Master Joseph
remonstrated against the policy of concession, called
conciliation, which his father would fain follow, and was for
instant coercion; but age and experience carried the day, and
in a few minutes some flitches were thrown out of the window
to the Hell-cats who received the booty with a cheer.
The women returned.
"'Tis the tenpence a-pound flitch," said the comely dame
examining the prize with a sparkling glance.
"I have paid as much for very green stuff," said Mrs Mullins.
"And now Master Diggs," said Tummas, "what is the price of the
best tea a-pound? We be good customers, and mean to treat our
wives and sweethearts here. I think we must order half a
chest."
This time there was a greater delay in complying with the
gentle hint; but the Hell-cats getting obstreperous, the tea
was at length furnished and divided among the women. This
gracious office devolved on the wife of Tummas who soon found
herself assisted by a spontaneous committee of which the
comely dame was the most prominent and active member. Nothing
could be more considerate, good-natured, and officious, than
the mode and spirit with which she divided the stores. The
flitches were cut up and apportioned in like manner.
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