Vol.1 f.083 recto

" I can't help it. It's wrung from me by the dreadful brutality of that monster master.'
" But you'll break my heart one of these days,' added Mrs Varden, with more resignation, " and then we shall both be happy. My only desire is to see Dolly comfortably settled, and when she is, you may settle [1me]1 as soon as you like.'
"Ah!' cried Miggs -- and coughed again.
Poor Gabriel twisted his wig about in silence for a long time and then said mildly, "Has Dolly gone to bed?'
"Your master speaks to you,' said Mrs Varden, looking sternly over her shoulder at Miss Miggs in waiting.
" No, my dear, I spoke to you,' suggested the locksmith.
" Did you hear me, Miggs?' cried the obdurate lady, stamping her foot upon the ground. " [1You]1 are beginning to despise me now, are you? But this is example!'
At this cruel rebuke, Miggs, whose tears were always ready for large or small parties, on the shortest notice and the most reasonable terms, fell a crying violently; holding both her hands tight upon her heart meanwhile, as if nothing less would prevent its splitting into small fragments. Mrs Varden, who likewise possessed that faculty in high perfection, wept too, against Miggs; and with such effect that Miggs gave in after a time, and, except for an occasional sob, which seemed to threaten some remote intention of breaking out again, left her mistress in possession of the field. Her superiority being thoroughly asserted, that lady soon desisted likewise, and fell into a quiet melancholy.
The relief was so great, and the fatiguing occurrences of last night so completely overpowered the locksmith, that he nodded in his chair, and would doubtless have slept there all night, but for the voice of Mrs Varden, which, after a pause of some five minutes, awoke him with a start.
"If I am ever,' said Mrs V. -- not scolding, but in a sort of monotonous remonstrance -- " in spirits, if I am ever cheerful, if I am ever more than usually disposed to be talkative