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BARNABY RUDGE - A TALE OF THE RIOTS OF 'EIGHTY by Charles ...

BARNABY RUDGE - A TALE OF THE RIOTS OF 'EIGHTY by Charles ...

BARNABY RUDGE - A TALE OF THE RIOTS OF 'EIGHTY by Charles ...

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'No, no,' said Gabriel, dropping his voice, and shaking his head,'not Dolly. Give 'em to her mother, Joe. A great deal better give'em to her mother. Would you mind giving 'em to Mrs Varden, Joe?''Oh no, sir,' Joe replied, and endeavouring, but not with thegreatest possible success, to hide his disappointment. 'I shall bevery glad, I'm sure.''That's right,' said the locksmith, patting him on the back.don't matter who has 'em, Joe?''It'Not a bit, sir.'--Dear heart, how the words stuck in his throat!'Come in,' said Gabriel. 'I have just been called to tea. She'sin the parlour.''She,' thought Joe. 'Which of 'em I wonder--Mrs or Miss?' Thelocksmith settled the doubt as neatly as if it had been expressedaloud, <strong>by</strong> leading him to the door, and saying, 'Martha, my dear,here's young Mr Willet.'Now, Mrs Varden, regarding the Maypole as a sort of human mantrap,or decoy for husbands; viewing its proprietor, and all who aidedand abetted him, in the light of so many poachers among Christianmen; and believing, moreover, that the publicans coupled withsinners in Holy Writ were veritable licensed victuallers; was farfrom being favourably disposed towards her visitor. Wherefore shewas taken faint directly; and being duly presented with thecrocuses and snowdrops, divined on further consideration that theywere the occasion of the languor which had seized upon her spirits.'I'm afraid I couldn't bear the room another minute,' said the goodlady, 'if they remained here. WOULD you excuse my putting them outof window?'Joe begged she wouldn't mention it on any account, and smiled

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