The Old Curiosity Shop / Лавка древностей

Nelly, kneeling down beside the box, was soon busily engaged in her task. The merry little man looked at her with an interest. When she had finished her work he thanked her, and inquired where they were travelling.

“No further tonight, I think,” said the child, looking towards her grandfather.

“If you’re looking for a place to stop at,” the man remarked, “I can advise you to take up[42 - to take up – остановиться (в гостинице)] at the same house with us. That’s it. The long, low, white house there.

It’s very cheap.”

They all rose and walked away together. The old man was keeping close to the box of puppets in which he was quite absorbed.

The public-house was kept by a fat old landlord and landlady who made no objection to receiving their new guests, but praised Nelly’s beauty. The landlady was very much astonished to learn that they had come all the way from London.

“These two gentlemen have ordered supper in an hour’s time,” she said, taking her into the bar; “and your best plan will be to sup with them.

”

The Punch and Judy performance was applauded to the echo, and voluntary contributions showed the general delight. Among the laughter none was more loud and frequent than the old man’s. Nell’s was unheard, for she, poor child, with her head drooping on his shoulder, had fallen asleep.

The supper was very good, but she was too tired to eat, and yet did not want to leave the old man until she had kissed him in his bed.

It was but a loft partitioned into two compartments, where they were to rest, but they were well pleased with their lodging and had hoped for none so good[43 - and had hoped for none so good – на лучшее и не надеялись]. The old man was uneasy when he had lain down, and begged that Nell would come and sit at his bedside as she had done for so many nights. She hastened to him, and sat there till he slept.

She had a little money, but it was very little, and when that was gone, they must begin to beg.

There was one piece of gold among it, and it would be best to hide this coin. She sewed the piece of gold into her dress[44 - sewed the piece of gold into her dress – зашила золотой себе в платье], and went to bed with a lighter heart.

16

Another bright day awoke her. The old man woke up and dressed. They all sat down to eat together.

“And where are you going today?” said the little man.