Page:Mrs Caudle's curtain lectures.djvu/106

 LECTURE XIV.

MRS. CAUDLE THINKS IT "HIGH TIME" THAT THE CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE SUMMER CLOTHING.

HERE, Caudle! If there's anything in the world I hate—and you know it, Caudle—it is asking you for money. I am sure for myself, I'd rather go without a thing a thousand times, and I do—the more shame of you to let me, but—there, now! there you fly out again!

"What do I want now?

"Why, you must know what's wanted, if you'd any eyes—or any pride for your children, like any other father.

"What's the matter—and what am I driving at?

"Oh, nonsense, Caudle! As if you didn't know! I'm sure if I'd any money of my own, I'd never ask you for a farthing; never; it's painful to me, goodness knows! What do you say?

"If it's painful, why so often do it?

"Ha! I suppose you call that a joke—one of your club jokes? I wish you'd think a little more of people's feelings, and less of your jokes. As I say, I only wish I'd any money of my own. If there is anything that humbles a poor woman, it is coming to a man's pocket for every farthing. It's dreadful!