United States or Guyana ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"But that is th' vairy thing she is, safe and sure, John Costrell. I told ye Australia. Australia be the Colonies." John gave the longest whistle a single breath would support. Why he was ready to accept the relation of old Phoebe and Maisie, and revolt against his wife's inevitable granddaughtership, Heaven only knows! "But I'm not to say a word of it to the mistress," said he, meaning his wife.
"Why," continued Bessie with enthusiasm, "it was Muster Drew as said to me the other afternoon, as we was walkin' 'ome from the churchyard, says 'ee, 'Mrs. Costrell, I call it splendid what John's done I do, 'ee says. 'A labourer on fifteen shillin's a week why, it's an example to the county, 'ee says. ''Ee ought to be showed." John's face relaxed.
Then astonishment caught and held him. "Not unless," he exclaimed, "not unless you are meaning that this old la-ady is Widow Thrale's mother!" "You've gotten hold of it now, Master Costrell." "But 'tis impossible 'tis impossible! If she were she would be my wife's grandmother! her grandmother that died in Australia.... Well, Keziah Solmes, ye may nod and look wise but ..."
'Theer's a cupboard there, he said suddenly, raising his hand and pointing to the cupboard beside the fireplace. 'Is't anythin like the cupboard on th' stairs, John? 'Aye, 'tis! said John, startled and staring. 'Aye, 'tis, Muster Saunders! Saunders rose. 'Per'aps, he said slowly, 'Mrs. Costrell will do us the favour ov lettin us hexamine that 'ere cupboard? He walked across to it.
What an active and vigorous octogenarian she was may be judged from the fact that, at the moment of the story, she was taking on herself the task of ushering into the world her first great-grandchild, the son or daughter as might turn out of her granddaughter, Maisie Costrell, the only daughter of Widow Thrale.
An I didn't know Sophy wor gone. Ah, well! it's not much, but it's 'andy it's 'andy. 'Six shillins a week! said Watson, raising his eyebrows. 'It's a nice bit o' money while it lassts, but I'd ha thought Mrs. Costrell 'ad come into a deal more nor that. 'Oh, but she's sich a one to spend, is Bessie, said John, anxiously. 'It's surprisin 'ow the money runs.
I don't know nothin' about his money, an' I'll not have yer insultin' me in me own place! Get out o' my kitchen, if yo' please!" Saunders buttoned his coat. "Sartinly, Mrs. Costrell, sartinly," he said, with emphasis. "Come along, John. Yer must get Watson and put it in 'is hands. 'Ee's the law, is Watson. Maybe as Mrs. Costrell 'ull listen to 'im." Mary Anne ran to Bessie in despair.
Costrell came back to say that John was mending a buckle in the harness, but would be ready to drive Granny in a few minutes. How much better Granny was looking! What was it, doctor? It wasn't like Granny. "Stomach, probably," said the doctor, resorting to a time-honoured subterfuge. "I'll send her something to take directly after meals."
Saunders drew himself up, thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and cleared his throat. 'Per'aps yer don know I'm sartin sure yer don know leastways I'm hinclined that way as Mrs. Costrell' he made a polite inclination towards Bessie ''ave been makin free with money fower five night a week at the "Spotted Deer" fower five night a week.
As he watched her cool movements Saunders felt the presence of an enemy worthy of his steel, and his emulation rose. "I understan', Mrs. Costrell," he said, speaking with great civility, "as the cupboard where John put his money is a cupboard hon the stairs? Not in hany room, but hon the stairs? Yer'll kindly correck me if I say anythin' wrong." Bessie nodded.
Word Of The Day