Mackenzie's ears, what a life my boy and I led. I have never
spoken of these things to any mortal soul--I even don't speak of them
with Clive--but seeing your kind and honest face has made me talk--you
must pardon my garrulity--I am growing old, Arthur. This poverty and
these quarrels have beaten my spirit down--there, I shall talk on this
subject no more. I wish, sir, I could ask you to dine with us, but"--and
here he smiled--"we must get the leave of the higher powers."
I was determined, in spite of prohibitions and Campaigners, to see my old
friend Clive, and insisted on walking back with the Colonel to his
lodgings, at the door of which we met Mrs. Mackenzie and her daughter.
Rosa blushed up a little--looked at her mamma--and then greeted me with a
hand and a curtsey. The Campaigner also saluted me in a majestic but
amicable manner, made no objection even to my entering her apartments and
seeing the condition to which they were reduced: this phrase was uttered
with particular emphasis and a significant look towards the Colonel, who
bowed his meek head and preceded me into the lodgings, which were in
truth very homely, pretty, and comfortable.
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