The cunning old woman changed her tactics, finding those
she had started would not answer. It has been remarked before, if you
remember, that she knew particularly well on which side her bread was
buttered. Nothing could exceed her graciousness from that evening. The
past scene might have been a dream, for all traces that remained of it.
Out of the house she was determined not to go in anger; it was too
desirable a refuge for that. And on the following day, upon hearing
Edward attempt some impudent speech to his new mother, she put him across
her knee, pulled off an old slipper she was wearing, and gave him a
whipping. Anne interposed, the boy roared; but the good woman had
her way.
"Don't put yourself out, dear Lady Hartledon. There's nothing so good
for them as a wholesome whipping. I used to try it on my own children
at times."
CHAPTER XXXIV.
MR. PIKE ON THE WING.
The time went on. It may have been some twelve or thirteen months later
that Mr. Carr, sitting alone in his chambers, one evening, was surprised
by the entrance of his clerk--who possessed a latch-key as well as
himself.
"Why, Taylor! what brings you here?"
"I thought you would most likely be in, sir," replied the clerk. "Do
you remember some few years ago making inquiries about a man named
Gorton--and you could not find him?"
"And never have found him," was Mr.
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