《雾都孤儿》

Oliver's early lift (四）

 

This was the way Oliver was brought up. Consequently,at the age of nine he was a pale, thin child and short for his age. But despite frequent beatings by Mrs  Mann, his spirit was stong, which was probably the reason why he managed to reach the age of nine at all.

 

On Oliver's ninth birthday, Mr Bumble the beadle came to the house to see Mrs Mann. Through the front window Mrs  Mann saw him at the gate,and turned quickly to the girl who worked with her .

 

'Quick! Take Oliver and those others upstairs to be washed! she said . Then she ran out to unlock the gate.(It was always kept locked to prevent official visitors walking in unexpectedly.)

 

'I have businessto talk about ,' Mr Bunble told Mrs Mann as he entered the house . He entered the house. He was a big fat man, often badtempered, and was full of self -importance. He did not like to be kept waiting at a locked gate.

 

Mrs Manntook his hat and coat, placed a chair for him, and exprewwed great concern for his comfort. 'You've had a long walk , Mr Bumble,' she said,'and you mus be thirsty.' She took out a bottle from the cupboard.

 

'No, thank you, Mrs  Mann . Not a drop.' He waved the bottle away.

 

'Just a little drop, Mr Bumble, with cold water,' said Mrs Mann persuasively.

 

Mr B umble coughed. 'What is it?' he asked , looking at the bottle with interest.

 

'Gin. Ikeep it for the children's medicine drink.'

 

'You give the  children gin, Mrs Mann ?' asked  Mr Bumble,watching as she mixed his drink.

 

'Only whti medicine , sier . Idon't like to see then suffer.'

 

'You're a good woman , Mrs Mann .' Mr Bumble drank half his glass immediately. 'I' ll tell the board about you . Now the reason why I'm here. Oliver T wist is nine years old today . We've never been able to discover any thing about his parents.'

 

'Then how did he get his name?'

 

'I gave it to him ,' said Mr Bumble proudly. 'We follow the alphabet. The last one was an S-Swubble. Then it was T,so this one is Twist. The next one will be Unwin. Anyway, Oliver T wist is now old enouge to return to the workhouse. Bring him here, please.' While MRS Mann went to get him , Mr Bunble finished the rest of his gin.

 

Oliver, his face and hands now almost clean,was led into the room.

 

'Wil you come laong with me ,Oliver?' asked Mr Bumble in a loud voice.