“No more and no less,” said the showman, giving Momus a friendly kick in the ribs for persisting in forcing her attentions upon a “gent” who seemed studiously to disregard them.
“Well, I think the matter may be arranged. My friend is a close-fisted fellow. I have—haw—only a very slight acquaintance with him; but being in the neighbourhood, I undertook to call on his account; and, between ourselves, I have stayed here—haw—a little on my own. Is there any likelihood of your clever daughter accepting an engagement in a large concern—a permanent affair in town? You see—haw—I am straightforward with you.”
“Well, it aint a question that, as can be answered in a moment. What would be the figure—and could you do anything for me?” said the showman.
At this juncture a boy entered at the side-door with a note in his hand, which note he presented to Mr. Martin.
“Here, Chris—come, come, what a time you are!” said the showman, disappearing behind the curtain, that the wonderful lady might spell out the contents of the letter. She had been taught to read and write in her early days, and she had not much difficulty in making out that her father’s presence was requested immediately, by Mr. Thomas Dibble, at the Railway Tavern.
“Well, then, I must go,” said the showman. “You’ll be careful with this ’ere swell outside, mind, and make no promises—d’ye hear?”
“Yes, father,” said the girl, who was not just at that time on the best of terms with her parent, and colleague in the mystic art, seeing that he had knocked her down on the previous night, and kicked the supper-things over, because she had contradicted him and expressed a determination not to join in the scheme for introducing the Skeleton into their exhibition.
When she came forth Mr. Martin introduced her to the “gent,” and with a precautionary motion of his finger, he left the pair, in answer to Dibble.
“I am delighted of this—haw—opportunity,” said Gibbs, showing his teeth as of old, and trying to look fascinating, “of congratulating you on your ability.”
“Thank you,” said the showman’s daughter, bluntly; “if you aint making fun.”