LECTURE IX--MR. CAUDLE HAS BEEN TO GREENWICH FAIR



"Ho, Mr. Caudle: I hope you enjoyed yourself at Greenwich.

"HOW DO I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN AT GREENWICH?

"I know it very well, sir: know all about it: know more than you
think I know. I thought there was something in the wind. Yes, I was
sure of it, when you went out of the house to-day. I knew it by the
looks of you, though I didn't say anything. Upon my word! And you
call yourself a respectable man, and the father of a family! Going
to a fair among all sorts of people,--at your time of life. Yes; and
never think of taking your wife with you. Oh no! you can go and
enjoy yourself out, with I don't know who: go out, and make yourself
very pleasant, I dare say. Don't tell me; I hear what a nice
companion Mr. Caudle is: what a good-tempered person. Ha! I only
wish people could see you at home, that's all. But so it is with
men. They can keep all their good temper for out-of-doors--their
wives never see any of it. Oh dear! I'm sure I don't know who'd be
a poor woman!

"Now, Caudle, I'm not in an ill-temper; not at all. I know I used to
be a fool when we were first married: I used to worry and fret
myself to death when you went out; but I've got over that. I
wouldn't put myself out of the way now for the best man that ever
trod. For what thanks does a poor woman get? None at all. No:
it's those who don't care for their families who are the best thought