“Come—the kiss!” cried Austin, endeavouring to pass his arm familiarly round the Amazon's waist.
“Hands off!” she exclaimed, “or you'll repent it.”
“Why, what'll you do?” demanded the turnkey.
“Teach you to keep your distance!” retorted Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a buffet that sent him reeling several yards backwards.
“There! off with you!” whispered Mrs. Spurling, squeezing Jack's arm, and pushing him towards the door, “and, don't come here again.”
Before Austin could recover himself, Jack and Mrs. Maggot had disappeared.
“Bolt the wicket!” shouted Ireton, who, with the others, had been not a little entertained by the gallant turnkey's discomfiture.
This was done, and Austin returned with a crest-fallen look to the table. Upon which Mrs. Spurling, and her now accepted suitor, resumed their seats.
“You'll be as good as your word, my charmer,” whispered the executioner.
“Of course,” responded the widow, heaving a deep sigh. “Oh! Jack! Jack!—you little know what a price I've paid for you!”