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Ingelow, Jean, 1820-1897

"Fated to Be Free"

In
some things I uphold we air, and in others I say we're not. Now your
real gentleman thinks most of them things that make men ekal, and
t'other chap thinks most of what makes them unekal.'"
"Hear, hear!" said Johnnie. "And what did Joey thay to that, Thwan?"
"He didn't say much," answered Swan in his most pragmatical manner. "He
knows well enough that when I'm argufying with my own children (as I've
had the expense of bringing up), I expect to have the last word, and I
have it. It's dinner-time, Mr. Johnnie; will you pass me out my pipe? I
don't say but what I may take a whiff while the dinner's dishing up."
"It was very useful, Swan," said Gladys. "No doubt it made Miss Crampton
think that Cray smokes."
"My word!" exclaimed Swan, "it was as good as a play to see him give
himself those meek airs, and look so respectful."
He went down, and the two little boys came up. They had been turned out
of Parliament, and had spent the time of their exile in running to the
town, and laying out some of their money in the purchase of a present
for Crayshaw; they were subject to humble fits of enthusiasm for
Crayshaw and Johnnie.


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