The Wolves and the LambThackeray, William Makepeace
General
The Wolves and the Lamb
Thackeray, William Makepeace
English drama -- 19th century
JOHN.--It's best, sir, I should go. I--I'm not fit to be a servant in
this house any longer. I wish to sit in my own little home, with my own
little wife by my side. Poor dear! you've no conversation, Mary, but
you're a good little soul. We've saved a hundred pound apiece, and if
we want more, I know who won't grudge it us, a good fellow--a good
master--for whom I've saved many a hundred pound myself, and will take
the "Milliken Arms" at old Pigeoncot--and once a year or so, at this
hanniversary, we will pay our respects to you, sir, and madam. Perhaps
we will bring some children with us, perhaps we will find some more in
this villa. Bless 'em beforehand! Good-by, sir, and madam--come away,
Mary! [going].
MRS. P. [entering with clothes, &c.]--She has not left a single thing
in her room. Amelia, come here! this cloak will do capital for you, and
this--this garment is the very thing for Adolphus. Oh, John! eh,
Howell! will you please to see that my children have something to eat,
immediately! The Milliken children, I suppose, have dined already?
JOHN.--Yes, ma'am; certainly, ma'am.
MRS. P.--I see he is inclined to be civil to me NOW!
MISS P.--John Howell is about to leave us, mamma. He is engaged to Mary
Barlow, and when we go away, he is going to set up housekeeping for
himself. Good-by, and thank you, John Howell [gives her hand to JOHN,
but with great reserve of manner]. You have been a kind and true
friend to us--if ever we can serve you, count upon us--may he not, Mr.
Milliken?
MILLIKEN.--Always, always.
MISS P.--But you will still wait upon us--upon Mr. Milliken, for a day
or two, won't you, John, until we--until Mr. Milliken has found some
one to replace you. He will never find any one more honest than you, and
good, kind little Mary. Thank you, Mary, for your goodness to the poor
governess.
MARY.--Oh miss! oh mum! [Miss P. kisses Mary patronizingly].
MISS P. [to JOHN].--And after they have had some refreshment, get a cab
for my brothers and sister, if you please, John. Don't you think that
will be best, my--my dear?
MILLIKEN.--Of course, of course, dear Julia!
MISS P.--And, Captain Touchit, you will stay, I hope, and dine with Mr.
Milliken? And, Mrs. Bonnington, if you will receive as a daughter one
who has always had a sincere regard for you, I think you will aid in
making your son happy, as I promise you with all my heart and all my
life to endeavor to do. [Miss P. and M. go up to Mrs. BONNINGTON.]
MRS. BONNINGTON.--Well, there, then, since it must be so, bless you, my
children.
TOUCHIT.--Spoken like a sensible woman! And now, as I do not wish to
interrupt this felicity, I will go and dine at the "Star and Garter."
MISS P.--My dear Captain Touchit, not for worlds! Don't you know I
mustn't be alone with Mr. Milliken until--until--?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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