Part 36 (2/2)

HANNAH.

[_Taking them in her ap.r.o.n with pride._] Thank 'em kindly. When's their evening?

BLORE.

We receive on Toosdays, at the side gate. And 'ow are you, my dear?

[_Kissing her cheek._

HANNAH.

Don't, Edward Blore!

BLORE.

Don't! When you was Miss Hevans there wasn't these social barriers, 'Annah!

HANNAH.

Shut up! Noah's jealous of the very ap.r.o.n-strings what go round my waist. I'm not so free and 'andy with my kisses now, I can tell you.

BLORE.

Then ”what is friends.h.i.+p but a name!” But Mr. Topping isn't indoors now, surely!

HANNAH.

[_Nodding her head._] Um--um!

BLORE.

Why, he took a man up last night!

HANNAH.

What of it?

BLORE.

Why, I thought that when hany harrest was made in St. Marvells, the prisoner was lodged here honly for the night and that the 'ead Constable 'ad to drive 'im over to Durnstone Police Station the first thing in the morning.

HANNAH.

That's the rule, but Noah's behindhand to-day, and ain't going into Durnstone till after dinner.

BLORE.

Then the prisoner is now hon the premises!

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