Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/264

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262
LADY ANNE GRANARD.

(though he is bigger,) so I kissed him; but I have got some sugarplums in my bag; I hope he will forgive me."

As she spoke, she entered the house, and took some comfits from her reticule, which made immediate peace with herself and the heir, whose father, a well-looking young blacksmith, who had just stepped in from his workshop behind to look at the quality ladies, observed,

"My Tom's like a many more hereabouts, marm, he's all for what he can get; you're a seekin for votes, I takes it, so you'll soon find that out."

"Are there many people here who have no work? I mean people who are in poverty, against their own will and endeavours."

"Yes, marm, I know three families in right down misery, hard-working creatures, too, as ever were born, in this very street."

"Will you lead me to them? or will you take them help from me? you have an honest face; I am sure I can trust you."

"I'll show you where they live, but I don't advise you to go into the first, for the fever it is that has pulled 'em down, and as you've a little lad o' yer own, it winnot be proper."