Whenever Jack came to spend an hour with Mr. and Mrs. Hewett, he was
sure sooner or later to indulge the misery that preyed upon him and
give way to sheer weeping. He did so this evening, almost as soon as
he entered.
'I ain't had a mouthful past my lips since last night, I ain't!' he
sobbed. 'It's 'ard on a feller as used to have his meals regular.
I'll murder Suke yet, see if I don't! I'll have her life! She met me
last night and gave me this black eye as you see--she did! It's
'ard on a feller.'
'You mean to say as she '_it_ you?' cried Pennyloaf.
Bob chuckled, thrust his hands into his pockets, spread himself out.
His own superiority was so gloriously manifest.
'Suppose _you_ try it on with _me_, Penny!' he cried.
'You'd give me something as I should remember,' she answered,
smirking, the good little slavey.
'Shouldn't wonder if I did,' assented Bob.
Mr. Bartley's pressing hunger was satisfied with some bread and
butter and a cup of tea. Whilst taking a share of the meal, Bob
brought a small box on to the table; it had a sliding lid, and
inside were certain specimens of artistic work with which he was
wont to amuse himself when tired of roaming the streets in jovial
company.
Pages:
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427