Thankee . What 's that ? '' It was a loud cry from the Carrier 's wife : a loud , sharp , sudden cry , that made the room ring like a glass vessel . She had risen from her seat , and stood like one transfixed by terror and surprise . The Stranger had advanced towards the fire to warm himself , and stood within a short stride of her chair . But quite still . `` Dot ! '' cried the Carrier . `` Mary ! Darling ! What 's the matter ? '' They were all about her in a moment . Caleb , who had been dozing on the cake-box , in the first imperfect recovery of his suspended presence of mind , seized Miss Slowboy by the hair of her head , but immediately apologised . `` Mary ! '' exclaimed the Carrier , supporting her in his arms . `` Are you ill ? What is it ? Tell me dear ! '' She only answered by beating her hands together , and falling into a wild fit of laughter . Then , sinking from his grasp upon the ground , she covered her face with her apron , and wept bitterly .
And then , she laughed again , and then she cried again , and then she said how cold she was , and suffered him to lead her XXXXX the fire , where she sat down as before .
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