Then he lifted with much
solemnity a hinged portion of the counter, and requested his
visitors to pass into the back-parlour. Here there was the same
perfect cleanliness, though the furniture was scant and very simple.
The round table was laid for tea, with a spotless cloth, plates of a
very demonstrative pattern, and knives and forks which seemed only
just to have left the ironmonger's shop.
"We pass, you observe, Mr. Casti," cried the ex-teacher, "from the
region of commerce to that of domestic intimacy. Here Mrs. O'Gree
reigns supreme, as indeed she does in the other department, as far
as presiding genius goes. She's in all places at once, like a
birrud! Mr. Casti," in a whisper, "I shall have the pleasure of
introducing you to one of the most remarkable women it was ever your
lot to meet; a phenomenon of--"
The inner door opened, and the lady herself interrupted these
eulogies. Sally was charming. Her trim little body attired in the
trimmest of homely dresses, her sharp little face shining and just a
little red with excitement, her quick movements, her laughing eyes,
her restless hands graced with the new wedding-ring--all made up a
picture of which her husband might well be proud.
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