 | Life and sayings of Mrs. Partington and others
of the family |  |
THE USE OF THE AZTECS.
“We are fearfully and wonderfully made!” said Mrs.
Partington, after she had stood for a long time contemplating
the Aztec children. Her hands were resting
upon the back of a chair as she said this, and she made
the remark so loud that a tall gentleman, who stood near
her, stooped down to get a look under her black bonnet.
He thought she had spoken to him. “We are fearfully
and wonderfully made,” continued she, “'specially some
of us. The ways of Providence is past finding out, and
we don't know what these Haystack children are made
for, no more 'n we do why the mermaids were made, or
the man in the moon. Perhaps they are made a purpose
for curiosities, and nothing but Providence could
make anything more so, unless Mr. Barnum should try.
Human natur never come done up in so queer a wrapper
before. They say they are distended from the Haystacks
long ago gone to grass. And Isaac,” said she,
turning to Ike, who was teasing one of them with a stick,
“Isaac, look upon 'em, and pray you may never be born
so.”
The people had gathered around, and were listening to
the words as they fell, like the notes of a hand-organ,
from her lips; and when she ceased, they turned with
renewed eagerness to inspect the objects that her remarks
had rendered classic.
| Life and sayings of Mrs. Partington and others
of the family | |