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Reade, Charles, 1814-1884

"A Woman-Hater"

That is the first use I'll make of the money. I am afraid
you are rather plain, or you couldn't be so good as all this."
"No," said Zoe. "I'm not reckoned plain; only as black as a coal."
"All the more to my taste," said Rhoda, and flew out of the room, and
nearly stumbled over a figure seated on a step of the staircase. "Who are
you?" said she, sharply.
"My name is Severne."
"And what are you doing there?"
"Waiting for Miss Vizard."
"Come in, then."
"She told me not."
"Then I tell you _to._ The idea! Miss Vizard!"
"Yes!"
"Please have Mr. Severne in. Here he is sitting--like Grief--on the
steps. I will soon be back."
She flew to the landlady. "Mrs. Grip, I want a candle."
"Well, the shops are open," said the woman, rudely.
"Oh, I have no time. Here is a sovereign. Please give me two candles
directly, candlesticks and all."
The woman's manner changed directly.
"You shall have them this moment, miss, and my own candlesticks, which
they are plated."
She brought them, and advised her only to light one. "They don't carry
well, miss," said she. "They are wax--or summat."
"Then they are summat," said Miss Gale, after a single glance at their
composition.


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