be fatigued were he
asked to study a record of all that was said on the occasion. The
gentleman and lady were closeted together for more than an hour,
and so amicably was the conversation carried on that when the time
was half over Gager stepped down-stairs and interested himself in
procuring Miss Crabstick's breakfast. He even condescended himself to
pick a few shrimps and drink a glass of beer in her company. A great
deal was said, and something was even settled, as may be learned from
a few concluding words of that very memorable conversation. "Just
don't you say anything about it, my dear, but leave word for him that
you've gone up to town on business."

"Lord love you, Mr. Gager, he'll know all about it."

"Let him know. Of course he'll know,--if he comes down. It's my
belief he'll never show himself at Ramsgate again."

"But, Mr. Gager--"

"Well, my dear?"

"You aren't a perjuring of yourself?"

"What;--about making you my wife? That I ain't. I'm upright, and
always was. There's no mistake about me when you've got my word. As
soon as this work is off my mind, you shall be Mrs. Gager, my dear.
And you'll be all right. You've been took in, that's what you have."

"That I have, Mr. Gager," said Patience, wiping her eyes.

"You've been took in, and you must be forgiven."

"I didn't get--not nothing out of the necklace; and as for the other
things, they've frighted me so, that I let 'em all go for just what I
tell you. And as for Mr. Smiler,--I never didn't care for him; that I
didn't. He ain't the man to touch my heart,--not at all; and it was
not likely either. A plain fellow,--very, Mr. Gager."

"He'll be plainer before long, my dear."

"But I've been that worrited among 'em, Mr. Gager, since first they
made their wicked prepositions, that I've been jest-- I don't know
how I've been. And though my lady was not a lady as any girl could
like, and did deserve to have her things took if anybody's things
ever should be took, still, Mr. Gager, I knows I did wrong. I do know
it,--and I'm a-repenting of it in sackcloth and ashes;--so I am. But
you'll be as good as your word, Mr. Gager?"

It must be acknowledged that Mr. Gager had bidden high for success,
and had allowed himself to be carried away by his zeal almost to the
verge of imprudence. It was essential to him that he should take
Patience Crabstick back with him to London,--and that he should take
her as a witness and not as a criminal. Mr. Benjamin wa