"No; I never heard a thing
like that!"
"What, not when you cut up the jackass and sold it for veal
cutlets, mother."
"Hold your tongue, Mr Imperence," said the widow. "It's very
well known you're no Christian, and who'll believe what you
say?"
"It's very well known that I'm a man what pays his way," said
the boy, "and don't keep a huckster's stall to sell carrion by
star-light; but live in a two pair, if you please, and has a
wife and family, or as good."
"O! you aggravating imp!" exclaimed the widow in despair,
unable to wreak her vengeance on one who kept in a secure
position, and whose movements were as nimble as his words.
"Why, Madam Carey, what has Dandy Mick done to thee?" said a
good-humoured voice, it came from one of two factory girls who
were passing her stall and stopped. They were gaily dressed,
a light handkerchief tied under the chin, their hair
scrupulously arranged; they wore coral neck-laces and earrings
of gold.
"Ah! is it you, my child," said the widow, who was a good-
hearted creature. "The dandy has been giving me some of his
imperence."
"But I meant nothing, dame," said Mick. "It was a joke,--only
a joke."
"Well, let it pass," said Mrs Carey.
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