He thinks nobody knows it , but I do . Bessy marry him ? It 's very likely ! '' `` Lawrie Eastman , you are daft . George has n't said anything to me . You surely do n't imagine Bessy Houghton would marry you . And if she would , she is too old for you . Now , do n't you hang around her any longer . '' `` I will , '' said Lawrence flatly . `` I do n't care what anybody says . You need n't worry over me . I can take care of myself . '' Mrs. Eastman looked blankly at her son . He had never defied or disobeyed her in his life before . She had supposed her word would be law . Rebellion was something she had not dreamed of . Her lips tightened ominously and her eyes narrowed . `` You 're a bigger fool than I took you for , '' she said in a voice that trembled with anger . `` Bessy Houghton laughs at you everywhere . She knows you 're just after her money , and she makes fun -- '' `` Prove it , '' interrupted Lawrence undauntedly , `` I 'm not going to put any faith in Lynnfield gossip .
XXXXX it if you can . ''
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