We must
sacrifice the box--we must, indeed."
While her husband was addressing Magdalen, Mrs. Wragge had stolen out
again from her corner, and had ventured near enough to the captain to
hear the words "shop" and "parcel." She clapped her great hands
together in ungovernable excitement, and lost all control over herself
immediately.
"Oh, if it's shopping, let me do it!" cried Mrs. Wragge. "She's going
out to buy her Things! Oh, let me go with her--please let me go with
her!"
"Sit down!" shouted the captain. "Straight! more to the right--more
still. Stop where you are!"
Mrs. Wragge crossed her helpless hands on her lap, and melted meekly
into tears.
"I do so like shopping," pleaded the poor creature; "and I get so little
of it now!"
Magdalen completed her list; and Captain Wragge at once left the room
with it. "Don't let my wife bore you," he said, pleasantly, as he went
out. "Cut her short, poor soul--cut her short!"
"Don't cry," said Magdalen, trying to comfort Mrs. Wragge by patting her
on the shoulder. "When the parcel comes back you shall open it."
"Thank you, my dear," said Mrs. Wragge, meekly, drying her eyes; "thank
you kindly.
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