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Yonge, Charlotte Mary, 1823-1901

"Stories by English Authors: Africa (Selected by Scribners)"

"But she asked me for something else," she
continued, when her merriment languished for want of breath; "she asked
me to let her have an old dress of mine, a bright yellow-and-red dress,
and she borrowed some ornaments. It is not right of you, Gregorio, to
keep an old friend on the door-step when you have a fantasia."
Gregorio scowled savagely. After a pause he said, "I don't know why my
wife wanted your dress and ornaments."
"Oh yes, you do, friend Gregorio." And she laughed again, this time
a suppressed, chuckling laugh that threatened to choke her; and she
supported her chin on her hands, while her eyes peered through the
enveloping fat at the man who sat opposite to her. Suddenly she stood
up, and taking Gregorio by the arm dragged him to the door.
"See, there she goes. My garments are cleverly altered and suit her
finely, don't they? Ah, well, my friend, a man who cannot support a wife
should marry a woman who can support him."
Gregorio did not stop to answer her, but pushed past her into the
street. The woman watched him enter the house opposite, and then
returned quietly to her work.


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