Chirp the third Quotations

Chirp the third

“I had studied myself; I had had experience of myself; I knew how much I loved her, and how happy I should be”, pursed the carrier. “But I had not- I feel it now- sufficiently considered her”
“To be sure” said Tackleton. “Giddiness, frivolity, fickleness, love of admiration! Not considered! All left out of sight! Hah!
“You had best not interrupt me,” said the Carrier, with some sternness, till you understand me; and you are wide of doing so. If yesterday, I’d have struck that man down at a blow, who dared to speak a word against her, to-day I’d set my foot upon his face, if he was my brother!”
The toy merchant gazed at him in astonishment. He went on in a softer tone.
“Did I consider”, said the carrier, that I took her- at her age, and with her beauty-from her young companions, and the many scenes of which she was the ornament ;in which she the brightest little star that ever shone, to shut her up from day to day in my dull house, and keep my tedious company? Did I consider how little suited I was to her sprightly humour, and how wearisome a plodding man like me must be , to one of her quick spirit? Did I consider that it was no merit in me, or clainm in me, that I loved her, when everybody must, who knew her? Never! I took advantage of her hopeful nature and her cheerful disposition; and I married her. I wish I never had. For her sake; not for mine!”

The beginning of a growing awareness of the sacrifices that his wife has made for him. It is perhaps sad that he did not think “Dot would never do a thing like that, and look for another possible explanation. Ot that he did not take her to one side and ask for an explanation. However remember this is only a story, and the effect would have been lost.

“I sat upon that hearth, last night, last night, all night,” exclaimed the carrier. “ On the spot where she has often sat beside me, with her sweet face looking into mine. I called up her whole life day by day. I had her dear self, in its every passage, in review before me. And upon my soul she is innocent, if there is One to judge the innocent and guilty”.

This is the turning point in the story. John responds to the visitation of the presence. The equivalent of Scrooge’s asking the spirit of Christmas future if these things WILL come to pass of MAY come to pass. The sprits have indeed done their work in a single night so that the great day (Christmas or the wedding) can be celebrated in a fitting way.

“I am sorry, sir,” said Edward, holding out May’s left hand, and especially the third finger, and took a little piece of silver-paper, apparently containing a ring, from his waistcoat-pocket.
“Miss Slowboy”, said Tackleton. “Will you have the kindness to throw that in the fire? Thank’ee”.
It was a previous engagement, quite an old engagement, that prevented my wife from keeping her appointment with you, I assure you”, said Edward.
“Mr Tackletonwill do me the justice to acknowledge that I revealed it to him faithfully; and that I told him, many time, I never could forget it,” said May, blushing.
“Oh certainly!” said Tackleton.”Oh to be sure. Oh it’s all right. It’s quite correct. Mrs Edward Plummer, I infer?”
“That’s the name” returned the bridegroom.
“AH I shouldn’t have known you, sir” said Tackleton, scrutinising his face narrowly, and making a low bow. “I give you joy, sir!”

It is surprising that Tackleton takes the disappointment so well. There are no recriminations, no envious statements, and seemingly a stoic acceptance of his loss. Either he is just very hard headed and looks upon it as a business contract that has been out- bid, or he has taken on board the sentiments of the carrier (John), and realised that his putative marriage was fated to be mis-matched and loveless.

“This unconscious little nurse gave me a broken hint last night , of which I have found the thread. I blush to think how easily I might have bound you and your daughter to me, and what a miserable idiot I was when I took her for one.!"

An example of Tackleton’s sarcasm. He called May and idiot for agreeing to marry himself in the first place.

"But what is this! Even as I listen to them, blithely and turn towards Dot, for one last glimpse of a little figure very pleasant to me, she and the rest have vanished into air, and I am left alone. A Cricket sings upon the Hearth; a broken child’s toy lies upon the ground; and nothing else remains".

Is this the same cricket who says “Married and not to me?”