"
"Business, ma'am, is business; and if I did distrain on Thomson, and
lock up Wilkins, I think you knew about it as much as I."
"I'faith, I believe you're a pair," said Mr. Wood.
"Pray, sir, keep your tongue to yourself. Your opinion isn't asked
anyhow--no, nor your company wanted neither," cried Mrs. Catherine,
with proper spirit.
At which remark Mr. Wood only whistled.
"I have asked this here gentleman to pass this evening along with
me. We've been drinking together, ma'am."
"That we have", said Mr. Wood, looking at Mrs. Cat with the most
perfect good-humour.
"I say, ma'am, that we've been a-drinking together; and when we've
been a-drinking together, I say that a man is my friend. Doctor
Wood is my friend, madam--the Reverend Doctor Wood. We've passed
the evening in company, talking about politics, madam--politics and
riddle-iddle-igion. We've not been flaunting in tea-gardens, and
ogling the men."
"It's a lie!" shrieked Mrs. Hayes. "I went with Tom--you know I
did: the boy wouldn't let me rest till I promised to go."
"Hang him, I hate him," said Mr. Hayes: "he's always in my way."
"He's the only friend I have in the world, and the only being I care
a pin for," said Catherine.
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