home fast in your life, go home fast to-night. Don't stop to say one

word to me, but go. She will be found here, whenever she's wanted;

and as to me, you're pretty sure to find me at home, for a week or two.

There are more reasons than one for that. Marchioness, a light! If you

lose another minute in looking at me, sir, I'll never forgive you!'

Mr Abel needed no more remonstrance or persuasion. He was gone in

an instant; and the Marchioness, returning from lighting him down-

stairs, reported that the pony, without any preliminary objection

whatever, had dashed away at full gallop.

'That's right!' said Dick; 'and hearty of him; and I honour him from

this time. But get some supper and a mug of beer, for I am sure you

must be tired. Do have a mug of beer. It will do me as much good to

see you take it as if I might drink it myself.'

Nothing but this assurance could have prevailed upon the small nurse

to indulge in such a luxury. Having eaten and drunk to Mr Swiveller's

extreme contentment, given him his drink, and put everything in neat

order, she wrapped herself in an old coverlet and lay down upon the

rug before the fire.

Mr Swiveller was by that time murmuring in his sleep, 'Strew then, oh

strew, a bed of rushes. Here will we stay, till morning blushes. Good

night, Marchioness!'

The Old Curiosity Shop