But we must elevate the family. That's
laudable, you know. Nice people are very particular about these things.
And you know how much there is in names. Think of elevating the family
by taking a man by the name of Toodlebug into it! Think of our going to
live in New York with such a name. Everybody would say Toodlebug!
Toodlebug! and nobody would come to our daughter's parties." The good
woman ran on in this way for several minutes, compelling her dear
Chapman to keep the peace. At length she settled back into her rocking
chair, and there was a pause.
"My dear," said Chapman, meekly, "I have always held that a man could
commit no greater folly than that of quarrelling with a woman on a
question of family pride. In such a contest the man is sure to get the
worst of it. I say this understandingly, my dear." And Chapman shut up
his book, and looked up into his wife's face, as if to watch the changes
of her countenance.
"We may agree on that matter yet, my dear. A man is never so low by
birth (I mean in this country, at least,) but that he may rise to the
highest office of honor and trust--"
"Not with such a name as Toodlebug--never!" Mrs.
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