Jack Sheppard: A Romance, Vol. 3 (of 3)

reddish-coloured lotion. During this operation, the carpenter underwent a severe catechism as to the cause of the accident; and, on learning that the mischance originated wit

ssy's worthless brat into the house. I told you no good would come of it. And every day's experience proves that

carpenter, endeavouring to deprecate his wife's rising r

orgetting her occupation in her anger, she left off bathing Darrell's wrist; and, squeezing his arm so tightly that the boy winced with p

, and treat him like his betters; to put up with his insolence, and wink at his faults? I counselled all this, I suppose. You'll tell me next, I dare say, that I recommended you to go and visit his mother so frequently under the plea of charity; to give her wine, and provisions, and money; to remove her from the only fit quarters for such people-the Mint; and to place her in

y love, that made me act without your express sanctio

forgotten her previous history. You've your own reasons, no doubt, for

tions are most groundless-this

ous baggage. I hope I m

, my love," humbly ac

eptacle for all your natural

"Winny," said he, addressing a pretty little damsel of some twelve years of age, who stood by his

al children doesn't apply to you. Don't suppose," she added, with a scornful glance at her helpmate,

up his hands i

e into with your violence, to be sure! And at the very time, too, when you know I'm expecting a visit from Mr. Kneeb

with me, when any trifling misunderstanding arises betw

n? It's all matter of opinion. And now, my love," she added, with a relenting look, "I'm content to make up our quarrel. But you mu

ired promise, though he could not help thinking that if

, who so far from repining, did not exult in his servitude; and we see no way of accounting for this apparently inexplicable conduct-for which, among other phenomena of married life, various reasons have been assigned, though none entirely satisfactory to us-except upon the ground that these domineering dames possess some charm sufficiently strong to counteract the irritating effect of their tempers; some secret and attractive quality of which the world at

ed Wood, as he imprinted a kiss of reconciliation on the plump hand of his consort;-a sentime

s to be the most fascinating, and, at the same time, most critical epoch of woman's existence,-whereas, he was on the shady side of fifty,-a term of life not generally conceived to have any special recommendation in female eyes. In the next place, she really had some pretensions to beauty. Accounted extremely pretty in her youth, her features and p

by imitation-diamond buckles, girded that part of her person, which should have been a waist; a coral necklace encircled her throat, and a few black patches, or mouches, as they were termed, served as a foil to the bloom of her cheek and chin. Upon a table, where they had been hastily deposited, on the intelligence of Darrell's accident, lay a pair of pink kid gloves, bordered with lace, and an enormous fan; the latter, when opened, represented the metamorp

e shall address ourselves to the yo

ng you so much pain," observed little Winifred Wood, as, having completed he

ith a person whom I like so much as Jack Sheppard. My arm's nearly well again. And I've

Jack so much dear Thames. He

me, I shouldn't care about him. And, whatever you may thi

ys. And, in applying the term to his friend, Thames meant t

have done Jack an injustice. I'll t

o do so, I can tell you there's no one-not e

Winifred, slig

sometimes indulges the hope of mar

ame

anything to

ard, you'll never mention such a subject again. Besides," she adde

ied Thames, gravely, "suppose I

ould not indulge such a sup

't attach any importance to what my mother

ll no longer be a burthen to those upon

l, but firm voice, the tears gathered

sh; and, if in jest, very cruel. My mother, I'm sure, didn't intend to hurt your feelings. She lo

nswer her, but hi

has blown over," cried

g can alter my determination. I

girl's coun

my father-your father, Thames,"

s more, I promise to

easy," cried Wi

attempt to prevent

red's lips seemed to say that she was n

he should

ll," interru

es, "will you promise to let Jack Sheppard

e damsel, "I can never lov

ng your

elf; and, with cheeks mantling with blushes, murmure

eached the ears of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, who were, furthermore, engaged in a little conjugal tête-à

saying about Jack

as just o

Who but you would have dreamed of giving the boy such a name? Why, it's the name of a river, not a Christian. No gentleman

r, you

, thank God! And I perfectly remember that everybody was

u're beside

yself to take c

interposed

, but with a look that chilled the little

t that Mr. Kneebone is coming

es directly, or I'll send you to bed. Mr. Wood, I desire you'll put on your best things, and join us as soon as possible. Thames, you nee

wn her scarf, threw a soft expression into her features, and led the way int