That's not over yet? Has he been
practicing much?"
"No more glasses ha' been broken."
"And how is your wife, Crickledon?"
"She's at home, sir, ready for a talk, if you've a mind to try her."
Mrs. Crickledon proved to be very ready. "That Tinman," was her theme. He
had taken away her lodgers, and she knew his objects. Mr. Smith repented
of leaving her, she knew, though he dared not say it in plain words. She
knew Miss Smith was tired to death of constant companionship with Mrs.
Cavely, Tinman's sister. She generally came once in the day just to
escape from Mrs. Cavely, who would not, bless you! step into a cottager's
house where she was not allowed to patronize. Fortunately Miss Smith had
induced her father to get his own wine from the merchants.
"A happy resolution," said Fellingham; "and a saving one."
He heard further that Mr. Smith would take possession of the Crouch next
month, and that Mrs. Cavely hung over Miss Smith like a kite.
"And that old Tinman, old enough to be her father!" said Mrs.
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