Such a handsome young man to
be killed as he was. I hope the wretch that did it may be hanged as
high as Haman."
One of the girls reminded them that the assizes came on next week.
"Ay," replied Miss Simmonds, "and the milkman told me they will
catch the wretch, and have him tried and hung in less than a week.
Serve him right, whoever he is. Such a handsome young man as he
was."
Then each began to communicate to Miss Simmonds the various reports
they had heard.
Suddenly she burst out--
"Miss Barton! as I live, dropping tears on that new silk gown of
Mrs. Hawkes'! Don't you know they will stain, and make it shabby
for ever? Crying like a baby, because a handsome young man meets
with an untimely end. For shame of yourself, miss! Mind your
character and your work, if you please. Or if you must cry" (seeing
her scolding rather increased the flow of Mary's tears, than
otherwise), "take this print to cry over. That won't be marked like
this beautiful silk," rubbing it, as if she loved it, with a clean
pocket-handkerchief, in order to soften the edges of the hard round
drops.
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