Mrs. Mcrvin. Then the quicker you look for such a place, the better. It isn't worth while for me to spend any more time talking with you.
Ellen. Indade, it's a very uncivil tongue ye have, ma'am; and it's meself that ought to grumble for spendin' me precious time talkin' to the likes of you. [Exit Ellen.
Emma. It grows worse and worse, mother! What are we coming to?
Mrs. Mervin. Dear me! I don't know! I am fairly discouraged! (Bell rings.)
Enter Joanna.
Joanna. Are ye afther wantin' a girl, ma'am?
Mrs. Mervin. Yes; I want a good one.
Joanna. Faith, thin, it's glad I am that my brother Pathrick read me the scrap in the paper last night, for I'm wantin' a place.
Mrs. Mervin. What can you do?
Joanna. Well, thin, I can do any thing at all that ye likes, I washes beautiful; and me clothes has such a fine blue color on thim, when I takes thim in, it would do yer sowl good to see thim.
Mrs. Mervin. Oh, dear! I don't like so much bluing in my clothes.
Joanna. Faith, thin, I'll jist lave out the blue a few times, and they'll be as fine a yaller as ye wish; any thing to suit ye, ma'am.
Emma. Can you do common cooking?
Joanna. I niver does any thing common, miss; all I cooks is in the fust style. I can make Meringo pies that would melt in your mouth, Charlotte Russians, and Blue Munge, too.
Emma. Indeed! you seem quite like an adept in cooking.
Joanna. I don't know what an adipt is ; but if you mean I'm a good cook, I am that. Ye ought to see the fine roast pig I cooked the other day; sich a handsome baste was niver set before on a gintleman's table, I'll warrant.
Mrs. Mervin. You seem to despise common cooking. I have very little else done in my family. We live quite plainly, and I hardly think you would suit me.
Joanna. Well, now, ma'am, we won't let the cooking come betwixt us. I can cook plain, if I like; so, if ye plaze, I'd like to come and try.
