This is a passage from a novel or short story written in a regional dialect, likely from the West Country of England (e.g., Devon, Cornwall). The narrator, Kate, tells the story of her romance with William and their eventual marriage. Here's a breakdown of the passage: * Kate's father disapproves of William and forbids their relationship. * Kate and William continue to see each other in secret, with the help of William's mother. * When Kate's father discovers their continued relationship, he publicly shames her, saying she is no better than a prostitute. * Kate and William decide to get married despite her father's disapproval. They go to William's mother's house, where they are eventually married in church. * After the marriage, Kate's mother comes to visit and advises Kate to take their newborn baby to her father, saying that seeing his grandchild will soften his heart. * Kate does so, and her father is moved to tears, forgiving her and welcoming her back into the family. The dialect used in this passage is characterized by: * Non-standard verb forms (e.g., "I was churched" instead of "I was christened") * Colloquial expressions (e.g., "good-bye, William," "it's 'most time your mother was home from church") * Regional vocabulary (e.g., "pears" for "pears on the wall", "bark" and "bite" used figuratively) * A distinctive rhythm and cadence, with a focus on storytelling and conversation.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1902 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure