An Unsocial Socialist eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 342 pages of information about An Unsocial Socialist.

An Unsocial Socialist eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 342 pages of information about An Unsocial Socialist.

She reddened and hurried to the cab, where Agatha was.  But it was full; and Jane, much against her will, had to get into the coach, considerably diminishing the space left for Miss Wilson, to whom Smilash had returned.

“Now, dear lady,” he said, “take care you don’t slip.  Come along.”

Miss Wilson, ignoring the invitation, took a shilling from her purse.

“No, lady,” said Smilash with a virtuous air.  “I am an honest man and have never seen the inside of a jail except four times, and only twice for stealing.  Your youngest daughter—­her with the expressive hi—­have paid me far beyond what is proper.”

“I have told you that these young ladies are not my daughters,” said Miss Wilson sharply.  “Why do you not listen to what is said to you?”

“Don’t be too hard on a common man, lady,” said Smilash submissively.  “The young lady have just given me three ’arf-crowns.”

“Three half-crowns!” exclaimed Miss Wilson, angered at such extravagance.

“Bless her innocence, she don’t know what is proper to give to a low sort like me!  But I will not rob the young lady.  ’Arf-a-crown is no more nor is fair for the job, and arf-a-crown will I keep, if agreeable to your noble ladyship.  But I give you back the five bob in trust for her.  Have you ever noticed her expressive hi?”

“Nonsense, sir.  You had better keep the money now that you have got it.”

“Wot!  Sell for five bob the high opinion your ladyship has of me!  No, dear lady; not likely.  My father’s very last words to me was—­”

“You said just now that you were a foundling,” said Fairholme.  “What are we to believe?  Eh?”

“So I were, sir; but by mother’s side alone.  Her ladyship will please to take back the money, for keep it I will not.  I am of the lower orders, and therefore not a man of my word; but when I do stick to it, I stick like wax.”

“Take it,” said Fairholme to Miss Wilson.  “Take it, of course.  Seven and sixpence is a ridiculous sum to give him for what he has done.  It would only set him drinking.”

“His reverence says true, lady.  The one ’arfcrown will keep me comfortably tight until Sunday morning; and more I do not desire.”

“Just a little less of your tongue, my man,” said Fairholme, taking the two coins from him and handing them to Miss Wilson, who bade the clergymen good afternoon, and went to the coach under the umbrella.

“If your ladyship should want a handy man to do an odd job up at the college I hope you will remember me,” Smilash said as they went down the slope.

“Oh, you know who I am, do you?” said Miss Wilson drily.

“All the country knows you, Miss, and worships you.  I have few equals as a coiner, and if you should require a medal struck to give away for good behavior or the like, I think I could strike one to your satisfaction.  And if your ladyship should want a trifle of smuggled lace—­”

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An Unsocial Socialist from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.