"And so shall I," replied Edgeworth Bess.
"Stop a minute," cried Jack, detaining his mistresses. "Here we part,—perhaps for ever. I've already told you I'm about to take a long journey, and it's more than probable I shall never return."
"Don't say so," cried Mrs. Maggot. "I should be perfectly miserable if I thought you in earnest."
"The very idea is dreadful," whimpered Edgeworth Bess.
"Farewell!" cried Jack, embracing them. "Take this key to Baptist Kettleby. On seeing it, he'll deliver you a box, which it will unlock, and in which you'll find a matter of fifty guineas and a few trinkets. Divide the money between you, and wear the ornaments for my sake. But, if you've a spark of love for me, don't meddle with anything in that house."
"Not for worlds!" exclaimed both ladies together.
"Farewell!" cried Jack, breaking from them, and rushing down the street.
"What shall we do, Poll?" hesitated Edgeworth Bess.
"Go in, to be sure, simpleton," replied Mrs. Maggot, "and bring off all we can. I know where everything valuable is kept. Since Jack has left us, what does it matter whether he's pleased or not?"
At this moment, a whistle was heard.