Oliver Twist

Chapter 6 
Old Sally's Story 

         The matron at the workhouse where Oliver had been sent was just having tea. She had been alone these past 25 years old since Mr.Corney had died. She heard a knock on the door. It was Mr. Bumble, the parish beadle. Shyly, Mrs.Corney asked Mr. Bumble if he would like to stay for tea.They sat down at a round table by the fire. He drank the last of his tea and finished a piece of toast. Then he wiped his lips and kissed her. Just then there was a knock at the door, it was a poor woman from the workhouse. Mrs.Corney was very angry. She got up and muttered something about old women who couldn’t even die without bothering their betters, as Mrs.Corney followed the wretched woman outside, she scolded her all the way.The poor girl trusted me, and I stole from her and from her baby. In my heart I stole her treasure when she first showed it to me. It was hanging round her neck. They would have treated her baby better, if they had known. Oh, if someone would only help that poor child.Then suddenly she drew back. Old Sally had made a strange choking sound and then fallen back on the bed, lifeless. However, Fagin was growing very worried. When Toby had returned alone from the robbery, he had no idea of what had happened to oliver or sikes. Finally, he had turned his steps toward home. He was about to open his door when a dark figure approached him. Fagin looked at him with scorn.They both walked all around the place but found no one.Finally, Monks left. Did you know the master of the workhouse is worse tonight, my love? asked Mr. Bumble. Poor Mr. Slout can’t live a week, the doctor says. And I shall take his place... Oh, Mrs. Corney, what luck for two hearts such as ours, One little word from you,Mrs. Corney, and everything would be perfect. Will you say that one little, little word. After a long and loving hug with his future wife, Mr. Bumble went out into the cold again. This time he went to Mr. Sowerberry’s to order a coffin for old Sally.