“Never would I have a man saying what or who were best for me, and that were all there were to it.”

“Rob's breath were pushing over my ear, his chest puffing up underneath me. His heart were beating so close to my own that it calmed me for sheer distraction.”

“Much were bent over in laughter. I pushed him, and he rolled to the floor without my intended insult. “Come off it!” I stamped my foot.“What’s so funny?” John asked, coming over in the middle of eating an apple. He tossed me an apple and I threw it at Much. He only laughed harder. “K-k-kissed Scar!” he hooted.“Someone kissed you?” John asked, turning to me. He didn’t look like it were too funny. “Who is he?”This made Much laugh more.“None of your business, John Little,” I told him.He stepped closer to me with a flat face that, if I could ape it, I’d never be kissed by a stupid girl when I didn’t want to be. “Who, Scar?”“Jenny Percy!” Much roared.John’s face broke open, like a smile could split a blackmood. “Wait till Rob hears this.”

“I wouldn't never bathe with him or pass water when he were near. He got suspicious quick. Seems real boys are awfully eager to parade their bits around.”

“You traitorous bitch!" he yelled. "You goddamn liar!"I laughed. "You knew I were a bitch and a liar when you married me, Guy. It's your own damn fault for agreeing to it.”

“I picked up the mop and started washing again as Rob struggled to his feet, red faced. John laughed, and Much covered a smile."You lot think this is funny?" I asked. "I'll unman you too if you wish it."They jumped back, and Rob grunted. "You haven't unmanned me, and I resent the implication of it.""It were a warning blow," I told him, shoving the mop 'cross the floor. "Next time I'll try harder.”

“I know what it's like when you can't get no one to listen to you. When what you say don't matter. I half think every girl knows what it's like to be silenced.”