"She's sure to do that," replied Old Death. "You ought to be very fond of your wife, Toby—for she's very fond of you."
"D'ye think she is, Mr. Bones?" exclaimed Bunce.
"I'm sure of it. Doesn't she take great care of you?"
"Rather too much," was the reply, which came from the bottom of Toby's heart: then, perceiving that he had uttered something which seemed to imply that he had dared to form an opinion for himself, he hastened to add, "Not but what it's very kind of her to keep the money—and my watch too—and every thing else in her own care, because I know I'm an old fool——"
"No—you're not a fool, Toby," interrupted Bones; "but you want looking after. Ah! it was a blessed day for you when I recommended you to marry that virtuous—well-conducted—pattern-woman, as one may say, who is now your wife. I had no interest but your good—and hers——"
"I'm well aware of that, Mr. Bones," cried Toby: "and you've been an excellent friend to us. I'm sure Betsy respects you as if you was her——" Toby was about to say "father," but he remembered that Old Death did not like to be reminded of his age, and so he substituted "brother."
"Well—well," said Bones: "I've no doubt of what you tell me; and so long as you're happy together, that's every thing."
Toby smothered a sigh with a deep draught of gin-and-water;—Old Death poked the fire; and Jacob availed himself of the opportunity to stoop down and pick up the paper, which he dexterously conveyed to his pocket, unperceived by either of his companions. But a sudden disappointment seized upon him—for he could feel that it was too stiff for a bank-note, and was moreover folded like a letter.
The time passed away; and at length Old Death, after consulting his watch, declared it to be close upon eleven o'clock.
There were no lights visible in the house opposite; and it was therefore determined to commence operations without farther delay.