Maria dashed at the purse in a moment, with a scream of laughter shook
its contents upon the table, and sure enough, five little packets wrapped
in paper rolled out upon the cloth, besides bank-notes and silver and
golden coin. "I'm to go, am I? I'm a thief, am I?" screamed the girl,
clapping her hands. "I sor 'em yesterday when I was a-lacing of her; and
thought of that pore young man working night and day to get the money;--
me a thief, indeed!--I despise you, and I give you warning."
"Do you wish to see me any longer insulted by this woman, Clive? Mr.
Pendennis, I am shocked that you should witness such horrible vulgarity,"
cries the Campaigner, turning to her guest. "Does the wretched creature
suppose that I, I who have given thousands, I who have denied myself
everything, I who have spent my all in support of this house; and Colonel
Newcome knows whether I have given thousands or not, and who has spent
them, and who has been robbed, I say, and----"
"Here! you! Maria! go about your business," shouted out Clive Newcome,
starting up; "go and pack your trunks if you like, and pack this woman's
trunks too.
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