‘Oh, Mr Bumble!’ said the widow,smiling shyly. For a while there was a friendly silence between them , then Mr Bumble moved his chair closer to the widow's . Mrs CORNEY, of course,did not notice this , but when the beadle's arm began to slide around her waist, she felt she must make a small protest.

 

Encouraged by this response, Mr Bumble immediately gave her a kiss but at this interesting moment there was a sudden knock at the door . Mr Bumble jumped to his feet and went to the other end of the room.

 

'Please, Mrs Corney,' said a voice outside. ' Old Sally in going fast.'

 

'Well, whata can I do to help her?' asked Mrs Corney angrily.