The Magistrate - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel The Magistrate Part 57 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
I know I did.
AGATHA POSKET.
Those were terrible words to address to a widow with a son of nineteen. [_CIS and MR. POSKET again reckon rapidly upon their fingers._] Don't count, aeneas, don't count! Those words tempted me. I glanced at my face in a neighbouring mirror, and I said "aeneas is fifty--why should I--a mere woman, compete with him on the question of age? He has already the advantage--I will be generous--I will add to it!" I led you to believe I had been married only fifteen years ago, I deceived you and my boy as to his real age, and I told you I was but one-and-thirty.
MR. POSKET.
It wasn't the truth?
AGATHA POSKET.
Ah! I merely lacked woman's commonest fault, exaggeration.
MR. POSKET.
But--Lukyn?
AGATHA POSKET.
Knows the real facts. I went to him last night to beg him not to disturb an arrangement which had brought happiness to all parties.
Look. In place of a wayward, troublesome child, I now present you with a youth old enough to be a joy, comfort, and support!
CIS.
Oh, I say, mater, this is a frightful sell for a fellow.
AGATHA POSKET.
Go to your room, sir.
CIS.
I always thought there was something wrong with me. Blessed if I'm not behind the age!
[_CIS goes out._
AGATHA POSKET.
Forgive me, aeneas. Look at my bonnet! A night in Mulberry Street, without even a powder-puff, is an awful expiation.
MR. POSKET.
Agatha! How do I know Cis won't be five-and twenty to-morrow?
AGATHA POSKET.
No--no--you know the worst, and as long as I live, I'll never deceive you again--except in little things.
_LUKYN and VALE enter._
LUKYN.
[_Boiling with rage._] By George, Posket!
MR. POSKET.
My dear Lukyn!
LUKYN.
Do you know I am a confounded jail-bird, sir?
MR. POSKET.
An accident!
LUKYN.
And do you know what has happened to me in jail--a soldier, sir--an officer?
MR. POSKET.
No!
LUKYN.
I have been washed by the authorities.
MR. POSKET.
Lukyn, no!
_CHARLOTTE has entered, and she rushes across to VALE._
CHARLOTTE.
Horace! Horace! Not you, too?
VALE.
By Jove, Charlotte, I would have died first.
_MR. BULLAMY enters quickly._
MR. BULLAMY.
Mr. Posket, I shall choke, sir! Inspector Messiter is downstairs and says that Isidore, the waiter, swears that you are the man who escaped from Meek Street last night.
LUKYN.
