"'You had on my hat,' I added.
"'Yes, sir,' replied Amenda, still continuing her work, 'it was the first
thing that came to hand. What I'm thankful for is that it wasn't
missis's best bonnet.'
"Whether Ethelbertha was mollified by the proper spirit displayed in this
last remark, I cannot say, but I think it probable. At all events, it
was in a voice more of sorrow than of anger that she resumed her
examination.
"'You were walking with a soldier's arm around your waist when we passed
you, Amenda?' she observed interrogatively.
"'I know, mum,' admitted Amenda, 'I found it there myself when the music
stopped.'
"Ethelbertha looked her inquiries. Amenda filled a saucepan with water,
and then replied to them.
"'I'm a disgrace to a decent household,' she said; 'no mistress who
respected herself would keep me a moment. I ought to be put on the
doorstep with my box and a month's wages.'
"'But why did you do it then?' said Ethelbertha, with natural
astonishment.
"'Because I'm a helpless ninny, mum. I can't help myself; if I see
soldiers I'm bound to follow them. It runs in our family. My poor
cousin Emma was just such another fool. She was engaged to be married to
a quiet, respectable young fellow with a shop of his own, and three days
before the wedding she ran off with a regiment of marines to Chatham and
married the colour-sergeant.
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