Sprinkling of Saints; Tuesday Bells; and Vile Villains in Barnaby Rudge (Ch LIX)

Music

That's puppy snoring.

She's absolutely exhausted. She's been playing with Doggo for hours. They're both exhausted and

doggo I thought wasn't enjoying it but every time I got anxious for her I saw her tail

working and good afternoon. Welcome to today's second episode and how very

professional of me to welcome you to the episode. I normally just start in a

kind of slightly crazy way and you just have to catch up but I am conscious

if people are listening for the first time they're thinking groggy. What am I

listening to? And it's been sunny here in Deepest Darkest Dorset and I'm looking

out of the kitchen window and as I speak there's a little blue tip with its

yellow tummy and grey blue top and it's just gone on to the feeder. I've

topped up all the fat ball feeders today and I've also put a little pretend

raven in the area of the feeders to stop the magpies coming this year and I

haven't seen a single magpies since I've put it there and so I'm hoping it's

going to work. I saw a jackdaw in the maple tree looking around and I was

worried that of course I'm putting those off too but the magpies really do

blight the lives of the birds and they I worry that they take all the little

babies and now I know the black dirt magpies have got to survive too but well

they can go and survive in another garden and at my feet I've got puppy and

she's cold up and every day I put on a little yellow first for her which is

really a grab a suit so that I can grab her if she's doing something she shouldn't

and I've ordered a softer one for her next size up so that should arrive

tomorrow. Now as the bells play do you remember in

Rochester towers there was a meeting that was going on with Dr Grant Lee, Mr

Harding, Mrs Proudy, the Archbishop and so on with everyone pushing themselves

forward to be to be considered the most important and it's the kind of scene

that Jane Austen would have described very well and for some reason I finished

halfway through maybe I was tired so I'll do a tiny overlap and continue but

before I do that I'm just going to be quiet and let you enjoy the bells for a

moment. And the shuffling sound is puppy but surely surely continued

Mrs Proudy, surely that is not enough, surely that will not secure such an

observance of the sadness as we are taught to concede is not an expedient but

indispensable and surely come what come might Dr Brunk Grant Lee was not to be

forced into a dissertation on a point of doctrine with Mrs Proudy not yet

with Mr Slope so without much ceremony he turned his back upon the sofa and

began to hate the Dr Proudy had found that the palace repairs had been such as

to meet his wishes yes yes yes this is Lordship upon the whole he thought so

upon the whole he didn't know that there was much ground for complaint the

architect perhaps might have a well but his double Mr Slope who had

sidelined over to the Bishop's chair would not allow his Lordship to finish

his ambiguous speech there is one point I'd like to mention Mr Archdeacon his

Lordship asked me to step through the premises and I see that the stores in

the second stable are not perfect why they're standing there for a dozen

horses certainly Archdeacon perhaps so said the other indeed I've no doubt of

it but visitors you know or from a choir so much accommodation they there are

so many of the Bishop's relatives who always bring their own horses

Dr Grant Lee promised that due provision for the relative's horses should be

made as far at least as the extent of the original stable building would

allow he would himself communicate with the architect and the coach house

Dr Grant Lee continued Mr Slope there is really hardly room for a second

garage in the large coach house and the smaller one of course holds only one

and the gas chained in the lady there's no gas through the house none

whatever but in the kitchen and passages surely the palace should have been

fitted through with bites for gas and hot water too there is no hot water

laid on anywhere above the ground floor surely there should be the means of

getting hot water into the bedrooms without having it watered in jokes

that's not nice from the kitchen the Bishop had a decided opinion that there

should be pipes for hot water hot water was very essential for the comfort of

the palace it was indeed a requisite in any decent gentleman's house Mr Slope

had remarked that the coping on the garden wall was in many places imperfect

Mrs Proudy had discovered a large hole evidently the work of rats in the

servant's hall is that noise the Bishop expressed an utter detestation of rats

there was nothing he believed in this world that he hated as a rat Mr Slope had

more over observed that the locks of the outhouses were very imperfect he might

specify the cold cellar and the woodhouse Mrs Proudy had also seen that those on

the doors had the servant's bedrooms were in equally bad condition indeed all

the locks through the house were of old fashioned an unserviceable type the

Bishop thought that a great deal depended on a good lock and quite as much on the

key he had observed that the fort very often lay with the key especially if the

boards were in any way twisted Mr Slope was going on with his catalogue of

grievances when he was somewhat loudly interrupted by let's see who buys at

on the page by the Archdeacon who succeeded in explaining that the diocesan

architect or rather his foreman was the person to be addressed on such

subjects and that he Dr Grancliffe had inquired as to the comfort of the palace

merely as a point of complement he was sorry however that so many things had

been found a miss and then he rose from his chair to escape Mrs Proudy though

she had contrived to lend her assistance in recapitulating the palatial

delabidations had not on that count given up her hold of Mr Harding nor ceased

from her cross-examination as to the iniquity of sabbatical amusements over and

over again had she thrown out her surely at Mr Harding's devoted head and ill

had that gentleman been able to parry the attack he had never before found

himself so subjected to such a nuisance ladies hitherto when they had been

consulted on religious subjects had listened to what he might choose to say

with some deference and a differed if they differed in silence but Mrs Proudy

interrogated him and then lectured neither thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor

thy man servant nor thy maid servant said she impressively and more than

once as they Mr Harding had forgotten the words she shook her finger at him as

she quoted the favorite law as they menacing him with punishment and then

called upon him categorically to state with her whether he did not think that

traveling on the Sabbath was an abomination and a desecration Mr Harding

had never been so hard pressed in his life he felt that he ought to

rebuke the lady for presuming so to talk to a gentleman and a clergyman

many years her senior but he recoiled from the idea of scolding the bishops'

wife in the bishops' presence on his first visit to the palace more over to

tell the truth he was somewhat afraid of her she seeing him sit silent and

absorbed by no means refrained from the attack I hope Mr Harding said she

shaking her head slowly and solemnly I hope you will not leave me to think

that you approve of Sabbath travelling and she looked looked at a look of

an unutterable meaning into his eyes there was no standing this for Mr

slope was now looking at him and so was the bishops and so was the archdeacon

who had completed his adieu on that side of the room Mr Harding therefore got

up also and putting his hand out to Mrs Proudi said if you will come to

Mr Cuthbert some Sunday I will preach you a sermon on that subject and so the

archdeacon and the presenter took their departure bowing low to the lady

shaking hands with the Lord and escaping from Mr Slope in the best manner each

could Mr Harding was again maltreated but Dr Grandley swore deeply in the

bottom of his heart that no earthly consideration should ever again induce

him to touch the poor of that impure and filthy animal and now had either

pen of a mighty poet I would sing an epic verse the noble wroth of the

archdeacon the palace steps to send to a broad gravel sweep from whence a

small gate opens out into the street very near the covered gateway leading into

the close the road from the palace door turns to the left through the spacious

gardens and terminates on the London road half a mile from the cathedral till they

had both passed this small gate and entered the close neither of them spoke a

word but the presenter clearly saw from his companion's face that a torn

ado was to be expected nor was he himself inclined to stop it they by nature

far less irritable than the archdeacon even he was angry he even that mild

and courteous man was inclined to express himself in anything but courteous terms

courteous terms and the next chapter is chapter six and it's entitled war I'm

only going to give you the first two words good heavens 15th of January

feast day of chill wolf king of Northumbria he died in 764 and he became king in

179 was deposed by being captured and forcibly tontured in 731 and was released

the same year and continued to rule until 737 he then abdicated and became a monk

at Linda's farm bead dedicated the ecclesiastical history to him and highly

praised his piety while also expressing reserve about his ability to rule

aha perhaps a Henry the 6th character once at Linda's farm chill wolf endowed

the community with a generosity which enabled them to drink beer or wine whereas

formally they used to drink only water or milk like many Irish and Welsh

Welsh ascetics chill wolf was buried near Cuthbert at Linda's farm where miracles

were believed to prove his sanctity his relics were translated in 830 to

egg reds new church at norm on tweed with those of Cuthbert later chill wolf's

head was translated to Durham or if it's still there then feast 15th of

January because I'm going back in a few weeks I'm going to look for chill wolf's

head Eiter or I'd died 570 Irish nun apart from Brigid Eiter or it must be

Eiter is probably the most famous woman's saint of Ireland got I feel very

ignorant I don't know how to pronounce her name few facts are known about her as

her life was written centuries after her death she's said to have been of royal

origin born near Waterford and called Deirdre sorry I don't know I'm

laughing it's just feels so different from Eiter it just feels so I don't know

1960s later she migrated to Kil'edie in Limerick where she founded a small

nunnery and lived for the rest of her life her spiritual what life was like

that of other Irish ascetics with much prayer and fasting in her case it's

claimed that devotion to the indwelling holy trinity was her characteristic an

Irish lullaby for the infant Jesus is also attributed to her further although

her own life says nothing of this she is called foster mother of the Saints of

Ireland especially of Brendan although the chronology seems scarcely possible

he is supposed to have asked her what three things God especially loved to

which she answered true faith in God with a pure heart a simple life with a

religious spirit and open-handedness inspired by charity it is probable that

she educated some young boys who later became famous and that her nuns helped

treat the sick of the neighborhood like other monastic figures of Ireland she

spent considerable time in complete solitude and was also much in demand for

advice and help there are church dedications and place names which would

call her both in her place of origin and around her monastery she's also

mentioned in Alquin's poem of the Irish Saints and her cult is still alive

today feast 15th of January well she sounds one of the most inspiring of all

the female Saints I think have come across so I might look more into her and

first see from yesterday or first sir who died 650 these are all this is my

favorite time time around here Irish Abbott he became a monk in Ireland but

left it as a pilgrim for Christ coming to East Anglia in around 630 King

Seabird received him and his companions especially foil and kindly kindly

and gave them the old fortress of Burkastlin's Suffolk Suffolk which was

called Nob Harrisburg with adjacent lands for a monastery on the death of

Seabird in battle against Pender King of Mercy first he left for France

good thinking first see again he was helped by a ruler Erkinot so difficult

to pronounce with these names Erkin old mare of Noistria who gave him land for

another monastery which he built at Lannice your man he died at Mezzarol in

the song the song and his body was buried at Peron in Piccadie afterwards

called Peron Nascotterum in another Irish monastery in 654 his relics were

translated to a shine in the shape of a little house supposedly made by

Eloire another translation took place in 1056 most of the relics remained

until the French Revolution a head reliquy survived even the Prussian

bombardment of 1770 French Irish and English calendars especially at

Canterbury which claimed head relics attest his cult this was assisted by

beads life of his vision of the afterlife one of the earliest of its kind

during a state of trance I remember this from last year he saw visions of heaven

and hell angels and devils on recovering he described his experiences

and warned against future and detailed punishments for sins feastay 16th of

January I know I'm a bit behind with the saints but that is all I

I'm going to do because I want to get to Barnaby Rudge and I can feel myself

getting sleepy so this morning Barnaby Rudge ended on a

tender moat note I'll just repeat the last sentence

stumbling on as well as he could beneath the unusual burden of these fetters he

was conducted to a strong stone cell where fastening the door with locks and

bolts and chains they left him well secured

having first unseen by him thrust in grip who with his head drooping

and his deep black blooms rough and rumpalled appeared to comprehend and to

bar take his master's fallen fortunes

Paul grip chapter 59 it is necessary this juncture to return to Hugh who

having as we have seen called to the rioters to disperse from about the

Warren and meet again as usual glided back into the darkness from which he had

emerged and reappeared no more that night he paused in the cops which sheltered

him from the observation of his mad companions

and waited to ascertain whether they drew off at his bidding or still lingered

and called to him to join them some few he saw were in

disposed to go away without him and made towards the spot where he stood

as they were about to follow in his footsteps and urge him to come back

but these men being in their turn called to by their friends

and in truth not greatly caring to venture into the dark parts of the grounds

where they might be easily surprised and taken if any of the neighbors or

retainers of the family were watching them from among the trees soon abandoned the idea

and hastily assembling such men as they found of their mind at the moment

straggled off when he was satisfied that the great mass of the insurgents

were imitating this example and that the ground was rapidly clearing

he plunged into the thickest portion of the little wood and crashing the branches as he went

made straight towards a distant light guided by that and by the sun and glow

of the fire behind him as he drew nearer and nearer to the twinkling beacon

towards which he bent his course the red glare of a few torches began to reveal

itself and the voices of men speaking together in a subdued tone

break the silence which save for a distant shouting now and then

already prevailed at length he cleared the wood and springing across a ditch

stood in a dark lane were a small body of ill-looking vagabonds

whom he had left there some twenty minutes before waited his coming with impatience

they were gathered browned an old post-chase or chariot driven by one of

themselves who sat post-illian wise upon the near horse the blinds were drawn up for mr.

tapetit and Dennis kept guard at the two windows the former assumed the command of the party

for he challenged you as he advanced towards them and when he did so those who were resting

on the ground about the carriage rose to their feet and custard round him well said Simon

in a low voice is all right right enough replied you in the same tone they're dispersing now

had begun before i came away and the coast is clear clear enough before our men i take it said

there are not many who knowing of their work over yonder will want to meddle with them tonight

who's got some drink here everybody had some plunder from the cellar half a dozen flasks and

bottles were offered directly he selected the largest and putting it to his mouth sent the wine

gurgling down his throat having emptied it he threw it down and stretched out his hand for

another which he emptied likewise at a draft another was given him and this he half emptied too

reserving what remained to finish with he asked have you got anything to eat any of you

armors ravenous as a hungry wolf which is you within the ladder come

oi was brother said Dennis pulling off his hat and fumbling in the crown

there's a matter of cold venison pasty somewhere or another year if that will do

do cries you seating himself on the pathway bring it out quick show a light here and gather around

let me sup in state my lads entering into his boisterous humour for they had all drunk deeply and

was wild as he they crowded about him while two of their number who had torches held them up one

on either side of him that his banquet might not be dispatched in the dark mr denis having by

this time succeeded in extricating from his hat a great mass of pasty which had been wedged in

so tightly that it was not easily got out put it before him and you having borrowed a notched

and jagged knife from one of the company fell to work upon it vigorously

oi should recommend you to swallow a little fire every day about an hour four dinner brother

said Dennis after a pause it seems to agree with you and to stimulate your appetite

he looked at him and the blackened faces by which he was surrounded and stopping for a moment

to flourish his knife above his head answered with a roar of laughter keep order there will you

said Simon tap at it why isn't a man allowed to regale himself noble captain retorted his

lieutenant parting the men who stood between them with his knife that he might see him to regale

himself a little bit after such work as mine what a hard captain what a strict captain what a

tyrannical captain I wish one of you fellers would hold a bottle to his mouth to keep him quiet

said Simon unless you want the military to be down upon us and what if they do come down upon us

which oughted you who cares who's afraid let them come I say let them come the more the merrier

give me bold barnaby at my side a we too will settle the military without troubling any of you

barnabies the man for the military barnabies elf but as the majority of these present were by no

means anxious for a second engagement that night being already weary and exhausted they sided

with Mr tap at it and pressed him to make haste with the supper for they had already delayed too

long knowing even in the height of his frenzy that they incurred great danger by lingering so near

to the scene of the late outrages he made an end to his meal without more remonstrance and rising

stepped up to Mr tap at it and smoot him on the back now then he cried I'm ready there are some

brave birds inside this cage a delicate birds tender loving little doves I caged them I caged them

one more peep he thrust the little little man aside as he spoke and mounting on the steps which

were half let down pull down the blind by force and stared into the little chase like an ogre

into his larder and did you scratch and pinch and struggle pretty mistress he cried as he grasped

a little hand that sought in vain to free itself from his grip you so bright eyed and

cherry-lipped and daintily made but I love you better for it mistress I do you should stab me

and welcome so that it pleased you and you had to cure me afterwards I love to see you proud

and scornful it makes you handsomer than ever and who so handsomers you at any time might pretty

come said Mr tap at it who had waited during this speech with considerable impatience there's

enough of that come down the little hand seconded this admonition by thrusting huge great head away

with all its force and drawing up the blind amidst his noisy laughter and vows that he must have

another look for the last glimpse of that sweet face had provoked him past or bearing however as

the suppressed impatience of the party now broke out into open murmurs he abandoned this design

and taking his seat upon the bar contented himself with tapping the front windows of the carriage

and trying to steal a grant glance inside Mr tap at it mounting the steps and hanging on by the door

issued his directions to the driver with a commanding voice and attitude the rest got up behind

or ran by the side of the carriage as they could some in imitation of you endeavored to see the

face he had praised so highly and were reminded of their impertinence by hints from the cudgel

of Mr tap at it thus they pursued their journey by circuitous and winding roads preserving

except when they halted to take breath or quarrel about the best way of reaching London

pretty good order and tolerable silence in the meantime dolly beautiful bewitching captivating

little dolly her hair dishevelled her dress torn her dark eyelashes wet with tears her bosom

heaving her face now pale with fear and to now crimson with indignation her whole self a hundred

times more beautiful in this heightened aspect than ever she had been before vainly strove to comfort

Emma hairdale and to impart to her the consolation of which she stood in so much need herself the

soldiers were sure to come they must be rescued it would be impossible to convey them through

the streets of London when they set the threats of their guards at defiance and shrieked the

passengers for help if they did this when they came into the more frequented ways she was certain

she was quite certain that they must be released so poor dolly said and so poor dolly tried to think

but the invariable conclusion of all such arguments was that dolly burst into tears

cried as she wrung her hands what would they think or do and who would comfort them at home

at the golden key and sobbed most pitiously miss hairdale whose feelings we usually have a

quieter kind than dolly's and not so much upon the surface was dreadfully alarmed and indeed

had only just recovered from a swoon she was very pale and the hand which dolly held was quite

cold but she bade her nevertheless remember that under providence must much must depend upon

their own discretion and that if they remained quiet and loved the vigilance of the ruffians

into whose hands they had fallen the chances of there being able to procure assistance

when they reached the town were very much increased that unless society were quite unhinged

a hot pursuit must be immediately commenced and that her uncle she must be sure would never rest

until he had found them out and rescued them but as she said these latter words the idea

that he had fallen in the general massacre of the catholics that night

no very wild or improbable supposition after what they had seen and undergone struck her dumb

and lost in the horrors they had witnessed and those that might be yet preserved for

she sat incapable of thought or speech or outward show of grief as rigid and almost as white

and cold as marble oh how many many times in that long ride did dolly think of her old lover

poor fond slighted Joe how many many times did she recall that night when she ran into his arms

from the very man now projecting his hateful gaze into the darkness where she sat and leering

through the glass in monstrous admiration and when she thought of Joe and what a brave fellow he

was and how he would have rode boldly up and dashed in among those villains now yes they were

double the number and here she clenched her little hand and pressed her foot upon the ground

the pride she felt for a moment in having won his heart faded into a burst of tears and she

sobbed morbidly them before as the night wore on and they proceeded by ways which were quite

unknown to them for they could recognise none of the objects which they sometimes caught her

hurried glimpse their fears increased nor were they without good foundation it was not difficult

for two beautiful young women to find in there being born they knew not with her by a band of

daring villains who eyed them as some among these fellows did reasons for the worst alarm

when they lead last entered London by a suburb with which they were wholly unacquainted it was

past midnight and the streets were dark and empty nor was this the worst for the carriage stopping

in a lonely spot he suddenly opened the door jumped in and took his seat between them

it was in vain they cried for help he put his arm around the neck of each and swore to stifle

them with kisses if they were not as silent as the grave I come in to keep you quiet he says

and that's the means I shall take so don't be quiet pretty mistresses make a noise do

and I shall like it all the better they were proceeding at a rapid pace and apparently with fewer

attendance than before although it was so dark the torch is being extinguished that this was

mere conjecture they shrunk from his touch each into the farthest corner of the carriage

but shrink as dolly would his arm encircled her waist and held her fast she neither cried nor spoke

for terror and disgust deprived her of the power but she plucked at his hand as though she

would die in the effort to disengage herself and crouching on the ground with her head averted

and held down repelled him with a strength she wondered at as much as he the carriage stopped

again lift this one out said hew to the man who opened the door as he took Miss Herdale's hand

and felt how heavily it fell she's fainted so much the better ground Dennis it was that amiable

gentleman she's quiet I always like him to faint unless they're very tender and composed

can you take her by yourself ask you I don't know till I try I hope to be able to I've lifted up

a good many in my time said the hangman up then she's no small weight brother none of these

here fine girls are up again now we have her having by this time hoisted the young lady into his

arms he staggered off with his burden look ye pretty bird said hew drawing dolly towards him

remember what I said a kiss for every cry scream if you love me darling scream once mistress

pretty mistress only once if you love me thrusting his face away with all her force

and holding her head down dolly submitted to be carried out of the chase and born after Miss

Herdale into a miserable cottage where hew after hugging her to his breast set her gently down

upon the floor poor dolly do what she would she only looked the better for it and tempted them

the more when her eyes flashed angrily and her ripe lips slightly parted to give her rapid breathing

who could resist it when she wept and sobbed as though her heart would break and bemoaned her

miseries in the sweetest voice that ever fell upon a listener's ear who could be insensible to

the little winning pettishness which now and then displayed itself even in the sincerity and

earnestness of her grief when forgetful for a moment of herself as she was now she fell on her

knees beside her friend and bent over her and laid her cheek to hers and put her arms about her

bought mortal eyes could have avoided wandering to the delicate bodice the streaming hair

then neglected dress the perfect abandonment and unconsciousness of the blooming little beauty

who could look on and see her lavish caresses and endearments and not desire to be in Emma

hairdels place to be either her or dolly either the hugging or the hugged not you not Dennis

I tell you what it is young women said Mr Dennis I hate much of a lady's man myself nor am I a

party in the present business further than lending a willing hand to my friends but if I see much

more of this sort of thing I shall become a principal instead of an accessory I tell you candid

why have you brought us here said Emma I'll be to be murdered murdered cried Dennis

sitting down upon a stool and regarding her with great favor oh hi my dear

who'd murder such chickabiddies as you if you were to ask me now whether you was brought here to be

married there might be something in it and here he exchanged to grin with you who removed his

eyes from dolly for the purpose no no said Dennis there'll be no murdering my pets nothing of that

sort quite the country you are an older man than your companion sir said Emma trembling have you

no pity for us do not consider that we are women I do indeed my dear retorted Dennis it will

be very odd not to with too such specimens of all my eyes I consider that we all consider that

miss he shook his head waggishly leared at hue again and laughed very much as if it said a noble

thing and rather thought he was coming out there'll be no murdering my dear not a bit of it

I tell you what oh brother said Dennis cocking his hat for the convenience of scratching his head

and looking gravely at hue it's worthy of notice as a proof of the amazing equalness and dignity of

our law they don't make no distinction between men and women either the judge say sometimes to

highway men or a house breaker as a tied a ladies necks and heels you'll excuse me make a

mention of it my darlings and put them in a cellar that he showed no consideration to women now I say

that that their judge didn't know his business brother and that if I had been that their highway

men or house breaker I should have made answer what are you are talking of my lord I showed the

women as much consideration as the law does and what more would you have me do if you was to count

up in the newspaper the number of females had been worked off in this year's seat alone in the

last ten year said Mr Dennis thoughtfully you'd be surprised at the total quite amazed you would

there's a dignified and equal thing a beautiful thing but we've no security for its lasting now

that they've begun to favour these earpapists I shouldn't wonder if they went and altered even that

one of these days upon my soul I shouldn't this subject perhaps being of too much

exclusive and professional in nature failed to interest you as much as his friend ad anticipated

but he had no time to pursue it for at this crisis Mr Tappett had entered precipitously

at sight of whom Dolly uttered a scream of joy and fairly through him herself in his arms

I knew it I was sure of it cried Dolly my dear fathers at the door thank god thank god bless you

Sim heaven bless you for this Simon Tappett it who had at first implicitly believed that the

locksmith's daughter unable any longer to suppress a secret passion for himself was about to give

it full vent in its intensity and to declare that she was his forever looked extremely foolish when

she said these words the more so as they were received by Hugh and Dennis with a loud laugh

which made her drawback and regard them with a fixed and earnest look Miss hairdale said Sim

after a very awkward silence I hope you're as comfortable as circumstance will permit Dolly

Vardin my darling my own my lovely one I hope you're pretty comfortable likewise poor little Dolly

she saw how it was hid her face in her hands and sobbed more bitterly than ever you meet in me

Miss Fee said Simon laying his hand upon his breast not a print is not a workman not a slave

not a victim of your father's tyrannical behavior but the leader of great people the captain

of a noble band in which these gentlemen are as I may say court pros and sergeants you beholding

may not a private individual but a public character not a mender of locks but a healer of the

wounds of this unhappy country Dolly Ve sweet Dolly Ve for how many years have I looked forward

to this present meeting for how many years has it been my intention to exalt and in noble you

I redeem it beholding me your husband yes beautiful Dolly Charmer in Slaver S. Tappertit is

all your own as he said these words he advanced towards her Dolly retreated till she could go no

further and then sank down upon the floor thinking it very possible that this might be made in

modesty Simon is said to raise her on which Dolly goaded to desperation wound her hands in his

hair and crying out amidst her tears that he was a dreadful little wretch and always had been shook

and pulled and beat him until he was feigned to call for help most lustily he who had never admired

her half so much as at that moment she's an excited state tonight said Simon as he smoothed his

rumpled feather rumpled feathers and don't know when she's well off let her by herself till tomorrow

and that will bring her down a little carrier into the next house he had her in his arms directly

it might be said that Mr Tappertit's heart was really softened by her distress or it might be

that he felt in some degree indecorous that his intended bride should be struggling in the

grasp of another man he commanded him on second thoughts to put her down again and looked

moodily on as she flew to miss hairdale side and clinging to her dress hid her flushed face in its

folds they shall remain here together till tomorrow said Simon who had now quite recovered his

dignity till tomorrow come away I cried you come away captain ha ha what are you laughing at

demanded Simon sternly nothing captain nothing he rejoined as he spoke and clapped his hand

upon the shoulder of the little man he laughed again for some unknown reason with tenfold violence

Mr Tappertit surveyed him from head to foot with lofty scorn this only made him laugh the

more and turning to the prisoners said you'll take notice ladies that this place is well watched

on every side and the least noise is certain to be attended with unpleasant consequences

you'll hear both of you more of our intentions tomorrow but in the meantime don't show yourself

at the window or appeal to any of the people that you may see that pass it for if you do it will

be known directly that you come from a Catholic house and all the exertions are men can make

me not be able to save your lives with this last caution which was true enough he turned to the

door followed by Hugh and Dennis they paused for a moment going out to look at them clasped in

each other's arms and then left the cottage fastening the door and setting a good watch upon it

and indeed all round the house I say growl Dennis as they walked away in company that's a

dainty pair Mr Gashford's one is as handsome as the other a hush said Hugh hastily don't you mention

names it's a bad habit I wouldn't like to be him then as you don't like names when he breaks it

out to her that's all said Dennis she's one of them fine black eyed proud girls as I wouldn't

trust as such times with a knife to near him I've seen some of that thought salt before and I

recollect one that was worked off many years ago and there was a gentleman in that case too

that says to me with a lipper trembling but a hand as steady as ever I see one Dennis

on near my end but if I had a dagger in these fingers and he was within my reach I'd strike him

dead or for me oh she did and had she'd have had two two strike who dead demanded Hugh

well should I know brother answer Dennis she never said not she he looked at a moment as though

he would make some further inquiry into this incoherent recollection but Simon Tapetit who had

been meditating deeply gave his thoughts a new direction Hugh said sim you've done well today and

you shall be rewarded so have you Dennis there's no young woman you want to carry off is there

no return that gentleman stroking his grizzled beard which were some two inches long

not in particular I think very good said sim then we'll find some other way of making it up to you

as to you old boy he turned to Hugh you shall have mix her that I've promised you you know within three

days mind I pass my word for it Hugh thanked him heartily and as he did so his laughing fit returned

with such violence that he was obliged to hold his side with one hand and to lean with the other

on the shoulder of his small captain without Hugh's support he would certainly have rolled upon

the ground and that revolting chapter has now come to an end and there's a picture that I will

use and next is chapter 60 and that will be on Thursday so thank you so much for joining me today

for the two episodes and I send you best wishes lots of love and a very restful peaceful evening

and happy Wednesday for tomorrow good night

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