Peckover's mother-in-law, whose
death six days ago had plunged mother and daughter into profound
delight, partly because they were relieved at length from making a
pretence of humanity to a bed-ridden old woman, partly owing to the
fact that the deceased had left behind her a sum of seventy-five
pounds, exclusive of moneys due from a burial-club.
'Ah!' exclaimed Miss Peckover (who was affectionately known to her
intimates as 'Clem'), as she watched Jane stagger back from the
blow, and hide her face in silent endurance of pain. 'That's just a
morsel to stay your appetite, my lady! You didn't expect me back
'ome at this time, did you? You thought as you was goin' to have the
kitchen to yourself when mother went. Ha ha! ho ho!--These
sausages is done; now you clean that fryin'-pan; and if I can find a
speck of dirt in it as big as 'arlf a farden, I'll take you by the
'air of the 'ed an' clean it with your face, _that's_ what I'll do I
Understand? Oh, I mean what I say, my lady! Me an' you's a-goin' to
spend a evenin' together, there's no two ways about that. Ho ho! he
he!'
The frankness of Clem's brutality went far towards redeeming her
character.
Pages:
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32