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Gissing, George, 1857-1903

"The Nether World"

I have to use two sewing-machines, find my
own cotton and needles, and I can, by working hard, make two in a
day. The Judge said it was a sad state of things. The prisoner, when
called upon, said she had had nothing to eat for three days, and so
gave way to temptation, hoping to get better employment. The Judge,
while commiserating with the prisoner, said it could not be allowed
that distress should justify dishonesty, and sentenced the prisoner
to six weeks' imprisonment.'
The six weeks passed, and about a fortnight after that, John Hewett
came into Sidney's room one evening with a strange look on his face.
His eyes were very bright, the hand which he held out trembled.
'I've something to tell you,' he said. 'I'm going to get married
again.'
'Really? Why, I'm glad to hear it!'
'And who do you think? Miss Barnes.'
Sidney was startled for a moment. John had had no acquaintance with
the girl prior to her imprisonment. He had said that he should meet
her when she came out and give her some money, and Sidney had added
a contribution. For a man in Hewett's circumstances this latest step
was somewhat astonishing, but his character explained it.


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