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way Miss Jane Wackles, who in all the glory of her curls was holding a
flirtation, (as good practice when no better was to be had) with a feeble
old gentleman who lodged in the parlour. Near the door sat Miss
Sophy, still fluttered and confused by the attentions of Mr Cheggs,
and by her side Richard Swiveller lingered for a moment to exchange a
few parting words.
'My boat is on the shore and my bark is on the sea, but before I pass
this door I will say farewell to thee,' murmured Dick, looking gloomily
upon her.
'Are you going?' said Miss Sophy, whose heart sank within her at the
result of her stratagem, but who affected a light indifference
notwithstanding.
'
'
Am I going!' echoed Dick bitterly. 'Yes, I am. What then?'
Nothing, except that it's very early,' said Miss Sophy; 'but you are
your own master, of course.'
'I would that I had been my own mistress too,' said Dick, 'before I had
ever entertained a thought of you. Miss Wackles, I believed you true,
and I was blest in so believing, but now I mourn that e'er I knew, a girl
so fair yet so deceiving.'
Miss Sophy bit her lip and affected to look with great interest after Mr
Cheggs, who was quaffing lemonade in the distance.
'
I came here,' said Dick, rather oblivious of the purpose with which he
had really come, 'with my bosom expanded, my heart dilated, and my
sentiments of a corresponding description. I go away with feelings that
may be conceived but cannot be described, feeling within myself that
desolating truth that my best affections have experienced this night a
stifler!'
'
I am sure I don't know what you mean, Mr Swiviller,' said Miss Sophy
with downcast eyes. 'I'm very sorry if - '
'Sorry, Ma'am!' said Dick, 'sorry in the possession of a Cheegs! But I
wish you a very good night, concluding with this slight remark, that
there is a young lady growing up at this present moment for me, who
has not only great personal attractions but great wealth, and who has
requested her next of kin to propose for my hand, which, having a
regard for some members of her family, I have consented to promise.
It's a gratifying circumstance which you'll be glad to hear, that a
young and lovely girl is growing into a woman expressly on my
account, and is now saving up for me. I thought I'd mention it. I have
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