Oliver Twist: Story Book - Chapter 20-21-22, A Marriage Proposal

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A Marriage Proposal

      While Mr. Bumble waited for Mrs. Corney's return from Old Sally's deathbed, he admired the furniture and many valuables of silver in the room and examined the closets and her drawers. A padlocked box lay in the top drawer. He shook it and heard the clinking of many coins. "I'll do it!" he said firmly.

"The master of this workhouse is deathly ill," said Mr. Bumble. "When he dies, someone will have to replace him. I could do the job very well! We could live here together! Will you say the word, dear Mrs. Corney?"
A Marriage Proposal

      "I'm so disgusted!" said the lady, appearing at last. "Those old hags are such a nuisance!"

      "Relax, Mrs. Corney, and have some wine."

      After Mr. Bumble poured it and Mrs. Corney drank half a teacup, Mr. Bumble reached for her hand.

      "The master of this workhouse is deathly ill," said Mr. Bumble. "When he dies, someone will have to replace him. I could do the job very well! We could live here together! Will you say the word, dear Mrs. Corney?"

      "Ye-ye-yes"

      "Now, let me be of service to you and arrange with Mr. Sowerberry to get a coffin for Old Sally."

      The undertaker and his wife were out for the evening when Mr. Bumble arrived. Charlotte, the servant, was serving dinner to Mr. Sowerberry's helper, Noah Claypole. But Noah, who had been drinking while Mr. Sowerberry was out was not interested in food.

Admiring Mrs. Corney's Valuables.....

      "Come here, Charlotte, and let me kiss you," said Noah.

      "What!" cried Mr. Bumble, bursting into the room. "How dare you talk about such things! Leave the room, Charlotte. And you, Noah, tell Mr. Sowerberry to bring a coffn for an old woman tomorrow. Kissing! Indeed!"

Kissing, lndeed!.....

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