Page:Stubbs's Calendar or The Fatal Boots.djvu/125

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"THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT."
109

my sister’s part. "Her Bob," was always right, she said. At last Lizzy fairly retreated, and went to the Waters's. I was glad of it, for her temper was dreadful, and we used to be squabbling from morning till night.

Ah, those were jolly times! but ma was obliged to give up the lodging-house at last—for, somehow, things went wrong after my sister's departure—the nasty uncharitable people said, on account of me; because I drove away the lodgers by smoking and drinking, and kicking up noises in the house; and because ma gave me so much of her money:—so she did, but if she would give it, you know, how could I help it? Heigho! I wish I'd kept it.

No such luck. The business I thought was to last for ever; but at the end of two years a smash came—shut up shop—sell off every thing. Mamma went to the Waters's; and, will you believe it? the ungrateful wretches would not receive me! that Mary, you see, was so disappointed at not marrying me. Twenty pounds a year they allow, it is true: but what's that