Page:Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Volume 2.djvu/232

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214
SHAWL-STRAPS.

St. Paul's, and I am truly glad I went, though the saucy conductor did smirk at me over the rosebud."

In contrast to this serious expedition, the old lady had a very jolly one not long afterward. A certain congenial Professor asked her one day what person, place, or thing in London she most desired to see. Clasping her hands with the energy of deep emotion, she replied,—

"The home of the immortal Sairy Gamp. Long ago I made a vow, if I ever came to London I'd visit that spot. Let me keep my vow."

"You shall!" responded the Professor with a responsive ardor, which caused Livy to dive into her waterproof without another word.

Away they went in a pouring rain, and what people thought of the damp but enthusiastic couple who pervaded the city that day I can't say; I only know a merrier pair of pilgrims never visited those grimy shrines. They met several old friends, and passed several familiar spots by the way. Major Bagstock and Cousin Phenix stared at them from a club-house window. Tigg Montague's cab dashed by them in Regent street, more gorgeous than ever. The brothers Cheeryble went trotting cityward arm in