The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
"Susan, I have come to see your master because I think he wants cheering up —indeed,
he is so dull and lonely here that I believe I shall soon have to come here for good.”
“Ma'am!" cried Susan, and fell to clapping her hands and rocking herself backwards and
forwards, and laughing and crying together; while Dolly from the background kept up a
rapturous and continuous murmur to the effect that it was “a lovely match –it was that.
It was a
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beautiful match —a body couldn't wish to see a nicer. It was a gradely match, aye, that
it was!"
At length, after Rachel had actually kissed her, the old woman was so much overcome
that she was obliged to retire with her apron to her face, the underling escorting her, and
assuring her that she oughtn't to be that taken-to when such a match was going for'ard.
Then Simon wheeled forward the chair; and Rachel took her place, as he had pictured,
at the head of the table, with a little demure air which charmed him mightily.
“Now sit you down," said she; "you must not wait on me any more. This is going to be a
rehearsal, Simon. Imagine, if you please, that I am already Mrs. Fleetwood —no, no,
stay where you are! You and I are staid old married folk, and there is no need for
transports.
Now Farmer Fleetwood has come home after a long day in the fields. He is tired, and
glad to rest. He has put on the slippers which Mrs. Farmer Fleetwood has thoughtfully
left ready for him in the hall. Pray don't interrupt —I know a farmer's wife should have
her husband's slippers ready for him. (We must imagine that part of the performance has
been gone through, however). So the Gaffer —isn't that the proper title? —draws nigh
to the table tired and hungry, and the Missus, having made his tea most beautifully and
just as he likes it, now proceeds to pour it out. ‘Two lumps, my dear? Cream?' I do not
know that on butter-making days I shall be able to spare any cream; I mean my dairy to
be a model, do you know, Simon? Yes, indeed, I intend to be a notable housewife; do
not think, sir, that you will have a frivolous being for your wife. Not at all; I mean to do
my share of the work, I can tell you. No, you must not leave your chair, my poor tired
husband — I will bring your tea to you."