And
if they really are in trouble--well, it is my duty to help them out of
it.'
'It's your duty to invite all the rats in the world to gnaw at your
bones.'
'Come, Christiana, it isn't like that. Don't be uncharitable.'
But she suddenly swept out of the room, and out to the study. There sat
the meagre charity-seekers, looking as if they were at the doctor's.
'Mr Crich can't see you. He can't see you at this hour. Do you think he
is your property, that you can come whenever you like? You must go
away, there is nothing for you here.'
The poor people rose in confusion. But Mr Crich, pale and black-bearded
and deprecating, came behind her, saying:
'Yes, I don't like you coming as late as this. I'll hear any of you in
the morning part of the day, but I can't really do with you after.
What's amiss then, Gittens. How is your Missis?'
'Why, she's sunk very low, Mester Crich, she's a'most gone, she is--'
Sometimes, it seemed to Mrs Crich as if her husband were some subtle
funeral bird, feeding on the miseries of the people.
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