Friends and Neighbors by Unknown
page 41 of 320 (12%)
page 41 of 320 (12%)
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"A very suitable place for him. I hope he will be benefited by a few
months' residence there," returned the lady. "Poor fellow!" exclaimed Mr. Joshua Clarke, an uncle of the young couple, who was quietly reading a newspaper in another part of the room. "There are many of high standing in the world, who deserve to go to Blackwell's Island quite as much as he does." "You are always making such queer speeches, Uncle Joshua," said his niece. "I suppose you do not mean that there are pickpockets among respectable people?" "Indeed, there are, my dear niece. Your knowledge of the world must be very limited, if you are not aware of this. Putting your hand in your neighbour's pocket, is one of the most fashionable accomplishments of the day." Mrs. Clarke was too well acquainted with her uncle's peculiarities to think of arguing with him. She therefore merely smiled, and said to her husband:-- "Well, Henry, I am glad that neither you nor myself are acquainted with this fashionable accomplishment." "Not acquainted with it!" exclaimed the old gentleman. "I thought you knew yourselves better. Why, you and Henry are both regular pickpockets!" "I wonder that you demean yourself by associating with us!" was the playful reply. |
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