Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 5).pdf/232

 "Why should you look into my work-bag?"

"Nay, it ben't I as do want it; it be Maddam Howel."

"And for what purpose?"

"Nay, I can't zay; but a do zay a ha' lost a bank-note."

"And what have I, or my work-bag, to do with that?"

"Nay I don't know; but it ben't I ha' ta'en it. And it ben't I "

She stopt, grinning significantly; but, finding that Juliet deigned not to ask an explanation, went on: "It ben't I as husselled zomat into my work-bag, in zuch a peck o' troubles, vor to hide it; it ben't I, vor there be no mortal mon, nor womon neither, I be afeared of; vor I do teake no mon's goods but my own."

Juliet now was thunderstruck. If a bank-note were missing, appearances, from her silently entering and quitting the room, were certainly against her; and though it could not be difficult to clear