Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/131

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118
SUSAN HOPLEY.

traveller stretched herself upon the welcome bed, and was soon in a sound sleep.

This blessed oblivion, however, had not lasted long, when she was aroused by the sound of a man's voice, which although proceeding from the next room, reached her distinctly through the thin partition. In the confusion of first awakening she started up, imagining herself still on the top of the coach, and that the man was abusing her for not paying him; for the first words she distinguished were, "D—n it! no money! Don't tell me! What's become of the last ten pounds?"

"Gracious, George," said a voice which Susan recognised as that of her compassionate hostess, "how can you ask? Why, you know we owed every farthing of it, and more; and I was obliged to divide it between the tradespeople just to stop their mouths."

"Well, if you can't get any money from him, you must walk the streets for it," replied the man, "for devil a rap I have to give you. I suppose he gave you thé allowance for the child? If he stops that you can have him up before the magistrates, and he won't like that just now, I can tell you."

"Yes," answered the lady, "he has pro-