Lavvy

Lavvy declining equally to repeat or to explain, Bella gradually lapsed over her hair-dressing into a soliloquy on the miseries of being poor, as exemplified in having nothing to put on, nothing to go out in, nothing to dress by, only a nasty box to dress at instead of a commodious dressing-table, and being obliged to take in suspicious lodgers.

Our Mutual Friend 2004

‘Perhaps it has come,’ muttered Lavvy, with a toss of her head.

Our Mutual Friend 2004

Gloomy majesty on the part of Mrs Wilfer, and native pertness on the part of Lavvy, did not mend the matter.

Our Mutual Friend 2004

‘I am going for a walk, Lavvy,’ she said, as she stooped down and kissed her.

Our Mutual Friend 2004

Bella walked thoughtfully in the garden for an hour and more, and then, returning to the bedroom where Lavvy the Irrepressible still slumbered, put on a little bonnet of quiet, but on the whole of sly appearance, which she had yesterday made.

Our Mutual Friend 2004

‘Ma,’ said Bella, with one beat of her foot, ‘you are enough to drive a saint mad, and so is Lavvy.’

Our Mutual Friend 2004

Lavvy, sitting with defiantly folded arms, replied (but not audibly),

Our Mutual Friend 2004

‘Well, Ma,’ returned Lavvy, ‘since you will force it out of me, I must respectfully take leave to say that your family are no doubt under the greatest obligations to you for having an annual toothache on your wedding day, and that it’s very disinterested in you, and an immense blessing to them.

Our Mutual Friend 2004

And now you must tell me, dearest Ma and Lavvy, upon your words and honours!

Our Mutual Friend 2004

You must tell me all about it, Lavvy dear, immediately.

Our Mutual Friend 2004