Liza of Lambeth by W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
page 23 of 169 (13%)
page 23 of 169 (13%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
it on all sorts of muck, while I 'ave ter grind my very bones down to
keep yer.' 'Yer know, mother, if I didn't 'ave a little bit saved up, we should be rather short when you're dahn in yer luck.' Mrs. Kemp's money always ran out on Tuesday, and Liza had to keep things going till the following Saturday. 'Oh, don't talk ter me!' proceeded Mrs. Kemp. 'When I was a girl I give all my money ter my mother. She never 'ad ter ask me for nothin'. On Saturday when I come 'ome with my wiges, I give it 'er every farthin'. That's wot a daughter ought ter do. I can say this for myself, I be'aved by my mother like a gal should. None of your prodigal sons for me! She didn't 'ave ter ask me for three 'apence ter get a drop of beer.' Liza was wise in her generation; she held her tongue, and put on her hat. 'Now, you're goin' aht, and leavin' me; I dunno wot you get up to in the street with all those men. No good, I'll be bound. An' 'ere am I left alone, an' I might die for all you care.' In her sorrow at herself the old lady began to cry, and Liza slipped out of the room and into the street. Leaning against the wall of the opposite house was Tom; he came towards her. |
|