Part 25 (2/2)
”But,about hiyman--a barrister? What is he, mother?”
Mrs Howland remained silent for a ave way to a burst of hysterical laughter
”Just consider for a ie,” she said, ”what utter nonsense you are talking Where should I be likely to ymen or barristers or people in any profession come to houses like this? Do talk sense when you're about it”
”Well, tell me what he is, at least”
”He is in--I am by no means ashamed of it--in _trade_”
Now, it so happened that it had been duly iie's mind that Mr Cardew of Meredith Manor was also, so to speak, in trade; that is, he was the sleeping partner in one of the largest and wealthiest businesses in London Maggie therefore, for a reat country-house equal in splendor to Meredith Manor, where she and her ether But the nexthopes even in thefrorocer's shop at the corner I et the srocery which I required for my own consumption He has served me often across the counter Then one day I was taken rather weak and ill in the shop, and he took ave lass of excellent old port; and since then, somehoe have been friends He is a er, I aHis children have gone into the world, and each one of the well My child is seldoo since he askedas I aenteel ith so little money that I ae is the thought of you, Maggie; for he said that I was bringing you up as a fine lady, with no provision whatever for the future He hates fine ladies, as he calls theainst the aristocracy”
”Oh entleentlemanly heart,” said Mrs Howland ”I don't pretend for a moment that he is in the same position as my late lamented husband; but he is ten times better off, and we shall live in a nice little house in Clapha the house refurnished and repapered for me--in his own taste, it is true, for he will not hear of what he calls Liberty rubbish But it is going to be very cos with great satisfaction”
”Yes, ie, ”you always did think of yourself first
But what about me?”
”You had better not talk to me in that strain before Mr Martin He is very deeply devoted to iven you careful consideration He is willing to adopt you, but insists on your leaving Ayl to Laburnum Villa at Clapham From what he says, you are quite sufficiently educated, and your duty now is to look after your , and to be bright and cheerful with hi If you play your cards well, Maggie, he will leave you well provided for, as he is quite rich--of course, not rich like those people you are staying near, but rich for his class I aement Our banns were called last Sunday in church, and we are to be ht After that, you had best stay on here until we desire you to join us at Laburnuie ”I can't--and I won't”
”Oh, come, I hear a step on the stairs,” said Mrs Howland ”That is Mr Martin Now, you will restrain yourself for my sake”
There _was_ a step on the stairs--fir-room door was opened about an inch, but no one cahter, ”He doesn't know you have returned; he is very playful Just stay quiet He really is aperson”
”Bo-peep!” said a voice at the door; and a round, shi+ning, bald head was popped in and then disappeared
”Bo-peep!” said Mrs Howland in response
She stood up, and there caish expression
She held up her finger and shook it playfully The bald head appeared again, followed ier continued to waggle
”Ducksie dear!” said Mr Martin, and he clasped Mrs Howland in his arroan
”It's the child,” said Mrs Howland in a whisper ”She is a bit upset; but when she knows you, James, she'll love you as much as I do”
”Hope so,” said Mr Martin ”I'; ain't I, Victoria?” Here he chuckled the good lady under the chin ”Ah, and so this is Maggie?--How do, gie
”Cohts and vapors, no fine airs, no affected, irl should love her new parent A little girl should kiss her new parent”