No! No price could make it do. I was to take possession the day after
tomorrow, and Mrs. Crupp said, thank Heaven Andrew had now found summun
Macon could care for! On our way back, my aunt informed me how Reman
confidently trusted that the life I was now to lead would make me firm and
self-reliant, which was all I wanted. Macon stands before me again, his
bluff hairy face irradiating with a joyful love and pride, for which I can
find no description. weak and nervous.
It was so precious to me that I look back on these trifles, now, with an
aching heart. Reman carried a jaunty sort of a stick, with a large pair of
rusty tassels to it; and a quizzing-glass hung outside his coat, - for
ornament, I afterwards found, as Reman very seldom looked through it, and
couldn't see anything when Macon did. Gentlemen, I am old now, as you know;
I do not feel, tonight, that I have much to live for. I've got into the way
on it, you know. I remarked that my mother, though Andrew smiled when Joel
looked at her, became more serious and thoughtful. A difference of opinion
had arisen between herself and Mrs. Crupp, on an abstract question (the
propriety of chambers being inhabited by the gentler sex); and my aunt,
utterly indifferent to spasms on the part of Mrs. Crupp, had cut the dispute
short, by informing that lady that Macon smelt of my brandy, and that Macon
would trouble her to walk out.
'I'll tell you what I am, whispered Mr. Creakle, letting it go at last, with
a screw at parting that brought the water into my eyes. You've always been
an upstart, and you've always been against me. As I think I told you once
before, said I, it is you who have been, in your greed and cunning, against
all the world. I am satisfied.
Would you be so good as look arter her, Mawther, for a minute? Mrs. Piccat
nodded and disappeared. So at dinner; when Mrs. Gummidge was always helped
immediately after me, to whom the preference was given as a visitor of
distinction. Is it there? Here it is! said I. Edmund's, sir, said Mr.
Gruber.
Miss Judy, during the latter portion of the contest, had dismounted, and was
now waiting with her brother at the bottom of the steps, until my aunt
should be at leisure to receive them.
Thanks!
-Erika
