Ship's Company, the Entire Collection by W. W. Jacobs
page 5 of 197 (02%)
page 5 of 197 (02%)
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He dressed at last and stood like a lamb--a redfaced, bull-necked lamb-- while Mrs. Jobson fastened his collar for him. "Bert wanted to get a taller one," she remarked, "but I said this would do to begin with." "Wanted it to come over my mouth, I s'pose," said the unfortunate Mr. Jobson. "Well, 'ave it your own way. Don't mind about me. What with the trousers and the collar, I couldn't pick up a sovereign if I saw one in front of me." "If you see one I'll pick it up for you," said his wife, taking up the hat and moving towards the door. "Come along!" Mr. Jobson, with his arms standing out stiffly from his sides and his head painfully erect, followed her downstairs, and a sudden hush as he entered the kitchen testified to the effect produced by his appearance. It was followed by a hum of admiration that sent the blood flying to his head. "Why he couldn't have done it before I don't know," said the dutiful Gladys. "Why, there ain't a man in the street looks a quarter as smart." "Fits him like a glove!" said Dorothy, walking round him. "Just the right length," said Bert, scrutinizing the coat. "And he stands as straight as a soldier," said Gladys, clasping her hands gleefully. |
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