There were plenty of smart young fellows as would be glad of the place.
He knew a dozen himself.
'That's probable enough,' said Mr Pinch, 'but I am not at all sure that
Mrs Lupin would be glad of them. Why, I always supposed that Mrs Lupin
and you would make a match of it, Mark; and so did every one, as far as
I know.'
'I never,' Mark replied, in some confusion, 'said nothing as was in a
direct way courting-like to her, nor she to me, but I don't know what I
mightn't do one of these odd times, and what she mightn't say in answer.
Well, sir, THAT wouldn't suit.'
'Not to be landlord of the Dragon, Mark?' cried Mr Pinch.
'No, sir, certainly not,' returned the other, withdrawing his gaze from
the horizon, and looking at his fellow-traveller. 'Why that would be the
ruin of a man like me. I go and sit down comfortably for life, and no
man never finds me out. What would be the credit of the landlord of the
Dragon's being jolly? Why, he couldn't help it, if he tried.'
'Does Mrs Lupin know you are going to leave her?' Mr Pinch inquired.
'I haven't broke it to her yet, sir, but I must.
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