| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| 1 | 133 | 265 | 398 | 530 |
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'
But you have no call to do it,' said Mrs Jiniwin. 'Luckily for you, you
have no more occasion to do it than I had.'
'
No woman need have, if she was true to herself,' rejoined the stout
lady.
'
Do you hear that, Betsy?' said Mrs Jiniwin, in a warning voice. 'How
often have I said the same words to you, and almost gone down my
knees when I spoke 'em!'
Poor Mrs Quilp, who had looked in a state of helplessness from one
face of condolence to another, coloured, smiled, and shook her head
doubtfully. This was the signal for a general clamour, which beginning
in a low murmur gradually swelled into a great noise in which
everybody spoke at once, and all said that she being a young woman
had no right to set up her opinions against the experiences of those
who knew so much better; that it was very wrong of her not to take
the advice of people who had nothing at heart but her good; that it
was next door to being downright ungrateful to conduct herself in that
manner; that if she had no respect for herself she ought to have some
for other women, all of whom she compromised by her meekness; and
that if she had no respect for other women, the time would come when
other women would have no respect for her; and she would be very
sorry for that, they could tell her. Having dealt out these admonitions,
the ladies fell to a more powerful assault than they had yet made
upon the mixed tea, new bread, fresh butter, shrimps, and
watercresses, and said that their vexation was so great to see her
going on like that, that they could hardly bring themselves to eat a
single morsel.
It's all very fine to talk,' said Mrs Quilp with much simplicity, 'but I
know that if I was to die to-morrow, Quilp could marry anybody he
pleased - now that he could, I know!'
There was quite a scream of indignation at this idea. Marry whom he
pleased! They would like to see him dare to think of marrying any of
them; they would like to see the faintest approach to such a thing.
One lady (a widow) was quite certain she should stab him if he hinted
at it.
'
Very well,' said Mrs Quilp, nodding her head, 'as I said just now, it's
very easy to talk, but I say again that I know - that I'm sure - Quilp
has such a way with him when he likes, that the best looking woman
here couldn't refuse him if I was dead, and she was free, and he chose
to make love to him. Come!'
Everybody bridled up at this remark, as much as to say, 'I know you
mean me. Let him try - that's all.' and yet for some hidden reason they
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