin
your thread?' 'No, ma'am; as soon as they are old enough, they go out
to _sarvice_. I don't want to keep them always delving for me; they
are always willing to give me what they can; but it is right and fair
they should do a little for themselves. I do all my spinning after the
folks are abed.' 'Don't you think you should be better off, if you
had no one but yourself to provide for?' 'Why, no, ma'am, I don't.
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