_Ned._--Never, never, Harry, but perhaps the next morning will get them up herself, and put them on, poor things, the same linen they had on three days before. _Harry._--How do you allow your wife? do you allow her so much a week? how gets she the money to spare for gossiping? _Ned._--Why, she watches me; and if I sell anything in the shop, then she comes to me and tells me, such a child wants this, and such a one that, so I am fain to give her money for quietness' sake. _Harry._--Why, Ned, she makes a mere fool of you. _Ned._--'Tis not my case alone, Harry, for most of my neighbours have not much better wives, for the better sort they say, love carding and gossiping and cold tea. _Harry._--Well, Ned, I think you have almost satisfied me, and I promise you for your sake I will never marry any one of that sort called chamber-maids. _Ned._--If ever you marry, Harry, marry one that's bred up in business, I mean one that knows how to look after her house? and as you endeavour to get a penny in your way she will endeavour to get another in hers, such a one will make both you and herself happy. _Harry._--Pray then, Ned, what can your wife or any other man's wife say against her husband if he takes all the pains, as you say you do, to maintain her and her children handsomely? _Ned._--I know not but I hear this is their way. If any new married wife come among them; first she must pay for her admittance, then presently after, some of them will begin, "Neighbour, your good health;" another, "Neighbour I wish you health and happiness;" another, "Pray neighbour, what kind of a humoured man is your husband?" another, "Is he kind to you?" another, "Does he allow you as he should do? If he does not, neighbour, let us know, and we will tell you how to manage him I warrant you." _Harry._--Well, Ned, I pity thee, with all my heart, and all them that have such wives; but now you must make the best of it, and live as quietly as you can. _Ned._--Harry, I must so. Well, come, let's know what's to pay. I have stayed too long, so I am sure of a lecture when I go home. _Harry._--Come, Ned, I treat you this time because I invited you, it may be you will find your wife in a better humour than you think of. _Ned._--I wish I may, Harry. I am sure of it that it shall make me stay at home and mind my business a great deal better than I have done of late. _Harry._--How many children have you, Ned? _Ned._--Two boys, and I believe another coming. _Harry._--Well, Ned, she cannot complain of the smallness of her family.