The Battle of Life / Битва жизни. Книга для чтения на английском языке

�I haven’t been, I hope, a very unjust steward in the execution of my trust,’ pursued the Doctor; �but I am to be, at any rate, formally discharged, and released, and what not this morning; and here are our good friends Snitchey and Craggs, with a bagful of papers, and accounts, and documents, for the transfer of the balance of the trust fund to you (I wish it was a more difficult one to dispose of, Alfred, but you must get to be a great man and make it so), and other drolleries of that sort, which are to be signed, sealed, and delivered.

�And duly witnessed as by law required,’ said Snitchey, pushing away his plate, and taking out the papers, which his partner proceeded to spread upon the table; �and Self and Craggs having been co-trustees with you, Doctor, in so far as the fund was concerned, we shall want your two servants to attest the signatures – can you read, Mrs. Newcome?’

�I an’t married, Mister,’ said Clemency.

�Oh! I beg your pardon. I should think not,’ chuckled Snitchey, casting his eyes over her extraordinary figure. �You CAN read?’

�A little,’ answered Clemency.

�The marriage service, night and morning, eh?’ observed the lawyer, jocosely.

�No,’ said Clemency. �Too hard. I only reads a thimble.’

�Read a thimble!’ echoed Snitchey. �What are you talking about, young woman?’

Clemency nodded.

�Why, this is a lunatic! a subject for the Lord High Chancellor!’ said Snitchey, staring at her.

�If possessed of any property,’ stipulated Craggs.

Grace, however, interposing, explained that each of the articles in question bore an engraved motto, and so formed the pocket library of Clemency Newcome, who was not much given to the study of books[11 - was not much given to the study of books – (уст.

�Oh, that’s it, is it, Miss Grace!’ said Snitchey.

�Yes, yes. Ha, ha, ha! I thought our friend was an idiot. She looks uncommonly like it,’ he muttered, with a supercilious glance. �And what does the thimble say, Mrs. Newcome?’

�I an’t married, Mister,’ observed Clemency.

�Well, Newcome. Will that do?’ said the lawyer.