Mrs. Crupp shook her head in such a determined manner, that I had not an inch of vantage-ground left.
‘It was but the gentleman which died here before yourself,’ said Mrs. Crupp, ‘that fell in love — with a barmaid — and had his waistcoats took in directly, though much swelled by drinking.’
‘Mrs. Crupp,’ said I, ‘I must beg you not to connect the young lady in my case with a barmaid, or anything of that sort, if you please.’
‘Mr. Copperfull,’ returned Mrs. Crupp, ‘I’m a mother myself, and not likely. I ask your pardon, sir, if I intrude. I should never wish to intrude where I were not welcome. But you are a young gentleman, Mr. Copperfull, and my adwice to you is, to