THE BISHOP'S CANDLESTICKS.
7
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I believe those people pretend to be ill just to have the Bishop call on them. They have no thought of the Bishop!
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| Bishop.
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It is kind of them to want to see me.
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| Persomé.
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Well for my part I believe that charity begins at home.
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| Bishop.
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And so you make me this delicious soup. You are very good to me, sister.
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| Persomé.
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Good to you, yes! I should think so. I should like to know where you would be without me to look after you. The dupe of every idle scamp or lying old woman in the Parish.
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| Bishop.
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If people lie to me they are poorer, not I.
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| Persomé.
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But it is ridiculous, you will soon have nothing left. You give away everything, everything!!!
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| Bishop.
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My dear, there is so much suffering in the world, and I can do so little (sighs) so very little.
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| Persomé.
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Suffering, yes, but you never think of the suffering you cause to those who love you best, the suffering you cause to me.
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| Bishop
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(rising) You, sister dear. Have I hurt you? Ah, I remember you had been crying. Was it my fault? I didn't mean to hurt you. I am sorry.
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| Persomé.
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Sorry. Yes. Sorry won't mend it. Humph! Oh, do go on eating your soup before it gets cold.
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| Bishop.
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Very well, dear. (sits) But tell me——
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| Persomé.
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You are like a child, I can't trust you out of my sight. No sooner is my back turned than you get that little minx Marie to sell the silver salt cellars.
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| Bishop.
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Ah, yes, the salt cellars. It is a pity. You, you were proud of them?
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| Persomé.
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Proud of them, why they have been in our family for years.
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| Bishop.
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Yes, it is a pity, they were beautiful, but still, dear, one can eat salt out of china just as well.
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| Persomé.
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Yes, or meat off the floor I suppose. Oh it's coming to that. And as for that old wretch
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