The String of Pearls (1850), p. 57

against the poor and destitute to keep them so. If you will assert that my conduct will be the nature you describe, it is quite impossible for me to prove the contrary."
He turned and was about to leave the shop, but Mrs. Lovett called after him saying—

THE STRANGER AT MRS, LOVETT'S PIE SHOP,{Figure}

"Come in again in two hours."
He paused a moment or two, and then, turning his emaciated countenance upon her, said—
"I will if my strength permit me—water from the pumps in the street is but a poor thing for a man to subsist upon for twenty-four hours."