Part 5 (2/2)
”Will you promise to do what I want?”
”My 'tear daughter, let us talk afterwards. I can think of nothing while you are in danger of being killed in a moment!”
”I want that gold watch in Tresco's window. I sha'n't come down till you say I can have it.”
”My peautiful Rachel, it is too expensive. I will import you one for half the price. Come down before it is too late.”
”What's the good of watches in London? I want that watch at Tresco's, to wear going calling. Consent, father, before it is too late.”
”My loafly, how much was the watch?”
”Twenty-five pounds.”
”Oh, that is too much. First, you will ruin me, and kill yourself afterwards to spite my poverty. Rachel, you make your poor old father quite ill.”
”Then I am to have the watch?”
”Nefer mind the watch. Some other time talk to me of the watch. Come down safe to your old father, before you get killed.”
”But I _do_ mind the watch. It's what I came for. I shall stay here till you consent.”
”Oh, Rachel, you haf no heart. You don't loaf your father.”
”You don't love your daughter, else you'd give me what I want.”
”I not loaf you, Rachel! Didn't I gif you that ring last week, and the red silk dress the week pefore? Come down, my child, and next birthday you shall have a better watch than in all Tresco's shop. My 'tear Rachel, my 'tear child, you'll be killed; and what good will be your father's money to him then? Oh! that bale moved. Rachel! sit still.”
”Then you'll give me the watch?”
”Yes, yes. You shall have the watch. Come down now, while Packett holds your hand.”
”Can I have it to-day?”
”Be careful, Packett. Oh! that bale is almost ofer.”
”Will you give it me this morning, father?”
”Yes, yes, this morning.”
”Before I go home to dinner?”
”Yes, pefore dinner.”
”Then, Packett, give me your hand. I will come down.”
The dainty victress placed her little foot firmly on the uppermost rung; and while Packett held the top, and the merchant the bottom, of the ladder, the dream of muslin and ribbons descended to the floor.
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