Cranford

[Illustration: ‘A magnificent family red silk umbrella.’]

I can testify to a magnificent family red silk umbrella, under which a
gentle little spinster, left alone of many brothers and sisters, used to
patter to church on rainy days. Have you any red silk umbrellas in
London? We had a tradition of the first that had ever been seen in
Cranford; and the little boys mobbed it, and called it ‘a stick in
petticoats.’ It might have been the very red silk one I have described,
held by a strong father over a troop of little ones; the poor little
lady—the survivor of all—could scarcely carry it.

Then there were rules and regulations for visiting and calls; and they
were announced to any young people, who might be staying in the town,
with all the solemnity with which the old Manx laws were read once a
year on the Tinwald Mount.

‘Our friends have sent to inquire how you are after your journey
to-night, my dear’ (fifteen miles in a gentleman’s carriage); ‘they will
give you some rest to-morrow, but the next day, I have no doubt, they
will call; so be at liberty after twelve—from twelve to three are our
calling-hours.’

Then, after they had called—

‘It is the third day; I daresay your mamma has told you, my dear, never