Part 47 (1/2)

_Clem._ I am as anxious as you, Mrs Jellybags. You may have wheedled my poor uncle to make the will in your favour; if so, depend upon it, I shall expect nothing from your hands.

_Jel._ I should rather think not, Miss. If I recollect right, you threw the carminative mixture in my face.

_Clem._ And made you blush for the first time in your life.

_Jel._ I shall not blush to slam the door in your face.

_Clem._ Rather than be indebted to you, I would beg my bread from door to door.

_Jel._ I expect that you very soon will.

_Enter Edward._

_Edw._ My dearest Clementina, I have come to support you on this trying occasion.

_Jel._ And ascertain how matters stand, before you decide upon marrying, I presume, Mr Edward.

_Edw._ Madam, I am above all pecuniary considerations.

_Jel._ So everybody says, when they think themselves sure of money.

_Edw._ You judge of others by yourself.

_Jel._ Perhaps I do--I certainly do expect to be rewarded for my long and faithful services.

_Clem._ Do not waste words upon her, my dear. You have my solemn promise, nothing shall change my feelings towards you.

_Jel._ That may be; but did it never occur to you, Miss, that the gentleman's feelings might alter?

_Edw._ Detestable wretch!

[_Hands Clementina to a chair on the right, and sits by her._

_Enter Nephews John, Thomas, William, and James, all with white pocket-handkerchiefs in their hand--they take their seats two right and two left._

_Jel._ (_Aside._) Here they all come, like crows that smell carrion. How odious is the selfishness of this world! But here is Mr Gumarabic. How do you do, sir? (_Curtsies with a grave air._)

_Gum._ Very well, I thank you, Mrs Jellybags. Can't say the same of all my patients. Just happened to pa.s.s by--thought I would step in and hear the will read--odd, that I should pop in at the time--very odd. Pray, may I ask, my dear Mrs Jellybags, were you present at the making of the will?

_Jel._ No, my dear sir; my nerves would not permit me.

_Gum._ Nerves!--odd, very odd! Then you don't know how things are settled?

_Jel._ No more than the man in the moon, my dear sir.

_Gum._ Man in the moon!--odd comparison that from a woman!--very odd!

Hope my chance won't prove all moons.h.i.+ne.

_Jel._ I should think not, my dear sir; but here comes Mr Seedy, and we shall soon know all about it.