'
'She was not going that way, sir, either to-day, or to-morrow, nor
indeed all next week,' the lady graciously rejoined, 'but we shall be
very glad to put ourselves out of the way on your account, and if you
wish it, you may depend upon its going to-day. You might suppose,' said
Mrs Varden, frowning at her husband, 'from Varden's sitting there so
glum and silent, that he objected to this arrangement; but you must not
mind that, sir, if you please. It's his way at home. Out of doors, he
can be cheerful and talkative enough.'
Now, the fact was, that the unfortunate locksmith, blessing his stars to
find his helpmate in such good humour, had been sitting with a beaming
face, hearing this discourse with a joy past all expression. Wherefore
this sudden attack quite took him by surprise.
'My dear Martha--' he said.
'Oh yes, I dare say,' interrupted Mrs Varden, with a smile of mingled
scorn and pleasantry. 'Very dear! We all know that.'
'No, but my good soul,' said Gabriel, 'you are quite mistaken. You are
indeed. I was delighted to find you so kind and ready. I waited, my
dear, anxiously, I assure you, to hear what you would say.'
'You waited anxiously,' repeated Mrs V.
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