I had my preserves to pot, and the kitchen chimney to be swept, and the lock of my box hampered into the bargain.

Other women in my place would have grumbled--I got up directly, as lively as any girl of eighteen you like to mention.

Says he, 'I want Alicia taken out of young Softly's way, and you must do it.'-- -Says I, 'This very morning, sir ?'--Says he, 'This very morning.'-- Says I, 'Where to ?'--Says he, 'As far off as ever you can go; coast of Wales--Crickgelly.

I won't trust her nearer; young Softly's too cunning, and she's too fond of him.'-- 'Any more orders, sir ?' says I.--'Yes; take some fancy name--Simkins, Johnson, Giles, Jones, James,' says he, 'what you like bu t Dulcifer; for that scamp Softly will move heaven and earth to trace her.'-- 'What else ?' says I.--'Nothing, but look sharp,' says he; 'and mind one thing, that she sees no visitors, and posts no letters.' Before those last words had been out of his wicked lips an hour, we were off.

A nice job I had to get her away--a nice job to stop her from writing letters to you--a nice job to keep her here.