Крихітка Дорріт

Chapter 23. Mistress Affery makes a Conditional Promise,

           

           Therefore,whenArthurnowmadesuchanapology,andsucharequest,andmovedhertoherdeskandseatedhimselfonthestool,MrsFinchingmerelybegantotalklouderandfaster,asadelicatehintthatshecouldoverhearnothing,andMrCasbystrokedhislongwhitelockswithsleepycalmness.

           ‘Mother,Ihaveheardsomethingto-daywhichIfeelpersuadedyoudon’tknow,andwhichIthinkyoushouldknow,oftheantecedentsofthatmanIsawhere.’

           ‘Iknownothingoftheantecedentsofthemanyousawhere,Arthur.’

           Shespokealoud.Hehadloweredhisownvoice;butsherejectedthatadvancetowardsconfidenceassherejectedeveryother,andspokeinherusualkeyandinherusualsternvoice.

           ‘Ihavereceiveditonnocircuitousinformation;ithascometomedirect.’

           Sheaskedhim,exactlyasbefore,ifheweretheretotellherwhatitwas?

           ‘Ithoughtitrightthatyoushouldknowit.’

           ‘Andwhatisit?’

           ‘HehasbeenaprisonerinaFrenchgaol.’

           Sheansweredwithcomposure,‘Ishouldthinkthatverylikely.’

           ‘Butinagaolforcriminals,mother.Onanaccusationofmurder.’

           Shestartedattheword,andherlooksexpressedhernaturalhorror.Yetshestillspokealoud,whenshedemanded:—

           ‘Whotoldyouso?’

           ‘Amanwhowashisfellow-prisoner.’

           ‘Thatman’santecedents,Isuppose,werenotknowntoyou,beforehetoldyou?’

           ‘No.’

           ‘Thoughthemanhimselfwas?’

           ‘Yes.

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