'Yes! Thank you, Varden. You
waited, as you always do, that I might bear the blame, if any came of
it. But I am used to it,' said the lady with a kind of solemn titter,
'and that's my comfort!'
'I give you my word, Martha--' said Gabriel.
'Let me give you MY word, my dear,' interposed his wife with a Christian
smile, 'that such discussions as these between married people, are much
better left alone. Therefore, if you please, Varden, we'll drop the
subject. I have no wish to pursue it. I could. I might say a great deal.
But I would rather not. Pray don't say any more.'
'I don't want to say any more,' rejoined the goaded locksmith.
'Well then, don't,' said Mrs Varden.
'Nor did I begin it, Martha,' added the locksmith, good-humouredly, 'I
must say that.'
'You did not begin it, Varden!' exclaimed his wife, opening her eyes
very wide and looking round upon the company, as though she would say,
You hear this man! 'You did not begin it, Varden! But you shall not say
I was out of temper. No, you did not begin it, oh dear no, not you, my
dear!'
'Well, well,' said the locksmith. 'That's settled then.'
'Oh yes,' rejoined his wife, 'quite. If you like to say Dolly began it,
my dear, I shall not contradict you.
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