Різдвяна історія
Chapter 4
Ah!Howitskreeks.Therean’tsucharustybitofmetalintheplaceasitsownhinges,Ibelieve;andI’msurethere’snosucholdboneshere,asmine.Ha,ha!We’reallsuitabletoourcalling,we’rewellmatched.Comeintotheparlour.Comeintotheparlour.’
Theparlourwasthespacebehindthescreenofrags.Theoldmanrakedthefiretogetherwithanoldstair-rod,andhavingtrimmedhissmokylamp(foritwasnight),withthestemofhispipe,putitinhismouthagain.
Whilehedidthis,thewomanwhohadalreadyspokenthrewherbundleonthefloor,andsatdowninaflauntingmanneronastool;crossingherelbowsonherknees,andlookingwithabolddefianceattheothertwo.
‘Whatoddsthen?Whatodds,MrsDilber?’saidthewoman.‘Everypersonhasarighttotakecareofthemselves.Healwaysdid.’
‘That’strue,indeed,’saidthelaundress.‘Nomanmoreso.’
‘Whythen,don’tstandstaringasifyouwasafraid,woman;who’sthewiser?We’renotgoingtopickholesineachother’scoats,Isuppose!’
‘No,indeed!’saidMrsDilberandthemantogether.‘Weshouldhopenot.’
‘Verywell,then!’criedthewoman.‘That’senough.Who’stheworseforthelossofafewthingslikethese?Notadeadman,Isuppose!’
‘No,indeed,’saidMrsDilber,laughing.
