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knocker of equal powers been made to produce more deafening
sounds than this particular engine on the occasion in question.
Having rendered these voluntary services, the throng modestly retired
a little, preferring that the single gentleman should bear their
consequences alone.
'Now, sir, what do you want!' said a man with a large white bow at his
button-hole, opening the door, and confronting him with a very stoical
aspect.
'
'
'
'
Who has been married here, my friend?' said the single gentleman.
I have.'
You! and to whom in the devil's name?'
What right have you to ask?' returned the bridegroom, eyeing him
from top to toe.
'
What right!' cried the single gentleman, drawing the arm of Kit's
mother more tightly through his own, for that good woman evidently
had it in contemplation to run away. 'A right you little dream of. Mind,
good people, if this fellow has been marrying a minor - tut, tut, that
can't be. Where is the child you have here, my good fellow. You call
her Nell. Where is she?'
As he propounded this question, which Kit's mother echoed,
somebody in a room near at hand, uttered a great shriek, and a stout
lady in a white dress came running to the door, and supported herself
upon the bridegroom's arm.
'
Where is she!' cried this lady. 'What news have you brought me?
What has become of her?'
The single gentleman started back, and gazed upon the face of the late
Mrs Jarley (that morning wedded to the philosophic George, to the
eternal wrath and despair of Mr Slum the poet), with looks of
conflicting apprehension, disappointment, and incredulity. At length
he stammered out,
'
'
I ask YOU where she is? What do you mean?'
Oh sir!' cried the bride, 'If you have come here to do her any good,
why weren't you here a week ago?'
'She is not - not dead?' said the person to whom she addressed
herself, turning very pale.
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