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As the city clocks struck nine on Monday , Mrs Clennam was

wheeled by Jeremiah Flintwinch of the cut-down aspect to her tall

cabinet When she had unlocked and opened it, and had settled herself

at its desk, Jere himself more

effectually--and her son appeared 'Are you any better this , mother?'

She shook her head, with the saht when speaking of the weather

'I shall never be better any more It is well for me, Arthur, that I

know it and can bear it'

Sitting with her hands laid separately upon the desk, and the tall

cabinet towering before her, she looked as if she were perforht so (it was an old thought with him),

while he took his seat beside it

She opened a drawer or two, looked over soain Her severe face had no thread of relaxation in it, by

which any explorer could have been guided to the gloohts 'Shall I speak of our affairs, mother? Are you inclined to enter upon

business?' 'Am I inclined, Arthur? Rather, are you? Your father has been dead a

year andyour pleasure,

ever since'

'There was e before I could leave; and when I did leave, I

travelled a little for rest and relief'

She turned her face towards hi heard or understood his