? ? ? ? As I was delighted with the place, my aunt and Mrs. Crupp withdrew into the pantry to discuss the terms, while I remained on the sitting-room sofa, hardly daring to think it possible that I could be destined to live in such a noble residence. After a single combat of some duration they returned, and I saw, to my joy, both in Mrs. Crupp's countenance and in my aunt's, that the deed was done.
? ? ? ? 'Is it the last occupant's furniture?' inquired my aunt.
? ? ? ? 'Yes, it is, ma'am,' said Mrs. Crupp.
? ? ? ? 'What's become of him?' asked my aunt.
? ? ? ? Mrs. Crupp was taken with a troublesome cough, in the midst of which she articulated with much difficulty. 'He was took ill here, ma'am, and - ugh! ugh! ugh! dear me! - and he died!'
? ? ? ? 'Hey! What did he die of?' asked my aunt.
? ? ? ? 'Well, ma'am, he died of drink,' said Mrs. Crupp, in confidence. 'And smoke.'
? ? ? ? 'Smoke? You don't mean chimneys?' said my aunt.
? ? ? ? 'No, ma'am,' returned Mrs. Crupp. 'Cigars and pipes.'
? ? ? ? 'That's not catching, Trot, at any rate,' remarked my aunt, turning to me.
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