Extract from “Oliver Twist” by
Charles Dickens
The room in which the boys were fed was a large stone hall, with a
copper at one end; out of which the master, dressed in an apron for the
purpose, and assisted by one or two women, ladled the gruel at mealtimes. Of
this festive composition the boys had one porringer and no more – except on
occasions of public rejoicing when he had two ounces and a quarter of bread
besides. The bowls never wanted washing. The boys polished them with their
spoons again till they shone again; and when they had performed this operation
(which never took very long, the
spoons being nearly as large as the bowls), they would sit staring at the
copper, with such eager eyes, as if they could have devoured the very bricks of
which it was composed; employing themselves meanwhile, in sucking their fingers
most assiduously, with the view of catching up any stray splashes of gruel that
might have been cast thereon. Boys have generally excellent appetites. Oliver
Twist and his companions suffered the tortures of slow starvation for three
months. At last they got so voracious and wild with hunger, that one boy who
was tall for his age, hinted darkly to his companions that unless he had
another basin of gruel, he was afraid he might some night happen to eat the boy
sleeping next to him, who happened to be a weakly youth of tender age. He had a
wild, hungry eye and they implicitly believed him. A council was held; lots
were cast for who should walk up to the master after supper that evening and ask
for more; and it fell to Oliver Twist.
The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The master, in his
cook’s uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged
themselves beside him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over
short commons. The gruel disappeared; the boys whispered to each other and
winked at Oliver; while his next neighbours nudged him. Child as he was, he was
desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table; and
advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said, somewhat alarmed at his
own temerity,-
“Please, sir, I want some more.”
The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed
with stupified astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds; and then clung
for support to the copper. The assistants were paralyzed with wonder, the boys
with fear.
“What!” said the master at length, in a faint voice.
“Please, sir,” replied Oliver, “I want some more.”
The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle, pinioned him in
his arms, and shrieked aloud for the beadle.
on another more pleasant note...
Congratulations to Marie Christine who won the scottish tea towel she had been longing for !
.. and just to let you know you there is preview showing of the THATCHER film the Iron lady at the Docks next Tuesday at 8.15pm In English of course. ! Join me there if you haven't been invited to a Valentine's day dinner .. ( I haven't either ).; so I will just nourish my mind and be with friends instead... what better way is there to spend valentine's day !?!
...... and to finish
FEBRUARY 7, 2012
Another Birthday... ?
Mine soon.. I'm not 200 yet though ! .. I would love to spend my Birthday with members of the Cellar who could come and speak English with old friends and new people ; my only fear ( 'it's a real one ) is that the cellar is TOO small to welcome you all . SO if you have any brilliant ideas of a place in the centre of Rouen for 47 people, then please let me know.. ( evening of 17th / 18th March.) I will provide all the drinks and all you quiche and cake bakers can bring samples of your cooking skills for us to taste. Frederic will supply live music from his piano ( portable) ! ...
to be followed....
to be followed....
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