'We may advance him
to a place of trust.'
'That,' rejoined the secretary, doing as he was told, 'is all--except
Mrs Varden's box (fourteenth time of opening), seven shillings and
sixpence in silver and copper, and half-a-guinea in gold; and Miggs
(being the saving of a quarter's wages), one-and-threepence.'
'Miggs,' said Lord George. 'Is that a man?'
'The name is entered on the list as a woman,' replied the secretary. 'I
think she is the tall spare female of whom you spoke just now, my
lord, as not being well-favoured, who sometimes comes to hear the
speeches--along with Tappertit and Mrs Varden.'
'Mrs Varden is the elderly lady then, is she?'
The secretary nodded, and rubbed the bridge of his nose with the feather
of his pen.
'She is a zealous sister,' said Lord George. 'Her collection goes on
prosperously, and is pursued with fervour. Has her husband joined?'
'A malignant,' returned the secretary, folding up his papers. 'Unworthy
such a wife. He remains in outer darkness and steadily refuses.'
'The consequences be upon his own head!--Gashford!'
'My lord!'
'You don't think,' he turned restlessly in his bed as he spoke, 'these
people will desert me, when the hour arrives? I have spoken boldly for
them, ventured much, suppressed nothing.
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