Голод
Part IV
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Tothisthemanmadenoreply,butproceededtofingerthecards.Therethismansat,dayafterday,andplayedcardswithanybodywhohappenedtocomein—playedfornothing,onlyjusttokilltime,andhavesomethinginhand.Heneverdidanythingelse,onlymovedjustasmuchashislazylimbsfeltinclined,whilsthiswifebustledupanddownstairs,wasoccupiedonallsides,andtookcaretodrawcustomerstothehouse.Shehadputherselfinconnectionwithquay-portersanddock-men,towhomshepaidacertainsumforeverynewlodgertheybroughther,andsheoftengavethem,inaddition,ashelterforthenight.Thistimeitwas"Paneo’glass"thathadjustbroughtalongthenewlodger.
Acoupleofthechildrencamein—twolittlegirls,withthin,freckled,gutter-snipefaces;theirclotheswerepositivelywretched.Awhileafterthelandladyherselfentered.Iaskedherwheresheintendedtoputmeupforthenight,andsherepliedthatIcouldlieinheretogetherwiththeothers,oroutintheante-roomonthesofa,asIthoughtfit.Whilstsheansweredmeshefussedabouttheroomandbusiedherselfwithdifferentthingsthatshesetinorder,andsheneveroncelookedatme.
Myspiritswerecrushedbyherreply.
Istooddownnearthedoor,andmademyselfsmall,triedtomakeitappearasifIwerequitecontentallthesametochangemyroomforanotherforonenight’ssake.
