P'r'aps my 'art ain't as black
as my face," he ses, turning to Mrs. Cook.
They was all so surprised at fust that they couldn't speak, but old Cook
smiled at 'im and put the winder up agin. And Charlie Tagg sat there arf
mad with temper, locking as though 'e could eat Jack Bates without any
salt, as the saying is.
"I--I can't take it," he ses at last, with a stammer.
"Can't take it? Why not?" ses old Cook, staring. "This gentleman 'as
given it to you." "A free gift," ses Mrs. Cook, smiling at Jack
very sweet.
"I can't take it," ses Charlie, winking at Jack to take the money up and
give it to 'im quiet, as arranged. "I 'ave my pride."
"So 'ave I," ses Jack. "Are you going to take it?"
Charlie gave another look. "No," he ses, "I cant take a favour. I
borrowed the money and I'll pay it back.
"Very good," ses Jack, taking it up. "It's my money, ain't it?"
"Yes," ses Charlie, taking no notice of Mrs. Cook and 'er husband, wot
was both talking to 'im at once, and trying to persuade 'im to alter his
mind.
"Then I give it to Miss Emma Cook," ses Jack Bates, putting it into her
hands. "Good-night everybody and good luck."
He slammed the front door behind 'im and they 'eard 'im go off down the
road as if 'e was going for fire-engines.
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