Mrs. Woodruffe's Refuge; Or, Mother It-Is-Written (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 Excerpt: ...take Naomi home? She will comfort me, and comfort your father. The darling looks ill; will you spare her for a long stay, Jack?" "I don't know whether Mary will spare her to you, mother. I think it would be a fine plan; she is almost entirely fed now; but I must ask my wife." "Will she not come in to dinner?" "No, mother." "Does she always dine away?" Jack looked confused. "Don't mind telling me the truth," said Mrs. Woodruffe. "Well, the fact is, Mary's terribly put out at your coming without writing; she's in a temper about it, and she's gone to dine with a friend. I'll run and ask her about Naomi, if you'll make yourself a cup of tea. What time must you go?" "My train starts soon after six; but I needn't wait here. I'll walk quietly to the station with Naomi if I may take her." It was well that Nancy did not hear the conversation which passed between her son and his wife, it would have made her heart more heavy. Mary's old nature had full play now; dissipation and constant stimulant to enable her to work made her temper beyond control. She had many sharp disputes with her chosen friend Sarah Riley, and sometimes blows were exchanged. As yet she and Jack had restrained their hands from one another; how long this would last it was difficult to say. Mary was quite ready to part with Naomi, after she had given vent to the anger she felt at her motherin-law's coming unasked, for she thought her child looked poorly. "You can fetch her home at Christmas, Jack, when you go to Bay wick," she said. "Won't you come and see mother, and pack up the child's few things? I wish you would, Mary," he urged. "I shan't mind, if you go on first, and just give your mother a hin...