Pickle,
when she superseded her authority; or perhaps, considering her in
no other light than that of the vehicle which contained, and was
destined to convey, her brother's heir to light, she determined to
exert her uttermost in nursing, tending, and cherishing her during
the term of her important charge. With this view she purchased
Culpepper's Midwifery, which with that sagacious performance
dignified with Aristotle's name, she studied with indefatigable
care; and diligently perused the Complete Housewife, together with
Quincy's Dispensatory, culling every jelly, marmalade, and conserve
which these authors recommend as either salutary or toothsome, for
the benefit and comfort of her sister-in-law, during her gestation.
She restricted her from eating roots, pot-herbs, fruit, and all
sorts of vegetables; and one day, when Mrs. Pickle had plucked
a peach with her own hand, and was in the very act of putting it
between her teeth, Mrs. Grizzle perceived the rash attempt, and
running up to her, fell on her knees in the garden, entreating her,
with tears in her eyes, to desist such a pernicious appetite.
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