K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ail ON IUERPSDUO EBD TEOHR N IGO IEFOODOPDOE T Pge22 LITTLE DORRIT. BY CHARLES DICKENS. WITH FIFTY-EIGHT ILLUSTRA7IONS BY j. MA HONEY. NEW YORK: HARPER & BROTHERS, -PUBLISHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1 8 73. PREFACE. I WAS occupied with this story during many workino hours of two years. I must have been very ill employed, if I could not leave its merits and demerits as a whole, to express themselves on its being read as a whole. If I might offer any apology for so exaggerated a fiction as the Barnacles and the Circumlocution Office, I would seek it in the common experience of an Englishman, without presuming to mention the unimportant fact of my having done that violence to good manners, in the days of a Russian war, and of a Court of Inquiry at Chelsea. If I might make so bold as to defend that extravagant conception, Mr. Merdle, I would hint that it originated after the Railroad-share epoch, in the times of a certain Irish bank, and of one or two other equally laudable enterprises. If I were to plead any thing in mitigation of the preposterous fancy that a bad design will sometimes claim to be a good and an expressly religious design, it would be the curious coincidence that such fancy was brought to its climax in these pages, in the days of the public examination of late Directors of a Royal British Bank. But I submit myself to suffer judgment to go by default on all these counts, if need be, and to accept the assurance (on good authority) that nothing like them was ever known in this land. Some of my readers may have an interest in being informed whether or no any portions of the Marshalsea Prison are yet standing. I myself did not know,\until I was approaching the end of this story, when I went to look. I found the outer front court-yard, often mentioned here, metamorphosed into a butter-shop; and I then almost gave up every brick of the jail for lost. Wandering, however, down a certain adjacent "Angel Court, leading to Bermondsey," I came to "Marshalsea Place:" the houses in which I recognized, not only as the great block of the former prison, but as preserving the rooms that arose.in my mind's eye when I became Little Dorrit's biographer. The smallest boy I ever conversed with, carrying the largest baby I ever saw, offered a supernaturally intelligent explanation of the locality in its old uses, and was very nearly correct. How this young Newton (for such I judge him to be) came by his information, I don't know; he was a quarter of a century too young to know any thing about it of himself. I pointed to the window of the room where Little Dorrit was born, and where her father lived so long, and asked him what was the name of the lodger who tenanted that apartment at present? He said " Tom Pythick." I asked him who was Tom Pythick? and he said, " Joe Pythick's uncle." A little farther on, I found the older and smaller wall, which used to inclose the pent-up inner prison where nobody was put, except for ceremony. Whosoever goes into Marshalsea Place, turning out of Angel Court, leading to Bermondsey, will find his feet on the very paving-stones of the extinct Marshalsea jail; will see its narrow yard to the right and to the left, very little altered if at all, except that the walls were lowered when the place got free; will look upon the rooms in which the debtors lived; will stand among the crowding ghosts of many miserable years. LITTLE DORRIT. BOOK THE FIRST. —POVERTY. CHAPTER I. There was no wind to make a ripple on the foul water within the harbor, or on the beautiful sea SUN AND SHADOW. without. The line of demarkation between the two THIRTY years ago, Marseilles lay burning in the colors, black and blue, showed the point which the sun, one day. pure sea would not pass; but it lay as quiet as the A blazing sun upon a fierce August day was no abominable pool, with which it never mixed. Boats greater rarity in southern France then, than, at any without awnings were too hot to touch; ships blisother time, before or since. Every thing in Mar- tered at their moorings; the stones of the quays had seilles, and about Marseilles, had stared at the fer- not cooled, night or day, for months. Hindoos, Rusvid sky, and been stared at in return, until a staring sians, Chinese, Spaniards, Portuguese, Englishmen, habit had become universal there. Strangers were Frenchmen, Genoese, Neapolitans, Venetians, Greeks, stared out of countenance by staring white houses, Turks, descendants from all the builders of Babel, staring white walls, staring white streets, staring come to trade at Marseilles, sought the shade alike tracts of arid road, staring hills from which vejldure -taking refuge in any hiding-place from a sea too was burned away. The only things to be seen not intensely blue to be looked at, and a sky of purple, fixedly staring and glaring were the vines drooping set with one great flaming jewel of fire. under their load of grapes. These did occasionally The universal stare made the eyes ache. Toward wink a little, as the hot air barely moved their faint the distant line of Italian coast, indeed, it was a leaves. little relieved by light clouds of mist, slowly rising 10 LITTLE DORRIT. from the evaporation of the sea; but it softened no- would have kept its polluted atmosphere intact, in where else. Far away the staring roads, deep in one of the spice islands of the Indian Ocean. dust, stared from the hill-side, stared from the hol- The man who lay on the ledge of the grating was low, stared from the interminable plain. Far away even chilled. He jerked his great cloak more heavthe dusty vines overhanging way-side cottages, and ily upon him by an impatient movement of one shoulthe monotonous way-side avenues of parched trees der, and growled, "To the devil with this Brigand without shade, drooped beneath the stare of earth of a Sun that never shines in here!" and sky. So did the horses with drowsy bells, in He was waiting to be fed; looking sideways long files of carts, creeping slowly toward the inte- through the bars, that he might see the farther rior; so did their recumbent drivers, when they were down the stairs, with much of the expression of a awake, which rarely happened; so did the exhaust- wild beast in similar expectation. But his eyes, ed laborers in the fields. Eve~ry thing.that lived or too close together, were not so nobly set in his head grew, was oppressed by the glare; except the lizard, as those of the king of beasts are in his, and they passing swiftly over rough stone walls, and the ci- were sharp rather than bright-pointed weapons cala, chirping his dry hot chirp, like a rattle. The with little surface to betray them. They had no very dust was scorched brown, and something quiv- depth or change; they glittered, and they opened ered in the atmosphere as if the air itself were pant- and shut. So far, and waiving their use to himself, ing. a clock-maker could have made a better pair. He Blinds, shutters, curtains, awnings, were all closed had a hook nose, handsome after its kind, but too and drawn to keep out the stare. Grant it but a high between the eyes, by probably just as much as chink or key-hole, and it shot in like a white-hot his eyes were too near to one another. For the rest, arrow. The churches were the freest from it. To he was large and tall in frame, had thin lips, where come out of the twilight of pillars and arches- his thick mustache showed them at all, and a quandreamily dotted with winking lamps, dreamily peo- tity of dry hair, of no definable color in its shaggy pled with ugly old shafdows.piously dozing, spitting, state, but shot with red. The hand with which he and begging-was to plunge into a fiery river, and held the grating (seamed all over the back with ugly swim for life to the nearest strip of shade. So, with scratches newly healed) was unusually small and people lounging and lying wherever shade was, with plump; would have been unusually white, but for but little hum of tongues or barking of dogs, with the prison grime. occasional jangling of discordant church-bells, and The other man was lying on the stone floor, covrattling of vicious drums, Marseilles, a fact to be ered with a coarse brown coat. strongly smelled and tasted, lay broiling in the sun "Get up, pig!" growled the first. "Don't sleep one day. when I am hungry." In Marseilles that day there was a villainous pris- "It's all one, master,"' said the pig, in a submison. In one of its chambers, so repulsive a place that sive manner, and without cheerfulness; " I can wake even the obtrusive stare blinked at it, and left it to when I will, I can sleep when I will. It's all the such refuse of reflected light as it could find for it- same." self, were two men. Besides the two men, a notched As he said it, he rose, shook himself, scratched and disfigured bench, immovable from the wall, with himself, tied his brown coat loosely round his neck a draught-board rudely hacked upon it with a knife, by the sleeves (he had previously used it as a covera set of draughts, made of old buttons and soup- let), and set down upon the pavement yawning, with bones, a set of dominoes, two mats, and two or three his back against the wall opposite to the grating. wine-bottles. That was all the chamber held, ex- Say what the hour is," grumbled the first man. elusive of rats and other unseen vermin, in addition "The midday bells will ring-in forty minutes." to the seen vermin, the two men. When he made the little pause, he had looked round It received such light as it got, through a grating the prison-room, as if for certain information. of iron bars, fashioned like a pretty large window, "You are a clock. How is it that you always by means of which it could be always inspected from know?" the gloomy staircase on which the grating gave. "How can I say? I always know what the hour There was a broad strong ledge of stone to this grat- is, and where I am. I was brought in here at night, ing, "where the bottom of it was let into the masonry, and out of a boat, but I know where I am. See here! three or four feet above the ground. Upon it one Marseilles Harbor;" on his knees on the pavement, of the two men lolled, half sitting and half lying, mapping it all out with a swarthy forefinger; " Touwith his knees drawn up, and his feet and shoulders lon (where the galleys are), Spain over there, Algiers planted against the opposite sides of the aperture. over there. Creeping away to the left here, Nice. The bars were wide enough apart to admit of his Round by the Cornice to Genoa. Genoa Mole and thrusting his arm through to the elbow; and so he Harbor. Quarantine Ground. City there; terraceheld on negligently, for his greater ease. gardens blushing with the bella donna. Here, Porto A prison taint was on every thing there. The Fino. Stand out for Leghorn. Out again for Civita imprisoned air, the imprisoned light, the imprisoned Vecchia. So away to-hey! there's no room for damps, the imprisoned men, were all deteriorated by Naples;" he had got to the wall by this time;' "but confinement. As the captive men were faded and it's all one; it's in there!" haggard, so the iron was rusty, the stone was slimy, He remains on his knees, looking up at his fellowthe wood was rotten, the air was faint, the light was prisoner with a lively look for a prison. A sundim. Like a well, like a vault, like a tomb, the pris- burned, quick, lithe, little man, though rather thickoi had no knowledge of the brightness outside; and set. Ear-rings in his brown ears, white teeth light THE BIRDS. 11 ing up his grotesque brown face, intensely black hair and two thumbs as would have made out one for clustering about his brown throat, a ragged red shirt Monsieur Rigaud), with ready confidence; andcwhen open at his brown breast. Loose, seaman-like trow- he kissed her hand, had herself passed it caressingly sers. decent shoes, a long red cap, a red sash round his over his face. Monsieur Rigaud, indifferent to this waist, and a knife in it. distinction, propitiated the father by laughing and "Judge if I come back from Naples as I went! nodding at the daughter as often as she gave him See here, my master! Civita Vecchia, Leghorn, any thing; and, so soon as he had all his viands Porto Fino, Genoa, Cornice, Off Nice (which is in about him in convenient nooks of the ledge on which there), Marseilles, you and me. The apartment of he rested, began to eat with an appetite. the jailer and his keys is where I put this thumb; When Monsieur Rigaud laughed, a change took and here at my wrist, they keep the national razor place in his face, that was more remarkable than in its case-the guillotine locked up." prepossessing. His mustache went up under his The other man spat suddenly on the pavement, nose, and his nose came down over his mustache, in and gurgled in his throat. a very sinister and cruel manner. Some lock below gurgled in its throat immediately "There!" said the jailer, turning his basket upafterward, and then a door clashed. Slow steps be- side down to beat the crumbs out," I have expended gan ascending the stairs; the prattle of a sweet lit- all the money I received; here is the note of it, and tle voice mingled with the noise they made; and the that's a thing accomplished. Monsieur Rigaud, as I prison-keeper appeared, carrying his daughter, three expected yesterday, the President will look for the or four years old, and a basket. pleasure of your society at an hour after midday, "How goes the world this forenoon, gentlemen? to-day." My little one, you see, going round with me to have "To try me, eh?'" said Rigaud, pausing, knife in a peep at her father's birds. Fie, then! Look at hand and morsel in mouth. the birds, my pretty, look at the birds." " You have said it. To try you." He looked sharply at the birds himself, as he held " There. is no news for me?" asked John Baptist, the child up at the grate, especially at the little bird, who had begun, contentedly, to munch his bread. whose activity he seemed to mistrust. "I have The jailer shrugged his shoulders. brought your bread, Signor John Baptist," said he "Lady of mine! Am I to lie here all my life, my (they all spoke in French, but the little man was an father?" Italian); "and if I might recommend you not to "What do I know!" cried the jailer, turning upon game — him with Southern quickness, and gesticulating with "You don't recommend the master!" said John both his hands and all his fingers, as if he were Baptist, showing his teeth as he smiled. threatening to tear him to pieces. " My friend, how "Oh! but the master wins," returned the jailer, is it possible for me to tell how long you are to lie with a passing look of no particular liking at the here? What do I know, John Baptist Cavalletto? other man, " and you lose. It's quite another thing. Death of my life! There are prisoners here someYou get husky bread and sour drink by it; and} he times, who are not in such a devil of a hurry to be gets sausage of Lyons, veal in savory jelly, white tried." bread, strachino cheese, and good wine by it. Look He seemed to glance obliquely at Monsieur Rigaud at the birds, my pretty!" in this remark; but Monsieur Rigaud had already "Poor birds!" said the child. resumed his meal, though not with quite so quick The fair little face, touched with divine compas- an appetite as before. sion, as it peeped shrinkingly through the grate, was "Adieu, my birds!" said the keeper of the prison, like an angel's in the prison. John Baptist rose and taking his pretty child in his arms, and dictating the moved toward it, as if it had a good attraction for words with a kiss. him. The other bird remained as before, except for " Adieu, my birds!" the pretty child repeated. an impatient glance at the basket. Her innocent face looked back so brightly over " Stay!"' said the jailer, putting his little daugh- his shoulder, as he walked away with her, singing ter on the outer ledge of the grate, "she shall feed her the song of the child's game: the birds. This big loaf is for Signor John Baptist. We must break it to get it through into the cage. Who passes by this road so late? So, there's a tame bird, to kiss the little hand! This Who passes by this road so laie sausage in a vine-leaf is for Monsieur Rigaud. Again Always gay!" -this veal in savory jelly is for Monsieur Rigaud. Again-these three white little loaves are for Mon- that John Baptist felt it a point of honor to reply at sieur Rigaud. Again, this cheese-again, this wine the grate, and in good time and tune, though a little — again, this tobacco-all for Monsieur Rigaud. hoarsely: Lucky bird!" " Of all the kIng's knights'tis the flower, The child put all these things between the bars Compagnon de la Majolaine! into the soft, smooth, well-shaped hand, with evident Of all the king's knights'tis the flower, dread-more than once drawing back her own, and Always gay!" looking at the man with her fair brow roughened Which accompanied them so far down the few steep into an expression half of fright and half of anger. stairs, that the prison-keeper had to stop at last for Whereas, she had put the lump of coarse bread? into his little daughter to hear the song out, and repeat the swart, scaled, knotted hands of John Baptist the Refrain while they were yet in sight. Then the (who had scarcely as much nail oti his eight fingers child's head disappeared, and the prison-keeper's 12 LITTLE DOORBIT. head disappeared, but the little voice prolonged the "Cavalletto," said Monsieur Rigaud, suddenly strain until the door clashed. withdrawing his gaze from this funnel, to which Monsieur Rigaudl, finding the listening John Bap- they had both involuntarily turned their eyes, " you tist in his way before the echoes had ceased (even know me for a gentleman?" the echoes were the weaker for imprisonment, and " Surely, surely!" seemed to lag), reminded him with a push of his foot A" How long have we been here?" that he had better resume his own darker place. "'I, eleven weeks, to-morrow night at midnight. The little man sat down again upon the pavement, You, nine weeks and three days, at five this afterwith the negligent ease of one who was thoroughly noon." accustomed to pavements; and placing three hunks "Have I ever done any thing here? Ever touchof coarse bread before himself, and falling t6 upon a ed the broom, or spread the mats, or rolled them up, fourth, began contentedly to work his way through or found the draughts, or collected the dominoes, or them, as if to clear them off were a sort of game. put my hand to any kind of work?" Perhaps he glanced at the Lyons sausage, and per- "Never!" haps he glanced at the veal in savory jelly, but they "Have you ever thought of looking to me to do were not there long, to make his mouth water; Mon- any kind of work?" sieur Rigaud soon dispatched them, in spite of the John Baptist answered with that peculiar backpresident and tribunal, and proceeded to suck his handed shake of the right forefinger which is the fingers as clean as he could, and to wipe them on his most expressive negative in the Italian language. vine-leaves. Then, as he paused in his drink to con- "No! You knew from the first moment when template his fellow-prisoner, his mustache went up, you saw me here, that I was a gentleman?" and his nose came down. "ALTRO!" returned John Baptist, closing his eyes "How do you find the bread?" and giving his head a most vehement toss. The "A little dry, but I have my old sauce here," re- word being, according to its Genoese emphasis, a turned John Baptist, holding up his knife. confirmation, a contradiction, an assertion, a denial, " How sauce " a taunt, a compliment, a joke, and fifty other things, "I can cut my bread so-like a melon. Or so- became in the present instance, with a significance like an omelette. Or so-like a fried fish. Or so — beyond all power of written expression, our faamilar like Lyons sausage," said John Baptist, demonstra- English "I believe you!" ting the various cuts on the bread he held, and so- "Haha! You are right! A gentleman I am! berly chewing what he had in his mouth. And a gentleman I'll live, and a gentleman I'll die! "Here!" cried Monsieur Rigaud. "You. may It's my intent to be a gentleman. It's my game. drink. You may finish this." Death on my soul, I play it out wherever I go!" It was no great gift, for there was mighty little He changed his posture to a sitting one, crying, wine left; but Signor Cavalletto, jumping to his with a triumphant air, feet, received the bottle gratefully, turned it upside "Here I am! See me! Shaken out of destiny's down at his mouth, and smacked his lips. dioe-box into the company of a mere smuggler; —"Put the bottle by with the rest," said Rigaud. shut up with a poor little contraband trader, whose The little man obeyed his orders, and stood ready papers are wrong, and whom the police lay hold of to give him a lighted match; for he was now roll- besides, for placing his boat (as a means of getting ing his tobacco into cigarettes, by the aid of little beyond the frontier) at the disposition of other little squares of paper which had been brought in with it. people whose papers are wrong; and he instinct"Here! You may have one." ively recognizes my position, even by this light and "A thousand thanks, my master!" John Baptist in this place. It's well done! By Heaven! I win, said it in his own language, and with the quick con- however the game goes." ciliatory manner of his own countrymen. Again his mustache went up, and his nose came Monsieur Rigaud arose, lighted a cigarette, put down. the rest of his stock into his breast-pocket, and "What's the hour now?" he asked, with a dry hot stretched himself out at full length upon the bench. pallor upon him, iather difficult of association with Cavalletto sat down on the pavement, holding one merriment. of his ankles in each hand, and smoking peacefully. "A little half-hour after midday." There seemed to be some uncomfortable attraction "Good! The President will have a gentleman of Monsieur Rigaud's eyes to the immediate neigh- before him soon. Come! Shall I tell you on what borhood of that part of the pavement where the accusation? It must be now, or never, for I shall thumb had been in the plan. They were so drawn not return here. Either I shall go free, or I shall in that direction, that the Italian more than once go to be made ready for shaving. You know where followed them to and back from the pavement in they keep the razor." some surprise. Signor Cavalletto took his cigarette from between "What an infernal hole this is!" said Monsieur his parted lips, and showed more momentary disRigaud, breaking a long pause. "Look at the light comfiture than might have been expected. of day. Day? the light of yesterday week, the light "I am a "-Monsieur Rigaud stood up to say itof six months ago, the light of six years ago. So "I am a cosmopolitan gentleman. I own no parslack and dead!" ticular country. My father was Swiss-Canton de It came languishing down a square funnel that Vau4. My mother was French by blood, English blinded a window in the staircase wall, through by birth. I myself was born in Belgium. I am a which the sky was never seen-nor any thing else. citizen of the world." GREAT QUALITIES OF MONSIEUR RIGAUD. 13 His theatrical air, as he stood with one arm on his More unfortunately still, she had relations. When hip, within the folds of his cloak, together with his a wife's relations interpose against a husband who manner of disregarding his companion and address- is a gentleman, who is proud, and who must govern, ing the opposite wall instead, seemed to intimate that the consequences are inimical to peace. There was he was rehearsing for the President, whose exami- yet another source of difference between us. Manation he was shortly to undergo, rather than trou- dame Rigaud was unfortunately a little vulgar. I bling himself merely to enlighten so small a person sought to improve her manners and ameliorate her as John Baptist Cavalletto. general tone; she (supported in this likewise by her "Call me five-and-thirty years of age. I have relations) resented my endeavors. Quarrels began seen the world. I have lived here, and lived there, to arise between us; and, propagated and exaggerand lived like a gentleman everywhere. I have ated by the slanders of the relations.of Madame Ribeen treated and respected as a gentleman univer- gaud, to become notorious to the neighbors. It has sally. If you try to prejudice me, by making out been said that I treated Madame Rigaud with cruthat I have lived by my wits-how do your lawyers elty. I may have been seen to slap her face-nothlive-yofir politicians-your intriguers-your men ing more. I have a light hand; and if I have been of the Exchange?" seen apparently to correct Madame Rigand in that He kept his small smooth hand in constant requi- manner, I have done it almost playfully." sition, as if it were a witness to his gentility, that If the playfulness of Monsieur Rigaud were at all had often done him good service before. expressed by his smile at this point, the relations of "Two years ago I came to Marseilles. I admit Madame Rigaud might have said that they would that I was poor; I had been ill. When your law- - have much preferred his correcting that unfortunate yers, your politicians, your intriguers, your men of woman seriously. the Exchange fall ill, and have not scraped mon- "I am sensitive and brave. I do not advance it ey together, they become poor. I put up at the as a merit to be sensitive and brave, but it is my Cross of Gold-kept then by Monsieur Henri Bar- character. If the male relations of Madame RigaLud ronneau-sixty-five at least, and in a failing state had put themselves forward openly, I should have of health. I had lived in the house some four known how to deal with them. They knew that, months, when Monsieur Henri Barronneau had the and their machinations were conducted in secret; misfortune to die; —at any rate, not a rare misfor- consequently, Madame Rigaud and I were brought tune, that. It happens without any aid of mine, into frequent and unfortunate collision. Even when pretty often." I wanted any little sum of money for my personal John Baptist having smoked his cigarette down expenses, I could not obtain it without collisionto his fingers' ends, Monsieur Rigaud had the mag- and I, too, a man whose character it is to govern! nanimity to throw him another. He lighted the One night, Madame Rigaud and myself were walksecond at the ashes of the first,s and smoked on, look- ing amicably-I may say like lovers-on a height ing sideways at his companion, who, preoccupied overhanging the sea. An evil star occasioned Mawith his own case, hardly looked at him. dame Rigaud to advert to her relations; I reasoned " Monsieur Barronneau left a widow. She was with her on that subject, and remonstrated on the two-and-twenty. She had gained a reputation for want of duty and devotion manifested in her allowbeauty, and (which is often another thing) was ing herself to be influenced by their jealous animosbeautiful. I continued to live at the Cross of Gold. ity toward her husband. Madame Rigaud retorted, I married Madame Barronneau. It is not for me to I retorted. Madame Rigand grew warm; I grew say whether there was any great disparity in such warm, and provoked her. I admit it. Frankness a match. Here I stand, with the contamination of is a part of my character. At length, Madame Ria jail upon me; but it is possible that you may think gaud, in an access of fury that I must ever deplore, me better suited to her than her former husband threw herself upon me with screams of passion (no was." doubt those that were overheard at some distance), He had a certain air of being a handsome man- tore my clothes, tore my hair, lacerated my hands, which he was not; and a certain air of being a well- trampled and trod the dust, and finally leaped over, bred man-which he was not. It was mere swagger dashing herself to death upon the rocks below. and challenge; but in this particular, as in many Such is the train of incidents which malice has perothers, blustering assertion goes for proof, half over verted into my endeavoring to force from Madame the world. Rigaud a relinquishment of her rights; and, on her "Be it as it may, Madame Barronneau approved persistence in a refusal to make the concession I reof me. That is not to prejudice me, I hope?" quired, struggling with her-assassinating her!" His eye happening to light upon John Baptist He stepped aside to the ledge where the vinewith this inquiry, that little man briskly shook his leaves yet lay strewn about, collected two or three, head in the negative, and repeated in an argument- and stood wiping his hands upon them, with his ative tone under his breath, ltro altro, altro, altro back to the light. -an infinite number of times. "Well," he demanded after a silence, " have you "Now came the difficulties of our position. I nothing to say to all that?" am proud. I say nothing in defense of pride, but I "It's ugly," returned the little man, who had am proud. It is also my character to govern. I risen, and was brightening his knife upon his shoe, can't submit; I must govern. Unfortunately, the as he leaned an arm against the wall. property of Madame Rigaucld was settled upon her- "What do you mean?" self. Such was the insane act of her late husband. John Baptist polished his knife in silence. 14 LITTLE DORRIT. "Do you mean that I have not represented the staircase. The door clashed-the key turned-aud case correctly?" a ray of unusual light, and a breath of unusual air, "Al-tro!" returned John Baptist. The word was seemed to have passed through the jail, vanishing in an apology now, and stood for, " Oh, by no means!" a tiny wreath of smoke from the cigar. "What then?" Still, in his captivity, like a lower animal-like " Presidents and tribunals are so prejudiced." some impatient ape, or roused bear of the smaller " Well!" cried the other, uneasily flinging the end species-the prisoner, now left solitary, had jumped of his cloak over his shoulder with an oath, "let upon the ledge, to lose no glimpse of this departure. them do their worst!" As he yet stood clasping the grate with both hands, " Truly I think they will," murmured John Bap- an uproar broke upon his hearing; yells, shrieks, tist to himself,.as he bent his head to -put his knife oaths, threats, execrations, all comprehended in it, in his sash. though (as in a storm) nothing but a raging swell Nothing more was said on either side, though they of sound distinctly heard. both began walking to and fro, and necessarily Excited into a still greater resemblance to a caged crossed at every turn. Monsieur Rigaud sometimes wild animal by his anxiety to know more, the prishalf stopped, as if he were going to put his case oner leaped nimbly down, ran round the chamber, in a new light, or make some irate remonstrance; leaped nimbly up again, clasped the grate and tried but Signor Cavalletto continuing to go slowly to to shake it, leaped down and ran, leaped up and listand fro at a grotesque kind of jog-trot pace, with his ened, and never rested until the noise, becoming eyes turned downward, nothing came of these in- more and more distant, had died away. How many dinings. better prisoners have worn their noble hearts out By-and-by the noise of the key in the lock ar- so; no man thinking of it; not even the beloved of rested them both. The sound of voices succeeded, their souls realizing it; great kings and governors, and the tread of feet. The door clashed, the voices who had made them captive, careering in the sunand the feet came on, and the prison-keeper slowly light jauntily, and men cheering them on. Even ascended the stairs, followed by a guard of soldiers. the said great personages dying in bed, making ex" Now, Monsieur Rigaud," said he, pausing for a emplary ends and sounding speeches; and polite hismoment at the grate, with his keys in his hand, tory, more servile than their instruments, embalming "have the goodness to come out." them! " I am to depart in state, I see?" At last, John Baptist, now able to choose his own a Why, unless you did," returned the jailer, "you spot within the compass of those walls, for the exermight depart in so many pieces that it would be cise of his faculty of going to sleep when he would, difficult to get you together again. There's a crowd, lay down upon the bench, with his face turned over Monsieur Rigand, and it doesn't love you." on his crossed arms, and slumbered. In his submisHe passed on out of sight, and unlocked and un- sion, in his lightness, in his good-humor, in his shortbarred a low door in the corner of the chamber. lived passion, in his easy contentment with hard "Now," said he, as he opened it and appeared with- bread and hard stones, in his ready sleep, in his fits in, "come out." and starts altogether, a true son of the land that There is no sort of whiteness in all the hues under gave him birth. the sun at all like the whiteness of Monsieur Ri- The wide stare stared itself out for one while; gaud's face as it was then. Neither is there any ex- the sun went down in a red, green, golden glory; pression of the human countenance at all like that the stars came out in the heavens, and the fire-flies expression, in every little line of which the fright- mimicked them in the lower air, as men may feebly ened heart is seen to beat. Both are conventionally imitate the goodness of a better order of beings; the compared with death; but the difference is the whole long dusty roads and the interminable plains were deep gulf between the struggle done, and the fight in repose-and so deep a hush was on the sea, that. at. its most desperate extremity. it scarcely whispered of the time when it shall give He lighted another of his paper cigars at his com- up its dead. panion's; put it tightly between his teeth; covered: his head with a soft slouched hat; threw the end of his cloak over his shoulder again; and walked out CHAPTER II. into the side gallery on which the door opened, with- FELLOW-TRAVELERS. out taking any further notice of Signor Cavalletto. As to that little man himself his whole attention "XTO more of yesterday's howling, over yonder, had become absorbed in getting near the door, and II to-day, sir; is there?" looking out at it. Precisely as a beast might ap- "I have heard none." proach the opened gate of his den and eye the free- "Then you may be sure there is none. When dom beyond, h'e passed those few moments in watch- these people howl, they howl to be heard." ing and peering, until the door was closed upon him. "Most people do, I suppose." There was an officer in command of the soldiers; "Ah! But these people are always howling. a stout, serviceable, profoundly calm man, with his Never happy otherwise." drawn sword in his hand, smoking a cigar. He very "Do you mean the Marseilles people?" briefly directed the placing of Monsieur Rigand in "I mean the French people. They're always at the midst of the party, put himself with consum- it. As to Marseilles, we know what Marseilles is. mate indifference at their head, gave the word It sent the most insurrectionary tune into the world "March!" and so they all went jingling down the that was ever composed. It couldn't exist without IN Q UARA.NTINE. 15 allonging and marshonging to something or other- charm a girl so pretty and pleasant could have been victory or death, or blazes, or something." without. The speaker, with a whimsical good-humor upon " Now, I ask you," said Mr. Meagles in the blandhim all the time, looked over the parapet-wall with est confidence, falling back a step himself, and handthe greatest disparagement of Marseilles; and tak- ing his daughter a step forward to illustrate his ing up a determined position by putting his hands qcuestion: " I ask you simply, as between man and in his pockets, and rattling his money at it, apostro- man, you knlow, DID you ever hear of such damned phized it with a short laugh. nonsense as putting Pet in quarantine?" " Allong and marshong, indeed. It would be more "It has had the result of making even quarantine creditable to you, I think, to let other people allong enjoyable." and marshong about their lawful business, instead "Come!" said Mr. Meagles, " that's something, to of shutting'em up in quarantine!" be sure. I am obliged to you for that remark. Now "Tiresome enough," said the other. "But we Pet, my darling, you had better go along with Mothshall be out to-day." er and get ready for the boat. The officer of health, " Out to-day!" repeated the first. " It's almost an and a variety of humbugs in cocked hats, are coming aggravation of the enormity, that we shall be out off to let us out of this at last; and all we jail-birds to-day. Out! What have we ever been in for?" are to breakfast together in something approaching "For no very strong reason, I must say. But as to a Christian style again, before we take wing for we come from the East, and as the East is the courn- our different destinations. Tattycoram, stick you try of the plague —" close to your young mistress." "The plague!" repeated the other. "That's my He spoke to a handsome girl with lustrous dark grievance. I have had the plague continually, ever hair and eyes, and very neatly dressed, who replied since I have been here. I am like a sane man shut with a half courtesy as she passed off in the train of up in a mad-house; I can't stand the suspicion of the Mrs. Meagles and Pet. They crossed the bare scorched thing. I came here as well as ever I was in my life; terrace, all three together, and disappeared through but to suspect me of the plague is to give me the a staring white archway. Mr. Meagles's companion, plague. And I have had it-and I have got it." a grave dark man of forty, still stood looking toward "You bear it very well, Mr. Meagles," said the this archway after they were gone; until Mr. Measccond speaker, smiling. gles tapped him on the arm. " No. If you knew the real state of the case, that's "I beg your pardon," said he, starting. the last observation you would think of making. I "Not at all," said Mr. Meagles. have been waking up, night after night, and saying, They took one silent turn backward and forward now I have got it, now it has developed itself, now I in the shade of the wall, getting, at the height on am in for it, now these fellows are making out their which the quarantine barracks are placed, what cool case for their precautions. Why, I'd as soon have a refreshment of sea-breeze there was at seven in the spit put through me, and be stuck upon a card in a morning. Mr. Meagles's companion resumed the concollection of beetles, as lead the life I have been lead- versation. ing here." " May I ask you," he said, " what is the name of-" "Well, Mr. Meagles, say no more about it, now it's "Tattycoram?" Mr. Meagles struck in. " I have over," urged a cheerful feminine voice. not the least idea." "Over!" repeated Mr. Meagles, who appeared " I thought," said the other, " that —" (though without any ill-nature) to be in that pecul- "Tattycoram?" suggested Mr. Meagles again. iar state of mind in which the last word spoken by "Thank you —that Tattycoram was a name; and any body else is a new injury. "Over! and why I have several times wondered at the oddity of it." should I say no more about it because it's over?"' " Why, the fact is," said Mr. Meagles, "Mrs. MeaIt was Mrs. Meagles who had spoken to Mr. Mea- gles and myself are, you see, practical people." gles; and Mrs. Meagles was, like Mr. Meagles, come- "That you have frequently mentioned in the ly and healthy, with a pleasant English face which course of the agreeable and interesting conversations had been lookin4 at homely things for five-and-fifty we have had together, walking up and down on these years or more, and shone with a bright reflection of stones," said the other, with a half smile breaking them. through the gravity of his dark face. " There! Never mind, Father, never mind!" said "Practical people. So one day, five or six years Mrs. Meagles. " For goodness' sake content yourself ago now, when we took Pet to church at the Foundwith Pet." ling-you have heard of the Foundling Hospital in " With -Pet?" repeated Mr. Meagles in his injured London? Similar to the Institution for the Found vein. Pet, however, being close behind him, touched Children in Paris?" him on the shoulder, and Mr. Meagles immediately "I have seen it." forgave Marseilles from the bottom of his heart. "Well! One day when we took Pet to church Pet was about twenty. A fair girl with rich there to hear the music-because, as practical peobrown hair hanging free in natural ringlets. A love- ple, it is the business of our lives to show her every ly girl, with a frank face, and wonderful eyes; so thing that we think can please her-Mother (my large, so soft, so bright, set to such perfection in her usual name for Mrs. Meagles) began to cry so, that it kind good head. She was round and fresh and dim- was necessary to take her out.'What's the matter, pled and spoiled, and there was in Pet an air of ti- Mother?' said I, when we had brought her a little midity and dependence which was the but weak- round;' you are frightening Pet, my dear.''Yes, I ness in the world, and gave her the only crowning know that, Father,' says Mother,'but I think it's 16 LITTLE DORRIT. through my loving her so much, that it ever came a world exchange a quiet word with you again, and into my head.'' That ever what came into your wish to preserve an accurate remembrance of you and head, Mother?''Oh dear, dear!' cried Mother, break- yours-may I ask you, if I have not gathered from ing out again,' when I saw all those children ranged your good wife that you have had other children?" tier above tier, and appealing from the father none "No. No," said Mr. Meagles. "Not exactly othof them has ever known on earth, to the great'Fa- er children. One other child." ther of us all in Heaven, I thought, does any wretched "I am afraid I have inadvertently touched upon mother ever come here, and look among those young a tender theme." faces, wondering which is the poor child she brought "Never mind," said Mr. Meagles. " If I am grave into this forlorn world, never through all its life to about it, I am not at all sorrowful. It quiets me for know her love, her kiss, her face, her voice, even her a moment, but does not make me unhappy. Pet had name!' Now that was practical in Mother, and I a twin sister, who died when we could just see her told her so. I said,'Mother, that's what I call prac- eyes-exactly like Pet's-above the table, as she tical in you, my dear."' stood on tiptoe holding by it." The other, not unmoved, assented "Ah! indeed, indeed!" "So I said next day:'Now, Mother, I have a prop- "Yes, and being practical people, a result has osition to make that I think you'll approve of. Let gradually sprung up in the minds of Mrs. Meagles us take one of those same children to be a little maid and myself which perhaps you may-or perhaps you to Pet. We are practical people. So if we should may not — understand. Pet and her baby sister find her temper a little defective, or any of her ways were so exactly alike, and so completely one, that in a little wide of ours, we shall know what we have to our thoughts we have never been able to separate take into account. We shall know what an immense them since. It would be of no use to tell us that deduction must be made from all the influences and our dead child was a mere infant. We have changed experiences that have formed us-no parents, no that child according to the changes in the child child-brother or sister, no individuality of home, no spared to us, and always with us. As Pet has grown, Glass Slipper, or Fairy Godmother.' And that's the that child has grown; as Pet has become more senway we came by Tattycoram." sible and womanly, her sister has become more sen"And the name itself-" sible and womanly, by just the same degrees. It " By George!" said Mr. Meagle, "I was forgetting would be as hard to convince me that if I was to. the name itself. Why, she was called in the Insti- pass into the other world to-morrow, I should not, tution, Harriet Beadle-an arbitrary name, of course. through the mercy of God, be received there by a Now, Harriet we changed into Hatty, and then into daughter just like Pet, as to persuade me that Pet. Tatty, because, as practical people, we thought even herself is not a reality at my side." a playful name might be a new thing to her, and "I understand you," said the other, gently. might have a softening and affectionate kind of ef-' As to her," pursued her father, " the sudden loss feet, don't you see? As to Beadle, that I needn't say of her little picture and playfellow, and her early was wholly out of the question. If there is any association with that mystery in which we all have thing that is not to be tolerated on any terms, any our equal share, but which is not often so forcibly thing that is a type of jack-in-office insolence and presented to a child, has necessarily had some infiuabsurdity, any thing that represents in coats, waist- ence on her character. Then, her mother and I were coats, and big sticks, our English holding-on by non- not young when we married, and Pet has always had sense, after every one has found it out, it is a beadle. a sort of grown-up life with us, though we have tried You haven't seen a beadle lately?" to adapt ourselves to her. We have been advised "As an Englishman, who has been more than more than once, when she has been a little ailing, to twenty years in China, no." change climate and air for her as often as we could "Then," said Mr. Meagles, laying his forefinger on -especially at about this time of her life-and to his companion's breast with great animation, " don't keep her amused. So, as I have no need to stick at you see a beadle, now, if you can help it. Whenev- a bank-desk now (though I have been poor enough er I see a beadle in full fig, coming down a street in my time, I assure you, or I should have married on a Sunday at the head of a charity-school, I am Mrs. Meagles long before), we go trotting about the obliged to turn and run away, or I should hit him. world. This is how you found us staring at the The name of Beadle being out of the question, and Nile, and the Pyramids, and the Sphinxes, and the the originator of the Institution for these poor found- Desert, and all the rest of it; and this is how Tattylings having been a blessed creature of the name of coram will be a greater traveler in course of time Coram, we gave that name to Pet's little maid. At than Captain Cook." one time she was Tatty, and at one time she was "I thank you," said the other, "very heartily for Coram, until we got into a way of mixing the two your confidence." names together, and now she is always Tattyco- "Don't mention it," returned Mr. Meagles, "I am ram." sure you are quite welcome. And now, Mr. Clen"Your daughter," said the other, when they had nam, perhaps I may ask you, whether you have yet taken another silent turn to and fro, and after stand- come to a decision where to go next?" ing for a moment at the wall glancing down at the "Indeed, no. I am such a waif and a stray everysea, had resumed their walk, "is your only child, I where, that I am liable to be drifted where any curknow, Mr. Meagles. May I ask you-in no imperti- rent may set." nent curiosity, but because I have had so much pleas- "It's *xtraordinary to me-if you'll excuse my ure in your society, may never in this labyrinth of freedom in saying so-that you don't go straight to A BOATFUL OF TRAVELERS. 17 London," said Mr. Meagles, in the tone of a confi- antine quarters became bare indeed, remembered dential adviser. among dainty dishes, southern fruits, cooled wines, "Perhaps I shall." flowers from Genoa, snow from the mountain tops, /"Ay! But I mean with a will." and all the colors of the rainbow flashing in the "I have no will. That is to say," he colored a mirrors. little, "next to none that I can put in action now. "But I bear those monotonous walls no ill-will Trained by main force; broken, not bent; heavily now," said Mr. Meagles. " One always begins to forironed with an object on which I was never consult- give a place. as soon as it's left behind; I dare say a ed and which was never mine; shipped away to the prisoner begins to relent toward his prison, after he other end of the world before I was of age, and ex- is let out." iled there until my father's death there, a year ago; They were about thirty in company, and all talkalways grinding in a mill I always hated; what is ing: but necessarily in groups. Father and Mother to be expected from me in middle life? Will, pur- Meagles sat with their daughter between them, the pose, hope? All those lights were extinguished be- last three on one side of the table: on the opposite fore I could sound the words." side sat Mr. Clennam; a tall French gentleman with "Light'em up again!" said Mr. Meagles. raven hair and beard, of a swart and terrible, not to "Ah! Easily said. I am the son, Mr. Meagles, of say genteelly diabolical aspect, but' who had shown a hard father and mother. I am the only child of par- himself the mildest of men; and a handsome young ents who weighed, measured, and priced every thing: Englishwoman, traveling quite alone, who had a for whom what could not be weighed, measured, and proud observant face, and had either withdrawn priced, had no existence. Strict people, as the phrase herself from the rest or been avoided by the restis, professors of a stern religion, their very religion nobody, herself excepted perhaps, could have quite was a gloomy sacrifice of tastes and sympathies that decided which. The rest of the party were of ihe were never their own, offered up as a part of a bar- usual materials. Travelers on business, and travelgain for the security of their possessions. Austere er's for pleasure; officers from India on leave; merfaces, inexorable discipline, penance in this world chants in the Greek and Turkey trades; a clerical and terror in the next-nothing graceful or gentle English husband in a meek strait-waistcoat, on a anywhere, and the void in my cowed heart every- wedding-trip with his young wife; a majestic Enwhere-this was my childhood, if I may so misuse glish mamma and papa, of the patrician order, with the word as to apply it to such a beginning of life." a family of three growing-up daughters, who were "Really though?" said Mr. Meagles, made very keeping a journal for the confusion of their fellowuncomfortable by the picture offered to his imagi- creatures; and a deaf old English mother tough in nation. " That was a tough commencement. But travel, with a very decidedly grown-up daughter income i! You must now study, and profit by all that deed, which daughter went sketching about the unilies beyond it, like a practical man." verse in the expectation of ultimately toning herself " If the people who are usually called practical, off into the married state. were practical in your direction " The reserved Englishwoman took up Mr. Meagles " Why, so they are!" said Mr. Meagles. in his last remark. "Are they indeed?" 4' "Do you mean that a prisoner forgives his pris"Well, I suppose so," returned Mr. Meagles, think- on?" said she, slowly and with emphasis. ing about it. "Eh? One can but be practical, and "That was my speculation, Miss Wade. I don't Mrs. Meagles and myself are nothing else." pretend to know positively how a prisoner might "My unknown course is easier and more hopeful feel. I never was one before." than I had expected to find it then," said Clennam, "Mademoiselle doubts," said the French gentleshaking his head with his grave smile. "Enough man in his own language, "its being so easy to forof me. Here is the boat!" give?" The boat was filled with the cocked hats to which " I do." Mr. Meagles entertained a national objection; and Pet had to translate this passage to Mr. Meagles, the wearers of those cocked hats landed and came who never by any accident acquired any knowledge up the steps, and all the impounded travelers con- whatever of the language of any country into which gregated together. There was then a mighty pro- he traveled. "Oh!" said he. "Dear me! But that's duction of papers on the part of the cocked hats, a pity, isn't it?" and a calling over of names, and great work of "That I am not credulous I" said Miss Wade. signing, sealing, stamping, inking, and sanding, with "Not exactly that. Put it another way. That exceedingly blurred, gritty, and undecipherable re- you can't believe it easy to forgive." suilts. Finally, every thing was done according to "My experience," she quietly returned, "has been rule, and the travelers were at liberty to depart correcting my belief in many respects, for some years. whithersoever they would. It is our natural progress, I have heard." They made little account of stare and glare, in the Well, well! But it's not natural to bear malice, new pleasure of recovering their freedom, but flitted I hope?" said Mr. Meagles, cheerily. across the harbor in gay boats, and reassembled at a " If I had been shut up in any place to pine and great hotel, whence the sun was excluded by closed suffer, I should always hate that place and wish to lattices, and where bare paved floors, lofty ceilings, burn it down, or raze it to the ground. I know no and resounding corridors, tempered the intense heat. more." There, a great table in a great room was soon pro- "Strong, sir?" said Mr. Meagles to the Frenchfusely covered with a superb repast; and the quar- man; it being another of his habits to address indi9 18 LITTLE DORRIT. viduals of all nations in idiomatic English, with a "I thank him, but I know there can be none." perfect conviction that they were bound to under- "We are afraid," said Pet, sitting down beside stand it somehow. "Rather forcible in our fair her, shyly, and half tenderly, "that you will feel friend, you'll agree with me, I think?" quite deserted when we are all gone." The French gentleman courteously replied, "Plait- "Indeed!" il?" To which Mr. Meagles returned with much "Not," said Pet, apologetically, and embarrassed satisfaction, "You are right. My opinion." by her eyes, "not, of course, that we are any comThe breakfast beginning by-and-by to languish, pany to you, or that we have been able to be so, or Mr. Meagles made the company a speech. It was that we thought you wished it." short enough and sensible enough; considering that "I have not intended to make it understood that it was a speech at all, and hearty. It merely went I did wish it." to the effect that as they had all been thrown to- "No. Of course. But-in short," said Pet, timgether by chance, and had all preserved a good un- idly touching her hand as it lay impassive on the derstanding together, and were now about to dis- sofa between them, "will you not allow Father to perse, and were not likely ever to find themselves render you any slight assistance or service? He all together again, what could they do better than will be very glad." bid farewell to one another, and give one another "Very glad," said Mr. Meagles, coming forward good-speed, in a simultaneous glass of cool Cham- with his wife and Clennam. "Any thing short of pagne all round the table? It was done, and with speaking the language, I shall be delighted to una general shaking of hands the assembly broke up dertake, I am. sure." forever. " I am obliged to you," she returned, "but my arThe solitary young lady all this time had said no rangements are made, and I prefer to go my own more. She rose with the rest, and silently withdrew way in my own manner." to a remote corner of the great room, where she sat " Do you?" said Mr. Meagles, to himself, as he surherself on a couch in a window, seeming to watch veyed her with a puzzled look. " Well! There's the reflection of the water, as it made a silver quiv- character in that, too." ering on the bars of the lattice. She sat, turned " I am not much used to the society of young laaway from the whole length of the apartment, as dies, and I am afraid I may not show my appreciaif she were lonely of her own haughty choice. And tion of it as others might. A pleasant journey to yet it would have been as difficult as ever to say, you. Good-bye!" positively, whether she avoided the rest, or was She would not have put out her hand, it seemed, avoided. but that Mr. Meagles put out his so straight before The shadow in which she sat, falling like a gloomy her, that she could not pass it. She put hers in it, veil across her forehead, accorded very well with the and it lay there just as it had lain upon the couch. character of her beauty. One could hardly see the " Good-bye!" said Mr. Meagles. " This is the last face, so still and scornful, set off by the arched dark good-bye upon the list, for Mother and I have just eyebrows, and the folds of dark hair, without won- said it to Mr. Clennam here, and he only waits to dering what its expression would be if a change say it to Pet. Good-bye! We may never meet came over it. That it could soften or relent, ap- again." peared next to impossible. That it could deepen "In our course through life we shall meet the peointo anger or any extreme of defiance, and that it ple who are coming to meet us, from many strange must change in that direction when it changed at places and by many strange roads," was the composed all, would have been its peculiar impression upon reply; " and what it is set to us to do to them, and most observers. It was dressed and trimmed into what it is set to them to do to us, will all be done." no ceremony of expression. Although not an open There was something in the manner of these face, there was no pretense in it. I am self-con- words that jarred upon Pet's ear. It implied that tained and self-reliant; your opinion is nothing to what was to be done was necessarily evil, and it me; I have no interest in you, care nothing for you, caused her to say in a whisper, " Oh, Father!" and to and see and hear you with indifference-this it said shrink childishly in her spoiled way, a little closer plainly. It said so in the proud eyes, in the lifted to him. This was not lost on the speaker. nostril, in the handsome, but compressed and even " Your pretty daughter," she said, " starts to think cruel mouth. Cover either two of those channels of such things. Yet," looking fill upon her, "you of expression, and the third would have said so still. may be sure that there are men and women already Mask them all, and the mere turn of the head would on their road, who have their business to do with have shown an unsubduable nature. you, and who will do it. Of a certainty they will Pet had moved up to her (she had been the sub- do it. They may be coming hundreds, thousands, ject of remark among her family and Mr. Clennam, of miles over the sea there; they may be close at who were now the only other occupants of the room), hand now; they may be coming, for any thing you and was standing at her side. know, or any thing you can do to prevent it, from "Are you "-she turned her eyes, and Pet falter- the vilest sweepings of this very town." ed -" expecting any one to meet you here, Miss With the coldest of farewells, and with a certain Wade?" worn expression on her beauty that gave it, though "I? No." scarcely yet in its prime, a wasted look, she left the "Father is sending to the Poste Restante. Shall room. he have the pleasure of directing the messenger to Now, there were many stairs and passages that ask if there are any letters for you?" she had to traverse in passing from that part of the UI l v r: ill! /z )j~~il~ 1 d'I'ih, I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Or' THE OBSERER STOODWITH 11ERHAND UPO HER OWNBOSOM, ]LOKING ATTHE GIRL SUNDAY EVENING IN L ONDON. 21 spacious house to the chamber she had secured for ing the coverlet with her, half to hide her shamed her own occupation. When she had almost com- head and wet hair in it, and half, as it seemed, to pleted the journey, and was passing along the gallery embrace it, rather than have nothing to take to her in which her room was, she heard an angry sound repentant breast. of muttering and sobbing. A door stood open, and "Go away from me, go away from me! When within she saw the attendant upon the girl she had my temper comes upon me, I am mad. I know I just left; the maid with the curious name. might keep it off if I only tried hard enough, and She stood still, to look at this maid. A sullen, sometimes I do try hard enough, and at other times passionate girl! Her rich black hair was all about I don't and won't. What have I said! I knew her face, her face was flushed and hot, and as she when I said it, it was all lies. They think I am besobbed and raged, she plucked at her lips with an ing taken care of somewhere, and have all I want. unsparing hand. They are nothing but good to me. I love them "Selfish brutes!" said the girl, sobbing and heav- dearly; no people could ever be kinder to a thanking between-whiles. "Not caring what becomes less creature than they always are to me. Do, do of me! Leaving me here hungry and thirsty and go away, for I am afraid of you. I am afraid of mytired, to starve, for any thing they care! Beasts! self when I feel my temper coming, and I am as Devils! Wretches!" much afraid of you. Go away from me, and let me "My poor girl, what is the matter?" pray and cry myself better!" She looked up suddenly, with reddened eyes, and The day passed on; and again the wide stare with her hands suspended, in the act of pinching stared itself out; and the hot night was on Mar-'her neck, freshly disfigured with great scarlet blots. seilles; and through it the caravan of the morning, "It's nothing to you what's the matter. It don't all dispersed, went their appointed ways. And thus signify to any one." ever, by day and night, under the sun and under the "Oh yes it does; I am sorry to see you so." stars, climbing the dusty hills and toiling along the "You are not sorry," said the girl. "You are weary plains, journeying by land and journeying by glad. You know you are glad. I never was like sea, coming and going so strangely, to meet and to this but twice, over in the quarantine yonder; and act and react on one another, move all we restless both times you found me. I am afraid of you." travelers through the pilgrimage of life. "Afraid of me?" "Yes. You seem to come like my own anger, my own malice, my own-whatever it is-I don't know what it is. But I am ill used, I am ill used, I am CHAPTER III. ill used!" Here the sobs and the tears, and the tearing hand, which had all been suspended together, HOME. since the first surprise, went on together anew. T was a Sunday evening in London, gloomy, close, The visitor stood looking at her with a strange I and stale. Maddening church bells of all.degrees attentive smile. It was wonderful to see the fury of dissonance, sharp and fiat, cracked and clear, fast of the contest in the girl, and the bodily struggle and slow, made the brick-and-mortar echoes hideous. she made as if she were rent by the Demons of old. Melancholy streets in a penitential garb of soot, " I am younger than she is by two or three years, steeped the souls of the people who were condemned and yet it's me that looks after her, as if I was old, to look at them out of windows, in dire despondency. and it's she that's always petted and called Baby! In every thoroughfare, up almost every alley, and I detest the name. I hate her. They make a fool down almost every turning, some doleful bell was of her, they spoil her. She thinks of nothing but throbbing, jerking, tolling, as if the plague were in herself, she thinks no more of me than if I was a the city and the dead-carts were going round. stock and a stone!" So the girl went on. Every thing was bolted and barred that could by "You must have patience." possibility furnish relief to an overworked people. "I won't have patience." No pictures, no unfamiliar animals, no rare plants "If they take much care of themselves, and little or flowers, no natural or artificial wonders of the or none of you, you must not mind it!" ancient world-all taboo with that enlightened strict"I will mind it!" ness, that the ugly South Sea gods in the British Mu"Hush! Be more prudent. You forget your de- seum might havesupposed themselves at home again. pendent position." Nothing to see but streets, streets, streets. Nothing "I don't care for that. I'll run away. I'll do to breathe but streets, streets, streets. Nothing to some mischief. I won't bear it; I can't bear it; I change the brooding mind, or raise it up. Nothing shall die if I try to bear it!" for the spent toiler to do, but to compare the monotThe observer stood with her hand upon her own ony of the seventh day with the monotony of his bosom, looking at the girl, as one afflicted with a six days, think what a weary life he led, and make diseased part might curiously watch the dissection the best of it —or the worst, according to the probaand exposition of an analogous case. bilities. The girl raged and battled with all the force of At such a happy time, so propitious to the interher youth and fullness of life, until by little and ests of religion and morality, Mr. Arthur Clennam, little her passionate exclamations trailed off into newly arrived from Marseilles by way of Dover, and broken murmurs as if she were in pain. By corre- by Dover coach the Blue-eyed Maid, sat in the winsponding degrees she sank into a chair, then upon dow of a coffee-house on Ludgate Hill. Ten thouher knees, then upon the ground beside the bed, draw- sand responsible houses surrounded him, frowning as 22 LITTLE DORRIT. heavily on the streets they composed, as if they were ornament on the cover like the drag of a chain, and every one inhabited by the ten young men of the a wrathful sprinkling of red upon the edges of the Calender's story, who blackened their faces and be- leaves-as if it, of all books! were a fortification moaned their miseries every night. Fifty thousand against sweetness of temper, natural affection, and lairs surrounded him where people lived so unwhole- gentle intercourse. There was the resentful Sunday somely, that fair water put into their crowded rooms of a little later, when he sat glowering and glooming on Saturday night, would be corrupt on Sunday through the tardy length of the day, with a sullen morning; albeit my lord, their county member, was sense of injury in his heart, and no more real knowlamazed that they failed to sleep in company with edge of the beneficent history of the New Testament, their butcher's meat. Miles of close wells and pits than if he had been bred among idolaters. There of houses, where the inhabitants gasped for air, was a legion of Sundays, all days of unserviceable stretched far away toward every point of the com- bitterness and mortification, slowly passing before pass. Through the heat of the town a deadly sewer him. ebbed and flowed in the place of a fine fresh river. "Beg pardon, sir," said a brisk waiter, rubbing What secular want could the million or so of human the table. "Wish see bedroom?" beings whose daily labor, six days in the week, lay "Yes.. I have jnst made up my mind to do it." among these Arcadian objects, from the sweet same- "Chaymaid!" cried the waiter. " Gelen box num ness of which they had no escape between the cradle seven wish see room!" and the grave-what secular want could they possi- "Stay!" said Clennam, rousing himself. "I was bly have upon their seventh day? Clearly they not thinking of what I said; I answered mechaniccould want nothing but a stringent policeman. ally. I am not going to sleep here. I am going Mr. Arthur Clennam sat in the window of the cof- home." fee-house, on Ludgate Hill, counting one of the neigh- " Deed, sir? Chaymaid! Gelen box num seven, boring bells, making sentences and burdens of songs not go sleep here, gome." out of it in spite of himself, and wondering how He sat in the same place as the day died, looking many sick people it might be the death of in the at the dull houses opposite, and thinking, if the discourse of a year. As the hour approached, its changes embodied spirits of former inhabitants were ever of measure made it more and more exasperating. conscious of them, how they must pity themselves At the quarter, it went off into a condition of for their old places of imprisonment. Sometimes a deadly lively importunity, urging the populace in a face would appear behind the dingy glass of a winvoluble manner to Come to church, Come to church, dow, and would fade away into the gloom as if it Come to church! At the ten minutes, it became had seen enough of life and had vanished out of it. aware that the congregation would be scanty, and Presently the rain began to fall in slanting lines beslowly hammered out in low spirits, They won't come, tween him and those houses, and people began to they won't come, they won't come! At the five min- collect under cover of the public passage opposite, utes, it abandoned hope, and shook every house in and to look out hopelessly at the sky as the rain the neighborhood for three hundred seconds, with dropped thicker and faster. Then wet umbrellas one dismal swing per second, as a groan of despair. began to appear, draggled skirts and mud. What " Thank Heaven!" said Clennam, when the hour the mud had been doing with itself, or where it came struck and the bell stopped. from, who could say? But it seemed to collect in a But its sound had revived a long train of miser- moment, as a crowd will, and in five minutes to have able Sundays, and the procession would not stop splashed all the sons and daughters of Adanm. The with the bell, but continued to march on. " Heav- lamp-lighter was going his rounds now; and as the en forgive me," said he, " and those who trained me. fiery jets sprang up under his touch, one might have How I have hated this day!" fancied them astonished at.being suffered to introThere was the dreary Sunday of his childhood, duce any show of brightness into such a dismal scene. when he sat with his hands before him, scared out Mr. Arthur Clennam took up his hat, and buttoned of hisJ senses by a horrible tract which commenced his coat, and walked out. In the country, the rain business with the poor child by asking him in its would have developed a thousand fresh scents, and title, why lihe was going to Perdition? —a piece of every drop would have had its bright association curiosity that he really in a frock and drawers was with some beautiful form of growth or life. In the not in a condition to satisfy-and which, for the city, it developed only foul stale smells, and was a further attraction of his infant mind, had a paren- sickly, lukewarm, dirt-stained, wretched addition to thesis in every other line with some such hiccoughing the gutters. reference as 2 Ep. Thess. c. iii., v. 6 & 7. There was He crossed by St. Paul's and went down, at a long the sleepy Sunday of his boyhood, when, like a mili- angle, almost to the water's edge, through some of tary deserter, he was marched to chapel by a picquet the crooked and descending streets which lie (and of teachers three times a day, morally handcuffed lay more crookedly and closely then) between the to another boy; and when he would willingly have river and Cheapside. Passing, now the moldy hall bartered two meals of indigestible sermon for anoth- of some obsolete Worshipful Company, now the illuer ounce or two of inferior mutton at his scanty din- minated windows of a Congregationless Church that, ner in the flesh. There was the interminable Sun- seemed to be waiting for some adventurous Belzoni day of his nonage; when his mother, stern of face to dig it out and discover its history; passing silent and unrelenting of heart, would sit all day behind a warehouses and wharves, and here and there a narBible —bound like her own construction of it in the row alley leading to the river, where a wretched lithardest, barest, and straitest boards, with one dinted tle bill, FOUND DROWNED, was weeping on the wet ARTHUR CLENNVAM'S ARRIVA4L. 23 wall; he came at last to the house he sought. An Mr. Arthur stepped in and shut the door. old brick house, so dingy as to be all but black, " Your figure is filled out, and set," said the old standing by itself within a gate-way. Before it, a man, turning to look at him with the light raised square court-yard where a shrub or two and a patch again, and shaking his head; " but you don't come of grass were as rank (which is saying much), as the up to your father, in my opinion. Nor yet your iron railings inclosing them were rusty; behind it a mother." jumble of roots. It was a double house, with long, "How is my mother?" narrow, heavily-franrrled windows. Many years ago, "She is as she always is now. Keeps her room it had it in its mind to slide down sideways; it had when not actually bedridden, and hasn't been out of been propped up, however, and was leaning on some it fifteen times in as many years, Arthur." They had half-dozen gigantic crutches: which gymnasium for walked into a spare, meagre dining-room. The old the neighboring cats, weather-stained, smoke-black- man had put the candlestick upon the table, and ened, and overgrown with weeds, appeared in these supporting his right elbow with his left hand, was latter days to be no very sure reliance. smoothing his leathern jaws while he looked at the "Nothing changed," said the traveler, stopping to visitor. The visitor offered his hand. The old man "/NOTHING 0cHANGED," SAID THE TRAVELER, STOPPING TO LOOK ROUND. "DARK AND MISERABLE AS EVER." look round. " Dark and miserable as ever. A light took it coldly enough, and seemed to prefer his jaws; in my mother's window, which seems never to have to which he returned as soon as he could. been extinguished since I came home twice a year "I doubt if your mother will approve of your from school, and dragged my box over this pavement. coming home on the Sabbath, Arthur," he said, shakWell, well, well!" ing his head warily. He went up to the door, which had a projecting "You wouldn't have me go away again?" canopy in carved work, of festooned jack-towels and "Oh! I? I? I am not the master. It's not what children's heads with water on the brain, designed I would have. I have stood between your father after a once popular monumental pattern;, and and mother for a number of years. I don't pretend knocked. A shuffling step was soon heard on the to stand between your mother and you." stone floor of the hall, and the door was opened by "Will you tell her that I have come home?" an old man; bent and dried, but with keen eyes. " Yes, Arthur, yes. Oh to be sure! I'll tell her He had a candle in his hand, and he held it up for that you have come home. Please to wait here. a moment to assist his keen eyes. "Ah, Mr. Ar- You won't find the room changed." He took anoththur?" he said, without any emotion, "you are come er candle from a cupboard, lighted it, left the first at last? Step in." on the table, and went upon his errand. He was a 24 LITTLE DORBIT. short, bald old man, in a high-shouldered black coat dress for fifteen months, and out of the bier-like sofa and waistcoat, drab breeches, and long drab gaiters. for fifteen years. He might, from his dress, have been either clerk or "Mother, this is a change from your old active servant, and in fact had long been both. There was habits." nothing about him in the way of decoration but a "The world has narrowed to these dimensions, watch, which was lowered into the depths of its Arthur," she replied, glancing round the room. " It proper pocket by an old black ribbon, and had a tar- is well for me that I never set my heart upon its holnishecl copper key moored above it, to show where low vanities." it was sunk. His head was awry, and he had a one- The old influence of her presence and her stern, sided crab-like way with him, as if his foundations strong voice, so gathered about her son, that he felt had yielded at about the same time as those of the conscious of a renewal of the timid chill and reserve house, and he ought to have been propped up in a of his childhood. similar manner. "Do you never leave your room, mother?" "How weak am 1," said Arthur Clennam, when he "What with my rheumatic affection, and what was gone, " that I could shed tears at this reception! with its attendant debility or nervous weaknessI, who have never experienced any thing else: who names are of no matter now-I have lost the use of have never expected any thing else." my limbs. I never leave my room. I have not been He not only could, but did. It was the moment- outside this door for — tell him for how long," she ary yielding of a nature that had been disappointed said, speaking over her shoulder. from the dawn of its perceptions, but had not quite "A dozen year next Christmas," returned a crackgiven up all its hopeful yearnings yet. He subdued ed voice out of the dimness behind. it, took up the candlle, and examined the room. The "Is that Affery?" said Arthur, looking toward it. old articles of furniture were in their old places; The cracked voice replied that it was Affery; and the Plagues of Egypt, much the dimmer for the fly an old woman came forward into what doubtfill and smoke plagues of London, were framed and light there was, and kissed her hand once; then glazed upon the walls. There was the old cellaret subsided again into the dimness. with nothing in it, lined with lead, like a sort of cof- "I am able," said Mrs. Clennam, with a slight fin in compartments; there was the old dark closet, motion of her worsted-muffled right hand toward a also with nothing in it, of which he had been many chair on wheels, standing before a tall writing-caba time the sole contents, in days of punishment, when inet close shut up, " I am able to attend to my bushe had regarded it as the veritable entrance to that iness duties, and I am thankful for the privilege. It bourne to which the tract had found him galloping. is a great privilege. But no more of business on this There was the large, hard-featured clock on the side- day. It is a bad night, is it not?" board, which he used to see bending its figured "Yes, mother." brows upon him with a savage joy when he was be- "Does it snow?" hindhand with his:-lessons, and which, when it was "Snow, mother? And we only yet in Septemwound up once a week with an iron handle, used to ber?" sound as if it were growling in ferocious anticipa- "All seasons are alike to me," she returned, with tion of the miseries into which it would bring him. a grim kind of luxuriousness. "'I know nothing of But here was the old man come back, saying, " Ar- summer and winter, shut up here. The Lord has thur, I'll go before and light you." been pleased to put me beyond all that." With her Arthur followed him up the staircase, which was cold gray eyes and her cold gray hair, and her impaneled off into spaces like so many mourning tab- movable face, as stiff as the folds of her stony headlets, into a dim bed-chamber, the floor of which had dress-her being beyond the reach of the seasons, gradually so sunk and settled, that the fire-place seemed but a fit sequence to her being beyond the was in a dell. On a black bier-like sofa in this hol- reach of all changing emotions. low, propped up behind with one great angular On her little table lay two or three books, her black bolster, like the block at a state execution in handkerchief, a pair of steel spectacles newly taken the good old times, sat his mother in a widow's dress. off, and an old- fashioned gold watch in a heavy She and his father had been at variance from his double case. Upon this last object her son's eyes earliest remembrance. To sit speechless himself in and her own now rested together. the midst of rigid silence, glancing in dread from "I see that you received the packet I sent you on the one averted face to the. other, had been the my father's death, safely, mother." peacefilllest occupation of his childhood. She gave "You see." him one glassy kiss, and four stiff fingers muffled in "I never knew my father to show so much anxieworsted. This embrace concluded, he sat down on ty on any subject, as that his watch should be sent the opposite side of her little table. There was a straight to you." fire in the grate, as there had been night and day for " I keep it here as a remembrance of your father." fifteen years. There was a kettle on the hob, as "It was not until the last, that he expressed the there had been night and day for fifteen years. wish. When he could only put his hand upon it, There was a little mound of damped ashes on the and very indistinctly say to me,' Your mother.' A top of the fire, and another little mound swept to- moment before, I thought him wandering in his gether under the grate, as there had been night and mind, as he had been for many hours-I think he day for fifteen years. There was a smell of black had no consciousness of pain in his short illnessdye in the airless room, which the fire had been when I saw him turn himself in his bed and try to drawing out of the crape and stuff of the widow's open it." MRS. CLENNAM INVALIDED. 25 "Was your father, then, not wandering in his "You shall if you like," said Affery. "There's mind when he tried to open it?" her to-morrow's partridge in the larder-her first " No. He was quite sensible at that time." this year; say the word, and I'll cook it." Mrs. Clennam shook her head; whether in dis- No, he had not long dined, and could eat nothing. missal of the deceased or opposing herself to her "Have something to drink, then," said Affery; son's opinion, was not clearly expressed. "you shall have some of her bottle of port, if you "After my father's death I opened it myself, think- like. I'll tell Jeremiah that you ordered me to bring ing there might be, for any thing I knew, some mem- it you." orandum there. However, as I need not tell you, No; nor would he have that, either. mother, there was nothing but the old silk watch- "It's no reason, Arthur," said the old woman, paper worked in beads, which you found (no doubt) bending over him to whisper, " that because I am in its place between the cases, where I found and afeared of my life of'em, you should be. You've got left it." half the property, haven't you?" Mrs. Clennam signified assent; then added, "No "Yes, yes." more of business on this day," and then added, "Af- "Well then, don't you be cowed. You're clever, fery, it is nine o'clock." Arthur, an't you?" Upon this the old woman cleared the little table, He nodded, as she seemed to expect an answer in went out of the room, and quickly returned with a the affirmative. tray, on which was a dish of little rusks and a small " Then stand up against them! She's awful clevprecise pat of butter, cool, symmetrical, white, and er, and none but a clever one durst say oa word to plump. The old man who had been standing by her. He's a clever one-oh he's a clever one!-and the door in one attitude during the whole interview, he gives it her when he has a mind to't, he does!" looking at the mother up stairs as he had looked at " Your husband does?" the son down stairs, went out at the same time, and "Does? It makes me shake from head to foot, after a longer absence, returned with another tray to hear him give it her. My husband, Jeremiah on which was the greater of a bottle of port-wine Flintwinch, can conquer even your mother. What (which, to judge by his panting, he had brought from can he be but a clever one to do that!" the cellar), a lemon, a sugar basin, and a spice-box. His shuffling footstep coming toward them caused With these materials and the aid of the kettle, he her to retreat to the other end of the room. Though filled a tumbler with a hot and odorous mixture, a tall, hard-favored, sinewy old woman, who in her measured out and compounded with as much nicety youth might have enlisted in the Foot Guards withas a physician's prescription. Into this mixture out much fear of discovery, she collapsed before the Mrs. Clennam dipped certain of the rusks and ate little keen-eyed crab-like old man. them; while Wke old woman buttered certain other " Now Affery," said he, " now woman, what are you of the rusks, which were to be eaten alone. When doing? Can't you find Master Arthur something the invalid had eaten all the rusks and drunk all the or another to pick at?" mixture, the two trays were removed; and the books Master Arthur repeated his recent refusal to pick and the candle, watch, handkerchief, and spectacles at any thing. were replaced upon the table. She then put on the " Very well, then," said the old man; "make his spectacles and read certain passages aloud from a bed. Stir yourself." His neck was so twisted, that book-sternly, fiercely, wrathfully-praying that the knotted ends of his white cravat usually dangled her enemies (she made them by her tone and man- under one ear; his natural acerbity and energy; alner expressly hers) might be put to the edge of the ways contending with a second nature of habitual sword, consumed by fire, smitten by plagues and lep- repression, gave his features a swollen and suffused rosy, that their bones might be ground to dust, and look; and altogether, he had a weird appearance of that they might be utterly exterminated. As she having hanged himself at one time or other, and of read on, years seemed to falls away from her son like having gone about ever since, halter and all, exactly the imaginings of a dream, and all the old dark hor- as some timely hand had cut him down. rorts of his usual preparation for the sleep of an in- "You'll have bitter words together to-morrow, nocent child to overshadow him. Arthur; you and your mother," said Jeremiah. "Your She shut the book and remained for a little time having given up the business on your father's death with her face shaded by her hand. So did the old -which she suspects, though we have left it to you man, otherwise still unchanged in attitude; so, prob- to tell her-won't go off smoothly." ably, did the old woman in her dimmer part of the "I have given up every thing in life for the busiroom. Then the sick woman was ready for bed. ness, and the time came for me to give up that." " Good-night, Arthur. Affery will see to your ac- "Good!" cried Jeremiah, evidently meaning Bad. commodation. Only touch me, for my hand is ten- " Very good! only don't expect me to stand between der." He touched the worsted muffling of her hand your mother and you, Arthur. I stood between your -that was nothing; if his mother had been sheath- mother and your father, fending off this, and fending ed in brass there would have been no new barrier off that, and getting crushed and pounded betwixt between them-and followed the old man and wom-'em; and I've done with such work." an down stairs. " You will never be asked to begin it again for me, The latter asked him, when they were alone to- Jeremiah." gether among the heavy shadows of the diniing-room, " Good, I'm glad to hear it; because I should have would he have some supper? had to decline it, if I had been. That's enough-as " No, Affery, no supper." your mother says-and more than enough of such 26 LITTLE DORRIT. matters on a Sabbath night. Affery, woman, have "Was it my mother's project, then?" you found what you want yet?" "The Lord bless you, Arthur, and forgive me the She had been collecting sheets and blankets from wish " cried Affery, speaking always in a low tone. a press, and hastened to gather them up, and to re- "If they hadn't been both of a mind in it, how could ply, "Yes, Jeremiah." Arthur Clennam helped her it ever have been? Jeremiah never courted me; by carrying the load himself, wished the old man t'ant likely that he would, after living in the house good-night, and went up stairs with her to the top with me and ordering me about for as many years of the house. as he'd done. He said to me one day, he said,'AfThey mounted up and up, through the musty fery,' he said,'now I am going to tell you somesmell of an old close house, little used, to a large gar- thing. What do you think of the name of Flintret bedroom. Meagre and spare, like all the other winch?"'What do I think of it?' I says.' Yes,' rooms, it was even uglier and grimmer than the he said;'because you're going to take it,' he said. rest, by being the place of banishment for the worn-' Take it?' I says.'Jere-nmi-ah?' Oh, he's a clever out furniture. Its movables were ugly old chairs one!" with worn-out seats, and ugly old chairs without Mrs. Flintwinch went on to spread the upper any seats; a threadbare patternless carpet, a maimed sheet over the bed, and the blanket over that, and table, a crippled wardrobe, a lean set of fire-irons the counterpane over that, as if she had quite conlike the skeleton of a set deceased, a washing-stand eluded her story. that looked as if it had stood for ages in a hail of "Well?" said Arthur again. dirty soap-suds, and a bedstead with four bare ato- "Well?" echoed Mrs. Flintwinch again. "How mies of posts, each terminating in a spike, as if for could I help myself? He said to me,'Affery, you the dismal accommodation of lodgers who might and me must be married, and I'll tell you why. She's prefer to impale themselves. Arthur opened the failing in health, and she'll want pretty constant long, low window, and looked out upon the old blast- attendance up in her room, and we shall have to be ed and blackened forest of chimneys, and the old red much with her, and there'll be nobody about now glare in the sky which had seemed to him once upon but ourselves when we're away from her, and altoa time but a nightly reflection of the fiery environ- gether it will be more convenient. She's of my ment that was presented to his childish fancy in all opinion,' he said,'so if you'll put your bonnet on, directions, let it look where it would. next Monday morning at eight, we'll get it over.'" He drew in his head again, sat down at the bed- Mrs. Flintwinch tucked up the bed. side, and looked on at Affery Flintwinch making the "Well?" bed. "Well?" repeated Mrs. Flintwinch, " I think so! "Affery, you were not married when I went away." I sits me down and says it. Well!-Jeremiah then She screwed her mouth into the form of saying says to me,'As to banns, next Sunday being the "No," shook her head, and proceeded to get a pillow third time of asking (for I've put'em up a fortinto its case. night), is my reason for naming Monday. She'll " How did it happen?" speak to you about it herself, and now she'll find "Why, Jeremiah, o' course," said Affery, with an you prepared, Affery.' That same day she spoke to end of the pillow-case between her teeth. me, and she said,' So, Affery, I understand that you " Of course he proposed it, but how did it all come and Jeremiah are going to be married. I am glad about? I should have thought that neither of you of it, and so are you, with reason. It is a very good would have married; least of all should I have thing for you, and very welcome under the circumthought of your marrying each other." stances to me. He is a sensible man, and a trust"No more should I," said Mrs. Flintwinch, tying worthy man, and a persevering man, and a pious the pillow tightly in its case. man.' What could I say when it had come to that? "That's what I mean. When did you begin to Why, if it had been -a Smothering instead of a think otherwise?" Wedding," Mrs. Flintwhlch cast about in her mind "Never begun to think otherwise at all," said with great pains for this form of expression, "I Mrs. Flintwinch. couldn't have said a word upon it, against them two Seeing, as she patted the pillow into its place on clever ones." the bolster, that he was still looking at her, as if " In good faith, I believe so." waiting for the rest of her reply, she gave it a great "And so you may, Arthur." poke in the middle, and asked, "How could I help "Affery, what girl was that in my mother's room myself?" just now?" "How could you help yourself from being mar- "Girl!" said Mrs. Flintwinch in a rather sharp ried?" key. " O' course," said Mrs. Flintwinch. " It was no do- "It was a girl, surely, whom I saw near you-aling o' mine. I'd never thought of it. I'd got some- most hidden in the dark corner?" thing to do, without thinking, indeed! he kept me "Oh! She? Little Dorrit? She's nothing; she's to it when she could go about, and she could go a whim of-hers." It was a peculiarity of Affery about then." Flintwinch that she never spoke of Mrs. Clennam "Well?" by name. "But there's another sort of girls than " Well?" echoed Mrs. Flintwinch. " That's what that about: Have you forgot your old sweetheart? I said myself. Well! What's the use of consider- Long and long ago, I'll be bound." ing? If them two clever ones has made up their " I suffered enough from my mother's separating minds to it, what's left for me to do? Nothing." us, to remember her. I recollect her very well." aMRS. FLINTWINCH'S DREAM. 27 " Have you got another?" some hours, and found Jeremiah not yet abed. That "No." she looked at the candle she had left burning, and, "Here's news for you, then. She's well to do measuring the time like King Alfred the Great, was now, and a widow. And if you like to have her, confirmed by its wasted state in her belief that she why you can." had been asleep for some considerable period. That "And how do you know that, Affery?" she arose thereupon, muffled herself up in a wrap" Them two clever ones have been speaking about per, put on her shoes, and went out on the staircase it.-There's Jeremiah on the stairs!" She was gone much surprised, to look for Jeremiah. in a moment. The staircase was as wooden and solid as need be, Mrs. Flintwinch had introduced into the web that and Affery went straight down it without any of his mind was busily weaving, in that old workshop those deviations peculiar to dreams. She did not where the loom of his youth had stood, the last skim over it, but walked down it, and guided herthread wanting to the pattern. The airy folly of a self by the banisters on account of her candle havboy's love had found its way even into that house, ing died out. In one corner of the hall, behind the and he had been as wretched under its hopelessness house door, there was a little waiting-room, like.a as if the house had been a castle of romance. Little well-shaft, with a long narrow window in it as if it more than a week ago, at Marseilles, the face of the had been ripped up. In this room, which was never pretty girl from whom he had parted with regret, used, a light was burning. had had an unusual interest for him, and a tender Mrs. Flintwinch crossed the hall, feeling its pavehold upon him, because of some. resemblance, real ment cold to her stockingless feet, and peeped in or imagined, to this first face that had soared out of between the rusty hinges of the door, which stood his gloomy life into the bright glories of fancy. He a little open. She expected to see Jeremiah fast leaned upon the sill of the long, low window, and asleep or in a fit, but he was calmly seated in a looking out upon the blackened forest of chimneys chair, awake, and in his usual health. But whatagain, began to dream. For, it had been the uni- hey? —Lord forgive us!-Mrs. Flintwinch muttered form tendency of this man's life —so much was some ejaculation to this effect, and turned giddy. wanting in it to think about, so much that might For, Mr. Flintwinch awake, was watching Mr. have been better directed and happier to speculate Flintwinch asleep. He sat on one side of a small upon-to make him a dreamer, after all. table, looking keenly at himself on the other side with his chin sunk on his breast, snoring. The * -c — waking Flintwinch had his full front face presented to his wife; the sleeping Flintwinch was in profile. CHAPTER IV. The waking Flintwinch was the old original; the sleeping Flintwinch was the double. Just as she MRS. FLINTWINCH HAS A DREAM. might have distinguished between a tangible object W YHEN Mrs. Flintwinch dreamed, she usually and its reflection in the glass, Affery made out this dreamed, unlike the son of her old mistress, difference with her head going round and round. with her eyes shut. She had a curiously vivid If she had had any doubt which was her own dream that night, and before she had left the son Jeremiah, it would have been resolved by his impaof her old mistress many hours. In fact it was not tience. He looked about him for an offensive weapat all like a dream, it was so very real in every re- on, caught up the snuffers, and, before applying them spect. It happened in this wise: to the cabbage-headed candle, lunged at the sleeper The bed-chamber occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Flint- as though he would have run him through the body. winch was within a few paces of that to which Mrs. "Who's that? What's the matter?" cried the Clennam had been so long confined. It was not on sleeper, starting. the same floor, for it was a room at the side of the Mr. Flintwinch made a movement with the snuffhouse, which was approached by a steep descent of ers, as if he would have enforced silence on his coma few odd steps, diverging from the main staircase panion by putting them down his throat; the comnearly opposite to Mrs. Clennam's door. It could panion coming to himself, said, rubbing his eyes, "I scarcely be said to be within call, the walls, doors, forgot where I was." and paneling of the old place were so cumbrous; "You have been asleep," snarled Jeremiah, referbut it was within easy reach, in any undress, at any ring to his watch," two hours. You said you would hour of the night, in any temperature. At the head be rested enough if you had a short nap." of the bed, and within a foot of Mrs. Flintwinch's " I have had a short nap," said Double. ear, was a bell, the line of which hung ready to Mrs. "Half-past two o'clock in the morning," mutterClennamrn's hand. Whenever this bell rang, up start- ed Jeremiah. "Where's your hat? Where's your ed Affery, and was in the sick-room before she was coat? Where's the box?" awake. "All here," said Double, tying up his throat with Having got her mistress into bed, lighted her sleepy carefulness in a shawl. "Stop a minute. lamp, and given her good-night, Mrs. Flintwinch Now give me the sleeve-not that sleeve, the other went to roost as usual, saving that her lord had not one. Ha! I'm not as young as I was." Mr. Flintyet appeared. It was her lord himself who became winch had pulled him into his coat with vehement — unlike the last theme in the mind, according to energy. " You promised me a second glass after I the observation of most philosophers-the subject was rested." of Mrs. Flintwinch's dream. "Drink it!" returned Jeremiah, "and - choke It seemed to her that she awoke, after sleeping yourself, I was going to say-but go, I mean." At 28 LITTLE DORRIT. the same time he produced the identical port-wine to her room (which she might easily have done bebottle, and filled a wine-glass. fore he had fastened the door), but stood there star"Her port-wine, I believe?" said Double, tasting ing. Consequently,.when he came up the staircase it as if he were in the docks, with hours to spare. to bed, candle in hand, he came full upon her. He "Her health." looked astonished, but said not a word. He kept He took a sip. his eyes upon her, and kept advancing; and she, "Your health!" completely under his influence, kept retiring before He took another sip. him. Thus, she walking backward and he walking " His health!" forward, they came into their own room. They were He took another sip. no sooner shut in there, than Mr. Flintwinch took "And all friends round St. Paul's." He emptied her by the throat, and shook her until she was black and put down the wine-glass half-way through this in the face. ancient civic toast, and took up the box. It was an "Why, Affery, woman-Affery!" said Mr. Flint-1RS. FLINTWINCH HAS A DREAM. iron box some two feet square, which he carried un- winch. "What have you been dreaming of? Wake der his arms pretty easily. Jeremiah watched his up, wake up! What's the matter?" manner of adjusting it, with jealous eyes; tried it "The-the matter, Jeremiah?" gasped Mrs. Flintwith his hands, to be sure that he had a firm hold winch, rolling her eyes. of it; bade him for his life be careful what he was "Why, Affery, woman-Affery! You have been about; and then stole out on tiptoe to open the door getting out of bed in your sleep, my dear. I come for him. Affery, anticipating the last movement, up, after having fallen asleep myself, below, and find was on the staircase. The sequence of things was you in your wrapper here, with the nightmare. Afso ordinary and natural, that, standing there, she fery, woman," said Mr. Flintwinch, with a friendly could hear the door open, feel the night air, and see grin on his expressive countenance, "if you ever the stars outside. have a dream of this sort again, it'll be a sign of your But now came the most remarkable part of the being in want of physic. And I'll give you such a dream. She felt so afraid of her husband, that be- dose, old woman-such a dose!" ing on the staircase, she had not the power to retreat Mrs. Flintwinch thanked him and crept into bed. MATTERS OF BUSINESS. 29 CHAPTER V. ther's earlier time, and in his uncle's time before him, it was a place of business-really a place of business, and business resort. Now, it is a mere anomaly and SA the city clocks struck nine on Monday morn- incongruity here, out of date and out of purpose. All ing, Mrs. Clennam was wheeled by Jeremiah our consignments have long been made to RovingFlintwinch, of the cut-down aspect, to her tall cabi- hams' the commission-merchanlts; and although, as net. When she had unlocked and opened it, and a check upon them, and in the stewardship of my had settled herself at its desk, Jeremiah withdrew- father's resources, your judgment and watchfulness as it might be, to hang himself more effectually- have been actively exerted, still those qualities would and her son appeared. have influenced my father's fortunes equally, if you "Are you any better this morning, mother?" had lived in any private dwelling: would they not?" She shook her head, with the same austere air of " Do you consider," she returned, without, answerluxuriousness that she had shown overnight when ing his question, "that a house serves no purpose, speaking of the weather. "I shall never be better Arthur, in sheltering your infirm and afflicted-jclustany more. It is well for me, Arthur, that I know it ly infirm and righteously afflicted-mother?" and can bear it." "I was speaking only of business purposes." Sitting with her hands laid separately upon the "With what object?" desk, and the tall cabinet towering before her, she "I am coming to it." looked as if she were performing on a dumb church "I foresee," she returned, fixing her eyes upon organ. Her son thought so (it was an old thought him, " what it is. But the Lord forbid that I should with him), while he took his seat beside it. repine under any visitation. In my sinfulness I She opened a drawer or two, looked over some bus- merit bitter disappointment, and I accept it." iness papers, and put them back again. Her severe "Mother, I grieve to hear you speak like this, face had no thread of relaxation in it, by which any though I have hlad my apprehensions that you explorer could have been guided to the gloomy laby- would-" rinth of her thoughts. " You knew I would. You knew me," she inter"Shall I speak of our affairs, mother? Are you rupted. inclined to enter upon business?" Her son paused for a moment. He had struck fire "Am I inclined, Arthur? Rather, are you? Your out of her, and was surprised. "Well!" she said, refather has been dead a year and more. I have been lapsing into stone. " Go on. Let me hear." at your disposal, and waiting your pleasure, ever "You have anticipated, mother, that I decide, for since." my part, to abandon the business. I have done with " There was much to arrange before I could leave; it. I will not take upon myself to advise you; you and when I did leave, I traveled a little for rest and will continue it, I see. If I had any influence with relief." you, I would simply use it to soften your judgment She turned her face toward him, as not having of me in causing you this disappointment: to repreheard or understood his last words. sent to you that I have lived the half of a long term "For rest and relief." of life, and have never before set my own will against She glanced round the sombre room, and appeared yours. I can not say that I have been able to confrom the motion of her lips to repeat the words to form myself, in heart and spirit, to your rules; I can herself, as calling it to witness how little of either it not say that I believe my forty years have been profafforded her. itable or pleasant to myself, or any one; but I have " Besides, mother, you being sole executrix, and habitually submitted, and I only ask you to rememhaving the direction and management of the estate, ber it." there remained little business, or I might say none, Woe to the suppliant, if such a one there were or that I could transact, until you had had time to ar- ever had been, who had any concession to look for range matters to your satisfaction." in the inexorable face at the cabinet. Woe to the "The accounts are made out," she returned. "I defaulter whose appeal lay to the tribunal where have them here. The vouchers have all been exam- those severe eyes presided. Great need had the rigined and passed. You can inspect them when you id woman of her mystical religion, veiled in gloom like, Arthur- now, if you please." and darkness, with lightnings of cursing, vengeance, "It is quite enough, mother, to know that the bus- and destruction; flashing through the sable clouds. iness is completed. Shall I proceed, then?" Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, was " Why not?" she said, in her frozen way. a prayer too poor in spirit for her. Smite thou my "Mother, our House has done less and less for debtors, Lord, wither them, crush them; do Thou as some years past, and our dealings have been pro- I would do, and Thou shalt have my worship: this gressively on the decline. We have never shown was the impious tower of stone she built up to scale much confidence, or invited much; we have attached Heaven. no people to us; the track we have kept is not the " Have you finished, Arthur, or have you any thing track of the time; and we have been left far behind. more to say to me? I think there can be nothing I need not dwell on this to you, mother. You know else. You have been short, but full of matter!" it necessarily." "Mother, I have yet something more to say. It "I know what you mean," she answered, in a qual- has been upon my mind, night and day, this long ified tone. time. It is far more difficult to say than what I "Even this old house in which we speak," pursued have said. That concerned myself; this concerns her son, "is an instance of what I say. In my fa- us all." 30 LITTLE DORRIT. "Us all! Who are us all?" weight moved it, from time to time, a little on its "Yourself, myself, my dead father." wheels, and gave her the appearance of a phantom She took her hands from the desk; folded them of fierce aspect gliding away from him, she interin her lap; and sat looking toward the fire, with the posed her left arm, bent at the elbow with the back impenetrability of an old Egyptian sculpture. of her hand toward her face, between herself and " You knew my father infinitely better than I ever him, and looked at him in a fixed silence. knew him; and his reserve with me yielded to you. "In grasping at money and in driving hard barYou were much the stronger, mother, and directed gains-I have begun, and I must speak of such things him. As a child, I knew it as well as I know it now. now, mother-some one may have been grievously I knew that your ascendency over him was the deceived, injured, ruined. You were the moving cause of his going to China to take care of the busi- power of all this machinery before my birth; your ness there while you took care of it here (though I stronger spirit has been infused into all my father's do not even now know whether these were really dealings, for more than two-score years. You can terms of separation that you agreed upon); and that set these doubts at rest, I think, if you will really it was your will that I should remain with you un- help me to discover the truth. Will you, mother?" til I was twenty, and then go to him as I did. You He stopped in the hope that she would speak. will not be offended by my recalling this, after twen- But her gray hair was not more immovable in its ty years?" two folds, than were her firm lips. " I am waiting to hear why you recall it." "If reparation can be made to any one, if restituHe lowered his voice, and said, with manifest re- tion can be made to any one, let us know it and luctance, and against his will: make it. l Nay, mother, if within my means, let me "I want to ask you, mother, whether it ever oc- make it. I have seen so little happiness come of curred to you to suspect-" money; it has brought within my knowledge so litAt the word Suspect, she turned her eyes moment- tle peace to this house, or to any one belonging to arily upon her son, with a dark frown. She then it; that it is worth less to me than to another. It suffered them to seek the fire as before; but with can buy me nothing that will not be a reproach and the frown fixed above them, as if the sculptor of old misery to me, if I am haunted by a suspicion that it Egypt had indented it in the hard granite face, to darkened my father's last hours with remorse, and frown for ages. that it is not honestly and justly mine." " —That he had any secret remembrance which There was a bell-rope hanging on the paneled caused him trouble of mind-remorse? Whether wall, some two or three yards from the cabinet. By you ever observed any thing in his conduct suggest- a swift and sudden action of her foot, she drove her ing that; or ever spoke to him upon it, or ever heard wheeled chair rapidly back to it and pulled it viohim hint at such a thing?" lently-still holding her arm up in its shield-like " I do not understand what kind of secret remem- posture, as if he were striking at her, and she wardbrance you mean to infer that your father was a ing off the blow. prey to," she returned, after a silence. "You speak A girl came hurrying in, frightened. so mysteriously." "Send Flintwinch here!" " Is it possible, mother "-her son leaned forward In a moment the girl had withdrawn, and the old to be the nearer to her while he whispered it, and laid man stood within the door. "What! You're hamhis hand nervously upon her desk-" is it possible, mer and tongs already, you two?" he said, coolly mother, that he had unhappily wronged any one, stroking his face. "I thought you would be. I and made no reparation?" was pretty sure of it." Looking at him wrathfully, she bent herself back "Flintwinch!" said the mother, "look at my son. in her chair to keep him farther off, but gave him no Look at him!" reply. "Well! I am looking at him," said Fliutwinch. "I am deeply sensible, mother, that if this thought She stretched out the arm with which she had has never at any time flashed upon you, it must shielded herself, and as she went on pointed at the seem cruel and unnatural in me, even in this confi- object of her anger. dence, to breathe it. But I can not shake it off. "In the very hour of his return almost-before Time and change (I have tried both before breaking the shoe upon his foot is dry, he asperses his father's silence), do nothing to wear it out. Remember, I memory to his mother! Asks his mother to become, was with my father. Remember, I saw his face with him, a spy upon his father's transactions through when he gave the watch into my keeping, and strug- a lifetime! Has misgivings that the goods of this gled to express that he sent it as a token you would world which we have painfully got together early understand, to you. Remember, I saw him at the and late, with wear and tear and toil and self-denial, last with the pencil in his failing hand, trying to are so much plunder; and asks to whom they shall write some word for you to read,. but to which he be given up, as reparation and restitution!" could give no shape. The more remote and cruel Although she said this raging, she said it in a this vague suspicion that I have, the stronger the voice so far from being beyond her control, that it circumstances that could give it any semblance of was even lower than her usual tone. She also spoke probability to me. For Heaven's sake, let us exam- with great distinctness. ine sacredly whether there is any wrong intrusted "Reparation!" said she. "Yes truly! It is easy to us to set right. No one can help toward it, moth- for him to talk of reparation, fresh from journeying er, but you." and junketing in foreign lands, and living a life of Still so recoiling in her chair that her overpoised vanity and pleasure. But let him look at me, in MRS. CLEiYNAM'S OYSTERS. 31 prison, and in bonds here. I endure without mur- no right to mistrust your father, and have no ground muring, because it is appointed that I shall so make to go upon." reparation for my sins. Reparation! Is there none He put his hands to the back of the wheeled chair, in this room? Has there been none here this fifteen and muttering to himself, slowly wheeled his mistress years?" back to her cabinet. " No" he resumed, standing Thus was she always balancing her bargain with behind her: "in case I should go away leaving the Majesty of heaven, posting up the entries to her things half done, and so should be wanted again credit, strictly keeping her set-off, and claiming her when you come to the other half and get into one due. She was only remarkable in this, for the force of your flights, has Arthur told you what he means and emphasis with which she did it. Thousands to do about the business?" upon thousands do it, according to their varying "He has relinquished it." manner, every day. "In favor of nobody, I suppose?" " Flintwinch, give me that book!" Mrs. Clennam glanced at her son, leaning against The old man handed it to her from the table. She one of the windows. He observed the look, and put two fingers between the leaves, closed the book said, "To my mother, of course. She does what she upon them, and held it up to her son in a threaten- pleases." ing way. "And if any pleasure," she said after a short pause, "In the days of old, Arthur, treated of in this "could arise for me out of the disappointment of my Commentary, there were pious men, beloved of the expectations, that my son in the prime of his life Lord, who would have cursed their sons for less than would infuse new youth and strength into it, and this: who would have sent them forth, and sent make it of great profit and power, it would be in whole nations forth, if such had supported them, to advancing an old and faithful servant. Jeremiah, be avoided of God and man, and perish, down to the the captain deserts the ship, but you and I will sink baby at the breast. But I only tell you that if you or float with it." ever renew that theme with me, I will renounce you; Jeremiah, whose eyes glistened as if they saw I will so dismiss you thronugh that door-way, that you money, darted a sudden look at the son, which seemhad better have been motherless from your cradle. ed to say, "I owe you no thanks for this; you have I will never see or know you more. And if, after done nothing toward it!" and then told the mother a11l, you were to come into this darkened room to that he thanked her, and that Affery thanked her, look upon me lying dead, my body should bleed, if I and that he would never desert her, and that Affery could make it, when you came near me." would never desert her. Finally, he hauled up his In part relieved by the intensity of this threat, watch from its depths, said " Eleven. Time for your and in part (monstrous as the fact is) by a general oysters!" and with that change of subject, which inimpression that it was in some sort a religious pro- volved no change of expression of manner, rang the ceeding, she handed back the book to the old man, bell. and was silent. But Mrs. Clennam, resolved to treat herself with "Now," said Jeremiah, "premising that I'm not the greater rigor for having been supposed to be ungoing to stand between you two, will you let me ask acquainted with reparation, refused to eat her oys(as I have been called in, and made a third) what is ters when they were brought. They looked temptall this about?" ing; eight in number, circularly set out on a white " Take your version of it," returned Arthur, find- plate on a tray covered with a white napkin, flanked ing it left to him to speak, "from my mother. Let by a slice of buttered French roll, and a little comit rest there. What I have said, was said to my pact glass of cool wine-and-water; but she resisted all mother only." persuasions, and sent them down again-placing the " Oh!" returned the old man. " From your moth- act to her credit, no doubt, in her Eternal Day-book. er? Take it from your mother? Well! But your This refection of oysters was not presided over by mother mentioned that you had been suspecting Affery, but by the girl who had appeared when the your father. That's not dutiful, Mr. Arthur. Who bell was rung; the same who had been in the dimlywill you be suspecting next?" lighted room last night. Now that he had an op" Enough," said Mrs. Clennam, turning her face portunity of observing her, Arthur found that her so that it was addressed for the moment to the old diminutive figure, small features, and slight spare man only. " Let no more be said about this." dress, gave her the appearance of being much young"Yes, but stop a bit, stop a bit," the old man per- er than she was. A woman, probably of not less sisted. " Let us see how we stand. Have you told than two-and-twenty, she might have been passed Mr. Arthur, that he mustn't lay offenses at his fa- in the street for little more than half that age. Not ther's door? That he has no right to do it? That that her face was very youthful, for in truth there he has no ground to go upon?" was more consideration and care in it than natural"I tell him so now." ly belonged to her utmost years; but she was so lit"Ah! Exactly," said the old man. "You tell tle and light, so noiseless and shy, and appeared so him so now. You hadn't told him so before, and conscious of being out of place among the three hard you tell him so now. Ay, ay! That's right! You elders, that she had all the manner and much of the know I stood between you and his father so long, appearance of a subdued child. that it seems as if death had made no difference, In a hard way, and in an uncertain way that and I was still standing between you. So I will, fluctuated between patronage and putting down, and so in fairness I require to have that plainly put the sprinkling from a watering-pot and hydraulic forward. Arthur, you please to hear that you have pressure, Mrs. Clennam showed an interest in this 32 LITTLE DORRIT. dependant. Even in the moment of her entrance she was so retiring, plied her needle in such removed upon the violent ringing of the bell, when the moth- corners, and started away so scared if encountered er shielded herself with that singular action from on the stairs. But it seemed to be a pale transparthe son, Mrs. Clennam's eyes had had some individual ent face, quick in expression, though not beautiful recognition in them, which seemed reserved for her. in feature, its soft hazel eyes excepted. A delicately As there are degrees of hardness in the hardest bent head, a tiny form, a quick little pair of busy metal, and shades of color in black itself, so, even in hands, and a shabby dress-it must needs have been the asperity of Mrs. Clennamn's demeanor toward all very shabby to look at all so, being so neat-were the rest of humanity and toward Little Dorrit, there Little Dorrit as she sat at work. was a fine gradation. For these particulars or generalities concerning Little Dorrit let herself out to do needle-work. At Little Dorrit, Mr. Arthur was indebted in the course so much a day-or at so little-from eight to eight, of the day to his own eyes and to Mrs. Affery's Little Dorrit was to be hired. Punctual to the mo- tongue. If Mrs. Affery had had any will or way of ment, Little Dorrit appeared; punctual to the mo- her own, it would probably have been unfavorable ment, Little Dorrit vanished. What became of Lit- to Little Dorrit. But as "them two clever ones "tie Dorrit between the two eights, was a mystery. Mrs. Affery's perpetual reference, in whom her perTHIS REFEOTION OF OYSTERS WAS NOT PRESIDED OVER BY AFFERY, BUT BY THE GIRL WHO HAD APPEAIRED WHEN THE BELLI WAS RUNG. Another of the moral phenomena of Little Dorrit. sonality was swallowed up-were agreed to accept Besides her consideration money, her daily contract Little Dorrit as a matter of course, she had nothing included meals. She had an extraordinary repug- for it but to follow suit. Similarly, if the two clever nance to dining in company; would never do so, if ones had agreed to murder Little Dorrit by candleit were possible to escape. Would always plead light, Mrs. Affery, being required to hold the candle, that she had this bit of work to begin first, or that would no doubt have done it.'bit of work to finish first; and would, of a certainty, In the intervals of roasting the partridge for the scheme and plan —not very cunningly, it would invalid chamber, and preparing.a baking-dish of seem, for she deceived no one-to dine alone. Suc- beef and pudding for the dining-room, Mrs. Affery cessful in this, happy in carrying off her plate any- made the communications above set forth; invariawhere, to make a table of her lap, or a box, or the bly putting her head in at the door again after she ground, or even, as was supposed, to stand on tiptoe, had taken it out, to enforce resistance to the two dining moderately at a mantel-shelf; the great anx- clever ones. It appeared to have become a perfect iety of Little Dorrit's day was set at rest. passion with Mrs. Flintwinch, that the only son It was not easy to make out Little Dorrit's face; should be pitted against them. IITfOME I.NSUPPORTABLE. 33 In the course of the day too, Arthur looked through of small beer in the scullery. Thus refreshed, he the whole house. Dull and dark he found it. The tucked up his shirt-sleeves and went to work again; gaunt rooms, deserted for years upon years, seemed and Mr. Arthur, watching him as he set about it, to have settled down into a gloomy lethargy from plainly saw that his father's picture, or his father's which nothing could rouse them again. The ftfrni- grave, would be as communicative with him as this ture, at once spare and lumbering, hid in the rooms old man. rather than furnished them, and there was no color "Now, Affery, woman," said Mr. Flintwinch, as she in all the house; such color as had ever been there, crossed the hall. "You hadn't made Mr. Arthur's bed had long ago started away on lost sunbeams-got when I was up there last. Stir yourself. Bustle." itself absorbed, perhaps, into flowers, butterflies, But Mr. Arthur found the house so blank and plumage of birds, precious stones, what not. There dreary, and was so unwilling to assist at another was not one straight floor, from the foundation to implacable consignment of his mother's enemies the roof; the ceilings were so fantastically clouded (perhaps himself among them) to mortal disfigureby smoke and dust, that old women might have told ment and immortal ruin, that he announced his infortunes in them, better than in grouts of tea; the tention of lodging at the coffee-house where he had dead-cold hearths showed no traces of having ever left his luggage. Mr. Flintwinch taking kindly to been warmed, but in heaps of soot that had tumbled the idea of getting rid of him, and his mother being down the chimneys, and eddied about in little dusky indifferent, beyond considerations of saving, to most whirlwinds whenethe doors were opened. In what domestic arrangements that were not bounded by had once been a drawing-room, there were a pair the walls of her own chamber, he easily carried his of meagre mirrors, with dismal processions of black point without new offense. Daily business hours figures carrying black garlands, walking round the were agreed upon, which his mother, Mr. Flintwinch, frames; but even these were short of heads and legs, and he, were to devote together to a necessary checkand one undertaker-like Cupid had swung round on ing of books and papers; and he left the home he his own axis and got upside down, and another had had so lately found with a depressed heart. fallen off altogether. The room Arthur Clennam's But Little Dorrit? deceased father had occupied for business purposes, The business hours, allowing for intervals of inwhen he first remembered him, was so unaltered that valid regimen of oysters and partridges, during le might have been imagined still to keep it invisi- which Clennam refreshed himself with a walk, were bly, as his visible relict kept her room up stairs; from ten to six for about a fortnight.. Sometimes Jeremiah Flintwinch still going between them nego- Little Dorrit was employed at her needle, sometimes tiating. His picture, dark and gloomy, earnestly not, sometimes appeared as a humble visitor: which speechless on the wall, with the eyes intently look- must have been her character on the occasion of his ing at his son as they had looked when life departed arrival. His original curiosity augmented every from them, seemed to urge him awfully to the task day, as he watched for her, saw or did not see her, he had attempted; but as to any yielding on the and speculated about her. Influenced by his predompart of his mother, he had now no hope, and as to inant idea, he even fell into a habit of discussing with any other means of setting his distrust at rest, he himself the possibility of her being in some way ashad abandoned hope a long time. Down in the eel- sociated with it. At last he resolved to watch Little lars, as up in the bed-chambers, old objects that he Dorrit and know more of her story. well remembered were changed by age and decay, but were still in their old places; even to empty * beer-casks hoary with cobwebs, and empty winebottles with fur and fungus choking up their throats. CHAPTER VI. There, too, among unused bottle-racks and pale slants of light from the yard above, was the strong room THE FATHER OF THE MARSHALSEA. stored with old ledgers which had as musty and THIRTY years ago, there stood, a few doors short corrupt a smell as if they were regularly balanced, - of the church of Saint George, in the borough of in the dead small hours, by a nightly resurrection Southwark, on the left-hand side of the way going of old book-keepers. southward, the Marshalsea Prison. It had stood The baking-dish was served up in a penitential there many years before, and it remained there some manner, on a shrunken cloth at an end of the dining- years afterward; but it is gone now, and the world table, at two o'clock; when he dined with Mr. Flint- is none the worse without it. winch, the new partner. Mr. Flintwinch informed It was an oblong pile of barrack building, partihim that his mother had recovered her equanimity tioned into squalid houses standing back to back, so now, and that he need not fear her again alluding that there were no back-rooms; environed by a narto what had passed in the morning. "And don't row paved yard, hemmed in by high walls duly you lay offenses at your father's door, Mr. Arthur," spiked at top. Itself a close and confined prison added Jeremiah, "once for all, don't do it! Now, for debtors, it contained within it a much closer and we have done with the subject." more confined jail for smugglers. Offenders against Mr. Flintwinch had been already re-arranging and the revenue laws, and defaulters to excise or cusdusting his own particular little office, as if to do toms, who had incurred fines which they were unahonor to his accession to new dignity. He resumed ble to pay, were supposed to be incarcerated behind this occupation when he was replete with beef, had an iron-plated door, closing up a second prison, consucked up all the gravy in the baking-dish with the sisting of a strong cell or two, and a blind alley some flat of his knife, and had drawn liberally on a barrel yard and a half wide, which formed the mysterious 3 34 LITTLE DORRIT. termination of the very limited skittle-ground in " She has no brother or sister." which the Marshalsea debtors bowled down their "Niece, nevy, cousin, serwant, young'ooman, troubles. green-grocer.-Dash it! One or another on'em," Supposed to be incarcerated there, because the said the turnkey, repudiating beforehand the refusal time had rather outgrown the strong cells and the of all his suggestions. blind alley. In practice they had come to be consid- "I fear-I hope it is not against the rules-that ered a little too bad, though in theory they were she will bring the children." quite as good as ever; which may be observed to be "The children?" said the turnkey. " And the the case at the present day with other cells that are rules? Why, lord set you up like a corner pin, not at all strong, and with other blind alleys that we've a reg'lar play-ground o' children here. Chilare stone-blind. Hence the smugglers habitually dren? Why, we swarm with'em. How many a you consorted with the debtors (who received them with got?" open arms), except at certain constitutional moments " Two," said the debtor, lifting his irresolute hand when somebody came from some Office, to go through to his lip again, and turning into the prison. some form of overlooking something, which neither The turnkey followed him with his eyes. "And he nor any body else knew any thing about. On you another," he observed to himself, "which makes those truly British occasions, the smugglers, if any, three on you. And your wife another, I'll lay a made a feint of walking into the strong cells and the crown. Which makes four on you. And another blind alley, while this somebody pretended to do his coming, I'll lay half a crown. Which'll make five something; and made a reality of walking out again on you. And I'll go another seven-and-sixpence to as soon as he hadn't done it-neatly epitomizing the name which is the helplessest, the unborn baby or administration of most of the public affairs in our you!" right little, tight little island. He was right in all his particulars. She came There had been taken to the Marshalsea Prison, next day with a little boy of three years old, and long before the day when the sun shone on Mar- a little girl of two, and he stood entirely corroboseilles and on the opening of this narrative, a debtor rated. with whom this narrative has some concern. "Got a room now; haven't you?" the turnkey He was, at that time, a very amiable and very asked the debtor after a week or two. helpless middle-aged gentleman, who was going out "Yes, I -have got a very good room." again directly. Necessarily, he was going out again "Any little sticks a-coming to furnish it?" said directly, because the Marshalsea lock never turned the turnkey. upon a debtor who was not. He brought in a port- " I expect a few necessary articles of furniture to manteau with him, which he doubted its being worth be delivered by the carrier, this afternoon." while to unpack; he was so perfectly clear-like all "Missis and little'uns a-coming, to keep you comthe rest of them, the turnkey on the lock said-that pany?" asked the turnkey. he was going out again directly. " Why, yes, we think it better that we should not He was a shy, retiring man; well-looking, though be scattered, even for a few weeks." in an effeminate style; with a mild voice, curling "Even for a few weeks, of course," replied the hair, and irresolute hands-rings upon the fingers in turnkey.'And he followed him again with his eyes, those days-which nervously wandered to his trem- and nodded his head seven times when he was bling lip a hundred times, in the first half-hotur of gone. his acquaintance with the jail. His principal anx- The affairs of this debtor were perplexed by a iety was about his wife. partnership, of which he knew no more than that he " Do you think, sir," he asked the turnkey, " that had invested money in it; by legal matters of assignshe will be very much shocked, if she should come ment and settlement, conveyance here and conveyto the gate to-morrow morning?" ance there, suspicion of unlawful preference of credThe turnkey gave it as the result of his experi- itors in this direction, and of mysterious spiriting ence that some of'em was and some of'em wasn't. away of property in that; and as nobody on the In general, more no than yes. "What like is she, face of the earth could be more incapable of explainyou see?" he philosophically asked: "that's what it ing any single item in the heap of confusion than hinges on." the debtor himself, nothing comprehensible could be "She is very delicate and inexperienced indeed." made of his case. To question him in detail, and "That," said the turnkey, "is agen her." endeavor to reconcile his answers; to closet him "She is so little used to go out alone," said the with accountants and sharp practitioners, learned in debtor, "that I am at a loss to think how she will the wiles of insolvency and bankruptcy; was only ever make her way here, if she walks." to put the case out at compound interest of incom" P'raps," quoth the turnkey, " she'll take a'ack- prehensibility. The irresolute fingers fluttered more ney-coach." and more ineffectually about the trembling lip on "Perhaps." The irresolute fingers went to the every such occasion, and the sharpest practitioners trembling lip. "I hope she will. She may not gave him up as a hopeless job. think of it." "Out?" said the turnkey, "he'll never get out. " Or p'raps," said the turnkey, offering his sug- Unless his creditors take him by the shoulders and gestions from the top of his well-worn wooden stool, shove him out." as he might have offered them to a child for whose He had been there five or six months, when he weakness he felt a compassion, "p'raps she'll get came running to this turnkey one forenoon to tell her brother, or her sister, to come along with her." him, breathless and pale, that his wife was ill. SHE IS BORN IN PRISON. 35 "As any body might a-known she would be," said teered her services as fly-catcher and general atthe turnkey. tendant. The walls and ceiling were blackened " We intended," he returned, "that she should go with flies. Mrs. Banghan, expert in sudden device, to a country lodging only to-morrow. What am I with one hand fanned the patient with a cabbage — to do! Oh, good Heaven, what am I to do!" leaf, and with the other set traps of vinegar and. "Don't waste your time in clasping your hands sugar in gallipots; at the same time enunciating and biting your fingers," responded the practical sentiments of an encouraging and congratulatory turnkey, taking him by the elbow, " but come along nature, adapted to the occasion. with me." "The flies trouble you, don't they, my dear?" said The turnkey conducted him-trembling from head Mrs. Bangham. " But p'raps they'll take your mind to foot, and constantly crying under his breath, off of it, and do you good. What between the buryWhat was he to do! while his resolute fingers be- in'-ground, the grocer's, the wagon-stables, and the dabbled the tears upon his face-up one of the com- paunch trade, the Marshalsea flies gets very large. mon staircases in the prison, to a door on the garret P'raps they are sent as a consolation, if we only story. Upon which door the turnkey knocked with know'd it. How are you now, my dear'? No betthe handle of his key. ter? No, my dear, it ain't to be expected; you'll be " Come in!" cried a voice inside. worse before you're better, and you know it, don't The turnkey opening the door, disclosed in a you? Yes. That's right! And to think of a sweet wretched, ill-smelling little room, two hoarse, puf- little cherub being born inside the lock! Now ain't fy, red-faced personages seated at a rickety table, it pretty, ain't that something to carry you through playing at all-fours, smoking pipes, and drinking it pleasant? Why, we ain't had such a thing hapbrandy. pen here, my dear, not for I couldn't name the time "Doctor," said the' turnkey, " here's a gentle- when. And you a-crying too?" said Mrs. Bangham, man's wife in want of~you without a minute's loss to rally the patient more and more. "You! Makof time!" ing yourself so famous! With the flies a-falling The doctor's friend was in the positive degree of into the gallipots by fifties! And every thing agohoarseness, puffiness, red-facedness, all-fours, tobac- ing on so well! And here if there ain't," said Mrs. co, dirt, and brandy; the doctor in the comparative Bangham, as the door opened, "if there ain't your -hoarser, puffier, more red-faced, more all-foury, dear gentleman along with Doctor Haggage. And tobaccoer, dirtier, and brandier. The doctor was now indeed we are complete, I think!" amazingly shabby, in a torn and darned rough- The doctor was scarcely the kind of apparition to weather sea-jacket, out at elbows and eminently inspire a patient with a sense of absolute completeshort of buttons (he had been in his time the expe- ness, but as he presently delivered the opinion, " We rienced surgeon carried by a passenger ship), the are as right as we can be, Mrs. Bangham, and we dirtiest white trowsers conceivable by mortal man, shall come out of this like a house afire;" and as he carpet slippers, and no visible linen. " Childbed?" and Mrs. Bangham took possession of the poor, helpsaid the doctor. "I'm the boy!" With that the less pair, as every body else and any body else had doctor took a comb from the chimney-piece and always done; the means at hand were as good on stuck his hair upright-which appeared to be his the whole as better would have been. The special way of washing himself-produced a professional feature in Dr. Haggage's treatment of the case, was chest or case, of most abject appearance, from the his determination to keep Mrs. Bangham up to the cupboard where his cup and saucer and coals were, mark. As thus: settled his chin in the frenzy wrapper round his "Mrs. Bangham," said the doctor, before he had neck, and became a ghastly medical scarecrow. been there twenty minutes, "go outside and fetch The doctor and the debtor ran down stairs, leav- a little brandy, or we shall have you giving in." ing the turnkey to return to the lock, and made for "Thank you, sir. But none on my account," said the debtor's room. All the ladies in the prison had Mrs. Bangham. got hold of the news, and were in the yard. Some "Mrs. Bangham," returned the doctor, "I am in of them had already taken possession of the two professional attendance on this lady, and don't children, and were hospitably carrying them off; choose to allow any discussion on your part. Go others were offering loans of little comforts from outside and fetch a little brandy, or I foresee that their own scanty store; others were sympathizing you'll break down." with the greatest volubility. The gentlemen pris- "You're to be obeyed, sir," said Mrs. Bangham, oners, feeling themselves at a disadvantage, had for rising. "If you was to put your own'lips to it, I the most part retired, not to say sneaked, to their think you wouldn't be the worse, for you look but rooms; from the open windows of which, some of poorly, sir." them now complimented the doctor with whistles " Mrs. Bangham," returned the doctor, " I am not as he passed below, while others, with several sto- your business, thank you, but you are mine. Never ries between them, interchanged sarcastic references you mind me, if you please. What you have got to to the prevalent excitement. do is, to do as you are told, and to go and get what It was a hot summer day, and the prison rooms I bid you." were baking between the high walls. In the debt- Mrs. Bangham submitted, and the doctor, having or's confined Chamber, Mrs. Bangham, char-woman administered her potion, took his own. He repeatand messenger, who was not a prisoner (though she ed the treatment every hour, being very determined had been once), but was the popular medium of with Mrs. Bangham. Three or four hours passed; communication with the outer world, had volun- the flies fell into the traps by hundreds; and at 36 LITTLE DORRIT. length one little life, hardly stronger than theirs, yard, and every body knew the baby, and claimed a appeared among the multitudes of lesser deaths. kind of proprietorship in her. "A very nice little girl indeed," said the doctor; "Why, I'm getting proud of you," said his friend "little, but well-formed. Halloo, Mrs. Bangham! the turnkey, one day. "You'll be the oldest inhabYou're looking queer! You be off, ma'am, this min- itant soon. The Marshalsea wouldn't be like the ute, and fetch a little more brandy, or we shall have Marshalsea now, without you and your family." you in hysterics." The turnkey really was proud of him. He would By this time, the rings had begun to fall from the mention him in laudatory terms to new-comers, when debtor's irresolute hands, like leaves from a wintry his back was turned. " You took notice of him," he tree. Not one was left upon them that night, when would say, " that went out of the Lodge just now?" he put something that chinked into the doctor's New-comer would probably answer yes. greasy palm. In the mean time Mrs. Bangham had "Brought up as a gentleman, he was, if ever a been out on an errand to a neighboring establish- man was. Ed'cated at no end of expense. Went ment decorated with three golden balls, where she into the Marshal's house once, to try a new piano was very well known. for him. Played it, I understand, like one o'clock "Thank you," said the doctor, "thank you. Your -beautiful! As to languages-speaks any thing. good lady is quite composed. Doing charmingly." We've had a Frenchmanl here in his time, and it's "I am very happy and very thankful to know my opinion he knowed more French than the it," said the debtor, "though I little thought once Frenchman did. We've had an Italian here in his that —" time, and he shut him up in about half a minute. "That a child would be born to you in a place You'll find some characters behind other locks, I like this?" said the doctor. "Bah, bah, sir, what don't say you won't; but if you want the top sawdoes it signify? A little more elbow-room is all yer, in such respects as I've mentioned, you must we want here. We are quiet here; we don't get come to -the Marshalsea." badgered here; there's no knocker here, sir, to be When his youngest child was eight years old, his hammered at by creditors and bring a man's heart wife,who had long been languishing away-of her into his mouth. Nobody comes here to ask if a own inherent weakness, not that she retained any man's at home, and to say he'll stand on the door- greater sensitiveness as to her place of abode than mat till he is. Nobody writes threatening letters he did-went upon a visit to a poor friend and old about money to this place. It's freedom, sir, it's nurse in the country, and died there. He remained freedom! I have had to-day's practice at home and shut up in his room for a fortnight afterward; and abroad, on a march and aboard ship, and I'll tell an attorney's clerk, who was going through the Inyou this: I don't know that I have ever pursued it solvent Court, engrossed an address of condolence to under such quiet circumstances, as here this day. him, which looked like a Lease, and which all the Elsewhere, people are restless, worried, hurried prisoners signed. When he appeared again he was about, anxious respecting one thing, anxious re- grayer (he had soon begun to turn gray); and the specting another. Nothing of the kind here, sir. turnkey noticed that his hands went often to his We have done all that-we know the worst of it; trembling lips again, asthey had used to do when we have got to the bottom, we can't fall, and what he first came in. But he got pretty well over it in a have we found? Peace. That's the word for it. month or two; and in the mean time the children Peace." With this profession of faith, the doctor, played about the yard as regularly as ever, but in who was an old jail-bird, and was more sodden than black. usual, and had the additional and unusual stimulus Then Mrs. Bangham, long popular medium of of money in his pocket, returned to his associate and communication with the outer world, began to be chum in hoarseness, puffiness, red- facedness, all- infirm, and to be found oftener than usual comatose fours, tobacco, dirt, and brandy. on pavements, with her basket of purchases spilled Now the debtor was a very different man from the and the change of her clients ninepence short. His doctor, but he had already begun to travel, by his son began to supersede Mrs. Bangham, and to exeopposite segment of the circle, to the same point. cute commissions in a knowing manner, and to be of Crushed at first by his imprisonment, he had soon the prison prisonous, and of the street streety. found a dull relief in it. He was under lock and Time went on, and the turnkey began to fail. key; but the lock and key that kept him in, kept His chest swelled and his legs got weak, and he was numbers of his troubles out. If he had been a short of breath. The well-worn wooden stool was man with strength of purpose to face those troubles " beyond him," he complained. He sat in an armand fight them, he might have broken the net that chair with a cushion, and sometimes wheezed so, held him, or broken his heart; but being what he for minutes together, that he couldn't turn the key. was, he languidly slipped into this smooth descent, When he was overpowered by these fits, the, debtor and never more took one step upward. often turned it for him. When he was relieved of the perplexed affairs that "You and me," said the turnkey, one snowy winnothing would make plain, through having them re- ter's night, when the lodge, with a bright fire in it, turned upon his hands by a dozen agents in succes- was pretty full of company, " is the oldest inhabitsion who could make neither beginning, middle, nor ants. I wasn't here myself, above seven year before end of them, or him, he found his miserable place you. I sha'n't last long. When I'm off the lock for of refuge a quieter refuge than it had been before. good and all, you'll be the Father of the Marshalsea." He had unpacked the portmanteau long ago; and The turnkey went off the lock of this world, next his elder children now played regularly about the day. His words were remembered and repeated; THE F.ATHER OF THE MAR SHALSEA. 37 and tradition afterward handed down from genera- among a mixture-necessarily a mixture-and very tion to generation-a Marshalsea generation might good air. be calculated as about three months-that the shab- It became a not unusual circumstance for letters by old debtor with the soft manner and the white to be put under his door at night, inclosing half a hair was the Father of the Marshalsea. crown, two half-crowns, now and then at long interAnd he grew to be proud of the title. If any im- vals even half' a sovereign, for the Father of the postor had arisen to claim it, he would have shed Marshalsea. "With the compliments of a collegian tears in resentment of the attempt to deprive him of taking leave." He received the gifts as tributes, his rights. A disposition began to be perceived in from admirers, to a public character. Sometimes him, to exaggerate the number of years he had been these correspondents assumed facetious names, as the there; it was generally understood that you must Brick, Bellows, Old Gooseberry, Wide-awake, Snooks, deduct a few from his account; he was vain, the Mops, Cutaway, the Dogs-meat Man; but he considfleeting generations of debtors said. ered this in bad taste, and was always a little hurt All new-comers were presented to him. He was by it. TKI'GIVE ME THE MONEY AGAIN, SAID THE OTHER, EAGERLY, "AND I'LL KEEP IT, AND NEVEY 81'ND I sT." punctilious in the exaction of this ceremony. The In the fullness of time, this correspondence showwits would perform the office of introduction with ing signs of wearing out, and seeming to require an overcharged pomp and politeness, but they could not effort on the part of the correspondents to which in easily overstep his sense of its gravity. He received the hurried circumstances of departure many of them in his poor room (he disliked an introduction them might n~t be equal, he established the custom in the mere yard, as informal-a thing that might of attending the collegians of a certain standing, to happen to any body), with a kind of bowed-dbwn the gate, and taking leave of them there. The colbeneficence. They were welcome to the Marshalsea, legian under treatment, after shaking hands, would he would tell them. Yes, he was the Father of the occasionally stop to wrap up something in a bit of place. So the world was kind enough to call him; paper, and would come back again, calling " Hi!" and so he was, if more than twenty years of resi- He would look round surprised. "Me?" he would dence gave him a claim to the title. It looked small say, with a smile. at first, but there was very good company there- By this time the collegian would be up with him, 38 LITTLE DORRIT. and he would paternally add, "What have you for- the tradition of their common parent. In the earlier gotten? What can I do for you?" stages of her existence, she was handed down in a " I forgot to leave this," the collegian would usu- literal and prosaic sense; it being almost a part of ally return, "for the Father of the Marshalsea." the entrance footing of every new collegian to nurse "My good sir," he would rejoin, "he is infinite- the child who had been born in the college. ly obliged to you." But, to the last, the irresolute "By rights," remarked the turnkey, when she hand of old would remain in the pocket into which was first shown to him, "I ought to be her godhe had slipped the money, during two or three turns father." about the yard, lest the transaction should be too The debtor irresolutely thought of it for a minute, conspicuous to the general body of collegians. and said, " Perhaps you wouldn't object to really beOne afternoon he had been doing the honors of ing her godfather?" the place to a rather large party of collegians, who "Oh! I don't object," replied the turnkey, " if you happened to be going out, when, as he was coming don't." back, he encountered one from the poor side who Thus it came to pass that she was christened one had been taken in execution for a small sum a week Sunday afternoon, when the turnkey, being relieved, before, had "settled" in the course of that after- was off the lock; and that the turnkey went up to noon, and was going out too. The man was a mere the font of St. George's church, and promised and Plasterer in his working dress; had his wife with vowed and renounced on her behalf, as he himself him, and a bundle; and was in high spirits. related when he came back, "like a good'un." " God bless you, sir," he said in passing. This invested the turnkey with a new proprie"And you," benignantly returned the Father of tary share in the child, over and above his former the Marshalsea. official one. When she began to walk and talk, he They were pretty far divided, going their several became fond of her; bought a little arm-chair and ways, when the Plasterer called out, "I say!-sir!" stood it by the high fender of the lodge fire-place; and came back to him. liked to have her company when he was on the lock; " It an't much," said the Plasterer, putting a lit- and used to bribe her with cheap toys to come and tle pile of half-pence in his hand, "but it's well talk to him. The child, for her part, soon grew so meant." fond of the turnkey, that she would come climbing The Father of the Marshalsea had never been of- up the lodge-steps of her own accord at all hours fered tribute in copper yet. His children often had, of the day. When she fell asleep in the little armand with his perfect acquiescence it had gone into chair by the high fender, the turnkey would cover the common purse, to buy meat that he had eaten, her with his pocket-handkerchief; and when she sat and drink that he had drunk; but fustian splashed in it dressing and undressing adoll-which soon came with white lime, bestowing half-pence on him, front to be unlike dolls on the other side of the lock, and to front, was new. to bear a horrible family resemblance to Mrs. Bang"How dare you!" he said to the man, and feebly ham-he would contemplate her from the top of his burst into tears. stool with exceeding gentleness. Witnessing these The Plasterer turned him toward the wall, that things, the collegians would express an opinion that his face might not be seen; and the action was so the turnkey, who was a bachelor, had been cut out delicate, and the man was so penetrated with re- by nature for a family man. But the turnkey thanked pentance, and asked pardon so honestly, that he them, and said,' No, on the whole it was enough for could make him no less acknowledgment than, "I him to see other people's children there." know you meant it kindly. Say no more." At what period of her early life, the little creature " Bless your soul, sir," urged the Plasterer, " I did began to perceive that it was not the habit of all the indeed. I'd do more by you than the rest of'em do, world to live locked up in narrow yards surrounded I fancy." by high walls with spikes at the top, would be a dif"What would you do?" he asked. ficult question to settle. But she was a very, very "I'd come back to see you, after I was let but." little creature indeed, when she had somehow gained "Give me the money again," said the other, eager- the knowledge, that her clasp of her father's hand ly, " and I'll keep it, and never spend it. Thank you was to be always loosened at the door which the for it, thank you! I shall see you again?" great key opened; and that while her own light "If I live a week you shall." steps were free to pass beyond it, his feet must nevThey shook hands and parted. The collegians, er cross that line. A pitiful and plaintive look, with assembled in Symposium in the Shuggery that night, which she had begun to regard him when she was marveled what had happened to their Father; he still extremely young, was perhaps a part of this walked so late in the shadows of the yard, and discovery. seemed so downcast. With a pitiful and plaintive look for every thing indeed, but with something in it for only him that was like protection, this Child of the Marshalsea, and' child of the Father of the Marshalsea, sat by CHAPTER VII. her friend the turnkey in the lodge, kept the family room, or wandered about the prison-yard, for the first eight years of her life. With a pitiful and THE baby whose first draught of air had been plaintive look for her wayward sister; for her idle tinctured with Dr. Haggage's brandy, was hand- brother; for the high blank walls; for the faded ed down among the generations of collegians, like crowd they shut in; for the games of the prison THE CHILD'S NEW RELATION. 39 children as they whooped and ran, and played at his key, on the professional gentleman's waistcoat; hide-and-seek, and made the iron bars of the inner "supposing a man wanted to leave his property to a gate-way "Home." young female, and wanted to tie it up so that nobody Wistful and wondering, she would sit in summer else should ever be able to make a grab at it; how weather by the high fender in the Lodge, looking up would you tie up that property?" at the sky through the barred window, until bars of "Settle it strictly on herself," the professional light would arise, when she turned her eyes away, gentleman would complacently answer. between her and her friend, and she would see him "But look here," quoth the turnkey. "Supposing through a grating, too. she had, say a brother, say a father, say:& husband, " Thinking of the fields," the turnkey said once, who would be likely to make a grab at that property after watching her, "ain't you?" when she came into it-how about that?" "Where are they?" she inquired. "It would be settled on herself, and they would "Why, they're-over there, my dear," said the have no more legal claim on it than you," would be turnkey, with a vague flourish of his key. "Just the professional answer. about there." "Stop a bit," said the turnkey. "Supposing she "Does any body open them, and shut them? Are was tender-hearted, and they came over her. Where's they locked?" your law for tying it up then?" The turnkey was discomfited. "Well!" he said. The deepest character whom the turnkey sounded, "Not in general." was unable to produce his law for tying such a knot "Are they very pretty, Bob?" She called him as that. So, the turnkey thought about it all his life, Bob, by his own particular request and instruction. and died intestate after all. "Lovely. Full of flowers. There's buttercups, But that was long afterward, when his goddaughand there's daisies, and there's "-the turnkey hes- ter was past sixteen. The first half of that space of itated, being short of floral nomenclature-" there's her life was only just accomplished, when her pitiful dandelions, and all manner of games." and plaintive look saw her father a widower. From " Is it very pleasant to be there, Bob?" that time the protection that her wondering eyes " Prime," said the turnkey. had expressed toward him, became embodied in ac" Was father ever there?" tion, and the Child of the Marshalsea took upon her" em!" coughed the turnkey. " Oh yes, he was self a new relation toward the Father. there, sometimes." At first, such a baby could do little more than sit "Is he sorry not to be there now?" with him, deserting her livelier place by the high "N-not particular," said the turnkey. fender, and quietly watching him. But this made "Nor any of the people?" she asked, glancing at her so far necessary to him that he became accusthe listless crowd within. " Oh, are you quite sure tomed to her, and began to be sensible of missing her and certain, Bob?" when she was not there. Through this little gate, At this difficult point of the conversation Bob gave she passed out of childhood into the care-laden in, and changed the subject to hard-bake: always world. his last resource when he found his little friend get- What her pitiful look saw, at that early time, in ting him into a political, social, or theological corner. her father, in her sister, in her brother, in the jail; But this was the origin of a series of Sunday excur- how much, or how little of the wretched truth it sions that these two curious companions made to- pleased God to make visible to her; lies hidden with gether. They used to issue from the Lodge on al- many mysteries. It is enough that she was inspired ternate Sunday afternoons with great gravity, bound to be something which was not what the rest were, for some meadows or green lanes that had been elab- and to be that something, different and laborious, for orately appointed by the turnkey in the course of the sake of the rest. Inspired? Yes. Shall we speak the week; and there she picked grass and flowers of the inspiration of a poet or a priest, and not of the to bring home, while he smoked his pipe. After- heart impelled by love and self-devotion to the lowward, there were tea-gardens, shrimps, ale, and other liest work in the lowliest way of life! delicacies; and then they would come back hand in With no earthly friend to help her, or so much as hand, unless she was more than usually tired, and to see her, but the one so strangely assorted; with had fallen asleep on his shoulder. no knowledge even of the common daily tone and In those early days, the turnkey first began pro- habits of the common members of the free commnunifoundly to consider a question which cost him so ty who are not shut up in prisons; born and bred, much mental labor, that it remained undetermined in a.social condition, false even with a reference to on the day of his death. He decided to will and be- the falsest condition outside the walls; drinking queath his little property of savings to his godchild, from infancy of a well whose waters had their own and the point arose how could it be so "tied up" as peculiar stain, their own unwholesome and unnatural that only she should have the benefit of it? His ex- taste; the Child of the Marshalsea began her womperience on the lock gave him such an acute percep- anly life. tion of the enormous difficulty of "tying up" money No matter through what mistakes and discouragewith any approach to tightness, and contrariwise of ments, what ridicule (not unkindly meant, but deepthe remarkable ease with which it got loose, that ly felt) of her youth and little figure, what humble through a series of years he regularly propounded consciousness of her own babyhood and want of this knotty point to every new insolvent agent and strength, even in the matter of lifting and carrying; other professional gentleman who passed in and out. through how much weariness and helplessness, and "Supposing," he would say, stating the case with how many secret tears; she trudged on, until recog 40 LITTLE DORRIT. nized as useful, even indispensable. That time came. "Oh! You are the child, are you?" She took the place of eldest of the three, in all things "Yes, ma'am." but precedence; was the head of the fallen family; "I am sorry I haven't got any thing for you," said and bore, in her own heart, its anxieties and shames. the milliner, shaking her head. At thirteen, she could read and keep accounts- "It's not that, ma'am. If you please I want to that is, could put down in words and figures how learn needle-work." much the bare necessaries that they wanted would "Why should you do that," returned the milliner, cost, and how much less they had to buy them with. "with me before you? It has not done me much She had been, by snatches of a few weeks at a time, good." to an evening school outside, and got her sister and "Nothing-whatever it is-seems to have done any brother sent to day-schools by desultory starts, dur- body much good who comes here," she returned in all ing three or four years. There was no instruction simplicity; "but I want to learn, just the same." for any of them at home; but she knew well-no one "I am afraid you are so weak, you see," the milbetter-that a man so broken as to be the Father of liner objected. the Marshalsea, could be no father to his own children. " I don't think I am weak, ma'am." To these scanty means of improvement, she added "And you are so very, very little, you see," the another of her own contriving. Once, among the milliner objected. heterogeneous crowd of inmates there appeared a " Yes, I am afraid I am very little indeed," returndancing-master. Her sister had a great desire to ed the Child of the Marshalsea; and so began to sob learn the dancing-master's art, and seemed to have a over that unfortunate defect of hers, which came so taste that way. At thirteen years old, the Child of often in her way. The milliner-who was not mothe Marshalsea presented herself to the dancing- rose or hard-hearted, only newly insolvent -was master, with a little bag in her hand, and preferred touched, took her in hand with good-will, found her her humble petition. the most patient and earnest of pupils, and made her " If you please, I was born here, sir." a cunning workwoman in course of time. "Oh! You are the young lady, are you?" said In course of time, and in the very self-same course the dancing-master, surveying the small figure and of time, the Father of the Marshalsea gradually deuplifted face. veloped a new flower of character. The more Fa"Yes, sir." therly he grew as to the Marshalsea, and the more "And what can I do for you?" said the dancing- dependent he became on the contributions of his master. changing family, the greater stand he made by his "Nothing for me, sir, thank you," anxiously un- forlorn gentility. With the same hand that had drawing the strings of the little bag; " but if, while pocketed a collegian's half-crown half an hour ago, you stay here, you could be so kind as to teach my he would wipe away the tears that streamed over sister cheap-" his cheeks if any reference were made to his daugh"My child, I'll teach her for nothing," said the ters' earning their bread. So, over and above her dancing-master, shutting up the bag. He was as other daily cares, the Child of the Marshalsea had good-natured a dancing-master as ever danced to always upon her the care of preserving the genteel the Insolvent Court, and he kept his word. The sis- fiction that they were all idle beggars together. ter was so apt a pupil, and the dancing-master had The sister became a dancer. There was a ruined such abundant leisure to bestow upon her (for it uncle in the family group-ruined by his brother, took him a matter of ten weeks to set to his credit- the Father of the Marshalsea, and knowing no more ors, lead off, turn the Commissioners, and right and how than his ruiner did, but accepting the fact as left back to his professional pursuits), that wonder- an inevitable certainty-on whom her protection ful progress was made. Indeed the dancing-master devolved. Naturally a retired and simple man, he was so proud of it, and so wishful to display it be- had shown no particular sense of being ruined, at fore he left, to a few select friends among the colle- the time when that calamity fell upon him, further gians, that at six o'clock on a certain fine morning a than that he had left off washing himself when the minuet de la cour came off in the yard-the college- shock was announced, and never took to that luxury rooms being of too confined proportions for the pur- any more. He had been a very indifferent musical pose-in which so much ground was covered, and amateur in his better days; and when he fell with the steps were so conscientiously executed, that the his brother, resorted for support to playing a clariodancing-master, having to play the kit besides, was net as dirty as himself in a small Theatre Orchestra. thoroughly blown. It was the theatre in which his niece became a danThe success of this beginning, which led to the cer; he had been a fixture there a long time when dancing-master's continuing his instruction after his she took her poor station in it; and he accepted the release, emboldened the poor child to try again. task of serving as her escort and guardian, just as he She watched and waited months, for a seamstress. would have accepted an illness, a legacy, a feast, In the fullness of time a milliner came in, and to her starvation —any thing but soap. she repaired on her own behalf. To enable this girl to earn her few weekly shil"I beg your pardon, ma'anm," she said, looking lings, it was necessary for the Child of the Marshaltimidly round the door of the milliner, whom she sea to go through an elaborate form with the Fafound in tears and in bed: " but I was born here." ther. Every body seemed to hear of her as soon as they "Fanny is not going to live with us just now, faarrived; for the milliner sat up in bed, drying her ther. She will be here a good deal in the day, but eyes, and said, just as the dancing-master had said: she is going to live outside with uncle." LITTLE DORRIT'S GREAT TRIAL. 41 "You surprise me. Why?" small second mother, aided by her trusty friend, got "I think uncle wants a companion, father. He him into a warehouse, into a market-garden, into the should be attended to, and looked after." hop trade, into the law again, into an auctioneer's, "A companion? He passes much of his time into a brewery, into a stock-broker's, into the law here. And you attend to him and look after him, again, into a coach office, into a wagon-office, into Amy, a great deal more than ever your sister will. the law again, into a general dealer's, into a disYou all go out so much; you all go out so much." tillery, into the law again, into a wool-house, into a This was to keep up the ceremony and pretense dry goods house, into the Billingsgate trade, into the of his having no idea that Amy herself went out by foreign fruit trade, and into the docks. But whatthe day to work. ever Tip went into, he came out of tired, announcing " But we are always very glad to come home, fa- that he had cut it. Wherever he went, this forether, now, are we not? And as to Fanny, perhaps, doomed Tip appeared to take the prison walls with besides keeping uncle company and taking care of him, and to set them up in such trade or calling; and him, it may be as well for her not quite to live here, to prowl about within their narrow limits in the old always. She was not born here as I was, you know, slipshod, purposeless, down-at-heel way; until the father." real immovable Marshalsea walls asserted their fas"Well, Amy, well. I don't quite follow you, but cination over him, and brought him back. it's natural, I suppose, that Fanny should prefer to Nevertheless, the brave little creature did so fix be outside, and even that you often should, too. So, her. heart on her brother's rescue, that while he was you and Fanny and your uncle, my dear, shall have ringing out these dolefill changes, she pinched and your own way. Good, good. I'llnot meddle; don't scraped enough together to ship him for Canada. mind me." When he was tired of nothing to do, and disposed To get her brother out of the prison; out of the in its turn to cut even that, he graciously consented succession to Mrs. Bangham in executing commis- to go to Canada. And there was grief in her bosom sions, and out of the slang interchange with very over parting with him, and joy in the hope of his bedoubtful companions, consequent upon both, was her ing put in a straight course at last. hardest task. At eighteen he would have dragged "God bless you, dear Tip. Don't be too proud to on from hand to mouth, from hour to hour, from pen- come and see us, when you have made your fortune." ny to penny, until eighty. Nobody got into the "All right!" said Tip, and went. prison from whom he derived any thing useful or But not all the way to Canada; in fact, not fargood, and she could find no patron for him but her, ther than Liverpool. After making the voyage to old friend and godfather. that port from London, he found himself so strongly " Dear Bob," said she, " what is to become of poor impelled to cut the vessel, that he resolved to walk Tip?" His name was Edwardl, and Ted had been back again. Carrying out which intention, he pretransformed into Tip, within the walls. sented himself before her at the expiration of a The turnkey had strong private opinions as to month, in rags, without shoes, and much more tired what would become of poor Tip, and had even gone than ever. so far with the view of averting their fulfillment, as At length, after another interval of successorship to sound Tip in reference to the expediency of run- to Mrs. Bangham, he found a pursuit for himself, and ning away and going to serve his country. But Tip announced it. had thanked him, and said he didn't seem to care for "Amy, I've got a situation." his country. "Have you really and truly, Tip?" "Well, my dear," said the turnkey, "something "All right. I shall do now. You needn't look ought to be done with him. Suppose I try and get anxious about me any more, old girl." him into the law?" " What is it, Tip?" " That would be so good of you, Bob!" "Why, you know Slingo by sight?" The turnkey had now two points to put to the "Not the man they call the dealer?" professional gentlemen as they passed in and out. "That's the chap. He'll be out on Monday, and He put this second one so perseveringly, that a stool he's going to give me a berth." and twelve shillings a week were at last found for "What is he a dealer in, Tip?" Tip in the office of an attorney in a great National "Horses. All right. I shall do now, Amy." Palladium called the Palace Court; at that time one She lost sight of him for months afterward, and of a considerable list of everlasting bulwarks to the only heard from him once. A whisper passed among dignity and safety of Albion, whose places know the elder collegians that he had been seen at a mock them no more. auction in Moorfields, pretending to buy plated arTip languished in Clifford's Inn for six months, tides for massive silver, and paying for them with and at the expiration of that term, sauntered back the greatest liberality in bank-notes; but it never one evening with his hands in his pockets, and inci- reached her ears. One evening she was alone at dentally observed to his sister that he was not going work-standing up at the window, to save the twiback again.. light lingering above the wall-when he opened the "Not going back again?" said the poor little anx- door and walked in. ions Child of the Marshalsea, always calculating and She kissed and welcomed him; but was afraid to planning for Tip, in the front rank of her charges. ask him any question. He saw how anxious and " I am so tired of it," said Tip, "that I have cut it." timid she was, and appeared sorry. Tip tired of every thing. With intervals of Mar- "I am afraid, Amy, you'll be vexed this time. shalsea lounging, and Mrs. Bangham succession, his Upon my life I am." 42 LITTLE DORRIT. "I am very sorry to hear you say so, Tip. Have CHAPTER VIII. you come back? "Why-yes." THE LOCK. "Not expecting this time that what you had found ARTHUR CLENNAM stood in the street, waiting would answer very well, I am less surprised and sor- to ask some passer-by what place that was. He ry than I might have been, Tip." suffered a few people to pass him in whose faces "'Ah! But that's not the worst of it." there was no encouragement to make the inquiry, "Not the worst of it?" and still stood pausing in the street, when an old "Don't look so startled. No, Amy, not the worst man came up and turned into the court-yard. of it. I have come back, you see; but-don't look He stooped a good deal, and plodded along in a so startled-I have come back in what I may call a slow preoccupied manner, which made the bustling new way. I am off the volunteer list altogether. I London thoroughfares no very safe resort for him. am in now, as one of the regulars." He was dirtily and meanly dressed, in a threadbare "Oh! Don't say you are a prisoner, Tip! Don't, coat, once blue, reaching to his ankles and buttoned don't!" to his chin, where it vanished in the pale ghost of a " Well, I don't want to say it," he returned in a velvet collar. A piece of red cloth with which that reluctant tone; "but if you can't understand me phantom had been stiffened in its lifetime was now without my saying it, what am I to do? I am in laid bare, and poked itself up, at the back of the old for forty pound odd." man's neck, into a confusion of gray hair and rusty For the first time in all those years, she sunk un- stock and buckle which altogether nearly poked his der her cares. She cried, with her clasped hands hat off. A greasy hat it was, and a napless; imlifted above her head, that it would kill their father pending over his eyes, cracked and crumpled at the if he ever knew it; and fell down at Tip's graceless brim, and with a wisp of pocket-handkerchief danfeet. gling out below it. His trowsers were so long and It was easier for Tip to bring her to her senses, loose, and his shoes so clumsy and large, that he than for her to bring him to understand that the Fa- shuffled like an elephant; though how much of this ther of the Marshalsea would be beside himself if he was gait, and how much trailing cloth and leather, knew the truth. The thing was incomprehensible no one could have told. Under one arm he carried to Tip, and altogether a fanciful notion. He yielded a limp and worn-out case, containing some wind into it in that light only, when he submitted to her strument; in the same hand he had a pennyworth entreaties, backed by those of his uncle and sister. ~of snuff in a little packet of whitey-brown paper, There was no want of precedent for his return; it from which he slowly comforted his poor old blue was accounted for to the father in the usual way; nose with a lengthened-out pinch, as Arthur Clenand the collegians, with a better comprehension of nam looked at him. the pious fraud than Tip, supported it loyally. To this old man, crossing the court-yard, he preThis was the life, and this the history, of the Child ferred his inquiry, touching him on the shoulder. of the Marshalsea, at twenty-two. With a still sur- The old man stopped and looked round, with the exviving attachment to the one miserable yard and pression in his weak gray eyes of one whose thoughts block of houses as her birth-place and home, she had been far off, and who was a little dull of hearpassed to and fro in it shrinkingly now, with a worm- ing also. anly consciousness that she was pointed out to ev- "Pray, sir," said Arthur, repeating his question, ery one. Since she had begun to work beyond the " what is this place?" walls, she had found it necessary to conceal where "Ay! This place?" returned the old man, stayshe lived, and to come and go as secretly as she ing his pinch of snuff on its road, and pointing at could, between the free city and the iron gates, out- the place without looking at it. " This is the Marside of which she had never slept in her life. Her shalsea, sir." original timidity had grown with this concealment, " The debtors' prison?" and her light step and her little figure shunned the " Sir," said the old man, with the air of deeming thronged streets while they passed along them. it not quite necessary to insist upon that designaWorldly wise in hard and poor necessities, she was tion, " the debtors' prison." innocent in all thinlgs else. Innocent, in the mist He turned himself about, and went on. through which she saw her father, and the prison, "I beg your pardon," said Arthur, stopping him and the turbid living river that flowed through it once more, " but will you allow me to ask you auothand flowed on. er question? Can any one go in here?" This was the life, and this the history, of Little "Any one can go in," replied the old man; plainly Dorrit; now going home upon a dull September adding, by the significance of his emphasis, "but it evening, observed at a distance by Arthur Clennam. is not every one who can go out." This was the life, and this the history, of Little Dor- " Pardon me once more. Are you familiar with rit; turning at the end of London Bridge, recross- the place?" ing it, going back again, passing on to St. George's "Sir," returned the old man, squeezing his litchurch, turning back suddenly once more, and flit- tle packet of snuff in his hand, and turning upon ting in at the open outer gate and little court-yard his interrogator as if such questions hurt him, "I of the Marshalsea. am." " I beg you to excuse me. I am not impertinent-.0_-~ —-— ~ ly curious, but have a good object. Do you know the name of Dorrit here?" FREDERICK DORRIT. 43 "My name, sir," replied the old man most unex- dle, than the visitor saw Dorrit, and saw the reason pectedly, "is Dorrit." of her setting so much store by dining alone. Arthur pulled off his hat to him. " Grant me the She had brought the meat home that she should favor of half a dozen words. I was wholly unpre- have eaten herself, and was already warming it on pared for your announcement, and hope that assur- a gridiron over the fire, for her father, clad in an old ance is my sufficient apology for having taken the gray gown and a black cap, awaiting his supper at liberty of addressing you. I havge recently come the table. A clean cloth was spread before him, home to England after a long absence. I have seen with knife, fork, and spoon, salt-cellar, pepper-box, at my mother's-Mrs. Clennam in the city-a young glass, and pewter ale-pot. Such zests as his particwoman working at her needle, whom I have only ular little phial of cayenne pepper, and his pennyheard addressed or spoken of as Little Dorrit. I worth of pickles in a saucer, were not wanting. have felt sincerely interested in her, and have had a She started, colored deeply, and turned white. great desire to know something more about her. I The visitor, more with his eyes than by the slight saw her, not a minute before you came up, pass in at impulsive motion of his hand, entreated her to be that door." re-assured and to trust him. The old man looked at him attentively. "Are "I found this gentleman," said the uncle-" Mr. you' a sailor, sir?" he asked. He seemed a little dis- Clennam, William, son of Amy's friend-at the outer appointed by the shake of the head that replied to gate, wishful, as he was going by, of paying his rehim. "Not a sailor? I judged from your sun- spects, but hesitating whether to come in or not. burned face that you might be. Are you in earnest, This is my brother William, sir." sir?" "I hope," said Arthur, very doubtful what to say,'" I do assure you that I am, and do entreat you to "that my respect for your daughter may explain and believe that I am, in plain earnest." justify my desire to be presented to you, sir." "'I know very little of the world, sir," returned " Mr. Clennam," returned the other, rising, taking the other, who had a weak and quavering voice. " I his cap off in the fiat of his hand, and so holding it, am merely passing on, like the shadow over the sun- ready to put on again, "you do me honor. You are dial. It would be worth no man's while to mislead welcome, sir." With a low bow. "Frederick, a me; it would really be too easy-too poor a success, chair. Pray sit down, Mr. Clennam." to yield any satisfaction. The young woman whom He put his black cap on again as he had taken it you saw go in here is my brother's child. My broth- off, and resumed his own seat. There was a wonderer is William Dorrit; I am Frederick. You say you ful air of benignity and patronage in his manner. have seen her at your mother's (I know your mother These were the ceremonies with which he received befriends her), you have felt an interest in her, and you the collegians. wish to know what she does here. Come and see." "You are welcome to the Marshalsea, sir. I have He went on again, and Arthur accompanied him. welcomed many gentlemen to these walls. Perhaps "My brother," said the old man, pausing on the you are aware-my daughter Amy may have menstep, and slowly facing round again, "has been here tioned-that I am the Father of this place." many years; and much that happens even among "I —so I have understood," said Arthur, dashing ourselves, out-of-doors, is kept from him for reasons at the assertion. that I needn't enter upon now. Be so good as to "You know, I dare say, that my daughter Amy say nothing of my niece's working at her needle. was born here. A good girl, sir, a dear girl, and long Be so good as to say nothing that goes beyond what a comfort and support to me. Amy, my clear, put is said among us. If you keep within our bounds, the dish on; Mr. Clennam will excuse the primitive you can not well be wrong. Now! Come and see." customs to which we are reduced here. Is it a comArthur followed him down a narrow entry, at the pliment to ask you if you would do me the honor end of which a key was turned, and a strong door sir, to —" was opened from within. It admitted them into a "Thank you," returned Arthur. "Not a morsel." lodge or lobby, across which they passed, and so He felt himself quite lost in wonder at the manthrough another door and a grating into the prison. ner of the man, and that the probability of his The old man always plodding on before, turned daughter's having had a reserve as to her family hisround, in his slow, stiff, stooping manner, when they tory, should be so far out of his mind. came to the turnkey on duty, as if to present his She filled his glass, put all the little matters on companion. The turnkey nodded; and the compan- the table ready to his hand, and then sat beside him ion passed in without being asked whom he wanted. while he ate his supper. Evidently in observance The night was dark; and the prison lamps in the of their nightly custom, she put some bread before yard, and the candles in the prison windows faintly herself, and touched his glass with her lips; but shining behind many sorts of wry old curtain and Arthur saw she was troubled and took nothing. blind, had not the air of making it lighter. A few Her look at her father, half admiring him and proud people loitered about, but the greater part of the of him, half ashamed for him, all devoted and loving, population was within doors. The old man, taking went to his inmost heart. the right-hand side of the yard, turned in at the The Father of the Marshalsea condescended tothird or fourth door-way, and began to ascend the ward his brother as an amiable, well-meaning man; stairs. "v They are rather dark, sir, but you will not a private character, who had not arrived at distincfind any thing in the way." tion. " Frederick," said he, "you and Fanny sup at He paused for a moment before opening a door on your lodgings to-night, I know. What have you the second story. He had no sooner turned the han- done with Fanny, Frederick?" 44 LITTLE DORBIT. " She is walking with Tip." me. But it came out, through my admiring a very "Tip-as you may know-is my son, Mr. Clennam. fine cluster of geranium-beautiful cluster of geraHe has been a little wild, and difficult to settle, but nium, to be sure-which'he had brought from his his introduction to the world was rather "-he shrug- conservatory. On my taking notice of its rich color, ged his shoulders with a faint sigh, and looked round he showed me a piece of paper round it, on which the room-" a little adverse. Your first visit here, was written' For the Father of the Marshalsea,' and sir?" presented it to me. But this was-hem-not all. " My first." He made a particular request, on taking leave, that " You could hardly have been here since your boy- I would remove the paper in half an hour. I-haP — hood without my knowledge. It very seldom hap- I did so; and I found that it contained-ahem-two pens that any body-of any pretensions-any pre- guineas. I assure you, Mr. Clennam, I have received tensions-comes here without being presented to -hem-Testimonials in many ways, and of many me." I degrees of value, and they have always been —ha — "As many as forty or fifty in a day have been unfortunately acceptable; but I never was more introduced to my brother," said Frederick, faintly pleased than with this-ahem-this particular Teslighting up with a ray of pride. timonial." "Yes!" the Father of the Marshalsea assented. Arthur was in the act of saying the little he could "We have even exceeded that number. On a fine say on such a theme, when a bell began to ring, and Sunday in term-time, it is quite a Levee-quite a footsteps approached the door. A pretty girl of a Levee. Amy, my dear, I have been trying half the far better figure, and much more developed than Litday to remember the name of the gentleman from tle Dorrit, though looking much younger in the face Camberwell who was introduced to me last Christ- when the two were observed together, stopped in mas week, by that agreeable coal-merchant who was the door-way on seeing a stranger; and a young remanded for six months." man who was with her stopped too. "I don't remember his name, father."'Mr. Clennam, Fanny. My eldest daughter and "Frederick, do you remember his name?" my son, Mr. Clennam. The bell is a signal for visitFrederick doubted if he had ever heard it. No ors to retire, and so they have come to say goodone could doubt that Frederick was the last person night; but there is plenty of time, plenty of time. upon earth to put such a question to, with any hope Girls, Mr. Clennam will excuse any household busiof information. ness you may have together. He knows, I dare say, " I mean," said his brother, "the gentleman who that I have but one room here." did that handsome action with so much delicacy. "I only want my clean dress from Amy, father," Ha! Tush! The name has quite escaped me. Mr. said the second girl. Clennam, as I have happened to mention a hand- "And my clothes," said Tip. some and delicate action, you may like, perhaps, to Amy opened a drawer in an old piece of furniture know what it was." that was a chest of drawers above, and a bedstead "Very much," said Arthur, withdrawing his eyes below, and produced two little bundles, which she from the delicate head beginning to droop, and the handed to her brother and sister. " Mended and pale face with a new solicitude stealing over it. made up?" Clennam heard the sister ask in a whis"It is so generous, and shows so much fine feel- per. To which Amy answered " Yes." He had risen ing, that it is almost a duty to mention it. I said at now, and took the opportunity of glancing round the the time that I always would mention it on every room. The bare walls had been colored green, evisuitable occasion, without regard to personal sensi- dently by an unskilled hand, and were poorly decotiveness. A-well-a-it's of no use to disguise the rated with a few prints. The window was curtainfact — you must know, Mr. Clennam, that it does ed, and the floor carpeted; and there were shelves, sometimes occr that people who come here, desire and pegs, and other such conveniences, that had acto offer some little-Testimonial-to the Father of cumulated in the course of years. It was a close,' the place.". confined room, poorly furnished; and the chimney To see her hand upon his arm in mute entreaty smoked to boot, or the tin screen at the top of the half repressed, and her timid little shrinking figure fire-place was superfluous; but constant pains and turning away, was to see a sad, sad sight. care had made it neat, and even, after its kind, com" Sometimes," he went on in a low, soft voice, agi- fortable. tated, and clearing his throat every now and then; All the while the bell was ringing, and the uncle "sometimes-hem-it takes one shape and some- was anxious to go. "Come Fanny, come Fanny," he times another; but it is generally — ha — Money. said, with his ragged clarionet-case under his arm; And it is, I can not but confess it, it is too often- " the lock, child, the lock!" hem-acceptable. This gentleman that I refer to Fanny bade her father good-night, and whisked was presented to me, Mr. Clennam, in a manner high- off airily. Tip had already clattered down stairs. ly gratifying to my feelings, and conversed not only'" Now, Mr. Clennam," said the uncle, looking back as with great politeness, but with great-ahem-infor- he shuffled out after them, " the lock, sir, the lock." mation." All this time, though he had finished his Mr. Clennam had two things to do before he folsupper, he was nervously going about his plate with lowed; one, to offer his testimonial to the Father of his knife and fork, as if some of it were still before the Marshalsea, without giving pain to his child: him. "It appeared from his conversation that he the other to say something to that child, though it had a garden, though he was delicate of mentioning were but a word, in explanation of his having come it at first, as gardens are-hem-are not accessible to there. LOCKED IN. 45 "Allow me," said the Father, "to see you down "Caught, eh?1" said the voice. "You won't go stairs." home till morning. —Oh! It's you, is it, Mr. ClenShe had slipped out after the rest, and they were nam?" alone. " Not on any account," said the visitor, hur- The voice was Tip's; and they stood looking at riedly. "Pray allow me to-" chink, chink, chink. one another in the prison-yard, as it began to rain. "Mr. Clennam," said the Father, "I am deeply, " You've done it," observed Tip; "you must be deeply —" But his visitor had shut up his hand to sharper than that, next time." stop the chinking, and had gone down stairs with " But you are locked in too," said Arthur. great speed. "I believe I aih!" said Tip, sarcastically. " About! He saw no Little Dorrit on his way down, or in But not in your way. I belong to the shop, only my the yard. The last two or three stragglers were sister has a theory that our governor must never hurrying to the lodge, and he was following, when know it. I don't see why, myself." he caught sight of her, in the door-way of the first "Can I get any shelter?" asked Arthur. " What house from the entrance. He turned back hastily. had I better do?" "Pray forgive me," he said, " for speaking to you "We had better get hold of Amy, first of all," said here; pray forgive me for coming here at all! I'fol- Tip, referring any difficulty to her, as a matter of lowed you to-night. I did so, that I might endeav- course. or to render you and your family some service. You "I would rather walk about all night-it's not know the terms on which I and my mother are, and much to do-than give that trouble." may not be surprised that I have preserved our dis- "You needn't do that, if you don't mind paying tant relations at her house, lest I should uninten- for a bed. If you don't mind paying, they'll make tionally make her jealous, or resentful, or do you you up one on the Snuggery table, under the circumany injury in her estimation. What I have seen stances. If you'll come along, I'll introduce you here, in this short time, has greatly increased my there." heartfelt wish to be a friend to you. It would rec- As they passed down the yard, Arthur looked up ompense me for much disappointment if I could at the window of the room he had lately left, where hope to gain your confidence." the light was still burning. " Yes, sir," said Tip, She was scared at first, but seemed to take cour- following his glance. " That's the governors. She'll age while he spoke to her. sit with him for another hour reading yesterday's "You are very good, sir. You speak very earnestly paper to him, or something of that sort; and then to me. But I-but I wish you had not watched me." she'll come out like a little ghost, and vanish away He understood the emotion with which she said without a sound." it, to arise in her father's behalf; and he respected "I don't understand you." it, and was silent. "The governor sleeps up in the room, and she has " Mrs. Clennam has been of great service to me; a lodging at the turnkey's. First house there," said I don't know what we should have done without Tip, pointing out the door-way into which she had the employment she has given me; I am afraid it retired. " First house, sky parlor. She pays twice may not be a good return to become secret with her; as much for it as she would for one twice as good I can say no more to-night, sir. I am sure you mean outside. But she stands by the governor, poor dear to be kind to us. Thank you, thank you." girl, day and night." "Let me ask you one question before I leave. This brought them to the tavern establishment Have you known my mother long?" at the upper end of the prison, whereAthe collegians "I think two years, sir.-The bell has stopped." had just vacated their social evening club. The "How did you know her first? Did she send apartment on the ground-floor in which it was held, here for you?" was the Snuggery in question; the presidential trib" No. She does not even know that I live here. une of the chairman, the pewter pots, glasses, pipes, We have a friend, father and I-a poor, laboring tobacco-ashes, and general flavor of members, were man, but the best of friends-and I wrote out that still as that convivial institution had left them on I wished to do needle-work, and gave his address. its adjournment. The Snuggery had two of the And he got what I wrote out displayed at a few qualities popularly held to be essential to grog for places where it cost nothing, and Mrs. Clennam found ladies, in respect that it was hot and strong; but in me that way, and sent for me. The gate will be the third point of analogy, requiring plenty of it, locked, sir!" the Snuggery was defective: being but a cooped-up She was so tremulous and agitated, and he was so apartment. moved by compassion for her, and by deep interest The unaccustomed visitor from outside naturally in her story as it dawned upon him, that he could assumed every body here to be prisoners-landlord, scarcely tear himself away. But the stoppage of the waiter, bar-maid, pot-boy, and all. Whether they bell, and the quiet in the prison, were a warning to were or not, did not appear; but they all had a depart; and with a few hurried words of kindness weedy look. The keeper of a chandler's shop in a he left her gliding back to her father. front-parlor, who took in gentlemen boarders, lent But he had remained too late. The inner gate his assistance in making the bed. He had been a was locked, and the lodge closed. After a little tailor in his time, and had kept a phaeton, he said. fruitless knocking with his hand, he was standing He boasted that he stood up litigiously for the inthere with the disagreeable conviction upon him terests of the college; and he had undefined and that he had to get through the night, when a voice undefinable ideas that the marshal intercepted a accosted him from behind. "Fund," which ought to come to the collegians. 46 LITTLE DORRIT. He liked to believe this, and always impressed the knew for softening to this poor girl! What if the shadowy grievance on new-comers and strangers; prisoner now sleeping quietly —Heaven grant it!though he could not, for his life, have explained what by the light of the great Day of Judgment should Fund he meant, or how the notion had got rooted in trace back his fall to her! What if any act of hers, his soul. He had fully convinced himself, notwith- and of his father's, should have even remotely standing, that his own proper share of the Fund was brought the gray heads of those two brothers so three-and-ninepence a week; and that in this amount low! he, as an individual collegian, was swindled by the A swift thought shot into his mind. In that long marshal, regularly every Monday. Apparently, he imprisonment here, and in her own long confinehelped to make the bed, that he might not lose an ment to her room, did his mother find a balance to opportunity of stating this case; after.which un- be struck? I admit that I was accessory to that loading of his mind, and after announcing (as it man's captivity. I have suffered for it in kind. He seemed he always did, without any thing coming of has decayed in his prison; I in mine. I have paid it), that he was going to write a letter to the papers the penalty. and show the marshal up, he fell into miscellaneous When all the other thoughts had faded out, this conversation with the rest. It was evident, from one held possession of him. When he fell asleep, the general tone of the whole party, that they had she came before him in her wheeled chair, warding come to regard insolvency as the normal state of him off with this justification. When he awoke, mankind, and the payment of debts as a disease that and sprang up causelessly frightened, the words occasionally broke out. were in his ears, as if her voice had slowly spoken In this strange scene, and with these strange spec- them at his pillow, to break his rest: " He withers tres flitting about him, Arthur Clennam looked on away in his prison; I wither away in mine; inexat the preparations, as if they were part of a dream. orable justice is done; what do I owe on this score!" Pending which, the long-initiated Tip, with an awful enjoyment of the Snuggery's resources, pointed out tile common kitchen fire maintained by subscription of collegians, the boiler for hot water supported in CHAPTER IX. like manner, and other premises generally tending to the deduction that the way to be healthy, wealthy, and wise, was to come to the Marshalsea. m HE morning light was in no hurry to climb the'The two tables put together in a corner, were at 11 prison wall and look in at the Snuggery winlength converted into a very fair bed; and the dows; and when it did come, it would have been stranger was left to the Windsor chairs, the presi- more welcome if it had come alone, instead of bringdential tribune, the beery atmosphere, sawdust, pipe- ing a rush of rain with it. But the equinoctial gales lights, spittoons, and repose. But the last item was were blowing out at sea, and the impartial southlong, long, long in linking itself to the rest. The west wind, in its flight, would not neglect even the novelty of the place, the coming upon it without narrow Marshalsea. While it roared through the preparation, the sense of being locked up, the remem- steeple of St. George's church, and twirled all the brance of that room up stairs, of the two brothers, cowls in the neighborhood, it made a swoop to beat and above all of the retiring childish form, and the the Southwark smoke into the jail; and, plunging face in which he now saw years of insufficient food, down the chimneys of the few early collegians who if not of want, kept him waking and unhappy. were yet lighting their fires, half suffocated them. Speculations, too, bearing the strangest relations Arthur Clennam would have been little disposed toward the prison, but always concerning the prison, to linger in bed, though his bed had been in a more ran like nightmares through his mind while he lay private situation, and less affected by the raking awake. Whether coffins were kept ready for peo- out of yesterday's fire, the kindling of to-day's under ple who might die there, where they were kept, how the collegiate boiler, the filling of that Spartan vesthey were kept, where people who died in the prison sel at the pump, the sweeping and sawdusting of the were buried, how they were taken out, what forms common room, and other such preparations. Heartwere observed, whether an implacable creditor could ily glad to see the morning, though little rested by arrest the dead? As to escaping, what chances there the night, he turned out as soon as he could distinwere of escape? Whether a prisoner could scale the guish objects about him, and paced the yard for two walls with a cord and grapple, how he would descend heavy hours before the gate was opened. upon the other side: whether he could alight on a The walls were so near to one another, and the house-top, steal down a staircase, let himself out at a wild clouds hurried over them so fast, that it gave door, and get lost in the crowd? As to Fire in the him a sensation like the beginning of sea-sickness prison, if one were to break out while he lay there! to look up at the gusty sky. The rain, carried aslant And these involuntary starts of fancy were, after by flaws of wind, blackened that side of the central all, but the setting of a picture in which three peo- building which he had visited last night, but left a ple kept before him. His father, with the steadfast narrow dry trough under the lee of the wall, where look with which he had died, prophetically darkened he walked up and down among waifs of straw and forth in the portrait; his mother, with her arm up, dust and paper, the waste droppings of the pump, warding off his suspicion; Little Dorrit, with her and the stray leaves of yesterday's greens. It was hand on the degraded arm, and her diooping head as haggard a view of life as a man need look upon. turned away. Nor was it relieved by any glimpse of the little What if his mother had an old reason she well creature who had brought him there. Perhaps she THE CLARIONET- PLAYER'S D WELLING. 47 glided out of her door-way and in at that where her The nondescript knew two Miss Dorrits; one who father lived, while his face was turned from both; was born inside-That was the one! That was the but he saw nothing of her. It was too early for her one? The nondescript had known her many years. brother; to have seen him once, was to have seen In regard of the other Miss Dorrit, the nondescript enough of him to know that he would be sluggish lodged in the same house with herself and uncle. to leave whatever frowzy bed he occupied at night; This changed the client's half-formed design of so, as Arthur Clennam walked up and down, wait- remaining at the coffee-shop until the nondescript ing for the gate to open, he cast about in his mind should bring him word that Dorrit had issued forth for future rather than for present means of pursuing into the street. He intrusted the nondescript with his discoveries. a confidential message to her, importing that the At last the lodge-gate turned, and the turnkey, visitor who had waited on her father last night, standing on the step, taking an early comb at his begged the favor of a few words with her at her hair, was ready to let him out. With a joyful sense uncle's lodging; he obtained from the same source of release he passed through the lodge, and found full directions to the house, which was very near; himself again in the little outer court-yard, where dismissed the nondescript gratified with half a he had spoken to the brother last night. crown; and having hastily refreshed himself at the There was a string of people already straggling coffee-shop, repaired with all speed to the clarionetin, whom it was not difficult to identify as the non- player's dwelling. descript messengers, go-betweens, and errand-bear- There were so many lodgers in this house, that ers of the place. Some of them had been lounging the door-post seemed to be as full of bell-handles as in the rain until the gate should open; others, who a cathedral organ is of stops. Doubtful which had timed their arrival with greater nicety, were might be the clarionet-stop, he was considering the coming up now, and passing in with damp whitey- point, when a shuttlecock flew out of the parlor brown paper bags from the grocers, loaves of bread, window, and alighted on his hat. He then observed lumps of butter, eggs, milk, and the like. The shab- that in the parlor window was a blind with the inbiness of these attendants upon shabbiness, the pov- scription, MR. CRIPPLES'S ACADEMY; also in another erty of these insolvent waiters upon insolvency, was line, EVENING TUITION; and behind the blind was a sight to see. Such threadbare coats and trowsers, a little white-faced boy, with a slice of bread-andsuch fusty gowns and shawls, such squashed hats butter, and a battledore. The window being accesand bonnets, such boots and shoes, such umbrellas sible from the footway, he looked in over the blind, and walking-sticks, never were seen in Rag Fair. returned the shuttlecock, and put his question. All of them wore the cast-off clothes of other men "Dorrit?" said the little white-faced boy (Master and women; were made up of patches and pieces of Cripples, in fact). "Mr. Dorrit? Third bell and other people's individuality, and had no sartorial one knock." existence of their own proper. Their walk was the The pupils of Mr. Cripples appeared to have been walk of a race apart. They had a peculiar way of making a copy-book of the street door, it was so exdoggedly slinking round the corner, as if they were tensibly scribbled over in pencil. The frequency of eternally going to the pawnbroker's. When they the inscriptions, " Old Dorrit," and "'Dirty Dick," in coughed, they coughed like people accustomed to be combination, suggested intentions of personality on forgotten on door-steps and in draughty passages, the part of Mr. Cripples's pupils. There was ample waiting for answers to letters in faded ink, which time to make these observations, before the door gave the recipients of those manuscripts great men- was opened by the poor old man himself. tal disturbance, and no satisfaction. As they eyed "Ha!" said he, very slowly remembering Arthur, the stranger in passing, they eyed him with borrow- "you were shut in last night?" ing eyes-hungry, sharp, speculative as to his soft- "Yes, Mr. Dorrit. I hope to meet your niece here ness if they were accredited to him, and the likeli- presently." hood of his standing something handsome. Mendici- "Oh!" said he, pondering. " Out of my brother's ty on commission stooped in their high shoulders, way? True. Would you come up stairs and wait shambled in their unsteady legs, buttoned and for her?" pinned and darned and dragged their clothes, frayed "' Thank you." their button-holes, leaked out of their figures in dirty Turning himself, as slowly as he turned in his little ends of tape, and issued from their mouths in mind whatever he heard or said, he led the way up alcoholic breathings. the narrow stairs. The house was very close, and As these people passed him standing still in the had an unwholesome smell. The little staircase court-yard, and one of them turned back to inquire windows looked in at the back windows of other if he could assist him with his services, it came into houses as unwholesome as itself, with poles and Arthur Clennam's mind that he would speak to Dor- lines thrust out of them, on which unsightly linen tit again before he went away.'-'She would have re- hung: as if the inhabitants were angling for clothes, covered her first surprise, and might feel easier with and had had some wretched bites not worth attendhim. He asked this member of the fraternity (who ing to. In the back-garret —a sickly room, with a had two red herrings in his hand, and a loaf and a turn-up bedstead in it, so hastily and recently turnblacking-brush under his arm), where was the near- ed up that the blankets were boiling over, as it were, est place to get a cup of coffee at. The nondescript and keeping the lid open-a half-finished breakfast replied in encouraging terms, and brought him to a of coffee and toast, for two persons, was jumbled coffee-shop in the street within a stone's throw. down anyhow on a rickety table. "Do you know Miss Dorrit?" asked the new client. There was no one there. The old man, mumbling 48 LITTLE DORRIT. to himself, after some consideration, that Fanny had "Amy, Mr. Clennam. What do you think of run away, went to the next room to fetch her back. her?" The visitor, observing that she held the door on the " I am much impressed, Mr. Dorrit, by all that I inside, and that when the uncle tried to open it, have seen of her and thought of her." there was a sharp adjuration of " Don't, stupid!" " My brother would have been quite lost without and an appearance of loose stocking and flannel,'Amy," he returned. " We should all halve been lost concluded that the young lady was in an undress. without Amy. She is a very good girl, Amy. She The uncle, without appearing to come to any con- does her duty." clusion, shuffled in again, sat down in his chair, and Arthur fancied that he heard, in these praises, a began warming his hands at the fire. Not that it certain tone of custom which he had heard from the was cold, or that he had any waking idea whether father last night, with an inward protest and feelit was or not. ing of antagonism. It was not that they stinted her "What did you think of my brother, sir?" he ask- praises, or were insensible to what she did for them; ed, when he, by-and-by, discovered what he was do- but that they were lazily habituated to her, as they "HE WAS AS FEEBLE, SPARE, AND SLOW IN HIS PINCHES AS IN EVERY THING ELSE.'" ing, left off, reached over to the chimney-piece, and were to all the rest of their condition. He fancied took his clarionet-case down. that although they had before them, every day, the "I was glad," said Arthur, very much at a loss, means of comparison between her and one another for his thoughts were on the brother before him; and themselves, they regarded her as being in her' to find him so well and cheerful." necessary place; as holding a position toward them " Ha!" muttered the old man. " Yes, yes, yes, yes, all which belonged to her, like her name or her age. yes!" He fancied that they viewed her, not as having risen Arthur wondered what he could possibly want away from the prison atmosphere, but as appertainwith the clarionet-case. He did not want it at all. ing to it; as being vaguely what they had a right He discovered, in due time, that it was not the lit- to expect, and nothing more. tile paper of snuff (which was also on the chimney- Her Uncle resumed his breakfast, and was munchpiece), put it back again, took down the snuff in- ing toast sopped in coffee, oblivious of his guest, stead, and solaced himself with a pinch. He was as when the third bell rang. That was Amy, he said, feeble, spare, and slow in his pinches as in every and went down to let her in; leaving the visitor thing else, but a certain little trickling of enjoy- with as vivid a picture on his mind of his begrimed. ment of them played in the poor worn nerves about hands, dirt-worn face, and decayed figure, as if he the corners of his eyes and mouth. were still drooping in his chair. ON THIE IRON BRIDGE. 49 She came up after him, in the usual plain dress, were excellent beds at.the coffee-house." He noand with the usual timid manner. Her lips were a ticed that the coffee-house was quite a majestic hotel little parted, as if her heart beat faster than usual. to her, and that she treasured its reputation. " Mr. Clennam, Amy,7" said her uncle, "has been "I believe it is very expensive," said Little Dorrit, expecting you some time." "but my father has told me that quite beautiful din"I took the liberty of sending you a message." ners may be got there. And wine," she added tim" I received the message, sir." idly. "Are you going to my mother's this morning? I "Were you ever there?" think not, for it is past your usual hour." "Oh no! Only into the kitchen, to fetch hot " Not to-day, sir. I am not wanted to-day." water." " Will you allow me to walk a little way in what- To think of growing up with a kind of awe upon ever direction you may be going? I can then speak one as to the luxuries of that superb establishment, to you as we walk, both without detaining you here, the Marshalsea hotel! and without intruding longer here myself." " I asked you last night,", said Clennam, "how you She looked embarrassed, but said, if he pleased. had become acquainted with my mother. Did you He made a pretense of having mislaid his walking- ever hear her name before she sent for you?" stick, to give her time to set the bedsteadright, to'No, sir." answer her sister's impatient knock at the wall, and " Do you think your father ever did?" to say a word softly to her uncle. Then he found "No, sir." it, and they went down stairs; she first, he follow- He met her eyes raised to his with so much woning, the uncle standing at the stair-head, and prob- der in them (she was scared when that encounter ably forgetting them before they had reached the took place, and shrunk away again), that he felt it ground-floor. necessary to say: Mr. Cripples's pupils, who were by this time com- " I have a reason for asking, which I can not very ing to school, desisted from their morning recreation well explain; but you must, on no account, suppose of cuffing one another with bags and books, to stare it to be of a nature to cause you the least alarm or with all the eyes they had at a stranger who had anxiety. Quite the reverse. And you think that been to see Dirty Dick. They bore the trying spec- at no time of your father's life was my name of tacle in silence, until the mysterious visitor was at Clennam ever familiar to him?" a safe distance; when they burst into pebbles and "No, sir." yells, and likewise into reviling dances, and in all He felt, from the tone in which she spoke, that she respects buried the pipe of peace with so many sav- was glancing up at him with those parted lips; age ceremonies, that if Mr. Cripples had been the therefore he looked before him, rather than make chief of the Cripplewayboo tribe with his war-paint her heart beat quicker still by embarrassing her on, they could scarcely have done greater justice to afresh. their education. Thus they emerged upon the Iron Bridge, which In the midst of this homage, Mr. Arthur Clennam was as quiet after the roaring streets, as though it offered his arm to Little Dorrit, and Little Dorrit had been open country. The wind blew roughly, took it. "Will you go by the Iron Bridge," said the wet squalls came rattling past them, skimming he, " where there is an escape from the noise of the the pools on the road and pavement, and raining street t?" Little Dorrit answered, if he pleased, and them down into the river. The clouds raced on presently ventured to hope that he would "not furiously in the lead-colored sky, the smoke and mist mind" Mr. Cripples's boys, for she had herself re- raced after them, the dark tide ran fierce and strong ceived her education, such as it was, in Mr. Crip- in the same direction. Little Dorrit seemed the least, ples's evening academy. He returned, with the best the quietest, and weakest of Heaven's creatures. will in the world, that Mr, Cripples's boys were for- "Let me put you in a coach," said Arthur Clengiven out of the bottom of his soul. Thus did Crip- nam, very nearly adding, " my poor child." piles unconsciously become a master of the ceremo- She hurriedly declined, saying that wet or dry nies between them, and bring them more naturally made little difference to her; she was used to go together than Beau Nash might have done if they about in all weathers. He knew it to be so, and had lived in his golden days, and he had alighted was touched with more pity; thinking of the slight from his coach and six for the purpose. figure at his side, making its nightly way through The morning remained squally, and the streets the damp, dark, boisterous streets, to such a place of were miserably muddy, but no rain fell as they rest. walked toward the Iron Bridge. The little creature " You spoke so feelingly to me last night, sir, and seemed so young in his eyes, that there were mo- I found afterward that you had been so generous to ments when he found himself thinking of her, if not my father, that I could not resist your message, if it speaking to her, as if she were a child. Perhaps he was only to thank you; especially as I wished very seemed as old in her eyes as she seemed young in much to say to you-" she hesitated and trembled, his. and tears rose in her eyes, but did not fall. "I am sorry to hear you were so inconvenienced "To say to me-?" last night, sir, as to be locked in. It was very un- "That I hope you will not misunderstand my fortunate." father. Don't judge him, sir, as you would judge It was nothing, he returned. He had had a very others outside the gates. He has been there so long! good bed. I never saw him outside, but I can understand that "Oh yes!" she said, quickly; " she believed there he must have grown different in some things since." 4 50 LITTLE DORRIT. "My thoughts will never be unjust or harsh to- doubt, elsewhere, if you can not-who is the most ward him, believe me." influential of them?" "Not," she said, with a prouder air, as the mis- Dorrit said, after considering a little, that she giving evidently crept upon her that she might seem used to hear long ago of Mr. Tite Barnacle as a man to be abandoning him, "not that he has any thing of great power. He was a commissioner, or a board, to be ashamed of for himself, or that I have any or a trustee, "or something." He lived in Grosvething to be ashamed of for him. He only requires norSquare, she thought, orvery near it. He was unto be understood. I only ask for him that his life der Government —high in the Circumlocution Office. may be fairly remembered. All that he said was She appeared to have acquired, in her infancy, some quite true. It all happened just as he related it. awful impression of the might of this formidable He is very much respected. Every body who comes Mr. Tite Barnacle, of Grosvenor Square, or very near in, is glad to know him. He is more courted than it, and the Circumlocution Office, which quite crushany one else. He is far more thought of than the ed her when she mentioned him. Marshal is." "It can do no harm," thought Arthur, "if I see If ever pride were innocent, it was innocent in this Mr. Tite Barnacle." Little Dorrit when she grew boastful of her father. The thought did not present itself so quietly but " It is often said that his manners are a true gen- that her quickness intercepted it. "Ah!" said Littleman's, and quite a study. I see none like them in tle Dorrit, shaking her head with the mild despair that place, but he is admitted to be superior to all of a lifetime. "Many people used to think once of the rest. This is quite as much why they make him getting my poor father out, but you don't know how presents, as because they know him to be needy. He hopeless it is." is not to be blamed for being in need, poor love. Who She forgot to be shy at the moment, in honestly could be in prison a quarter of a century, and be pros- warning him away from the sunken wreck he had perous!" a dream of raising; and looked at him with eyes What affection in her words, what compassion in which assuredly, in association with her patient her repressed tears, what a great soul of fidelity with- face, her fragile figure, her spare dress, and the wind in her, how true the light that shed false brightness and rain, did not turn him from his purpose of helpround him! ing her. " If I have found it best to conceal where my home "Even if it could be done," said she-" and it is, it is not because I am ashamed of him. GOD for- never can be done now-where could father live, or bid! Nor am I so much ashamed of the place itself how could he live? I have often thought that if as might be supposed. People are not bad because such a change could come, it might be any thing they come there. I have known numbers of good, but a service to him now. People might not think persevering, honest people come there through mis- so well of him outside as they do there. He might fortune. They are almost all kind-hearted to one not be so gently dealt with outside as he is there. another. And it would be ungrateful indeed in me, He might not be so fit himself for the life outside, as to forget that I have had many quiet, comfortable he is for that." hours there; that I had an excellent friend there Here, for the first time, she could not restrain her when I was quite a baby, who was very fond of me; tears from falling; and the little thin hands he had that I have been taught there, and have worked watched when they were so busy, trembled as they there, and have slept soundly there. I think it clasped each other. would be almost cowardly and cruel not to have " It would be a new distress to him even to know some little attachment for it, after all this." that I earn a little money, and that Fanny earns a She had relieved the faithful fullness of her heart, little money. He is so anxious about us, you see, and modestly said, raising her eyes appealingly to feeling helplessly shut up there. Such a good, good her new friend's, "I did not mean to say so much, father!" nor have I ever but once spoken about this before. He let the little burst of feeling go by before he But it seems to set it more right than it was last spoke. It was soon gone. She was not accustomed night. I said I wished you had not followed me, to think of herself, or to trouble any one with her sir. I don't wish it so much now, unless you should emotions. He had but glanced away at the piles think-indeed I don't wish it at all, unless I should of city roofs and chimneys among which the smoke have spoken so confusedly, that-that you can scarce- was rolling heavily, and at the wilderness of masts ly understand me, which I am afraid may be the on the river, and the wilderness of steeples on the case." shore, indistinctly mixed together in the stormy He told her with perfect truth that it was not haze, when she was again as quiet as if she had been the case; and putting himself between her and the plying her needle in his mother's room. sharp wind and rain, sheltered her as well as he "You would be glad to have your brother set at could. liberty'?" "I feel permitted now,"' he said, "to ask you a "Oh very, very glad, sir!" little more concerning your father. Has he many "Well, we will hope for him at least. You told creditors?" me last night of a friend you had?" "Oh! a great number." His name was Plornish, Little Dorrit said. "I mean detaining creditors who keep him where And where did Plornish live? Plornish lived in he is?". Bleeding Heart Yard. He was " only a plasterer," "Oh yes! a great number." Little )orrit said, as a caution to him not to form "Can you tell me-I can get the information, no, high social expectations of Plornish. He lived at MA GG Y. 51 the last house in Bleeding Heart Yard, and his name its place upon her head, that it held on round her was over a little gate-way. neck like a gypsy's baby. A commission of haberArthur took down the address and gave her his. dashers could alone have reported what the rest of He had now done all he sought to do for the pres- her poor dress Was made of; but it had a strong genent, except that he wished to leave her with a reli- eral resemblance to sea-weed, with here and there auce upon him, and to have something like a prom- a gigantic tea-leaf. Her shawl looked particularly ise from her that she would cherish it. like a tea-leaf, after long infusion. " There is one friend!" he said, putting up his pock- Arthur Clennam looked at Dorrit, with the exet-book. "As I take you back-you are going back?" pression of one saying, "May I ask who this is?" "Oh yes! going straight home." Dorrit, whose hand this Maggy, still calling her lit"As I take you back," the word home jarred upon tle mother, had begun to fondle, answered in words. him, "let me ask you to persuade yourself that you (They were under a gate-way into which the majorhave another friend. I make no professions, and say ity of the potatoes had rolled.) no more." "This is Maggy, sir." "You are truly kind to me, sir. I am sure I need "Maggy, sir," echoed the personage presented. no more." "Little mother!" They walked back through the miserable, muddy "She is the granddaughter —" said Dorrit. streets, and among the poor, mean shops, and were "Granddaughter," echoed Maggy. jostled by the crowds of dirty hucksters usual to a "Of my old nurse, who has been dead a long time. poor neighborhood. There was nothing, by the short Maggy, how old are you?" way, that was pleasant to any of the five senses. "Ten, mother," said Maggy Yet it was not a common passage through common "You can't think how good she is, sir," said Dorrain, and mire, and noise, to Clennam, having this rit, with infinite tenderness. little, slender, careful creature on his arm. How "Good she is," echoed Maggy, transferring the proyoung she seemed to him, or how old he to her; or noun in a most expressive way from herself to her what a secret either to the other, in that beginning little mother. of the destined interweaving of their stories, matters "Or how clever," said Dorrit. " She goes on ernot here. He thought of her having been born and rands as well as any one." Maggy laughed. "And bred among these scenes, and shrinking through is as trustworthy as the Bank of England." Maggy them now, familiar, yet misplaced; he thought of laughed. "She earns her own living entirely. Enher long acquaintance with the squalid needs of life, tirely, sir!" said Dorrit, in a lower and triumphant and of her innocence; of her old solicitude for oth- tone. "Really does!" ers, and her few years and her childish aspect. " What is her history?" asked Clennam. They were come into the High Street, where the "Think of that, Maggy!" said Dorrit, taking her prison stood, when a voice cried, "Little mother, lit- two large hands and clapping them together. "A tle mother!" Dorri. stopping and looking back, an gentleman from thousands of miles away, wanting excited figure of a strange kind bounced against to know your history!" them (still crying "Little mother "), fell down, and "Mjy history?" cried Maggy. "Little mother." scattered the contents of a large basket, filled with "She means me," said DorriA rather confused; potatoes, in the mud. "she is very much attached to me. Her old grand"Oh, Maggy," said Dorrit, "what a clumsy child mother was not so kind to her as she should have you are!" been; was she, Maggy?" Maggy was not hurt, but picked herself up imme- Maggy shook her head, made a drinking vessel of diately, and then began to pick up the potatoes, in her clenched left hand, drank out of it, and said, which both Dorrit and Arthur Clennam helped. "Gin." Then beat an imaginary child, and said, Maggy picked up a very few potatoes, and a great " Broom-handles and pokers." quantity of mud; but they were all recovered, and "When Maggy was ten years old," said Dorrit, deposited in the basket. Maggy then smeared her watching her face while she spoke, " she had a bad muddy face with her shawl, and presenting it to Mr. fever, sir, and she has never grown any older ever Clenuam as a type of purity, enabled him to see since." what she was like. "Ten years old," said Maggy, nodding her head. She was about eight-and-twenty, with large bones, " But what a nice hospital! So comfortable, wasn't large features, large feet and hands, large eyes, and it? Oh so nice it was! Such a Ev'nly place!" no hair. Her large eyes were limpid and almost "She had never been at peace before, sir," said colorless; they seemed to be very little affected by Dorrit, turning toward Arthur for an instant and light, and to stand unnaturally still. There was speaking low, "and she always runs off upon that." also that attentive, listening expression in her face, "Such beds there is there!" cried Maggy. " Such which is seen in the faces of the blind; but she was Lemonades! Such oranges! Such d'licious broth not blind, having one tolerably serviceable eye. Her and wine! Such Chicking! Oh, ALN'T it a delightface was not exceedingly ugly, though it was only ful place to go and stop at!" redeemed from being so by a smile; a good-humored "So Maggy stopped there as long as she could," smile, and pleasant in itself, but rendered pitiable by said Dorrit, in her former tone of telling a child's being constantly there. A great white cap, with a story —the tone designed for Maggy's ear, " and at quantity of opaque frilling that was always flapping last, when she could stop there no longer, she came about, apologized for Maggy's baldness, and made it out. Then, because she was never to be more than so very difficult for her old black bonnet to retain ten years old, however long she lived —" 52 LITTLE DORRIT. "However long she lived," echoed Maggy. to do the plainest right and to undo the plainest "And because she was very weak; indeed was so wi'ong, without the express authority of the Circumweak that when she began to laugh she couldn't locution Office. If another Gunpowder Plot had stop herself-which was a great pity-" X been discovered half an hour before the lighting of (Maggy mighty grave of a sudden.) the match, nobody would have been justified in sav"Her grandmother did not know what to do with ing the Parliament until there had been half a score her, and for some years was very unkind to her in- of boards, half a bushel of minutes, several sacks of deed. At length, in course of time, Maggy began to official memoranda, and a family-vaultful of ungramtake pains to improve herself, and to be very atten- matical correspondence, on the part of the Circumtive and very industrious; and by degrees was al- locution Office. lowed to come in and out as often as she liked, and This glorious establishment had been early in the got enough to do to support herself, and does support field, when the one sublime principle involving the herself. And that," said Little Dorrit, clapping the difficult art of governing a country was first distwo great hands together again, " is Maggy's history, tinctly revealed to statesmen. It had been foreas Maggy knows!". most to study that bright revelation, and to carry its Ah! But Arthur would have known what was shining influence through the whole of the official wanting to its completeness, though he had never proceedings. Whatever was required to be done, heard the words Little mother; though he had never the Circumlocution Office was beforehand with all seen the fondling of the small spare hand; though the public departments in the art of perceivinghe had had no sight for the tears now standing in How NOT TO DO IT. the colorless eyes; though he had had no hearing for Through this delicate perception, through the tact the sob that checked the clumsy laugh. The dirty with which it invariably seized it, and through the gate-wiy with the wind and rain whistling through genius with which it always acted on it, the Circumit, and the basket of muddy potatoes waiting to be locution Office had risen to overtop all the public despilled again or taken up, never seemed the common partments; and the public condition had risen to be hole it really was, when he looked back to it by -what it was. these lights. Never, never! It is true that How not to do it was the great They were very near the end of their walk, and study and object of all public departments and prothey now came out of the gate-way to finish it. fessional politicians all round the Circumlocution Nothing would serve Maggy but that they must Office. It is true that every new premier and every stop at a grocer's window, short of their destination, new government, coming in because they had upfor her to show her learning. She could read after held a certain thing as necessary to be done, were no a sort; and picked out the fat figures in the tick- sooner come in than they applied their utmost facets of prices, for the most part correctly. She also ulties to discovering, How not to do it. It is true stumbled, with a large balance of success against her that from the moment when a general election was failures, through various philanthropic recommenda- over, every returned man who had been raving on tions to Try our Mixture, Try our Family Black, Try hustings because it hadn't been done, and who had our orange-flavored Pekoe, challenging competition been asking the friends of the honorable gentleman at the head of Flowery Teas; and various cautions in the opposite interest on pain of impeachment to to the public against spurious establishments and tell him why it hadn't been done, and who had been adulterated articles. When he saw how pleasure asserting that it must be done, and who had been brought a rosy tint into Dorrit's face when Maggy pledging himself that it should be done, began to made a hit, he felt that he could have stood there devise, How it was not to be done. It is true that making a library of the grocer's window until the the debates of both Houses of Parliament the whole rain and wind were tired. session through, uniformly tended to the protracted The court-yard received them at last, and there he deliberation, How not to do it. It is true that the said good-bye to Little Dorrit. Little as she had al- royal speech at the opening of such session virtually ways looked, she looked less than ever when he saw said, My lords and gentlemen, you have a consideraher going into the Marshalsea lodge passage, the lit- ble stroke of work to do, and you will please to retle mother attended by her big child. tire to your respective chambers, and discuss, How The cage door opened, and when the small bird, not to do it. It is true that the royal speech, at reared in captivity, had tamely fluttered in, he saw the close of such session, virtually said, My lords it shut again; and then he came away. and gentlemen, you have through several laborious months been considering with great loyalty and patriotism, How not to do it, and you have found out; and with the blessing of Providence upon the harCHAPTER X. vest (natural, not political), I now dismiss you. All this is true, but the Circumlocution Office went beCONTAINING THE WHOLE SCIENCE OF GOVERNMENT. yond it. HE Circumlocution Office was (as every body Because the Circumlocution Office went on meknows without being told) the most important chanically, every day, keeping this wonderful, allDepartment under government. No public business sufficient wheel of statesmanship, How not to do it, of any kind could possibly be done at any time, in motion. Because the Circumlocution Office was without the acquiescence of the Circumlocution Of- down upon any ill-advised public servant who was fice. Its finger was in the largest public pie, and in going to do it, or who appeared to be by any surpristhe smallest public tart. It was equally impossible ing accident in remote danger of doing it, with a THE CIRCUMLOCUTION OFFICE. 53 minute and a memorandum, and a letter of instruc- Such a itursery of statesmen had the Department tions that extinguished him. It was this spirit of become in virtue of h long career of this nature, that national efficiency in the Circumlocution Office that several solemn lords had attained the reputation of had gradually led to its having something to do being quite unearthly prodigies of business, solely with every thing. Mechanicians, natural philoso- from having practiced How not to do it, at the head phers, soldiers, sailors, petitioners; memorialists, peo- of the Circumlocution Office. As to the minor priests ple with grievances, people who wanted to prevent and acolytes of that temple, the result of all this was grievances, people who wanted to redress grievances, that they stood divided into two classes, and, down jobbing people, jobbed people, people who couldn't to the junior messenger, either believed in the Cirget rewarded for merit, and people who couldn't cumlocution Office as a heaven-born institution, that get punished for demerit, were all indiscriminately had an absolute right to do whatever it liked; or tucked up under the foolscap paper of the Circumlo- took refuge in total infidelity, and considered it a cution Office. flagrant nuisance. Numbers of people were lost in the Circumlocu- The Barnacle family had for some time helped to tion Office. Unfortunates with wrongs, or with administer the Circumlocution Office. The Tite projects for the general welfare (and they had bet- Barnacle Branch, indeed, considered themselves in a ter have had wrongs at first, than have taken that general way as having vested rights in that direcbitter English recipe for certainly getting them), tion, and took it ill if any other family had much to who in slow lapse of time and agony had passed say to it. The Barnacles were a very high family, safely through other public departments; who, ac- and a very large family. They were dispersed all cording to rule, had been bullied in this, overreached over the public offices, and held all sorts of public by that, and evaded by the other; got referred at places. Either the nation was under a load of oblilast to the Circumlocution Office, and never re-ap- gation to the Barnacles, or the Barnacles were'under peared in the light of day. Boards sat upon them, a load of obligation to the nation. It was not quite secretaries minuted upon them, commissioners gab- unanimously settled which; the Barnacles having bled about them, clerks registered, entered, checked, their opinion, the nation theirs. and ticked them off, and they melted away. In The Mr. Tite Barnacle who at the period now in short, all the business of the country went through question usually coached or crammed the statesman the Circumlopution Office, except the business that at the head of the Circumlocution Office, when that never came out of it; and its name was Legion. noble or right honorable individual sat a little unSometimes angry spirits attacked the Circumlo- easily in his saddle, by reason of some vagabond cution Office. Sometimes, parliamentary questions making a tilt at him in a newspaper, was more flush were asked about it, and even parliamentary mo- of blood than money. As a Barnacle he had his tions made or threatened about it, by demagogues place, which was a snug thing enough; and as a so low and ignorant as to hold that the real recipe of Barnacle he had of course put in his son Barnacle government was, How to do it. Then would the no- Junior, in the office. But he had intermarried with ble lord, or right honorable gentleman, in whose de- a branch of the Stiltstalkings, who were also better partment it was to defend the Circumlocution Office, endowed in a sanguineous point of:.view than with put an orange in his pocket, and make a regular real or personal property, and of this marriage there field-day of the occasion. Then would he come had been issue, Barnacle Junior, and three young ladown to that House with a slap upon the table, and dies. What with the patrician requirements of Barmeet the honorable gentleman foot to foot. Then nacle Junior, the three young ladies, Mrs. Tite Barwould he be there to tell that honorable gentleman nacle n~e Stiltstalking, and himself; Mr. Tite Barnathat the Circumlocution Office not only was blame- cle found the intervals between quarter-day and less in this matter, but was commendable in this mat- quarter-day rather longer than he could have deter, was extollable to the skies in this matter. Then sired; a circumstance which he always attributed would he be there to tell that honorable gentleman to the country's parsimony. that, although the Circumlocution Office was invari- For Mr. Tite Barnacle, Mr. Arthur Clennam made ably right, and wholly right, it never was so right his fifth inquiry one day at the Circumlocution Ofas in this matter. Then would he be there to tell fice; having on previous occasions awaited that genthat honorable gentleman that it would have been tleman successively in a hall, a glass case, a waitingmore to his honor, more to his credit, more to his room, and a fire-proof passage where the Department good taste, more to his good sense, more to half the seemed to keep its wind. On this occasion Mr. Bardictionary of commonplaces, if he had left the Cir- nacle was not engaged, as he had been before, with cumlocution Office alone, and never approached this the noble prodigy at' the head of the Department; matter. Then would he keep one eye upon a coach but was absent. Barnacle Junior, however, was anor crammer from the Circumlocution Office sitting nounced as a lesser star, yet visible above the office below the bar, and smash the honorable gentleman horizon. with the Circumlocution Office account of this mat- With Barnacle Junior, he signified his desire to ter. And although one of two things always hap- confer, and found that young gentleman singeing pened; namely, either that the Circumlocution Of- the calves of his legs at the parental fire, and supfice had nothing to say and said it, or that it had porting his spine against the mantel-shelf. It was something to say of which the noble lord, or right a comfortable room, handsomely furnished in the honorable gentleman, blundered one half and forgot higher official manner; and presenting stately sugthe other; the Circumlocution Office was always gestions of the absent Barnacle, in the thick carpet, voted immaculate by an accommodating majority. the leather-civered desk to sit at, the leather-cover — 54 LITTLE DORRIT. ed desk to stand at, the formidable easy-chair and "You are very good," said Arthur Clennam. "I hearth-rug, interposed screen, the torn-up papers, wish, however, to see Mr. Barnacle." the dispatch-boxes with little labels sticking out of "But I say. Look here! You haven't got any them, like medicine bottles or dead game, the per- appointment, you know," said Barnacle Junior. vading smell of leather and mahogany, and a general (By this time he had found the eyeglass, and put bamboozling air of How not to do it. it up again.) The present Barnacle, holding Mr. Clennam's card " No," said Arthur Clennam. "That is what I in his hand, had a youthful aspect, and the fluffiest wish to have." little whisker, perhaps, that ever was seen. Such a " But I say. Look here! Is this public busidowny tip was on his callow chin, that he seemed ness?" asked Barnacle Junior. half fledged like a young bird; and a compassionate (Click.! Eyeglass down again. Barnacle Junior observer might have urged, that if he had not singed in that state of search after it, that Mr. Clennam felt the calves of his legs, he would have died of cold. it useless to reply at present.)'IS 1IT," SAID BAiNAOLE JUNIOIR, TAKING HEED OF 111S VISITOR'S BROWN FAOE, "ANY THING-ABOUT-TONNAGE-OR THAT SORT OF TIING " He had a superior eyeglass dangling round his neck, "Is it," said Barnacle Junior, taking heed of his but unfortunately had such flat orbits to his eyes, visitor's brown face, "any thing about-Tonnageand such limp little eyelids, that it wouldn't stick in or that sort of thing?" when he put it np, but kept tumbling out against (Pausing for a reply, he opened his right eye with his waistcoat buttons with a click that discomposed his hand, and stuck his glass in it, in that inflamhim very much. matory manner that his eye began watering dread"Oh, I say. Look here! My father's not in the fully.) way, and won't be in the way to-day," said Barnacle "No," said Arthur, "it is nothing about tonnage." Junior. "Is this any thing that I can do?" "Then look here. Is it private business" -" (Click! Eyeglass down. Barnacle Junior quite "I really am not sure. It relates to a Mr. Dorrit." frightened and feeling all round himself, but not able "Look here, I tell you what! You had better call to find it.) at our house, if you are going that way. Twenty THE BARNACLES. 55 four Mews Street, Grosvenor Square. My father's with dirt; and both in complexion and consistency, got a slight touch of the gout, and is kept at home he had suffered from the closeness of his pantry. A by it." sallow flabbiness was upon him, when he took the (The misguided young Barnacle evidently going stopper out, and presented the bottle to Mr. Clenblind on his eyeglass side, but ashamed to make any nam's nose. further alteration in his painful arrangements.) "Be so good as to give that card to Mr. Tite Bar"Thank you. I willcall there now. Good-morn- nacle, and to say that I have just now seen the ing." Young Barnacle seemed discomfited at this, younger Mr. Barnacle, who recommended me to call as not having at all expected him to go. here." "You are quite sure," said Barnacle Junior, call- The footman (who had as many large buttons ing after him when he got to the door, unwilling to with the Barnacle crest upon them, on the flaps of relinquish the bright business idea he had conceived his pockets, as if he were the family strong-box, and "that it's nothing about Tonnage?" carried the plate and jewels about with him button"Quite sure." ed up) pondered over the card a little; then said, With which assurance, and rather wondering "Walk in." It required some judgment to do it what might have taken place if it had been any without butting the inner hall door open, and in the thing about tonnage, Mr. Clennam withdrew to pur- consequent mental confusion and physical darkness sue his inquiries. slipping down the kitchen stairs. The visitor, howMews Street, Grosvenor Square, was not absolute- ever, brought himself up safely on the door-mat. ly Grosvenor Square itself, but it was very near it. Still the footman said "Walk in," so the visitor It was a hideous little street of dead wall, stables, followed him. At the inner hall door, another bottle and dunghills, with lofts over coach-houses inhabit- seemed to be presented, and another stopper taken ed by coachmen's families, who had a passion for dry- out. This second phial appeared to be filled with coning clothes, and decorating their window-sills with centrated provisions, and extract of Sink from the miniature turnpike-gates. The principal chimney- pantry. After a skirmish in the narrow passage, ocsweep of that fashionable quarter lived at the blind casioned by the footman's opening the door of the end of Mews Street; and the same corner contained dismal dining-room with confidence, finding some one an establishment much frequented about early morn- there with consternation, and backing on the visitor ing and twilight, for the purchase of wine-bottles, with disorder, the visitor was shut up, pending his and kitchen - stuff. Punch's shows used to lean announcement, in a close back-parlor. There he had against the dead wall in Mews Street, while their an opportunity of refreshing himself with both the proprietors were dining elsewhere; and the dogs of bottles at once, looking out at a low blinding backthe neighborhood made appointments to meet in the wall three feet off, and speculating on the number same locality. Yet there were two or three small of Barnacle families within the bills of mortality airless houses at the entrance end of Mews Street, who lived in such hutches of their own free flunkey which went at enormous rents on account of their choice. being abject hangers-on to a fashionable situation; Mr. Barnacle would see him. Would he walk up and whenever one of these fearfuill little coops was stairs? He would, and he did; and in the drawingto be let (which seldom happened, for they were in room, with his leg on a rest, he found Mr. Barnacle great request), the house agent advertised it as a himself, the express image and presentiment of How gentlemanly residence in the most aristocratic part not to do it. of town, inhabited solely by the elite of the beau Mr. Barnacle dated from a better time, when the monde. country was not so parsimonious, and the CircumloIf a gentlemanly residence coming strictly with- cution Office was not so badgered. He wound and in this narrow margin, had not been essential to the wound folds of white cravat round his neck, as he blood of the Barnacles, this particular branch would wound and wound folds of tape and paper round the have had a pretty wide selection among let us say ten neck of the country. His wristbands and collar thousand houses, offering fifty times the acconlmoda- were oppressive, his voice and manner were oppresstionu for a third of the money. As it was, Mr. Barna- ive. He had a large watch-chain and bunch of cle, finding his gentlemanly residence extremely in- seals, a coat buttoned up to inconvenience, a waistconvenient and extremely dear, always laid it, as a *coat buttoned up to inconvenience, an unwrinkled public servant, at the door of the country, and ad- pair of trowsers, a stiff pair of boots. He was altoduced it as another instance of the country's parsi- gether splendid, massive, overpowering, and impracumony. ticable. He seemed to have been sitting for his porArthur Clennam came to a squeezed house, with a trait to Sir Thomas Lawrence all the days of his life. ramshackle bowed front, little dingy windows, and "Mr. Clennam?" said Mr. Barnacle. "Be seated." a little dark area like a damp waistcoat pocket, Mr. Clennam became seated. which he found to be number twenty-four Mews "You have called on me, I believe," said Mr. BarStreet, Grosvenor Square. To the sense of smell, nacle, " at the Circumlocution-" giving it the air of the house was like a sort of bottle filled with a strong a word of about five-and-twenty syllables, " Office." distillation of mews; and when the footiman opened "I have taken that liberty." the door, he seemed to take the stopper out. Mr. Barnacle solemnly bent his head as who should The footman was to the Grosvenor Square foot- say, "I do not deny that it is a liberty; proceed to men, what the house was to the Grosvenor Square take another liberty, and let me know your business." houses. Admirable in his way, his way was a back "Allow me to observe that I have been for some and a by way. His gorgeousness was not unmixed years in China, am quite a stranger at homer and 56 LITTLE DORRIT. have no personal motive or interest in the inquiry I deed that he should come back again, and who was am about to make." eating mashed potatoes and gravy behind a partiMr. Barnacle tapped his fingers on the table, and, tion by the hall fire. as if he were now sitting for his portrait to a new He was re-admitted to the presence of Barnacle and strange artist, appeared to say to his visitor, " If Junior, and found that young gentleman singeing his you will be good enough to take me with my pres- knees now, and gaping his weary way on to four ent lofty expression, I shall feel obliged." o'clock. " I found a debtor in the Marshalsea prison of the " I say. Look here. You stick to us in a devil name of Dorrit, who has been there many years. I of a manner," said Barnacle Junior, looking over his wish to investigate his confused affairs, so far as to shoulder. ascertain whether it may not be possible, after this " I want to know —" lapse of time, to ameliorate his unhappy condition. "Look here. Upon my soul you mustn't come The name of Mr. Tite Barnacle has been mentioned into the place saying you want to know, you know," to me as representing some highly influential inter- remonstrated Barnacle Junior, turning about and est among his creditors. Am I correctly informed?" putting up the eyeglass. It being one of the principles of the Circumlocu- " I want to know," said Arthur Clennam, who had tion Office never, on any account whatever, to give made up his mind to persistence in one short form a straightforward answer, Mr. Barnacle, said, "Pos- of words, "the precise nature of the claim of the sibly." Crown against a prisoner for debt, named Dorrit." " On behalf of the Crown, may I ask, or as a pri- " I say. Look here. You really are going it at a vate individual?" great pace, you know. Egad, you haven't got an "The Circumlocution Department, sir," Mr. Bar- appointment," said Barnacle Junior, as if the thing nacle replied, "may have possibly recommended- were growing serious. possibly-I can not say-that some public claim "I want to know," said Arthur. And repeated against the insolvent estate of a firm or copartner- his case. ship to which this person may have belonged, should Barnacle Junior stared at him until his eyeglass be enforced. The question may have been, in the fell out, and then put it in again and stared at him course of official business, referred to the Circumlo- until it fell out again. " You have no right to come cution Department for its consideration. The De- this sort of move," he then observed with the greatpartment may have either originated, or confirmed, est weakness. "Look here. What do you mean? a Minute making that recommendation." You told me you didn't know whether it was public " I assume this to be the case, then." business or not." "The Circumlocution Department," said Mr. Bar- " I have now ascertained that it is public business," nacle, "is not responsible for any gentleman's as- returned the suitor, "and I want to know"-and sumptions." again repeated his monotonous inquiry. " May I inquire how I can obtain official informa- Its effect upon young Barnacle was to make him tion as to the real state of the case?" repeat in a defenseless way, " Look here! Upon my "It is competent," said Mr. Barnacle, "to any SOUL you mustn't come into the place, saying you member of the-Public," mentioning that obscure want to know, you know!" The effect of that upon body with reluctance, as his natural enemy, " to me- Arthur Clennam was to make him repeat his inquiry morialize the Circumlocution Department. Such in exactly the same words and tone as before. The formalities as are required to be observed in so do- effect of that upon young Barnacle was to make him ing, may be known on application to the proper a wonderful spectacle of failure and helplessness. branch of that Department." "Well, I tell you what. Look here. You had bet"Which is the proper branch?" ter try the Secretarial Department," he said at last, "I must refer you," returned Mr. Barnacle, ring- sidling to the bell and ringing it. "Jenkinson," to ing the bell, " to the Department itself for a formal the mashed potatoes messenger, " Mr. Wobbler!" answer to that inquiry." Arthur Clennam, who now felt that he had de"Excuse my mentioning- " voted himself to the storming of the Circumlocution "The Department is accessible to the-Public." Office, and must go through with it, accompanied Mr. Barnacle was always checked a little by that the messenger to another floor of the building, where word of impertinent signification, "if the -Public that functionary pointed out Mr. Wobbler's room. approaches it according to the official forms; if the He entered. that apartment, and found two gentle-Public does not approach it according to the of- men sitting face to face at a large and easy desk, one ficial forms, the —Public has itself to blame." of whom was polishing a gnu-barrel on his pocketMr. Barnacle made him a severe bow, as a wound- handkerchief, while the other was spreading mared man of family, a wounded man of place, and a malade on bread with a paper-knife. wounded man of a gentlemanly residence, all rolled " Mr. Wobbler?" inquired the suitor. into one; and he made Mr. Barnacle a bow, and was Both gentlemen glanced at him, and seemed surshut out into Mews Street by the flabby footman. prised at his assurance. Having got to this pass, he resolved as an exer- "So he went," said the gentleman with the guncise in perseverance, to betake himself again to the barrel, who was an extremely deliberate speaker, Circumlocution Office, and try what satisfaction he "down to his cousin's place, and took the Dog with could get there. So he went back to the Circumlo- him by rail. Inestimable Dog. Flew at the porter cution Office, and once more sent up his card to Bar- fellow when he was put into the dog-box, and flew nacle Junior by a messenger, who took it very ill in- at the guard when he was taken out. He got half a THE ENGAGING YOUNG BARNACLE. 57 dozen fellows into a Barn, and a good supply of Rats, "No! I recommend you not to bother yourself and timed the Dog. Finding the Dog able to do it about it." immensely, made the match, and heavily backed the This was such a new point of view that Arthur Dog. When the match came off, some devil of a Clennam found himself at a loss how to receive it. fellow was bought over, sir, Dog was made drunk, "You can if you like. I can give you plenty of Dog's master was cleaned out." forms to fill up. Lots of'em here. You can have a " Mr. Wobbler?" inquired the suitor. dozen if you like. But you'll never go on with it," The gentleman who was spreading the marmalade said number four. returned, without looking up from that occupation, "Would it be such hopeless work? Excuse me; "What did he call the Dog?" I am a stranger in England." "Called him Lovely," said the other gentleman. " I don't say it would be hopeless," returned num" Said the Dog was the perfect picture of the old her four, with a frank smile. " I don't express an aunt from whom he has expectations. Found him opinion about that; I only express an opinion about particularly like her when hocussed." you. I don't think you'd go on with it. However, " Mr. Wobbler?" said the suitor. of course, you can do as you like. I suppose there Both.gentlemen laughed for some time. The gen- was a failure in the performance of a contract, or tleman with the gun-barrel, considering it on inspec- something of that kind, was there?" tion in a satisfactory state, referred it to the other; "I really don't know." receiving confirmation of his views, he fitted it into " Well! That you can find out. Then you'll find its place in the case before him, and took out the out what Department the contract was in, and then stock and polished that, softly whistling. you'll find out all about it there." " Mr. Wobbler'?" said the suitor. "I beg your parlon. How shall I find out?" "What's the matter?" then said Mr. W6bbler, "Why, you'll-you'll ask till they tell you. Then with his mouth full. you'll memorialize that Department (according to "I want to know —" and Arthur Clennam again regular forms which you'll find out) for leave to mechanically set forth whathe wanted to know. memorialize this Department. If you get it (which "Can't inform you," observed Mr. Wobbler, ap- you may after a time); that memorial must be enparently to his lunch. "Never heard of it. Noth- tered in that Department, sent to be registered in ing at all to do with it. Better try Mr. Clive, second this Department, sent back to be signed by that Dedoor on the left in the next passage." partment, sent back to be countersigned by this De"Perhaps he will give me the same answer." partment, and then it will begin to be regularly be"Very likely. Don't know any thing about it," fore that Department. You'll find out when the said Mr. Wobbler. business passes through each of these stages, by askThe suitor turned away and had left the room, ing at both Departments till they tell you." when the gentleman with the gun called out "Mis- "But surely this is not the way to do the busiter! halloo!" ness," Arthur Clennam could not help saying. He looked in again. This airy young Barnacle was quite entertained " Shut the door after you. You're letting in a devil by his simplicity in supposing for a moment that it of a draught here!" was. This light-in-hand young Barnacle knew perA few steps brought him to the second door on fectly that it was not. This touch-and-go young the left in the next passage. In that room he found Barnacle had." got up " the Department in a private three gentlemen, number one doing nothing partic- secretaryship, that he might be ready for any little ular, number two doing nothing particular, number bit of fat that came to hand; and he fully underthree doing nothing particular. They seemed, how- stood the Department to be a politico diplomatico ever, to be more directly concerned than the others hocus-pocus piece of machinery, for the assistance had been in the effective execution of the great prin- of the nobs in keeping off the snobs. This dashing ciple of the office, as there was an awful inner apart- young Barnacle, in a word, was likely to become a ment with a double door, in which the Circumlocu- statesman, and to make a figure. tion Sages appeared to be assembled in council, and "When the business is regularly before that Deout of which there was an imposing coming of pa- pa#tment, whatever it is," pursued this bright young pers, and into which there was an imposing going Barnacle, "then you can watch it from time to time of papers, almost constantly; wherein another gen- through that Department. When it comes regularly tleman, number four, was the active instrument. before this Department, then you must watch it from "I want to know," said Arthur Clennam-and time to time through this Department. We shall again stated his case in the same barrel-organ way. have to refer it right and left; and when we refer it As number one referred him to number two, and as anywhere, then you'll have to look it up. When it number two referred him to number three, he had comes back to us at any time, then you had better occasion to state it three times before they all re- look us up. When it sticks anywhere, you'll have ferred him to number four. To whom he stated it to try too give it a jog. When you write to another again. Department about it, and then to this Department Number four was a vivacious, well-looking, well- about it, and don't hear any thing satisfactory about dressed, agreeable young fellow-he was a Barnacle, it, why then you had better-keep on writing." but on the more sprightly side of the family-and Arthur Clennam looked very doubtful indeed. he said in an easy way, "Oh! you had better not "But I am obliged to you, at any rate," said he, " for bother yourself about it, I think." your politeness." "Not bother myself about it?" "Not at all," replied this engaging young Barna 58 LITTLE DORRIT. cle. " Try the thing, and see how you like it. It black, a little rusty, and had the appearance of a will be in your power to give it up at any time, if sagacious master in some handicraft. He had a you don't like it. You had better take a lot of forms spectacle-case in his hand, which he turned over away with you. Give him a lot of forms!" With and over while he was thus in question, with a cerwhich instruction to number two, this sparkling tain free use of the thumb that is never seen but in young Barnacle took a fresh handful of papers from a hand accustomed to tools. numbers one and three, and carried them into the " You keep with us," said Mr. Meagles, in a threatsanctuary, to offer to the presiding Idols of the Cir- ening kind of way, " and I'll introduce you presentcumlocution Office. ly. Now, then!" Arthur Clennam put his forms in his pocket gloom- Clennam wondered within himself, as they took ily enough, and went his way down the long stone the nearest way to the Park, what this unknown passage, and the long stone staircase. He had come (who complied in the gentlest manner) could have to the swing-doors leading into the street, and was been doing. His appearance did not at all justify waiting, not over-patiently, for two people who were the suspicion that he had been detected in designs between him and them to pass out and let him fol- on Mr. Meagles's pocket-handkerchief; nor had he low, when the voice of one of them struck familiarly any appearance of being quarrelsome or violent. on his ear. He looked at the speaker and recognized He was a quiet, plain, steady man; made no attempt Mr. Meagles. Mr. Meagles was very red in the face to escape; and seemed a little depressed, but nei-redder than travel could have made him- and col- ther ashamed nor repentant. If he were a criminal laring a short man who was with him, said, "Come offender, he must surely be an incorrigible hypoout, you rascal, come out!" crite; and if he were no offender, why should Mr. It was such an unexpected hearing, and it was Meagles have collared him in the Circumlocution also such an unexpected sight to see Mr. Meagles Office? He perceived that the man was not a diffiburst the swing-doors open, and emerge into the culty in his own mind alone, but in Mr. Meagles's street with the short man, who was of an unoffend- too; for such conversation as they had together on ing appearance, that Clennam stood still for the mo- the short way to the Park was by no means well ment exchanging looks of surprise with the porter. sustained, and Mr. Meagles's eye always wandlered He followed, however, quickly; and saw Mr. Meagles back to the man, even when he spoke of something 9going down the street with his enemy at his side. very different. He soon came up with his old traveling companion, At length, they being among the trees, Mr. Meaand touched him on the back. The choleric face gles stopped short, and said: which Mr. Meagles turned upon him smoothed when "Mr. Clennam, will you do me the favor to look he saw who it was, and he put out his friendly hand. at this man? His name is Doyce, Daniel Doyce. "How are you?" said Mr. Meagles. "How d'ye You wouldn't suppose this man to be a notorious do? I have only just come over from abroad. I am rascal; would you?" glad to see you." "I certainly should not." It was really a discon"And I am rejoiced to see you." certing question, with the man there. "Thankee. Thankee!". "No. You would not. I know you would not. "Mrs. Meagles and your daughter-?" You wouldn't suppose him to be a public offender; "Are as well as possible," said Mr. Meagles. "I would you?" only wish you had come upon me in a more prepos- "No," sessing condition as to coolness." "No. But he is. He is a public offender. What Though it was any thing but a hot day, Mr. Mea- has he been guilty off? Murder, manslaughter, gles was in a heated state that attracted the atten- arson, forgery, swindling, house-breaking, highway tion of the passbrs-by; more particularly as he leaned robbery, larceny, conspiracy, fraud? Which should his back against a railing, took off his hat and cra- you say, now?" vat, and heartily rubbed his steaming head and face, " I should say," returned Arthur Clennam, observand his reddened ears and neck, without the least re- ing a faint smile in Daniel Doyce's face, "not one of gard for public opinion. them." "Whew!" said Mr. Meagles, dressing again. Tht'ts "You are right," said Mr. Meagles. " But he has comfortable. Now I am cooler." been ingenious, and he has been trying to turn his "You have been ruffled, Mr. Meagles. What is the ingenuity to his country's service. That makes him matter?" a public offender directly, sir." " Wait a bit, and I'll tell you. Have you leisure Arthur looked at the man himself, who only shook for a turn in the Park?" his head. " As much as you please."'" This Doyce," said Mr. Meagles, "is a smith and "Come along, then. Ah! you may well look at engineer. He is not in a large way, but he is well him." He happened to have turned his eyes toward known as a very ingenious man. A dozen years ago, the offender whom Mr. Meagles had so angrily col- he perfects an invention (involving a very curious lared. "He's something to look at, that fellow is." secret process) of great importance to his country He was not much to look at, either in point of size and his fellow-creatures. I won't say how much or in point of dress; being merely a short, square, money it cost him, or how many years of his life he practical-looking man, whose hair had turned gray, had been about it, but he brought it to perfection a and in whose face and forehead there were deep lines dozen years ago. Wasn't it a dozen?" said Mr. Meaof cogitation, which looked as though they were gles, addressing Doyce. " He is the most exasperacarved in hard wood. He was dressed in decent ting man in the world; he never complains!" THE GREAT ENGLIStH PUBLIC OFFE7NDER. 59 "Yes. Rather better than twelve years ago." reverse the decision at which my lords had arrived." "Rather better?" said Mr. Meagles, " you mean How the Circumlocution Office, being reminded that rather worse. Well, Mr. Clennam. He addresses my lords had arrived at no decision, shelved the bushimself to the Government. The moment he ad- iness. How there had been a finalinterview with the dresses himself to the Government, he becomes a head of the Circumlocution Office that very morning, public offender! Sir," said Mr. Meagles, in danger and how the Brazen Head had spoken, and had been of making himself excessively hot again, "he ceases upon the whole, and under all the circumstances, to be an innocent citizen, and becomes a culprit. and looking at it from the various points of view, He is treated, from that instant, as a man who has of opinion that one of two courses was to be pursued done some infernal action. He is a man to be shirk- in respect of the business; that was to say, either to ed, put off, browbeaten, sneered at, handed over by leave it alone for evermore, or to begin it all over this highly-connecfed young or old gentleman to again. that highly-connected young or old gentleman, and "' Upon which," said Mr. Meagles, "as a practical dodged back again; he is a man with no rights in man, I then and there, in that presence, took Doyce his own time, or his own property; a mere outlaw, by the collar, and told him it was plain to me that whom it is justifiable to get rid of anyhow; a man he was an infamous rascal, and treasonable disturbto be worn out by all possible means." er of the government peace, and took him away. I It was not so difficult to believe, after.the morn- brought' him out at the office door by the collar, ing's experience, as Mr. Meagles supposed. that the very porter might know I was a practical "Don't stand there, Doyce, turning your specta- man who appreciated the official estimate of such cle-case over and over," cried Mr. Meagles, "but tell characters; and here we are!" Mr. Clennam what you confessed to me." If that airy young Barnacle had been there, he " I undoubtedly was made to feel," said the in- would have frankly told them, perhaps, that the ventor, "as if I had committed an offense. In dan- Circumlocution Office had achieved its functions. cing attendance at the various offices, I was always That what the Barnacles had to do was to stick on treated, more or less, as if it was a very bad offense. to the national ship as long as they could. That to I have frequently found it necessary to reflect, for trim the ship, lighten the ship, clean the ship, would.my own self-support, that I really had not done any be to knock them off; that they could but be knockthing to bring myself into the Newgate Calendar, ed off once; and that if the ship went down with but only wanted to effect a great saving and a great them yet sticking to it, that was the ship's look-out, improvement." and not theirs. "There!" said Mr. Meagles. "Judge whether I "There!" said Mr. Meagles, "now you know all exaggerate! Now you'll be able to believe me when about Doyce. Except, which I own does not improve I tell you the rest of the case." my state of mind, that even now you don't hear him With this prelude, Mr. Meagles went through the complain." narrative; the established narrative, which has be- "You must have great patience," said Arthur come tiresome; the matter-of-course narrative, which Clennam, looking at him with some wonder, " great we all know by heart. How, after interminable at- forbearance." tendance and correspondence, after infinite imperti- "No," he returned, "I don't know that I have nences, ignorances, and insults, my lords made a min- more than another man." ute, number three thousand four hundred and sev- "By the Lord, you have more than I have though!" enty-two, allowing the culprit to make certain trials cried Mr. Meagles. of his invention at his own expense. How the trials Doyce smiled as he said to Clennam, " You see, were made in the presence of a board of six, of whom my experience of these things does not begin with two ancient members were, too blind to see it, two myself. It has been in my way to know a little other ancient members were too deaf to hear it, one about them, from time to time. Mine is not a parother ancient member was too lame to get near it, ticular case. I am not worse used than a hundred and the final ancient member was too pig-headed to others, who have put themselves in the same posilook at it. How there were more years; more im- tion-than all the others, I was going to say." pertinences, ignorances, and insults. How my lords "I don't know that I should find that a consolathen made a minute, number five thousand one hun- tion, if it were my case; but I am very glad that dred and three, whereby they resigned the business you do." to the Circumlocution Office. How the Circumlocu- "Understand me! I don't say," he replied in his tion Office, in course of time, took up the business as steady, planning way, and looking into the distance if it were a brand-new thing of yesterday, which before him as if his gray eyes were measuring it, had never been heard of before; muddled the busi- "that it's recompense for a man's toil and hope; ness, addled the business, tossed the business in a but it's a certain sort of relief to know that I might wet blanket. How' the impertinences, ignorances, have counted on this." and insults went through the multiplication-table. He spoke in that quiet, deliberate manner, and in How there was a reference of the invention to three that undertone, which is often observable in mechanBarnacles and a Stiltstalking, who knew nothing ics who consider and adjust with great nicety. It about it; into whose heads nothing could be ham- belonged to him like his suppleness of thumb, or his mered about it; who got bored about it, and report- peculiar way of tilting up his hat at the back every ed physical impossibilities about it. How the Cir- now and then, as if he were contemplating some cumlocution Office, in a Minute, number bight thou- half-finished work of his hand, and thinking about it. sand. seven hundred and forty, " saw no reason to " Disappointed?" he went on, as he walked be 60 LITTLE DORRIT. tween them under the trees. " Yes. No doubt I am "Bleeding Heart Yard?" said Clennam. " I want disappointed. Hurt. Yes. No doubt I am hurt. to go there." That's only natural. But what I mean, when I say " So much the better," cried Mr. Meagles. " Come that people who put themselves in the same posi- along!" tion, are mostly used in the same way-" As they went along, certainly one of the party, " In England," said Mr. Meagles. and probably more than one, thought that Bleeding "Oh! of course I mean in England. When they Heart Yard was no inappropriate destination for a take their inventions into foreign countries, that's man who had been in official correspondence with quite different. And that's the reason why so many my lords and the Barnacles —and perhaps had a go there." misgiving also that Britannia herself might come Mr. Meagles very hot indeed again. to look for lodgings in Bleeding Heart Yard, some "What I mean is, that however this comes to be ugly day or other, if she overdid the Circumlocution the regular way of our government, it is its regular Office. way. Have you ever heard of any projector or inventor who failed to find it all but inaccessible, and whom it did not discourage and ill-treat?" CHAPTER XI. "I can not say that I ever have." " Have you ever known it to be beforehand in the adoption of any useful thing? Ever known it to set ALATE, dull, autumn night was closing in upon an example of any useful kind?" A the River Sa6ne. The stream, like a sullied " I am a good deal older than my friend here," looking-glass in a gloomy place, reflected the clouds said Mr. Meagles, " and I'll answer that. Never." heavily; and the low banks leaned over here and " But we all three have known, I expect," said the there, as if they were half curious, and half afraid, inventor, "a pretty many cases of its fixed determi- to see their darkening pictures in the water. The nation to be miles upon miles, and years upon years, flat expanse of country about Chalons lay a long, behind the rest of us; and of its being found out heavy streak, occasionally made a little ragged by a persisting in the use of things long superseded, even row of poplar-trees, against the wrathful sunset. after the better things were well known and gener- On the banks of the River Sa6ne it was wet, depressally taken up?" ing, solitary; and the night deepened fast. They all agreed upon that. One man, slowly movingf on toward Chalons, was "Well then," said Doyce with a sigh, " as I know the only visible figure in the landscape. Cain what such a metal will do at such a temperature, might have looked as lonely and avoided. With and such a body under such a pressure, so I may an old sheep-skin knapsack at his back, and a rough, know (if I will only consider) how these great lords unbarked stick cut out of some wood in his hand; and gentlemen will certainly deal with such a mat- miry, foot-sore, his shoes and gaiters trodden out, his ter as mine. I have no right to be surprised, with hair and beard untrimmed; the cloak he carried a head upon my shoulders, and memory in it, that I over his shoulder, and the clothes he wore, soddened fall into the ranks with all who came before me. I with wet; limping along in pain and difficulty; he ought to have let it alone. I have had warning looked as if the clouds were hurrying from him, as enough, I am sure." if the wail of the wind and the shuddering of the With that he put up his spectacle-case, and said grass were directed against him, as if the low, mysto Arthur,- " If I don't complain, Mr. Clennam, I can terious plashing of the water murmured at him, as feel gratitude; and I assure you that I feel it toward if the fitful autumn night were disturbed by him. our mutual friend. Many's the day, and many's the He glanced here, and he glanced there, sullenly way in which he has backed me." but shrinkiugly; and sometimes stopped and turned " Stuff and nonsense," said Mr. Meagles. about, and looked all round him. Then he limped Arthur could not but glance at Daniel Doyce in on again, toiling and muttering. the ensuing silence. Though it was evidently in the " To the devil with this plain that has no end! grain of his character, and of his respect for his own To the devil with these stones that cut like knives! case, that he should abstain from idle murmuring, To the devil with this dismal darkness, wrapping it was evident that he had grown the older, the itself about one with a chill! I hate you!" sterner, and the poorer, for his long endeavor. He And he would have visited his hatred upon it all could not but think what a blessed thing it would with the scowl he threw about him, if he could. He have been for this man, if he had taken a lesson from trudged a little farther; and looking into the disthe gentlemen who were so kind as to take the nation's tance before him, stopped again. affairs in charge, and had learned How not to do it. "I, hungry, thirsty, weary. You, imbeciles, where Mr. Meagles was hot and despondent for about the lights are yonder, eating and drinking, and five minutes, and then began to cool and clear up. warming yourselves at fires! I wish I had the "Come, come!" said he. "We shall not make sacking of your town, I would repay you, my chilthis the better by being grim. Where do you think dren!" of going, Dan?" But the teeth he set at the town, and the hand he "I shall go back to the factory," said Dan. shook at the town, brought the town no nearer; "Why then, we'll all go back to the factory, or and the man was yet hungrier, and thirstier, and walk in that direction," returned Meagles, cheerful- wearier, when his feet were on its jagged pavement, ly. "Mr. Clennam won't be deterred by its being and he sto6d looking about him. in Bleeding Heart Yard." There was the hotel with its gate-way, and its THE REPORT OF THE TALL SWISS. 61 savory smell of cooking; there was the caf6, with stove, conversing as they smoked; the billiard-table its bright windows, and its rattling of dominoes; in the centre was left alone for the time; the landthere was the dyer's, with its strips of red cloth on lady of the Day-break sat behind her little counter the door-posts; there was the silversmith's, with its among her cloudy bottles of sirups, baskets of cakes, ear-rings, and its offerings for altars; there was the and leaden drainage for glasses, working at her neetobacco-dealer's, with its lively group of soldier cus- dle. tomers coming out pipe in mouth; there were the Making his way to an empty little table, in a corbad odors of the town, and the rain and the refuse ner of the room behind the stove, he put down his in the kennels, and the faint lamps slung across the knapsack and his cloak upon the ground. As he road, and the huge Diligence, and its mountain of raised his head from stooping to do so, he found the luggage, and its six gray horses with their tails tied landlady beside him. up, getting under-way at the coach-office. But no "One can lodge here to-night, madam?" small cabaret for a straitened traveler being within "Perfectly!" said the landlady in a high, singsight, he had to seek one round the dark corner, song, cheery voice. ONE AMAN SLOWLY MOVING ON TOWARD dHALONS. where the cabbage-leaves lay thickest, trodden "Good. One can dine-sup-what you please to about the public cistern at which women had not call it?" yet left off drawing water. There in the back street "Ah, perfectly!" cried the landlady, as before. he found one, the Break of Day. The curtained " Dispatch then, madame, if you please. Somewindows clouded the Break of Day, but it seemed thing to eat, as quickly as you can; and some wine light and warm, and it announced in legible inscrip- at once. I am exhausted." tions, with appropriate pictorial embellishment of "It is very bad weather, monsieur " said the landbilliard cue and ball, that at the Break of Day one lady. could play billiards; that there one could find meat, " Cursed weather." drink, and lodging, whether one came on horseback, "And a very long road." or came on foot; and that it kept good wines, li- "A cursed road." quleurs, and brandy. The man turned the handle His hoarse voice failed him, and he rested his head of the Break of Day door, and limped in. upon his hands until a bottle of wine was brought He touched his discolored slouched hat, as he from the sounter. Having filled and emptied his came in at the door, to a few men who occupied the little tumbler twice, and having broken off an end. room. Two were playing dominoes at one of the from the great loaf that was set before him with his little tables; three or four were seated round the cloth and napkin, soup-plate, salt, pepper, and oil, 62 LITTLE D ORRIT. he rested his back against the corner of the wall, beasts and cleared out of the way. There are but made a couch of the bench on which he sat, and few, I hope; but I have seen (in this world here began to chew crust until such time as his repast where I find myself, and even at the little Break of should be ready. Day) that there are such people. And I do not doubt There had been that momentary interruption of that this man-whatever they call him, I forget his the talk about the stove, and that temporary inat- name —is one of them." tention to and distraction from one another, which The landlady's lively speech was received with is usually inseparable in such a company from the greater favor at the Break of Day, than it would arrival of a stranger. It had passed over by this have elicited from certain amiable whitewashers of time; and the men had done glancing at him, and the class she so unreasonably objected to, nearer were talking again. Great Britain. "That's the true reason," said one of them, bring- "My faith! If your philosophical philanthropy," ing a story he had been telling to a close, "that's said the landlady, putting down her work, and rising the true reason why they said that the devil was to take the stranger's soup from her husband, who let loose." The speaker was the tall Swiss belong- appeared with it at a side door, "puts any body, ing to the church, and he brought something of the at the mercy of such people by holding terms with authority of the church into the discussion-espe- them at all, in words or deeds, or both, take it away cially as the devil was in question. from the Break of Day, for it isn't worth a sou." The landlady, having given her directions for the As she placed the soup before the guest, who new guest's entertainment to her husband, who act- changed his attitude to a sitting one, he looked her ed as cook to the Break of Day, had resumed her full in the face, and his mustache went up under his needle-work behind her counter. She was a smart, nose, and his nose came down over his mustache. neat, bright little woman, with a good deal of cap "Well!" said the previous speaker, "let us come and a good deal of stocking, and she struck into the back to our subject. Leaving all that aside, gentleconversation with several laughing nods of her head, men, it was because the man was acquitted on his but without looking up from her work. trial, that people said at Marseilles that the devil "Ah Heaven, then," said she. "When the boat was let loose. That was how the phrase began to came up from Lyons, and brought the news that the circulate, and what it meant; nothing more." devil was actually let loose at Marseilles, some fly- "How do they call him?" said the landlady. catchers swallowed it. But I? No, not I." " Biraud, is it not?" "Madame, you are always right," returned the " Rigaund, madame," returned the tall Swiss. tall Swiss. "Doubtless you were enraged against "Rigaud! To be sure!" that man, madame " The traveler's soup was succeeded by a dish of "Ah, yes, then!" cried the landlady, raising her meat, and that by a dish of vegetables. He ate all eyes from her work, opening them very wide, and that was placed before him, emptied his bottle of tossing her head on one side. "Naturally, yes." wine, called for a glass of rum, and smoked his cigar"He was a bad subject." ette with his cup of coffee. As he became refresh"He was a wicked wretch," said the landlady, ed, he became overbearing; and patronized the com"and well merited what he had the good fortune to pany at the Day-break in certain small talk, at which escape. So much the worse." he assisted, as if his condition were far above his " Stay, madame! Let us see," returned the Swiss, appearance. argumentatively turning his cigar between his lips. The company might have had other engagements, "It may have been his unfortunate destiny. He or they might have felt their inferiority, but in any may have been the child of circumstances. It is al- case they dispersed by degrees, and not being reways possible that he had, and has, good in him if placed by other company, left their new patron in one did but know how to find it out. Philosophical possession of the Break of Day. The landlord was philanthropy teaches-" clinking about in his kitchen; the landlady was The rest of the little knot about the stove mur- quiet at her work; and the refreshed traveler sat mured an objection to the introduction of that smoking by the stove, warming his ragged feet. threatening expression. Even the two players at "Pardon me, madame-that Biraud." dominoes glanced up fi;om their game, as if to protest "Rigaud, monsieur." against philosophical philanthropy being brought "Rigaud. Pardon me again-has contracted by name into the Break of Day. your displeasure, how?" "Hold there, you and your philanthropy," cried The landlady, who had been at one moment thinkthe smiling landlady, nodding her head more than ing within herself that this was a handsome man, ever. "Listen, then. I am a woman, I. I know at another moment that this was an ill-looking mafi, nothing of philosophical philanthropy. But I know observed the nose coming down and the mustache what I have seen, and what I have looked in the going up, and strongly inclined to the latter decisface, in this world here, where I find myself. And ion. Rigaud was a criminal, she said, who had killI tell you this, my friend, that there are people (men ed his wife. and women both, unfortunately) who have no good "Ay, ay? Death of my life, that's a criminal inin them-none. That there are people wdhom it is deed. But how do you know it?" necessary to detest without compromise. WIThat there "All the world knows it." are people who must be dealt with as enemies of the "Hah! And yet he escaped justice?" human race. That there are people who have no "Monsieur, the law could not prove it against him human heart, and who must be crushed like savage to its satisfaction. So the law says; Nevertheless, A DOUBLE-BEDDED 100M 1. 63 all the world knows he did it. The people knew it still going on while the other was taking off his so well, that they tried to tear him to pieces." worn shoes and gaiters, and still continuing when "Being all in perfect accord with their own he had laid aside his coat and cravat, became at wives?" said the guest. "Ha-ha!" length a strong provocative to curiosity, and incenThe landlady of the Break of Day looked at him, tive to get a glimpse of the sleeper's face. again, and felt almost confirmed in her last decision. The waking traveler, therefore, stole a little nearHe had a fine hand though, and he turned it with a er, and yet a little nearer, and a little nearer, to the great show. She began once more to think that he sleeping traveler's bed, until he stood close beside it. was not ill-looking after all. Even then he could not see his face, for he had drawn "Did you mention, madame- or was it mentioned the sheet over it. The regular breathing still conamong the gentlemen-what became of him?" tinning, he put his smooth white hand (such a The landlady shook her head; it being the first treacherous hand it looked, as it went creeping from conversational stage at which her vivacious earnest- him!) to the sheet, and gently lifted it away. ness had ceased to nod it, keeping time to what she "Death of my soul!" he whispered, falling back, said. It had been mentioned at the Day-break, she "here's Cavalletto!" remarked, on the authority of the journals, that he The little Italian, previously influenced in his had been kept in prison for his own safety. How- sleep perhaps by the stealthy presence at his bedever that might be, he had escaped his deserts, so side, stopped in his regular breathing, and with a much the worse. long deep respiration openedhis eyes. At first;they The guest sat looking at her as he smoked out his were not awake, though open. He lay for some final cigarette, and as she sat with her head bent seconds looking placidly at his old prison companover her work, with an expression that might have ion, and then, all at once, with a cry of surprise and resolved her doubts, and brought her to a lasting alarm, sprung out of bed. conclusion on the subject of his good or bad looks " Hush! What's the matter? Keep quiet! It's if she had seen it. When she did look up, the ex- I. You know me?" cried the other, in a suppressed pression was not there. The hand was smoothing voice. his shaggy mustache. But John Baptist, widely staring, muttering a " May one ask to be shown to bed, madame?" number of invocations and ejaculations, tremblingly Very willingly, monsieur. Hola, my husband! backing into a corner,sslipping on his trowsers, and My husband would conduct him up stairs. There tying his coat by the two sleeves round his neck, was one traveler there, asleep, who had gone to bed manifested an unmistakable desire to escape by the very early indeed, being overpowered by fatigue; door rather than renew the acquaintance. Seeing but it was a large chamber with two beds in it, and this, his old prison comrade fell back upon the door, space enough for twenty. This the landlady of the and set his shoulders against it..Break of Day chirpingly explained, calling between- "Cavalletto! Wake, boy! Rub your eyes and whiles, Hola, my husband! out at the side door. look at me. Not the name you used to call meMy husband answered at length, "It is I, my don't use that-Lagnier, say Lagnier!" wife!" and, presenting himself in his cook's cap, John Baptist, staring at him with eyes opened to lighted the traveler up a steep and narrow stair- their utmost width, made a number of those nationcase; the traveler carrying his own cloak and knap- al, back-handed shakes of the right forefinger in the sack, and bidding the landlady good-night with a air, as if he were resolved on negativing beforehand complimentary reference to the pleasure of seeing every thing that the other could possibly advance, her again to-morrow. It was a large room, with a during the whole term of his life. rough splintery floor, unplastered rafters overhead, "Cavalletto! Give me your hand. You know and two bedsteads on opposite sides. Here my hus- Lagnier the gentleman. Touch the hand of a genband put down the candle he carried, and with a tlelnan!" sidelong look at his guest stooping over his knap- Submitting himself to the old tone of condescendsack, gruffly gave him the instruction, " The bed to ing authority, John Baptist, not at all steady on his the right!" and left him to his repose. The land- legs as yet,. advanced and put his hand in his palord, whether he was a good or a bad physiognomist, tron's. Monsieur Lagnier laughed; and having had fully made up his mind that the guest was an given it a squeeze, tossed it up and let it go. ill-looking fellow. "Then you were-" faltered John Baptist. The guest looked contemptuously at the clean "Not shaved? No. See here!" cried L-agnier, coarse bedding prepared for him, and, sitting down giving his head a twirl, "as tight on as your own." on the rush-chair at the bedside, drew his money John Baptist, with a slight shiver, looked all out of his pocket, and told it over in his hand. round the room as if to recall where he was. His " One must eat," he muttered to himself, " but by patron took that opportunity of turning the key in Heaven I must eat at the cost of some other man to- the door, and then sat down upon his bed. morrow!" " Look!" he said, holding up his shoes and gaiters. As lie sat pondering, and mechanically weighing "That's a poor trim for a gentleman, you'll say. No his money in his palm, the deep breathing of the matter, you shall see how soon I'll mend it. Come traveler in the other bed fell so regularly upon his and sit down. Take your old place!" hearing that it attracted his eyes in that direction. John Baptist, looking any thing but re-assured, sat The man was covered up warm, and had drawn the down on the floor at the bedside, keeping his eyes white curtain at his head, so that he could be only upon his patron all the time. heard, not seen. But the deep regular breathing, "That's well!" cried Lagnlier. "Now we might 64 LITTLE DORBIT. be in the old infernal hole again, hey? How long er ever since, until my feet are crippled-look at have you been out?" them! Such are the humiliations that society has "Two days after you, my master." inflicted upon me, possessing the qualities I have " How do you come here?" m~ entioned, and which you know me to possess. But "I was cautioned not to stay there, and so I left society shall pay for it." the town at once, and since then I have changed All this he said in his companion's ear, and with about. I have been doing odds and ends at Avig- his hand before his lips. non, at Pont Esprit, at Lyons; upon the Rhone, upon "Even here," he went on in the same way, " even the Sabne." As he spoke, he rapidly mapped the in this mean drinking-shop, society pursues me. places out with his sun-burned hand on the floor. Madame defames me, and her guests defame me. I, "And where are you going?" too, a gentleman with manners and accomplishments "Going, my master?" to strike them dead! But the wrongs society has "Ay!" heaped upon me are treasured in this breast." John Baptist seemed to desire to evade the ques- To all of which John Baptist, listening attentively tion without knowing how. " By Bacchus!" he said to the suppressed hoarse voice, said from time to at last, as if he were forced to the admission, "I have time, " Surely, surely!" tossing his head and shutting sometimes had a thought of going to Paris, and per- his eyes, as if there were the clearest case against sohaps to England." ciety that perfect candor could make out. "Qavalletto. This is in confidence. I also am "Put my shoes there," continuedLagnier. "Hang going to Paris, and perhaps to England. We'll go my cloak to dry there by the door. Take my hat." together." He obeyed each instruction as it was given. "And The little man nodded his head, and showed his this is the bed to which society consigns me, is it? teeth, and yet seemed not quite convinced that it was Hah. Very well!" a surpassingly desirable arrangement. As he stretched out his length upon it, with a "We'll go together," repeated Lagnier. "You ragged handkerchief bound round his wicked head, shall see how soon I will force myself to be recog- and only his wicked head showing above the bednized as a gentleman, and you shall profit by it. Is clothes, John Baptist was rather strongly reminded it agreed? Are we one?" of what had so very nearly happened to prevent the " Oh, surely, surely!" said the little man. mustache from any more going up as it did, and the " Then you shall hear before I sleep-and in six nose from any more coming down as it did. words, for I want sleep-how I appear before you, I, I " Shaken out of destiny's dice-box again into your Lagnier. Remember that. Not the other." company, eh? By Heaven! So much the better for "Altro, altro! Not Ri —" Before John Baptist you. You'll profit by it. I shall need a long rest. could finish the name, his comrade had got his hand Let me sleep in the morning." under his chin and fiercely shut up his mouth. John Baptist replied that he should sleep as long "Death! what are you doing? Do you want me as he would, and wishing him a happy night, put to be trampled upon and stoned? Do you want to out the candle. One might have supposed that the be trampled upon and stoned? You would be. You next proceeding of the Italian would have been to don't imagine that they would set upon me, and let undress; but he did exactly the reverse, and dressed my prison chum go? Don't think it!" himself from head to foot, saving his shoes. When There was an expression in his face as he released he had so done, he lay down upon his bed with some his grip of his frien4's jaw, from which his friend in- of its coverings over him, and his coat still tied round ferred, that if the course of events really came to his neck, to get through the night. any stoning and trampling, Monsieur Lagnier would When he started up, the Godfather Break of Day so distinguish him with his notice as to insure his was peeping at its namesake. He rose, took his having his full share of it. He remembered what a shoes in his hand, turned the key in the door with cosmopolitan gentleman Monsieur Lagnier was, and great caution, and crept down stairs. Nothing was how few weak distinctions he made. astir there but the smell of coffee, wine, tobacco, and " I am a man," said Monsieur Lagnier, " whom so- sirups; and madame's little counter looked ghastly ciety has deeply wronged since you last saw me. enough. But he had paid madame his little note at You know that I am sensitive and brave, and that it overnight, and wanted to see nobody-wanted it is my character to govern. How has society re- nothing but to get on his shoes and his knapsack, spected those qualities in me? I have been shrieked open the door, and run away. at through the streets. I have been guarded through He prospered in his object. No movement or voice the streets against men, and especially women, run- was heard when he opened the door; no wicked ning at me armed with any weapons they could lay head tied up in a ragged handkerchief looked out of their hands on. I have lain in prison for security, the upper window. When the sun had raised his with the place of my confinement'kept a secret, lest full disk above the flat line of the horizon, and was I should be torn out of it and felled by a hundred striking fire out of the long, muddy vista of paved blows. I have been carted out of Marseilles in the road with its weary avenue of little trees, a black dead of night, and carried leagues away from it speck moved along the road and splashed among packed in straw. It has not been safe for me to go the flaming pools of rain-water, which black speck near my house; and, with a beggar's pittance in my was John Baptist Cavalletto running away from his pocket, I have walked through vile mud and weath- patron. THE LEGEND OF BLEEDING HEART YARD. 65 CHAPTER XII. ther hand, all abundantly garnished with light children nursing heavy ones, they arrived at its oppoBLEEDING HEART YARD. site boundary, the gate-way. Here Arthur Clennam IN London itself, though in the old rustic road to- stopped to look about him for the domicile of Plorward a suburb of note where in the days of Wil- nish, plasterer: whose name, according to the cusliam Shakspeare, author and stage-player, there were tom of Londoners, Daniel Doyce had never seen or Royal hnnting-seats, howbeit no sport ts left there heard of to that hour. now but for hunters of men, Bleeding Heart Yard It was plain enough, nevertheless, as Little Dorrit was to be found. A place much changed in feature had said; over a lime-splashed gate-way in the corand in fortune, yet with some relish of ancient great- ner, within which Plornish kept a ladder and a barness about it. Two or three mighty stacks of chim- rel or two. The last house in Bleeding Heart Yard, neys, and a few large dark rooms which had escaped which she had described as his place of habitation, being walled and subdivided out of the recognition was a large house, let off to various tenants; but of their old proportions, gave the Yard a character. Plornish ingeniously hinted that he lived in the parIt was inhabited by poor people, who set up their lor, by means of a painted hand under his name, the rest among its faded glories, as Arabs of the desert forefinger of which hand (on which the artist had pitch their tents among the fallen stones of the Pyr- depicted a ring ancl a most elaborate nail of the amids; but there was a family sentimental feeling genteelest form) referred all inquirers to that apartprevalent in the yard, that it had a character. ment. As if the aspiring city had become puffed up in Parting from his companions, after arranging anthe very ground on which it stood, the ground had other meeting with Mr. Meagles, Clennam went alone so risen about Bleeding Heart Yard that you got into the entry, and knocked with his knuckles at the into it down a flight of steps which formed no part parlor door. It was opened presently by a woman of the original approach, and got out of it by a low with a child in her arms, whose unoccupied hand gate-way into a maze of shabby streets, which went was hastily re-arranging the upper part of her dress. about and about, tortuously ascending to the level This was Mrs. Plornish, and this maternal action was again. At this end of the Yard, and over the gate- the action of Mrs. Plornish during/ a large part of way, was the factory of Daniel Doyce, often heavily her waking existence. beating like a bleeding heart of iron, with the clink Was Mr. Plornish at home? "Well, sir," said Mrs. of metal upon metal. Plornish, a civil woman, "not to deceive you, he's The opinion of the Yard was divided respecting gone to look for a job." the derivation of its name. The more practical of Not to deceive you, was a method of speech with its inmates abided by the tradition of a murder; the Mrs. Plornish. She would deceive you, under any gentler and more imaginative inhabitants, including circumstances, as little as might be; but she had a the whole of the tender sex, were loyal to the legend trick of answering in this provisional form. of a young lady of former times closely imprisoned "Do you think he will be back soon, if I wait for in her chamber by a cruel father for remaining true him?" to her own true love, and refusing to marry the suit- "I have been expecting him," said Mrs. Plornish, or he chose for her. The legend related how that " this half an hour, at any minute of time. Walk in, the young lady used to be seen up at her window sir." behind the bars, murmuring a love-lorn song, of Arthur entered the rather dark and close parlor which the burden was, "Bleeding Heart, Bleeding (though it was lofty too), and sat down in a chair Heart, bleeding away," until she died. It was ob- she placed for him. jected by the murderous party that this Refrain was "Not to deceive you, sir, I notice it," said Mrs. notoriously the invention of a tambour- worker, a Plornish, "and I take it kind of you." spinster and romantic, still lodging in the Yard. He was at a loss to understand what she meant; But, forasmuch as all favorite legends must be asso- and by expressing as much in his looks, elicited her ciated with the affections, and as many more people explanation. fall in love than commit murder-which it may be "It an't many that comes into a poor place, that hoped, howsoever bad we are, will continue until deems it worth their while to move, their hats," said the end of the world to be the dispensation under Mrs. Plornish. "But people think more of it than which we shall live-the Bleeding Heart, Bleeding people think." Heart, bleeding away story, carried the day by a Clennam returned, with an uncomfortable feeling great majority. Neither party would listen to the in so very slight a courtesy being unusual, Was that antiquaries who delivered learned lectures in the all? And stooping down to pinch the cheek of anneighborhood, showing the Bleeding Heart to have other young child who was sitting on the floor, starbeen the heraldic cognizance of the old family to ing at him, asked Mrs. Plornish how old that fine whom the property had once belonged. And, con- boy was? sidering that the hour-glass they turned from year "Four year just turned, sir," said Mrs. Plornish. to year was filled with the earthiest and coarsest "He is a fine little fellow, ain't he, sir? But this sand, the Bleeding Heart Yarders had reason enough one is rather sickly." She tenderly hushed the baby for objecting to be despoiled of the one little golden in her arms, as she said it. " You wouldn't mind my grain of poetry that sparkled in it. asking if it happened to be a job as you was come Down into the Yard, by way of the steps, came about, sir, would you'?" added Mrs. Plornish, wistDaniel Doyce, Mr. Meagles, and Clennam. Passing fully. along the Yard, and between the open doors on ci- She asked it so anxiously, that if he had been in 5 66 LITTLE DORRIT. possession of any kind of tenement, he would have happened that any body seemed to want him, it was had it plastered a foot deep, rather than answer No. such an exceptional case when his powers were in But he was obliged to answer No; and he saw a any request, that his misty mind could not make out shade of disappointment on her face, as she checked how it happened. He took it as it came, therefore; a sigh, and looked at the low fire. Then he saw, he tumbled into all kinds of difficulties, and tumbled also, that Mrs. Plornish was a young woman, made out of them; and, by tumbling through life, got himsomewhat slatternly in herself and her belongings self consideitbly bruised. by poverty; and so dragged at by poverty and the "It's not for want of looking after jobs, I am sure," children together, that their united forces had al- said Mrs. Plornish, lifting up her eyebrows, and ready dragged her face into wrinkles. searching for a solution of the problem between the "All such things as jobs," said Mrs. Plornish, bars of the grate; "nor yet for want of working at " seems to me to have gone under-ground, they do them, when they are to be got. No one ever heard indeed." (Herein Mrs. Plornish limited' her remark my husband complain of work." SHE TENDERLY HUSHED THE BABY IN HER ARMS. to the plastering trade, and spoke without reference Somehow or other, this was the general misfortune to the Circumlocution Office and the Barnacle Fam- of Bleeding Heart Yard. From time to time there ily.) were public complaints, pathetically going about, of "Is it so difficult to get work?" asked Arthur labor being scarce-which certain people seemed to Clennam. take extraordinarily ill, as though they had an ab"Plornish finds it so," she returned. " He is quite solute right to it on their own terms-but Bleeding unfortunate. Really he is." Heart Yard, though as willing a yard as any in BritReally he was. He was one of those many way- ain, was never the better for the demand. That farers on the road of life, who seem to be afflicted high old family, the Barnacles, had long been too with supernatural corns, rendering it impossible for busy with their great principle to look into the matthem to keep up even with their lame competitors. ter; and indeed the matter had nothing to do with A willing, working, soft-hearted, not hard-headed their watchfulness in outgeneraling all other high fellow, Plornish took his fortune as smoothly as could old families except the Stiltstalkings. be expected; but it was a rough one. It so rarely While Mrs. Plornish spoke in these words of her MBR. PLORNISH. 67 absent lord, her lord returned. A sinooth-cheeked, er, put it between his lips, turned it with his tongue fresh-colored, sandy-whiskered man of thirty. Long like a sugar-plum, considered, found himself unequal in the legs, yielding at the knees, foolish in the face, to the task of lucid explanation, and appealing to flannel-jacketed, lime-whitened. his wife, said, " Sally, yolu may as well mention how " This is Plornish, sir." it was, old woman." "I came," said Clennam, rising, " to beg the favor "Miss Dorrit," said Sally, hushing the baby from of a little conversation with you on the subject of side to side, and laying her chin upon the little hand the Dorrit family." as it tried to disarrange the gown again, " came here Plornish became suspicious. Seemed to scent a one afternoon with a bit of writing, telling that how creditor. Said, "Ah, yes. Well. He didn't know she wished for needle-work, and asked if it would what satisfaction he could give any gentleman re- be considered any ill-conwenience in case she was to specting that family. What might it be about, now?" give her address here." (Plornish repeated her ad" I know you better," said Clennam, smiling, " than dress here, in a low voice, as if he were making reyou suppose." sponses at church.) "'Me and Plornish says, No, Plornish observed, not smiling in return, And yet Miss Dorrit, no ill-conwenience," (Plornish repeated, he hadn't the pleasure of being acquainted with the no ill-conwenience,) " and she wrote it in, according. gentleman, neither. Which then me and Plornish says, Ho, Miss Dorrit!" " No," said Arthur, "I know of your kind offices (Plornish repeated, Ho, Miss Dorrit.) "Have you at second-hand, but on the best authority. Through thought of copying it three or four times, as the way Little Dorrit. —I mean," he explained, "Miss Dorrit." to make it known in more places than one? No, "Mr. Clennam, is it? Oh! I've heard of you, sir." says Miss Dorrit, I have not, but I will. She copied " And I of you," said Arthur. it out according, on this table, in a sweet writing, " Please to sit down again, sir, and consider your- and Plornish, he took it where he worked, having a self welcome. Why, yes," said Plornish, taking a job just then," (Plornish repeated, job just then,) chair, and lifting the elder child upon his knee, that " and likeways to the landlord of the Yard; through he might have the moral support of speaking to a which it was that Mrs. Clennam first happened to stranger over his head, " I have been on the wrong employ Miss Dorrit." Plornish repeated, employ side of the Lock myself, and in that way we come to Miss Dorrit; and Mrs. Plornish having come to an know Miss Dorrit. Me and my wife, we are well ac- end, feigned to bite the fingers of the little hand as quainted with Miss Dorrit." she kissed it. i " Intimate!" cried Mrs. Plornish. Indeed, she was " The landlord of the Yard," said Arthur Clennam, so proud of the acquaintance, that she had awakened "is — some bitterness of spirit in the Yard, by magnifying " He is Mr. Casby, by name, he is," said Plornish, to an enormous amount the sum for which Miss Dor- "and Pancks, he collects the rents. That," added rit's father had become insolvent. The Bleeding Mr. Plornish, dwelling on the subject, with a slow Hearts resented her claiming to know people of such thoughtfulness that-appeared to have no connection distinction. with any specific object, and to lead him nowhere, " It was her father that I got acquainted with " that is about what they are, you may believe me or first. And through getting acquainted with him, not, as you think proper." you see-why -I got acquainted with her," said "Ay?" returned Clennam, thoughtful in his turn. Plornish, tautologically. "Mr. Casby, too! An old acquaintance of mine long "I see." ago!" "Ah! And there's manners! There's polish! Mr. Plornish did not see his road to any comment There's a gentleman to have run to seed in the Mar- on this fact, and made none. As there truly was no shalsea Jail! Why, perhaps you are not aware," reason why he should have the least interest in. it, said Plornish, lowering his voice, and speaking with Arthur Clennam went on to the present purport of a perverse admiration of what he ought to have pit- his visit; namely, to make Plornish the instrument ied or despised, " not aware that Miss Dorrit and her of effecting Tip's release, with as little detriment as sister dursn't let him know that they work for a liv- possible to the self-reliance and self-helpfulness of ing. No!" said Plornish, looking with a ridiculous the young man, supposing him to possess any remtriumph first at his wife, and then all round the nant of those qualities: without doubt a very wide room. " Dursn't let him know it, they dursn't!" stretch of supposition. Plornish, having been made " Without admiring him for that," Clennam quiet- acquainted with the cause of action from the Dely observed, "I am very sorry for him." The remark fendant's own mouth, gave Arthur to understand appeared to suggest to Plornish, for the first time, that the Plaintiff was "a Chaunter" —meaning, not that it might not be a very fine trait of character a singer of anthems, but a seller of horses-and that after all. He pondered about it for a moment, and he (Plornish) considered that ten shillings in the gave it up. pound "would settle handsome,"' and that more " As to me," he resumed, " certainly Mr. Dorrit is would be a waste of money. The Principal and inas affable with me, I am sure, as I can possibly ex- strument soon drove off together to a stable-yard in pect. Considering the differences and distances be- High Holborn, where a remarkably fine gray geldtwixt us, more so. But it's Miss Dorrit that we were ing, worth, at the lowest figure, seventy-five guineas speaking of." (not taking into account the value of the shot he "True. Pray how did you introduce her at my had been made to swallow, for the improvement of mother's?" his form), was to be parted with for a twenty-pound Mr. Plornish picked a bit of lime out of his whisk- note, in consequence of his having run away last 68 LITTLE DORRIT. week with Mrs. Captain Barbary of Cheltenham, sentence after two efforts, Mr. Plornish wisely dropwho wasn't up to a horse of his courage, and who, in peel it. He took Clennam's card, and appropriate mere spite, insisted on selling him for that ridiculous pecuniary compliment. sum: or, in other words, on giving him away. Plor- He was earnest to finish his commission at once, nish, going up this yard alone and leaving his Prin- and his Principal was in the same mind. So, his cipal outside, found a gentleman'with tight drab Principal offered to set him down at the Marshalsea legs, a rather old hat, a little hooked stick, and a blue Gate, and they drove in that direction over Blackneckerchief (Captain Maroon of Gloucestershire, a friars Bridge. On the way, Arthur elicited from his private friend of Captain Barbary); who happened new friend, a confused summary of the interior life to be there, in a friendly way, to mention these little of Bleeding Heart Yard. They was all hard up circumstances concerning the remarkably fine gray there, Mr. Plornish said, uncommon hard up, to be gelding, to any real judge of a horse and quick snap- sure. Well, he couldn't say how it was; he didn't per-up of a good thing, who might look in at that know as any body could say how it was; all he address as per advertisement. This gentleman, hap- know'd was, that so it was. When a man felt, on pening also to be the Plaintiff in the Tip case, refer- his own back and in his own belly, that he was red Mr. Plornish to his solicitor, and declined to treat poor, that man (Mr. Plornish gave it as his decided with Mr. Plornish, or even to endure his presence belief) know'd well that poor he was somehow or in the yard, unless he appeared there with a twen- another, and you couldn't talk it out of him, no ty-pound note: in which case only, the gentleman more than you could talk Beef into him. Then you would augur from appearances that he meant busi- see, some people as was better off said, and a good ness, and might be induced to talk to him. On this many such people lived pretty close up to the mark hint, Mr. Plornish retired to communicate with his themselves if not beyond it so he'd heerd, that they Principal, and presently came back with the re- was "improvident" (that was the favorite word) quired credentials. Then said Captain Maroon, down the Yard. For instance, if they see a man " Now, how much time do you want to make up the with his wife and children going to Hampton Court other twenty in? Now, I'll give you a month." in a Wan, perhaps once in a year, they says, " HalThen said Captain Maroon, when that wouldn't suit, loo! I thought you was poor, my improvident "Now, I'll tell you what I'll do with you. You shall friend!" Why, Lord, how hard it was upon a man! get me a good bill at four months, made payable at What was a man to do? He couldn't go mollaua bauking house, for the other twenty!" Then said cholly mad, and even if he did, you wouldn't be the Captain Maroon, when that wouldn't suit, "Now, better for it. In Mr. Plornish's judgment you would come! Here's the last I've got to say to you. You be the worse for it. Yet you seemed to want to shall give me another ten down, and I'll run my pen make a man mollancholly mad. You was always clean through it." Then said Captain Maroon, when at it-if not with your right hand, with your left. that wouldn't suit, " Now, I'll tell you what it is, and What was they a-doing in the Yard? Why, take a this shuts it up; he has used me bad, but I'll let him look at'em and see. There was the girls and their off for another five down and a bottle of wine; and mothers a-working at their sewing, or their shoeif you mean done, say done, and if you don't like it, binding, or their trimming, or their waistcoat-makleave it." Finally said Captain Maroon, when that ing; day and night and night and day, and not more wouldn't suit either, "Hand over, then!"-And in than able to keep body and soul together after allconsideration of the first offer, gave a receipt in full often not so much. There was people of pretty well and discharged the prisoner. all sorts of trades you could name, all wanting to "Mr. Plornish," said Arthur, "I trust to you, if work, and yet not able to get it. There was old peoyou please, to keep my secret. If you will under- ple, after working all their lives, going and being shut take to let the young man know that he is free, and up in the work-house, much worse fed and lodged to tell him that you were employed to compound for and treated altogether, than-Mr. Plornish said the debt by some one whom you are not at liberty manufacturers, but appeared to mean malefactors. to name, you will not only do me a service, but may Why, a man didn't know where to turn himself for do him one, and his sister also." a crumb of comfort. As to who was to blame for it, "The last reason, sir," said Plornish, "would be Mr. Plornish didn't know who was to blame for it. quite sufficient. Your wishes shall be attended He could tell you who suffered, but he couldn't tell to." you whose fault it was. It wasn't his place to find "A Friend has obtained his discharge, you can say, out, and who'd mind what he said, if he did find out? if you please. A Friend who hopes that for his sis- He only know'd that it wasn't put right by them ter's sake, if for no one else's, he will make good use what undertook that line of business, and that it of his liberty." didn't come right of itself. And in brief his illogical " Your wishes, sir, shall be attended to." opinion was, that if you couldn't do nothing for him, "And if you will be so good, in your better you had better take nothing from him for doing of it; knowledge of the family, as to communicate freely so far as he could make out, that was about what it with me, and to point out to me any means by come to. Thus, in a prolix, gently-growling, foolish which you think I may be delicately and really way, did Plornish turn the tangled skein' of his esuseful to Little Dorrit, I shall feel under an obliga- tate about and about, like a blind man who was trytion to you." ing to find some beginning or end to it; until they "Don't name it, sir," returned Plornish, " it'll be reached the prison gate. There he left his Principal ekally a pleasure and a-it'll be ekally a pleasure alone; to wonder, as he rode away, how many thouand a-" Finding himself unable to balance his sand Plornishes there might be within a day or two's PATRIARCHAL CASBY. 69 journey of the Circumlocution Office, playing sun- and the door, closing again, seenzed to shut out sound dry curious variations on the same tune, which were and motion. The furniture was formal, grave, and not known by ear in that glorious institution. Quaker-like, but well kept: and had as prepossessing an aspect as any thing, from a human creature _J —~ —-- I to a wooden stool, that is meant for much use and is preserved for little, can ever wear. There was a CHAPTER XIII. grave clock, ticking somewhere up the staircase; and there was a songless bird in the same direction, PATRIARCHAL. pecking at his cage as if he were ticking too. The THE mention of Mr. Casby again revived, in Clen- parlor fire ticked in the grate. There was only one nam's memory, the smouldering embers of curi- person on the parlor hearth, and the loud watch in osity and interest which Mrs. Flintwinch had fanned his pocket ticked audibly. on the night of his arrival. Flora Casby had been The servant-maid had ticked the two words "Mr. the beloved of his boyhood; and Flora was the Clennam" so softly that she had not been heard; daughter and only child of wooden-headed old Chris- and he consequently stood, within the door she had topher (so he was still occasionally spoken of by closed, unnoticed. The figure of a man advanced in some irreverent spirits who had had dealings with life, whose smooth gray eyebrows seemed to move to him, and in whom familiarity had bred its proverb- the ticking as the fire-light flickered on them, sat ial result perhaps), who was reputed to be rich in in an arm-chair, with his list shoes on the rug, and weekly tenants, and to get a good quantity of blood his thumbs slowly revolving over one another. This out of the stones of several unpromising courts and was old Christopher Casby-recognizable at a glance alleys. -as unchanged in twenty years and upward as his After some days of inquiry and research, Arthur own solid furniture-as little touched by the influClennam became convinced that the case of the Fa- ence of the varying seasons as the old rose-leaves ther of the Marshalsea was indeed a hopeless one, and old lavender in his porcelain jars. and sorrowfully resigned the idea of helping him to Perhaps there never was a man, in this troublefreedom again. He had no hopeful inquiry to make, some world, so troublesome for the imagination to at present, concerning Little Dorrit either; but he picture as a boy. And yet he had changed very litargued with himself that it might, for any thing he tie in his progress through life. Confronting him, knew it might be serviceable to the poor child, if he in the room in which he sat, was a boy's portrait, renewed this acquaintance. It is hardly necessary which any body seeing him would have identified as to add, that beyond all doubt he would have present- Master Christopher Casby, aged ten: though dised himself at Mr. Casby's door, if there had been no guised with a hay-making rake, for which he had Little Dorrit in existence; for we all know how we had, at any time, as much taste or use as for a divall deceive ourselves-that is to say, how people ing-bell; and sitting (on one of his own legs) upon a in general, our profounder selves excepted, deceive bank of violets, moved to precocious contemplation themselves-as to motives of action. by the spire of a village church. There was the With a comfortable impression upon him, and same smooth face and forehead, the same calm blue quite an honest one in its way, that he was still pat- eye, the same placid air. The shining bald head, ronizing Little Dorrit in doing what had no reference which looked so very large because it shone so to her, he found himself one afternoon at the corner much; and the long gray hair at its sides and back, of Mr. Casby's street. Mr. Casby lived in a street in like floss silk or spun glass, which looked so very the Gray's Inn Road, which had set off from that benevolent because it was never cut; were not, of thoroughfare with the intention of running at one course, to be seen in the boy as in the old man. heat down into the valley, and up again to the top Nevertheless, in the Seraphic creature with the hayof Pentonville Hill; but which had run itself out of making rake, were clearly to be discerned the rudibreath in twenty yards, and had stood still ever ments of the Patriarch with the list shoes. since. There is no such place in that part now; but Patriarch was the name which many people deit remained there for many years, looking with a lighted to give him. Various old ladies in the balked countenance at the wilderness patched with neighborhood spoke of him as the Last of the Patriunfruitful gardens and pimpled with eruptive sum- archs. So gray, so slow, so quiet, so impassionate, mer-houses, that it had meant to run over in no so very bumpy in the head, Patriarch was the word time. for him. He had been accosted in the streets, and "The house," thought Clennam, as he crossed to respectfully solicited to become a Patriarch for paintthe door, "is as little changed as my mother's, and ers and for sculptors; with so much importunity, in looks almost as gloomy. But the likeness ends out- sooth, that it would appear to be beyond the Fine side. I know its staid repose within. The smell of Arts to remember the points of a Patriarch, or to inits jars of old rose-leaves and lavender seems to come vent one. Philanthropists of both sexes had asked upon me even here." who he was, and on being informed, " Old ChristoWhen his knock, at the bright brass knocker of pher Casby, formerly Town-agent to Lord Decimrus obsolete shape, brought a woman-servant to the Tite Barnacle," had cried in a rapture of disappointdoor, those faded scents in truth saluted him like ment, "Oh! why, with that head, is he not a benewintry breath that had a faint remembrance in it of factor to his species! Oh! why, with that head, is he the by-gone spring. He stepped into the sober, si- not a father to the orphan and a friend to the friendlent, air-tight house —one might have fancied it to less!" With that head, however, he remained old have been stifled by mutes in the Eastern manner- Christopher Casby, proclaimed by common report 70 LITTLE DORRIT. rich in house property; and with that head, he now the purpose; and shook hands with the possessor of sat in his silent parlor. Indeed, it would be the "that head," as it shed its patriarchial light upon height of unreason to expect him to be sitting there him. without that head. "We are older, Mr. Clennam," said Christopher Arthur Clennam moved, to attract his attention, Casby. and the gray eyebrows turned toward him. "We are-not younger," said Clennam. After "I beg your pardon," said Clennam, "I fear you this wise remark he felt that he was scarcely shindid not hear me announced?" ing with brilliancy, and became aware that he was " No, sir, I did not. Did you wish to see me, sir?" nervous. "I wished to pay my respects." "And your respected father," said Mr. Casby, is Mr. Casby seemed a feather's weight disappoint- "no more! I was grieved to hear it, Mr. Clennam, I ed by the last words, having perhaps prepared him- was grieved." self for the visitor's wishing to pay something else. Arthur replied in the usual way that he felt in"Have I the pleasure, sir," he proceeded —" take a finitely obliged to him. chair, if you please-have I the pleasure of know- "There was a time," said Mr. Casby, "when your TIHE SERVANT-MAIl) HAD TICKED TlE T'WO WORIDS ";MRl. OLENNAM" SO SOFTLY TIAT SHE IIAD NOT BEEN IHEARI); AN]) HE CONSEQUENTLY STOOD, WITHIN TIHE DOOR SHE HAD CLOSED, UNNOTICEI). ing —? Ah! truly, yes, I think I have! I believe I parents and myself were not on friendlyl terms. am not mistaken in supposing that I am acquainted There was a little family misunderstahding among with those features? I think I address a gentle- us. Your respected mother was rather jealous of nlan of whose return to this country I was informed her son, maybe; when I say her son, I mean your by Mr. Flintwinch?" worthy self, your worthy self." "That is your present visitor." His smooth face had a bloom upon it, like ripe "Really! Mr. Clennam?" wall-fruit. What with his blooming face, and that "No other, Mr. Casby." head, and his blue eyes, he seemed to be delivering "Mr. Clennam, I am glad to see you. How have sentiments of rare wisdom and virtue. In like manyou been since we met'?" ner, his physiognomical expression seemed to teem Without thinking it worth while to explain that with benignity. Nobody couldl have said where in the course of some quarter of a century he had the wisdom was, or where the virtue was, or where experienced occasional slight fluctuations in his the benignity was; but they all seemed to be somehealth and spirits, Clennam answered generally that where about him. he had never been better, or something equally to "Those times, however," pursued Mr. Casby, "are SNORTING PANCK S. 71 past and gone, past and gone. I do myself the pleas- I pound of nature and art. He had dirty hands and ure of making a visit to your respected mother occa- dirty broken nails, and looked as if he had been in sionally, and of admiring the fortitude and strength the coals; he was in a perspiration, and snorted and of mind with which she bears her trials, bears her sniffed and puffed and blew, like a little laboring trials." steam-engine. When he made one of these little repetitions, sit- " Oh!" said he, when Arthur had told him how he ting with his hands crossed before him, he did it came to be there. "Very well. That's right. If with his head on one side and a gentle smile, as if he should ask for Pancks, will you be so good as to he had something in his thoughts too sweetly pro- say that Pancks is come in?" And so, with a snort found to be put into words. As if he denied himself and a puff, he worked out by another door. the pleasure of uttering it, lest he should soar too Now, in the old days at home, certain audacious high; and his meekness therefore preferred to be doubts respecting the last of the Patriarchs, which unmeaning. were afloat in the air, had, by some forgotten means, "I have heard that you were kind enough on one come in contact with Arthur's sensorium. He was of those occasions," said Arthur, catching at the op- aware of motes and specks of suspicion in the atmosportunity as it drifted past him, " to mention Little phere of that time; seen through which medium, Dorrit to my mother." Christopher Casby was a mere Inn sign-post with"Little-? Dorrit? That's the seamstress who out any Inn —an invitation to rest and be thankful, was mentioned to me by a small tenant of mine? when there was no place to put up at, and nothing Yes, yes. Dorrit? That's the name. Ah, yes, yes! whatever to be thankful for. He knew that some You call her Little Dorrit?"2 of these specks even represented Christopher as caNo road in that direction. Nothing came of the pable of harboring designs in "that head," and as cross-cut. It led no farther. being a crafty impostor. Other motes there were "My daughter Flora," said Mr. Casby, " as you which showed him as a heavy, selfish, drifting Boomay have heard probably, Mr. Clennam, was mar- by, who, having stumbled, in the course of his unried and established in life several years ago. She wieldy jostlings against other men, on the discovery had the misfortune to lose her husband when she that to get through life with ease and credit, he had had been married a few months. She resides with but to hold his tongue, keep the bald part of his me again. She will be glad to see you, if you will head well polished, and leave his hair alone, had permit me to let her know that you are here." had just cunning enough to seize the idea and stick "By all means," returned Clennam. "I should to it. It was said that his being town-agent to have preferred the request, if your kindness had not Lord Decimus Tite Barnacle was referable, not to anticipated me." his having the least business capacity, but to his Upon this, Mr. Casby rose up in his list shoes, and looking so supremely benignant that nobody could with a slow, heavy step (he was of an elephantine suppose the property screwed or jobbed under such build), made for the door. He had a long wide- a man; also, that for similar reasons he now got skirted bottle-green coat on, and a bottle-green pair more money out of his own wretched lettings, unof trowsers, and a bottle-green waistcoat. The Pa- questioned, than any body with a less knobby and triarchs were not dressed in bottle-green broadcloth, less shining crown could possibly have done. In a and yet his clothes looked patriarchal. word, it was represented (Clennam called to mind, He had scarcely left the room, and allowed the alone in the ticking parlor) that many people select ticking to become audible again, when a quick hand their models, much'as the painters, just now menturned a latch-key in the house door, opened it, and tioned, select theirs; and that, whereas in the Royal shut it. Immediately afterward, a quick and eager Academy some evil old ruffian of a Dog-stealer will short dark man came into the room with so much annually be found embodying all the cardinal virway upon him, that he was within a foot of Clen- tues, on account of his eyelashes, or his chin, or his nam before he could stop. legs (thereby planting thorns of confusion in the " Halloo!" he said. breasts of the more observant students of nature), Clennam saw no reason why he should not say so, in the great social Exhibition, accessories are "Halloo!" too. often accepted in lieu of the internal character. "What's the matter?" said the short dark man. Calling these things to mind, and ranging Mr. "I have not heard that any thing is the matter," Pancks in a row with them, Arthur Clennam. leaned returned Clennam. this day to the opinion, without quite deciding on "Where's Mr. Casby?" asked the short dark man, it, that the last of the Patriarchs was the drifting looking about. Booby aforesaid, with the one idea of keeping the "He will be here directly, if you want him." bald part of his head highly polished: and that, "I want him?" said the short dark man. "Don't much as an unwieldy ship in the Thames River may you?" sometimes be seen heavily driving with the tide, This elicited a word or two of explanation from broadside on, stern first, in its own way and in the Clennam, during the delivery of which the short way of every thing else, though making a great dark man held his breath and looked at him. He show of navigation, when all of a sudden, a little was dressed in black, and rusty iron gray; had jet- coaly steam-tng will bear down upon it, take it in black beads of eyes; a scrubby little black chin; tow, and bustle off with it; similarly, the cumbrous wiry black hair striking out from his head in prongs, Patriarch had been taken in tow by the snorting like forks or hair-pins; and a complexion that was Pancks, and was now following in the wake of that very dingy by nature, or very dirty by art, or a com- dingy little craft. 72 LITTLE DORRIT. The return of Mr. Casby, with his daughter Flora, struck you know —at least I don't mean that, I-oh put an end to these meditations. Clennam's eyes no I don't know what I mean!" Here Flora tittered sooner fell upon the object of his old passion, than it confusedly, and gave him one of her old glances. shivered and broke to pieces. The Patriarch, as if he now began to perceive that Most men will be found sufficiently true to them- his part in the piece was to get off the stage as soon selves to be true to an old idea. It is no proof of an as might be, rose, and went to the door by which inconstant mind, but exactly the opposite, when the Pancks had worked out, hailing that Tug by name. idea will not bear close comparison with the reality, He received an answer from some little Dock beyond, and the contrast is a fatal shock to it. Such was and was towed out of sight directly. Clennam's case. In his youth he had ardently loved "You mustn't think of going yet," said Flora —Arthis woman, andhadheapeduponher allthelocked-up thur had looked at his hat, being in a ludicrous diswealth of his affection and imagination. That wealth may, and not knowing what to do; " you could never had been, in his desert home, like Robinson Crusoe's be so unkind as to think of going, Arthur-I mean money; exchangeable with no one, lying idle in the Mr. Arthur-or I suppose Mr. Clenlnam would be far dark to rust, until he poured it out for her. Ever more proper-but I am sure I don't know what I'm since that memorable time, though he had, until the saying - without a word about the dear old days night of his arrival, as completely dismissed her from gone forever, however when I come to think of it I any association with his Present or Future as if she dare say it would be much better not to speak of had been dead (which she might easily have been for them and it's highly probable that you have some any thing he knew), he had kept the old fancy of the much more agreeable engagement and pray let Me Past unchanged, in its old sacred place. And now, be the last person in the world to interfere with it after all, the last of the Patriarchs coolly walked into though there was a time, but I am running into nonthe parlor, saying in effect, "Be good enough to throw sense again." it down and dance upon it. This is Flora." Was it possible that Flora could have been such a Flora, always tall, had grown to be very broad chatterer, in the days she referred to? Could there too, and short of breath; but that was not much. have been any thing like her present disjointed volFlora, whom he had left a lily, had become a peony; ubility, in the fascinations that had captivated him? but that was not much. Flora, who had seemed en- "Indeed I have little doubt," said Flora, running chanting in all she said and thought, was diffuse and on with astonishing speed, and pointing her conversilly. That was much. Flora, who had been spoiled sation with nothing but commas, and very few of and artless long ago, was determined to be spoiled them, " that you are married to some Chinese lady, and artless now. That was a fatal blow. being in China so long and being in business and This is Flora! naturally desirous to settle and extend your connec"I am sure," giggled Flora, tossing her head with tion nothing Was more likely than that you should a caricature of her girlish manner, such as a mummer propose to a Chinese lady and nothing was more might have presented at her own funeral, if she had natural I am sure than that the Chinese lady should lived and died in classical antiquity, " I am ashamed accept you and think herself very well off too, I only to see Mr. Clennam, I am a mere fright, I know hope she's not a Pagodian dissenter." he'll find me fearfully changed, I am actually an old "I am not," returned Arthur, smiling in spite of woman, it's shocking to be so found out, it's really himself, "married to any lady, Flora." shocking!" "Oh good gracious me I hope you never kept He assured her that she was just what he had ex- yourself a bachelor so long on my account!" tittered pected, and that time had not stood still with him- Flora; "but of course you never did why should self. you, pray don't answer, I don't know where I'm run"Oh! But with a gentleman it's so different and ning to, oh do tell me something about the Chinese really you look so amazingly well that you have no ladies whether their eyes are really so long and narright to say any thing of the kinld, while, as to me row always putting me in mind of mother-of-pearl you know-oh!" cried Flora with a little scream, " I fish at cards and do they really wear tails down their am dreadful!" back and plaited too or is it only the men, and when The Patriarch, apparently not yet understanding they pull their hair so very tight off their foreheads his own part in the drama under representation, don't they hurt themselves, and why do they stick glowed with vacant serenity. little bells all over their bridges and temples and " But if we talk of not having changed," said Flora, hats and things or don't they really do it!" Flora who, whatever she said, never once came to a full gave him another of her old glances. Instantly she stop, "look at Papa, is not Papa precisely what he went on again, as if he had spoken in reply for some was when you went away, isn't it cruel and unnatu- time. ral of Papa to be such a reproach to his own child, if "I Then it's all true and they really do! good grawe go on in this way much longer people who don't cious Arthur!-pray excuse me-old habit —Mr. know us will begin to suppose that I am Papa's Clennam far more proper-what a country to live Mamma!" in for so long a time, and with so many lanterns and That must be a long time hence, Arthur consid- umbrellas too how very dark and wet the climate ered. ought to be and no doubt actually is, and the sums " Oh, Mr. Clennam you insincerest of creatures," of money that must be made by those two trades said Flora, "I perceive already you have not lost where every body carries them and hangs them everyyour old way of paying compliments, your old way where, the little shoes too and the feet screwed back in when you used to pretend to be so sentimentclly infancy is quite surprising, what a traveler you are!" FLORA'S REMARKS ANi'D EXPLANATIONS. 73 In his ridiculous distress, Clennam received anoth- and when I was called down into the little breaker of the old glances, without in the least knowing fast-room where they were looking at one another what to do with it. with your Mamma's parasol between them seated on "Dear dear," said Flora, "only to think of the two chairs like mad bulls what was I to do?" changes at home, Arthur-can not overcome it, seems "' My dear Mrs. Finching," urged Clennam - " all so natural, Mr. Clennam far more proper-since you so long ago and so long concluded, is it worth while became familiar with the Chinese customs and lan- seriously to —" guage which I am persuaded you speak like a Na- "I can't, Arthur," returned Flora, "be denounced tive if not better, for you were always quick and as heartless by the whole society of China without clever though immensely difficult no doubt, I am setting myself right when I have the opportunity sure the tea-chests alone would kill me if I tried, of doing so, and you must be very well aware that such changes Arthur-I am doing it again, seems so there was Paul and Virginia which had to be renatural, most improper-as no one could have be- turned and which was returned without note or lieved, who could have ever imagined Mrs. Finching comment, not that I mean to say you could have when I can't imagine it myself!" written to me watched as I was but if it had only "Is that your married name?" asked Arthur, come back with a red wafer on the cover I should struck, in the midst of all this, by a certain warmth have known that it meant Come to Pekin Nankeen of heart that expressed itself in her tone when she and What's the third place, barefoot." referred, however oddly, to the youthful relation in "My dear Mrs. Finching, you were not to blame, which they had stood to one another. " Finching!" and I never blamed you. We were both too young, "Finching oh yes isn't it a dreadful name, but as too dependent and helpless, to do any thing but acMr. F. said when he proposed to me which he did cept our situation.-Pray think how long ago,"genseven times and handsomely consented I must say tly remonstrated Arthur. to be what he used to call on liking twelve months "One more remark," proceeded Flora with unafter all, he wasn't answerable for it and couldn't slackened volubility, " I wish to make, one more exhelp it could he. Excellent man, not at all like you planation I wish to offer, for five days I had a cold but excellent man!" in the head from crying which I passed entirely in Flora had at last talked herself out of breath for the back drawing-room-there is the back drawingone moment. One moment; for she recovered breath room still on the first-floor and still at the back of in the act of raising a minute corner of her pocket- the house to confirm my words-when that dreary handkerchief to her eye, as a tribute to the ghost of period had passed a luill succeeded years rolled on the departed Mr. F., and began again. and Mr. F. became acquainted with us at a mutual "No one could dispute, Arthur-Mr. Clennam- friend's, he was all attention he called next day he that it's quite right you should be formally friendly soon began to call three evenings a week and to send to me under the altered circumstances and indeed in little things for supper, it was not love on Mr. F.'s you couldn't be any thing else, at least I suppose not part it was adoration, Mr. F. proposed with the full you ought to know, but I can't help recalling that approval of Papa and what could I do?" there was a time when things were very different." "Nothing whatever," said Arthur, with the cheer"My dear Mrs. Finching," Arthur began, struck by fulest readiness, "but what you did. Let an old the good tone again." friend assure you of his full conviction that you did "Oh not that nasty ugly name, say Flora!" quite right." "Flora. I assure you, Flora, I am happy in see-'"One last remark," proceeded Flora, rejecting ing you once more, and in finding that, like me, you commonplace life with a wave of her hand, "I wish have not forgotten the old foolish dreams, when we to make, one last explanation I wish to offer, there saw all before us in the light of our youth and hope." was a time ere Mr. F. first paid attentions incapable. "You don't seem so," pouted Flora, " you take it of being mistaken, but that is past and was not to very coolly, but however I know you are disap- be, dear Mr. Clennam you no longer wear a golden pointed in me, I suppose the Chinese ladies-Man- chain you are free I trust you may be happy, here is darinesses if you call them so-are the cause or per- Papa who is always tiresome and putting in his nose haps I am the cause myself, it's just as likely." everywhere where he is not wanted." "No, no," Clennam entreated, " don't say that." With these words, and with a hasty gesture "Oh I must you know," said Flora, in a positive fraught with timid caution such a gesture had tone, " what nonsense not to, I know I am not what Clennam's eyes been familiar with in the old timeyou expected, I know that very well." poor Flora left herself, at eighteen years of age, a In the midst of her rapidity, she had found that long, long way behind again; and came to a full stop out with the quick perception of a cleverer woman. at last. The inconsistent and profoundly unreasonable way Or rather, she left about half of herself at eightin which she instantly went on, nevertheless, to in- een years of age behind, and grafted the rest on tp terweave their long abandoned boy and girl relations the relict of the late Mr. F.; thus making a moral with their present interview, made Clennam feel as mermaid of herself, which her once boy-lover conif he were light-headed. templated with feelings wherein his sense of the " One remark," said Flora, giving their conversa- sorrowfill and his sense of the comical were curition, without the slightest notice and to the great ously blended. terror of Clennam, the tone of a love-quarrel, "I wish For example. As if there were a secret underto make, one explanation I wish to offer, when your standing between herself and Clennam of the most Mamma came and made a scene of it with my Papa thrilling nature; as if the first of a train of post 74 LITTLE DORRIT. chaises and four, extending all the way to Scotland, week, and when the week comes round hasn't got were at that moment round the corner; and as if she the half-crown, you say to that man, Why have you couldn't (and wouldn't) have walked into the Parish got the room, theni? If you haven't got the one Church with him, under the shade of the family um- thing, why have you got the other? What have you brella, with the Patriarchal blessing on her head, been and done with your money? What do you and the perfect concurrence of all mankind; Flora mean by it? What are you up to? That's what comforted her soul with agonies of mysterious sig- you say to a man of that sort; and if you didn't say naling, expressing dread of discovery. With the it, more shame for you!" Mr. Pancks here made a sensation of becoming more and more light-headed singular and startling noise, produced by a strong every minute, Clennam saw the relict of the late Mr. blowing effort in the region of the nose, unattended F. enjoying herself in the most wonderful manner, by by any result but that acoustic one. putting herself and him in their old places, and going "You have some extent of such property about through all the old performances -now, when the the east and north-east here, I believe?" said Clenstage was dusty, when the scenery was faded, when nam, doubtful which of the two to address. the youthful actors were dead, when the orchestra "Oh pretty well," said Pancks. " You're not parwas empty, when the lights were out. And still, ticular to east or north-east, any point of the comthrough all this grotesque revival of what he re- pass will do for you. What you want is a good inmembered as having once been prettily natural to vestment and a quick return. You take it where her, he could not but feel that it revived at sight of you can find it. You an't nice as to situation-not him, and that there was a tender memory in it. you." The Patriarch insisted on his staying to dinner, There was a fourth and most original figure in and Flora signaled "Yes!" Clennam so wished he the Patriarchal tent, who also appeared before dincould have done more than stay to dinner-so heart- ner. This was an amazing little old woman, with ily wished he could have found the Flora that had a face like a staring wooden doll too cheap for exbeen, or that never had been-that he thought the pression, and a stiff yellow wig perched unevenly on least atonement he could make for the disappoint- the top of her head, as if the child who owned the ment he almost felt ashamed of, was to give himself doll had driven a tack through it anywhere, so that up to the family desire. Therefore he staid to din- it only got fastened on. Another remarkable thing ner. in this little old woman was, that the same child Pancks dined with them. Pancks steamed out of seemed to have damaged her face in two or three his little dock at a quarter before six, and bore places with some blunt instrument in the nature of straight down for the Patriarch, who happened to a spoon; her countenance, and particularly the tip be then driving, in an inane manner, through a stag- of her nose, presenting the phenomena of several nant account of Bleeding Heart Yard. Pancks in- dints, generally answering to the bowl of that artistauntly made fast to him and hauled him out. cle. A further remarkable thing in this little old "' Bleeding Heart Yard?" said Pancks, with a puff woman was, that she had no name but Mr. F.'s Aunt. and a snort. " It's a troublesome property. Don't She broke upon the visitor's view under the folpay you badly, but rents are very hard to get there. lowing circumstances: Flora said, when the first You have more trouble with that one place than dish was being put on the table, perhaps Mr. Clenwith all the places belonging to you." nam might not have heard that Mr. F. had left her a Just as the big ship in tow gets the credit, with legacy? Clennam in return implied his hope that most spectators, of being the powerful object, so the Mr. F. had endowed the wife whom he adored, with Patriarch usually seemed to have said himself what- the greater part of his worldly substance, if not with ever Pancks said for him. all. Flora said, oh yes, she didn't mean that, Mr. F. "Indeed?" returned Clennam, upon whom this had made a beautiful will, hut he had left her as a impression was so efficiently made by a mere gleam separate legacy, his Aunt. She then went out of the of the polished head, that he spoke the ship instead room to fetch the legacy, and, on her return, rather of the Tug. " The people are so poor there?" triumphantly presented " Mr. F.'s Aunt." "You can't say, you know," snorted Pancks, tak- The major characteristics discoverable by the ing one of his dirty hands out of his rusty iron-gray stranger in Mr. F.'s Aunt, were extreme severity and pockets to bite his nails, if he could find any, and grim taciturnity; sometimes interrupted by a proturning his beads of eyes upon his employer, "wheth- pensity to offer remarks, in a deep warning voice, er they're poor or not. They say they are, but they which, being totally uncalled for by any thing said all say that. When a man says he's rich, you're gen- by any body, and traceable to no association of erally sure he isn't. Besides, if they are poor, you ideas, confounded and terrified the mind. Mr. F.'s can't help it. You'd be poor yourself if you didn't Aunt may have thrown in these observations on get your rents." some system of her own, and it may have been inge" True enough," said Arthur. nious, or even subtle; but the key to it was wanted. "You're not going to keep open house for all the The neatly-served and well-cooked dinner (for poor of London," pursued Pancks. "You're not go- every thing about the Patriarchal household promolug to lodge'em for nothing. You're not going to ted quiet digestion) began with some soup, some open your gates wide, and let'em come free. Not fried soles, a butter-boat of shrimp sauce, and a dish if you know it, you an't." of potatoes. The conversation still turned on the Mr. Casby shook his head, in placid and benig- receipt of rents. Mr. F.'s Aunt, after regarding the nant generality. company for ten minutes with a malevolent gaze, "If a man takes a room of you at half a crown a delivered the following fearful remark: .MR. F.'S AUNT. 75 "'When we lived at Henley, Barnes's gander was from the room. This was quietly done by Flora; stolen by tinkers." Mr. F.'s Aunt offering no resistance, but inquiring Mr. Pancks courageously nodded his head and on her way out "What he come there for, then?" said, "All right, ma'am." But the effect of this mys- with implacable animosity. terious communication upon Clennam, was absolute- When Flora returned, she explained that her legly to frighten him. And another circumstance in- acy was a clever old lady, but was sometimes a litvested this old lady with peculiar terrors. Though tle singular, and "took dislikes "-peculiarities of she was always staring, she never acknowledged which Flora seemed to be proud rather than otherthat she saw any individual. The polite and atten- wise. As Flora's good nature shone in the case, tive stranger would desire, say, to consult her incli- Clennam had no fault to find with the old lady for nations on the subject of potatoes. His expressive eliciting it, now that he was relieved from the teraction would be hopelessly lost upon her, and what rors of her presence; and they took a glass or two could he do? No man could say, " Mr. F.'s Aunt, of wine in peace. Foreseeing then that the Pancks will you permit me?" Every man retired from the would shortly get under-way, and that the Patriarch spoon, as Clennam did, cowed and baffled. would go to sleep, he pleaded the necessity of visitThere was mutton, a steak, and an apple-pie- ing his mother, and asked Mr. Pancks in which dinothing in the remotest way connected with gan- rection he was going? ders-and the dinner went on like a disenchanted'" Cityward, sir," said Pancks. feast, as it truly was. Once upon a time Clennam " Shall we walk together?" said Arthur. had sat at that table taking no heed of any thing "Quite agreeable," said Pancks. but Flora; now the principal heed he took of Flora Meanwhile Flora was murmuring in rapid snatchwas, to observe, against his will, that she was very es for his ear, that there iwas a time and that the fond of porter, that she combined a great deal of past was a yawning gulf however and that a golden sherry with sentiment, and that if she were a little chain no longer bound him and that she revered the overgrown, it was upon substantial grounds. The memory of the late Mr. F. and that she should be at last of the Patriarchs had always been a mighty eat- home to-morrow at half-past one and that the deer, and he disposed of an immense quantity of solid crees of Fate were beyond recall and that she confood with the benignity of a good soul who was sidered nothing so improbable as that he ever walkfeeding some one else. Mr. Pancks, who was always ed on the north-west side of Gray's Inn Gardens at in a harry, and who referred at intervals to a little exactly four o'clock in the afternoon. He tried at dirty note-book which he kept beside him (perhaps parting to give his hand in frankness to the existing containing the names of the defaulters he meant to Flora-not the vanished Flora, or the Mermaidlook up by way of dessert), took in his victuals much but Flora wouldn't have it, couldn't have it, was as if he were coaling; with a good deal of noise, a wholly destitute of the power of separating herself good deal of dropping about, and a puff and a snort and him from their by-gone characters. He left the occasionally, as if he were nearly ready to steam house miserably enough; and so much more lightaway. headed than ever, that if it had not been his good All through dinner, Flora combined her present fortune to be towed away, he might, for the first appetite for eating and drinking, with her past ap- quarter of an hour, have drifted anywhere. petite for romantic love, in a way that made Clen- When he began to come to himself, in the cooler nam afraid to lift his eyes from his plate; since he air and the absence of Flora, he found Pancks at full could not look toward her without receiving some speed, cropping such scanty pasturage of nails as he glance of mysterious meaning or warning, as if they could find, and snorting at intervals. These, in conwere engaged in a plot. Mr. F.'s Aunt sat silently junction with one hand in his pocket and his roughdefying him with an aspect of the greatest bitter- ened hat hind-side before, were evidently the condiness, until the removal of the cloth and the appear- tions under which he reflected. ance of the decanters, when she originated another "A fresh night!" said Arthur. observation - struck into the conversation like a "Yes, it's pretty fresh," assented Pancks. "As a clock, without consulting any body. stranger, you feel the climate more than I do, I dare Flora had just said, " Mr. Clennam, will you give say. Indeed I haven't got time to feel it." me a glass of port for Mr. F.'s Aunt?" " You lead such a busy life?" "The Monument near London Bridge," that lady "Yes, I have always some of'em to look up, or instantly proclaimed, " was put up arter the Great something to look after. But I like business," said Fire of London; and the Great Fire of London was Pancks, getting on a little faster. " What's a man not the fire in which your uncle George's workshops made for?" was burned down." "For nothing else?" said Clennam. Mr. Pancks, with his former courage, said, "In- Pancks put the counter-question, "What else?" deed, ma'am? All right!" But appearing to be in- It packed up, in the smallest compass, a weight that censed by imaginary contradiction, or other ill-usage, had rested on Clennam's life; and he made no answer. Mr. F.'s Aunt, instead of relapsing into silence, made "That's what I ask our weekly tenants," said the following additional proclamation: Pancks. " Some of'em will pull long faces to me, "I hate a fool!" and say, Poor as you see us, master, we're always She imparted to this sentiment, in itself almost grinding, drudging, toiling, every minute we're Solomonic, so extremely injurious and personal a awake. I say to them, What else are you made for? character, by leveling it straight at the visitor's It shuts them up. They haven't a word to answer. head, that it became necessary to lead Mr. F.'s Aunt What else are you made for? That clinches it." 76 LITTLE DORRIT. "Ah dear, dear, dear!" sighed Clennam. conversation in the crowd, and a muddy bundle car"Here am I," said Paucks, pursuing his argument ried by one man, and a muddy hat carried by anothwith the weekly tenant. "What else do you sup- er, informed him that an accident had occurred. The pose I think I am made for? Nothing. Rattle me litter stopped under a lamp before it had passed him out of bed early, set me going, give me as short a half a dozen paces, for some readj ustment of the burtime as you like to bolt my meals in, and keep me den; and, the crowd stopping too, he found himself at it. Keep me always at it, I'll keep you always at in the midst of the array. it, you keep somebody else always at it. There you "An accident going to the hospital?" he asled an are, with the Whole Duty of Man in a commercial old man beside him, who stood shaking his head, incountry." viting conversation. When they had walked a little farther in silence, " Yes," said the man, " along of them Mails. They Clennam said: "Have you no taste for any thing, ought to be prosecuted and fined, them Mails. They Mr. Pancks?" come a-racing out of Lad Lane and Wood Street at "What's taste?" dryly retorted Pancks. twelve or fourteen mile an hour, them Mails do. The "Let us say inclination." only wonder is, that people an't killed oftener by "I have an inclination to get money, sir," said them Mails." Pancks, " if you'll show me how." He blew off that "This person is not killed, I hope?" sound again, and it occurred to his companion for "I don't know!" said the man; "it an't for the the first time that it was his way of laughing. He want of a will in them Mails, if he an't." The speakwas a singular man in all respects; he might not er having folded his arms, and set in comfortably to have been quite in earnest, but that the short, hard, address his depreciation of them Mails to any of the rapid manner in which he shot out these cinders of by-standers who would listen, several voices, out of principles, as if it were done by mechanical revolv- pure sympathy with the sufferer, confirmed him; one ency, seemed irreconcilable with banter. voice saying to Clennam, " They're a public nuisance, "You are no great reader, I suppose?" said Clen- them Mails, sir;" another, "I see one on'em pull up nam. within half a inch of a boy, last night;" another, "I "Never read any thing but letters and accounts. see one on'em go over a cat, sir —and it might have Never collect any thing but advertisements relative been your own mother;" and all representing, by imto next of kin. If that's a taste, I have got that. plication, that if he happened to possess any public You're not of the Clennams of Cornwall, Mr. Clen- influence, he could not use it better than against nam." them Mails. "Not that I ever heard of." "Why, a native Englishman is put to it every " I know you're not. I asked your mother, sir. night of his life, to save his life from them Mails," She has too much character to let a chance escape argued the first old man; "and he knows when her." they're a-coming round the corner, to tear him limb " Supposing I had been of the Clennams of Corn- from limb. What can you expect from a poor forwall? " eigner who don't know nothing about'em?" "You'd have heard of something to your advan- " Is this a foreigner?" said Clenuam, leaning fortage." ward to look. "Indeed! I have heard of little enough to my In the midst of such replies as "Frenchman,. sir," advantage, for some time." "Porteghee, sir," " Dutchman, sir," " Prooshan, sir," " There's a Cornish property going a-begging, sir, and other conflicting testimony, he now heard a feeand not a Cornish Clennam to have it for the ask- ble voice asking, both in Italian and in French, for ing," said Pancks, taking his note-book from his water. A general remark going round, in reply, of breast-pocket and putting it in again. "I turn off "Ah, poor fellow, he says he'll never get over it; and here. I wish you good-night." no wonder!" Clennam begged to be allowed to "Good-night!" said Clennam. But the Tug sud- pass, as he understood the poor creature. He was denly lightened, and, untrammeled by having any immediately handed to the front, to speak to him. weight in tow, was already puffing away into the "First, he wants some water," said he, looking distance. round. (A dozen good fellows dispersed to get it.) They had crossed Smithfield together, and Clen- "Are you badly hurt, my friend?" he asked the man nam was left alone at the corner of Barbican. He on the litter, in Italian. had no intention of presenting himself in his moth- "Yes, sir; yes, yes, yes. It's my leg, it's my leg. er's dismal room that night, and could not have felt But it pleases me to hear the old music, though I am more depressed and cast away if he had been in a very bad." wilderness. He turned slowly down Aldersgate "You are a traveler? Stay! See the water! Let Street, and was pondering his way along toward St. me give you some." Paul's, purposing to come into one of the great thor- They had rested the litter on a pile of pavingoughfares for the sake of their light and life, when stones. It was at a convenient height from the a crowd of people flocked toward him on the same ground, and by stooping he could lightly raise the pavement, and he stood aside against a shop to let head with one hand, and hold the glass to the lips them pass. As they came up, he made out that they with the other. A little, muscular, brown man, with were gathered round a something that was carried black hair and white teeth. A lively, face, apparenton men's shoulders. He soon saw that it was a lit- ly. Ear-rings in his ears. ter, hastily made of a shutter or some such thing; " That's well. You are a traveler?" and a recumbent figure upon it, and the scraps of " Surely, sir." ARTHUR CLENNAM ITNDULGES IN A REVERIE. 77 " A stranger in this city?" moved, until he had fallen into a doze. Even then "Surely, surely, altogether. I am arrived this un- he wrote a few words for him on his card, with a happy evening." promise to return to-morrow, and left it to be given "From what country?" to him when he should awake. "Marseilles." All these proceedings occupied so long, that it "Why, see there! I also! Almost as much a struck eleven o'clock at night as he came out at the stranger here as you, though born here, I came from hospital gate. He had hired a lodging for the presMarseilles a little while ago. Don't be cast down." ent in Covent Garden, and he took the nearest way The face looked up at him imploringly, as he rose to that quarter, by Snow Hill and Holborn. from wiping it, and gently replaced the coat that Left to himself again, after the solicitude and comcovered the writhing figure. "I won't leave you, passion of his last adventure, he was naturally in a till you shall be well taken care of. Courage! You thoughtful mood. As naturally, he could not walk will be very much better, half an hour hence." on thinking for ten minutes, without recalling Flora. " Ah! Altro, altro!" cried the poor little man, in She necessarily recalled to him his life, with all its a faintly incredulous tone; and as they took him misdirection and little happiness. up, hung out his right hand to give the forefinger a When he got to his lodging, he sat down before backhanded shake in the air. the dying fire, as he had stood at the window of his Arthur Clennam turned; and walking beside the old room looking out upon the blackened forest of litter, and saying an encouraging word now and chimneys, and turned his gaze back upon the gloomy then, accompanied it to the neighboring hospital of vista by which he had come to that stage in his exSt. Bartholomew. None of the crowd but the bear- istence. So long, so bare, so blank. No childhood; ers and he being admitted, the disabled man was no youth, except for one remembrance; the one resoon laid on a table in a cool, methodical way, and membrance proved, only that day, to be a piece of carefully examined by a surgeon: who was as near folly. at hand, and as ready to appear, as Calamity herself. It was a misfortune to him, trifle as it might have "He hardly knows an English word," said Clen- been to another. For, while all that was hard and nam; "is he badly hurt?" "Let us know all about stern in his recollection, remained Reality on being it first," said the surgeon, continuing his examina- proved-was obdurate to the sight and touch, and tion with a business-like delight in it, "before we relaxed nothing of its old indomitable grimnesspronounce." the one tender recollection of his experience would After trying the leg with a finger and two fingers, not bear the same test, and melted away. He had and one hand and two hands, and over and under, foreseen this, on the former night, when he had and up and down, and in this direction and in that, dreamed with waking eyes; but he had not felt it and approvingly remarking on the points of interest then; and he had now. to another gentleman who joined him, the surgeon He was a dreamer in such wise, because he was a at last clapped the patient on the shoulder, and said, man who had deep-rooted in his nature, a belief in "He won't hurt. He'll do very well. It's difficult all the gentle and good things his life had been withenough, but we shall not want him to part with his out. Bred in meanness and hard dealing, this had leg this time." Which Clennam interpreted to the rescued him to be a man of honorable mind and patient, who was full of gratitude, and, in his de- open hand. Bred in coldness and severity, this had monstrative way, kissed both the interpreter's hand rescued him to have a warm and sympathetic heart. and the surgeon's several times. Bred in a creed too darkly audacious to pursue, " It's a serious injury, I suppose?" said Clennam. through its process of reversing the making of man "Ye-es,' replied the surgeon, with the thoughtful in the image of his Creator to the making of his pleasure of an artist, contemplating the work upon Creator in the image of an erring man, this had reshis easel. " Yes, it's enough. There's a compound cued him to judge not, and in humility to be mercifracture above the knee, and a dislocation below. ful, and have hope and charity. They are both of a beautiful kind." He gave the And this saved him still from the whimpering patient a friendly clap on the. shoulder again, as if weakness and cruel selfishness of holding that behe really felt that he was a very good fellow indeed, cause such a happiness or such a virtue had not and worthy of all commendation, for having broken come into his little path, or worked well for him, his leg in a manner interesting to scienoe. therefore it was not in the great scheme, but was "He speaks French?" said the surgeon. reducible, when found in appearance, to the basest "Oh yes, he speaks French." elements. A disappointed mind he had, but a mind "He'll be at no loss here, then.-You have only to too firm and healthy for such unwholesome air. bear a little pain like a brave fellow, my friend, and Leaving himself in the dark, it could rise into the to be thankful that all goes as well as it does," he light, seeing it shine on others and hailing it. added, in that tongue, " and you'll walk again to a Therefore, he sat before his dying fire, sorrowful marvel. Now, let us see whether there's any thing to think upon the way by which he had come to else the matter, and how our ribs are." that night, yet not strewing poison on the way by There was nothing else the matter, and our ribs which other men had come to it. That he should were sound. Clennam remained until every thing have missed so much, and at his time of life should possible to be done had been skillfully and prompt- look so far about him for any staff to bear him comly done-the poor belated wanderer in a strange pany upon his downward journey and cheer it, was land movingly besought that favor of him-and lin- a just regret. He looked at the fire from which the gered by the bed to which he was in due time re- blaze departed, from which the after-glow subsided, 78 LITTLE DORlJIT. in which the ashes turned gray, from which they "I said Little Dorrit, sir, on purpose to prepare dropped to dust, and thought, "How soon I too shall you. I knew you must be very much surprised." pass through such changes, and be gone!" "Are you alone?" To review -his life, was like descending a green "No, sir, I have got Maggy with me." tree in fruit and flower, and seeing all the branches Cousidering her entrance sufficiently prepared for wither and drop off one by one, as he came down by this mention of her name, Maggy appeared from toward them. the landing outside, on the broad grin. She instant"From the unhappy suppression of my youngest ly suppressed that manifestation, however, and bedays, through the rigid and unloving home that fol- came fixedly solemn. lowed them, through my departure, my long exile, "And I have no fire, said Clennam. "And you my return, my mother's welcome, my intercourse are-" He was going to say so lightly clad, but with her since, down to the afternoon of this day stopped himself in what would have been a referwith poor Flora," said Arthur Clennam, "what have ence to her poverty, saying instead, "And it is so I founld!" cold." His door was softly opened, and these spoken Putting the chair from which he had risen nearer words startled him, and came as if they were an an- to the grate, he made her sit down in it; and hurswer: riedly bringing wood and coal, heaped them togeth"Little Dorrit." er and got a blaze. _-~' — I "Your foot is like marble, my child;" he had happened to touch it, while stooping on one knee CHAPTER XIV. at his work of kindling the fire; "put it nearer the warmth." Little Dorrit thanked him hastily. LITTLE I)ORRIT'S PARTY.* It was quite warm, it was very warm! It smote A RTHUR CLENNAM rose hastily, and saw her upon his heart to feel that she hid her thin, worn standing at the door. This history must some- shoe. times see with Little Dorrit's eyes, and shall begin Little Dorrit was not ashamed of her poor shoes. that course by seeing him. He knew her story, and it was not that. Little Little Doririt looked into a dim room, which seem- Dorrit had a misgiving that he might blame her faed a spacious one to her, and grandly furnished. ther, if he saw them; that he might think, "Why Courtly ideas of Covent Garden as a place with fa- did he dine to-day, and leave this little creature to mous coffee-houses, where gentlemen wearing gold- the mercy of the cold stones?" She had no belief laced coats and swords had. quarreled andl fought that it would have been a just reflection; she simduels; costly ideas of Covent Garden, as a place ply knew, by experience, that such delusions did where there were flowers in winter at guineas apiece, sometimes present themselves to people. It was a pine-apples at guineas a pound, and peas at guineas part of her father's misfortunes that they did. a pint; picturesque ideas of Covent Garden, as a "Before I say any thing else," Little Dorrit beplace where there was a mighty theatre, showing gan, sitting before the pale fire, and raising her eyes wonderful and beautiful sights to richly-dressed la- again to the face which in its harmonious look of dies and gentlemen, and which was forever far be- interest, and pity, and protection, she felt to be a yond the reach of poor Fanny or poor uncle; deso- mystery far above her in degree, and almost removed late ideas of Covent Garden, as having all those beyond her guessing at; " may I tell you something, arches in it, where the miserable children in rags sir?" among whom she had just now passed, like young "Yes, my child." rats, slunk and hid, fed on offal, huddled together A slight shade of distress fell upon her, at his so for warmth, and were hunted about (look to the often calling her a child. She was surprised that rats young and old, all ye Barnacles, for before God he should see it, or think of such a slight thing; but they are eating away our foundations, and will bring he said directly: the roofs on our heads!); teeming ideas of Covent "I wanted a tender word, and could think of no Garden, as a place of past and present mystery, ro- other. As you just now gave yourself the name mance, abundance, want, beauty, ugliness, fair coun- they give you at my mother's, and as that is the try gardens, and foul street-gutters, all confused to- name by which I always think of you, let me call gether-made the room dimmer than it was, in Lit- you Little Dorrit." tle Dorrit's eyes, as they timidly saw it from the " Thank you, sir, I should like it better than any door. name." At first in the chair before the gone-out fire, and "Little Dorrit." then turned round wondering to see her, was the "Little mother," Maggy (who had been falling gentleman whom she sought. The brown, grave asleep) put in, as a correction. gentleman, who smiled so pleasantly, who was so "It's all the same, Maggy," returned Dorrit, "all frank and considerate in his manner, and yet in the same." whose earnestness there was something that re- "Is it all the same, mother?" minded her of his mother, with the great difference " Just the same." that she was earnest in asperity and he in gentle- Maggy laughed, and immediately snored. In Litness. Now he regarded her with that attentive and tle Dorrit's eyes and ears, the uncouth figure and inquiring look before which Little Dorrit's eyes had the uncouth sound were as pleasant as could be. always fallen, and before which they fell still. There was a glow of pride in her big child, over"My poor child! Here at midnight?" spreading her face, when it again met the eyes of , f l'~ ~ I I II!~I )Ii -' -I" q /l, ~'~. "~.~I? ~~~~~~~~~ii,Iii i~~i~! i'';~~~~~~ 1.L.tl I I!i~~~~~~~~~~ll i ~ ~ ~ L.'TLEDO IT ~1rI ~~~ ~~'~"' fi''"' /.,. // t I / n,,, i i'/,~..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I;r I II I i I iti II I ~: I / I i \j j;!i Ii/ I:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~., \~: I I i~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~~~~'~ III 1' ~' HER FIRST NIGHT FROM HOME. 81 the grave brown gentleman. She wondered what am out at work I hurry home to him. But I prehe was thinking of, as he looked at Maggy and her. tend to-night that I am at a party." She thought what a good father he would be. How, As she made the confession, timidly, hesitating, with some such look, he would counsel and cherish she raised her eyes to the face, and read its expreshis daughter. sions so plainly that she answered it. "What I was going to tell you, sir," said Little " Oh no, certainly! I never was at a party in my Dorrit, "is, that my brother is at large." life." Arthur was rejoiced to hear it, and hoped he She paused a little under his attentive look, and would do well. then said, "I hope there is no harm in it. I could " And what I was going to tell you, sir," said Lit- never have been of any use, if I had not pretended tle Dorrit, trembling in all her little figure and in a little." her voice, "is, that I am not to know whose gene- She feared that he was blaming her in his mind, rosity released him-am never to ask, and am never for so devising to contrive for them, think for them, to be told, and am never to thank that gentleman and watch over them, without their knowledge or with all my grateful heart!" gratitude; perhaps even with their reproaches for He would probably need no thanks, Clennam said. supposed neglect. But what was really in his mind, Very likely he would be thankful himself (and with was the weak figure with its strong purpose, the reason), that he had had the means and chance of thin worn shoes, the insufficient dress, and the predoing a little service to her, who well deserved a tense of recreation and enjoyment. He asked where great one. the supposititious party was? At a place where she "And what I was going to say, sir, is," said Little worked, answered Little Dorrit, blushing. She had Dorrit, trembling more and more, "that if I knew said very little about it; only a few words to make him, and I might, I would tell him that he can nev- her father easy. Her father did not believe it to be er, never know how I feel his goodness, and how my a grand party-indeed he might suppose that. And good father would feel it. And what I was going she glanced for an instant at the shawl she wore. to say, sir, is, that if I knew him, and I might —but "It is the first night," said Little Dorrit, " that I don't know him and I must not-I know that!-I I have ever been away from home. And London would tell him that I shall never any more lie down looks so large, so barren, and so wild." In Little to sleep, without having prayed to Heaven to bless Dorrit's eyes, its vastness under the black sky was him and reward him. And if I knew him, and I awful; a tremor passed over her as she said the might, I would go down on my knees to him, and words. take his hand and kiss it, and ask him not to draw " But this is not," she added, with the quiet effort it away, but to leave it-oh, to leave it for a mo- again, " what I have come to trouble you with, sir. ment-and let my thankful tears fall on it, for I My sister's having found a friend, a lady she has told have no other thanks to give him!" me of and made me rather anxious about, was the Little Dorrit had put his hand to her lips, and first cause of my coming away from home. And bewould have kneeled to him; but he gently prevent- ing away, and coming (on purpose) round by where ed her, and replaced her in her chair. Her eyes, you lived, and seeing a light in the window-" and the tones of her voice, had thanked him far bet- Not for the first time. No, not for the first time. ter than she thought. He was not able to say, quite In Little Dorrit's eyes, the outside of that window as composedly as usual," There, Little Dorrit, there, had been a distant star on other nights than this. there, there! We will suppose that you did know She had toiled out of her way, tired and troubled, to this person, and that you might do all this, and that look up at it, and wonder about the grave, brown it was all done. And now tell me, who am quite gentleman from so far off, who had spoken to her another person —who am nothing more than the as a friend and protector. friend who begged you to trust him-why you are "There were three things," said Little Dorrit, out at midnight, and what it is that brings you so "that I thought I would like to say if you were far through the streets at this late hour, my slight, alone and I might come up stairs. First, what I delicate," child was on his lips again, "Little Dorrit!" have tried to say, but never can-never shall-" "Maggy and I have been to-night," she answered, "Hush, hush! That is done with, and disposed of. subduing herself with the quiet effort that had long Let us pass to the second," said Clennam, smiling her been natural to her, "to the theatre where my sister agitation away, making the blaze shine upon her, is engaged." and putting wine and cake and fruit toward her on "And oh ain't it a Ev'nly place," suddenly inter- the table. rupted Maggy, who seemed to have the power of "I think," said Little Dorrit —" this is the second going to sleep and waking up whenever she chose. thing, sir-I think Mrs. Clennam must have found "Almost as good as a hospital. Only there ain't no out my secret, and must know where I come from Chicking in it." and where I go to. Where I live, I mean." Here she shook herself, and fell asleep again. " Indeed!" returned Clennam, quickly. He asked "We went there," said Little Dorrit, glancing at her, after a short consideration, why she supposed her charge, " because I like sometimes to know, of so. my own knowledge, that my sister is doing well; " I think," replied Little Dorrit, "that Mr. Flintand like to see her there, with my own eyes, when winch must have watched me." neither she nor uncle is aware. It is very seldom And why, Clennam asked, as he turned his eyes indeed that I can do that, because when I am not upon the fire, bent his brows, and considered again; out at work I am with my father, and even when I why did she suppose that? 6 82 LITTLE DORRIT. "I have met him twice. Both times near home. him and spare him that, and you will be able to Both times at night, -when I was going back. Both think better of him." times I thought (though that may easily be my mis- Clennam said-not very plainly, seeing those tears take), that he hardly looked as if he had met me by glistening in her anxious eyes-that her wish should accident." be sacred with him. "Did he say any thing?" " You don't know what he is," she said; " you "No; he only nodded and put his head on one side." don't know what he really is. How can you, seeing "The devil take his head!" mused Clennam, still him there all at once, dear love, and not gradually, looking at the fire; " it's always on one side." as I have done! You have been so good to us, so He roused himself to persuade her to put some delicately and truly good, that I want him to be betwine to her lips, and to touch something to eat-it ter in your eyes than in any body's. And I can not was very difficult, she was so timid and shy-and bear to think," cried Little Dorrit, covering her tears then said, musing again, with her hands, " I can not bear to think that you "Is my mother at all changed to you?" of all the world should see him in his only moments "Oh, not at all. She is just the same. I won- of degradation!" dered whether I had better tell her my history. I "Pray," said Clennam, " do not be so distressed. wondered whether I might-I mean, whether you Pray, pray, Little Dorrit! This is quite understood would like me to tell her. I wondered," said Little now." Dorrit, looking at him in a suppliant way, and grad- " Thank you, sir. Thank you! I have tried very ually withdrawing her eyes as he looked at her, much to keep myself from saying this; I have "whether you would advise me what I ought to thought about it, days and nights; but when I knew do." for certain you were coming again, I made up my "Little Dorrit," said Clennam; and the phrase mind to speak to you. Not because I am ashamed had already begun between these two, to stand for a of him," she dried her tears quickly, " but because I hundred gentle phrases, according to the varying know him better than any one does, and love him, tone and connection in which it was used; " do noth- and am proud of him." ing. I will have some talk with my old friend, Mrs. Relieved of this weight, Little Dorrit was nervAffery. Do nothing, Little Dorrit-except refresh ously anxious to be gone. Maggy being broad yourself with such means as are here. I entreat awake, and in the act of distantly gloating over the you to do that." fruit and cakes with chuckles of anticipation, Clen" Thank you, I am not hungry. Nor," said Little nam made the best diversion in his power by pourDorrit, as he softly put her glass toward her, " nor ing her out a glass of wine, which she drank in a thirsty.- I think Maggy might like something, per- series of loud smacks; putting her hand upon her haps." windpipe after every one, and saying, breathless, "We will make her find pockets presently for all with her eyes in a prominent state, "Oh ain't it there is here," said Clennam; "but before we awake d'licious! Ain't it hospitally!" When she had finher, there was a third thing to say." ished the wine and these encomiums, he charged her " Yes. You will not be offended, sir?" to load her basket (she was never without her bas"I promise that, unreservedly." ket) with every eatable thing upon the table, and to " It will sound strange. I hardly know how to take especial care to leave no scrap behind. Magsay it. Don't think it unreasonable or ungrateful gy's pleasure in doing this, and her little mother's in me," said Little Dorrit, with returning and in- pleasure in seeing Maggy pleased, was as good a creasing agitation. turn as circumstances could have given to the late "No, no, no. I am sure it will be natural and conversation. right. I am not afraid that I shall put a wrong "But the gates will have been locked long ago," construction on-it, whatever it is." said Clennam, suddenly remembering it. "Where "Thank you. You are coming back to see my are you going?" father again?" " I am going to Maggy's lodging," answered Lit"Yes." tie Dorrit. "I shall be quite safe, quite well taken "You have been so good and thoughtful as to care of." write him a note, saying that you are coming to- " I must accompany you there," said Clennam. "I morrow?" can not let you go alone." "Oh, that was nothing! Yes." "Yes, pray leave us to go there by ourselves. " Can you guess," said Little Dorrit, folding her Pray do!" begged Little Dorrit. small hands tight in one another, and looking at She was so earnest in the petition, that Clennam him with all the earnestness of her soul looking felt a delicacy in obtruding himself upon her: the steadily out of her eyes, "what I am going to ask rather because he could well understand that Magyou not to do?" gy's lodging was of the obscurest sort. "Come, "I think I can. But I may be wrong." Maggy," said Little Dorrit, cheerily, " we shall do " No, you are not wrong," said Little Dorrit, shak- very well; we know the way, by this time, Maggy?" ing her head. "If we should want it so very, very "Yes, yes, little mother; we know the way," badly that we can not do without it, let mne ask you chuckled Maggy. And away they went. Little Dorfor it." rit turned at the door to say " God bless you!" She "I will-I will." said it very softly, but perhaps she may have been " Don't encourage him to ask. Don't understand as audible above- who knows!-as a whole cathehim, if he does ask. Don't give it to him. Save dral choir. THE GATES LOCKED. 83 Arthur Clennam suffered them to pass the corner Once, Little Dorrit knocked with a careful hand, of the street, before he followed at a distance; not and listened. Twice Little Dorrit knocked with a with any idea of encroaching a second time on Little careful hand, and listened. All was close and still. Dorrit's privacy, but to satisfy his mind by seeing " Maggy, we must do the best we can, my dear. We her secure, in the neighborhood to which she was must be patient, and wait for day." accustomed. So diminutive she looked, so fragile It was a chill dark night, with a damp wind blowand defenseless against the bleak damp weather, flit- ing, when they came out into the leading street ting along in the shuffling shadow of her charge, again, and heard the clocks strike half-past one. that he felt, in his compassion, and in his habit of "In only five hours and a half," said Little Dorrit, considering her a child apart from the rest of the "we shall be able to go home." To speak of home, rough world, as if he would have been glad to take and to go and look at it, it being so near, was a nather up in his arms and carry her to her journey's ural sequence. They went to the closed gate, and end. peeped through into the court-yard. "I hope he is In course of time she came into the leading thor- sound asleep," said Little Dorrit, kissing one of the oughfare where the Marshalsea was, and then he bars, "and does not miss me." i I7 THE GATE WAS SO FAMILIAB, AND SO LIKE A (OMPANION, THAT THEY PUT DOWN BAGGY'B BASKET IN A OORNER TO SERVE FOR A SEAT. saw them slacken their pace, and soon turn down a The gate was so familiar, and so like a companion, by-street. He stopped, felt that he'had no right to that they put down Maggy's basket in a corner to go farther, and slowly left them. He had no suspi- serve for a seat, and keeping close together, rested cion that they ran'any risk of being houseless until there for some time. While the street was empty morning; had no idea of the truth, until long, long and silent, Little Dorrit was not afraid; but when afterward. she heard a footstep at a distance, or saw a moving But, said Little Dorrit, when they stopped at a shadow among the street lamps, she was startled, poor dwelling all in darkness, and heard no sound and whispered, "Maggy, I see some one. Come on listening at the door, " Now, this is a good lodg- away!" Maggy would then wake up more or less ing for you, Maggy, and we must not give offense. fretfully, and they would wander about a little, and Consequently, we will only knock twice, and not come back again. very loud; and if we can not wake them so, we As long as eating was a novelty and an amusemust walk about till day." ment, Maggy kept up pretty well. But, that period 84 LITTLE DORRIT. going by, she became querulous about the cold, and that you don't take more pity on this cold and tremshivered and whimpered. "It will soon be over, bling little hand?" dear," said Little Dorrit, patiently. " Oh it's all She had stepped across to that side, and held the very fine for you, little mother," returned Maggy, hand between her own two, chafing it. "Kiss., "but I'm a poor thing, only ten years old." At last, poor lost creature, dear," she said, bending her face, in the dead of the night, when the street was very "and tell me where she's taking you." still indeed, Little Dorrit laid the heavy head upon Little Dorrit turned toward her. her bosom, and soothed her to sleep. And thus she' Why, my God!" she said, recoiling, " you're a sat at the gate, as it were alone; looking up at the woman!" stars, and seeing the clouds pass over them in their " Don't mind that!" said Little Dorrit, clasping wild flight-which was the dance at Little Dorrit's one of the hands that had suddenly released hers. party. "I am not afraid of you." "If it really was a party!" she thought once, as " Then you had better be," she answered. "Have she sat there. "If it was light and warm and beau- you no mother'?" tiful, and it was our house, and my poor dear was its " No." master, and had never been inside these walls. And "No father?" if Mr. Clennam was one of our visitors, and we were "Yes, a very dear one." dancing to delightful music, and were all as gay and "Go home to him, and be afraid of me. Let me light-hearted as ever we could be! I wonder-" go. Good-night!" Such a vista of wonder opened out before her, that "I must thank you first; let me speak to you as she sat looking up at the stars, quite lost; until if I really were a child." Maggy was querulous again, and wanted to get up "You can't do it," said the woman. "You are and walk. kind and innocent; but you can't look at me out of Three o'clock, and half-past three, and they had a child's eyes. I never should have touched you, passed over London Bridge. They had heard the but I thought you were a child." And with a rush of the tide against obstacles; had looked down, strange, wild cry, she went away. awed, through the dark vapor on the river; had seen No day yet in the sky, but there was day in the little spots of lighted water where the bridge lamps resounding stones of the streets; in the wagons, were reflected, shining like demon eyes, with a terri- carts, and coaches; in the workers going to various ble fascination in them for guilt and misery. They occupations; in the opening of early shops; in the had shrunk past homeless people, lying coiled up in traffic at markets; in the stir of the river-side. nooks. They had run from drunkards. They had There was coming day in the flaring lights, with a started from slinking men, whistling and signing to feebler color in them than they would have at anone another at by-corners, or running away at full other time; coming day in the increased sharpness speed. Though everywhere the leader and the of the air, and the ghastly dying of the night. guide, Little Dorrit, happy for once in her youthful They went back again to the gate, intending to appearance, feigned to cling to and rely upon Mag- wait there now until it should be opened; but the gy. And more than once some voice, from among a air was so raw and cold, that Little Dorrit, leading knot of brawling or prowling figures in their path, Maggy about in her sleep, kept in motion. Going had called out to the rest, to " let the woman and round by the church, she saw lights there, and the the child go by!" door open; and went up the steps, and looked in. So, the woman and the child had gone by, and "Who's that?" cried a stout old man, who was gone on, and five had sounded from the steeples. putting on a night-cap as if he were going to bed in They were walking slowly toward the east, already a vault. looking for the first pale streak of day, when a wom- "It's no one particular, sir," said Little Dorrit. an came after them. "Stop!" cried the man. "Let's have a look at "What are you doing with the child?" she said you!" to Maggy. This caused her to turn back again, in the act of She was young-far too young to be there, Heav- going out, and to present herself and her charge been knows!-and neither ugly nor wicked-looking. fore him. She spoke coarsely, but with no naturally coarse "I thought so," said he. "I know you." voice; there was even something musical in its "We have often seen each other," said Little Dorsound. rit, recognizing the sexton, or the beadle, or the " What are you doing with yourself?" retorted verger, or whatever he was, "when I have been at Maggy, for want of a better answer. church here." "Can't you see, without my telling you?" "More than that, we've got your birth in our Reg"I don't know as I can," said Maggy. ister, you know; you're one of our curiosities." " Killing myself. Now I have answered you, an- "Indeed?" said Little Dorrit. swer me. What are you doing with the child?" "To be sure. As the child of the-by-the-bye, The supposed child kept her head drooped down, how did you get out so early?" and kept her form close at Maggy's side. "We were shut out last night, and are waiting to "Poor thing!" said the woman. "Have you no get in." feeling, that you keep her out in the cruel streets at "You don't mean it? And there's another honli such a time as this? Have you no eyes, that you good yet! Come into the vestry. You'll find a fire don't see how delicate and slender she is? Have in the vestry, on account of the painters. I'm waityou no sense (you don't look as if you had much), ing for the painters, or I shouldn't be here, you may SHE IS A LOCAL CURIOSITY. 85 depend upon it. One of our curiosities mustn't be should alike find rain, hail, frost, and thaw lingering cold, when we have it in our power to warm her up in that dismal inclosure, when they had vanished comfortable. Come along." from other places; and as to snow, you should see it He was a very good old fellow, in his familiar way; there for weeks, long after it had changed from yeland having stirred the vestry fire, he looked round low to black, slowly weeping away its grimy life. the shelves of registers for a particular volume. The place had no other adherents. As to street "Here you are, you see," he said, taking it down noises, the rumbling of wheels in the lane merely and turning the leaves. " Here you'll find your- rushed in at the gate-way in going past, and rushed self, as large as life. Amy, daughter of William and out again: making the listening Mistress Affery feel Fanny Dorrit. Born, Marshalsea Prison, Parish of as if she were deaf, and recovered the sense of hearSt. George. And we tell people that you have lived ing by instantaneous flashes. So with whistling, there, without so much as a day's or a night's ab- singing, talking, laughing, and all pleasant human sence, ever since. Is it true?" sounds. They leaped the gap in a moment, and "Quite true, till last night." went upon their way. "Lord!" But his surveying her with an admir- The varying light of fire and candle in Mrs. Clening gaze suggested something else to him, to wit: nam's room made the greatest change that ever " I am sorry to see, though, that you are faint and broke the dead monotony of the spot. In her two tired. Stay a bit. I'11 get some cushions out of long narrow windows, the fire shone sullenly all the church, and you and your friend shall lie down day, and sullenly all night. On rare occasions, it before the fire. Don't be afraid of not going in to flashed up passionately, as she did; but for the most join your father when the gate opens. I'll call part it was suppressed, like her, and preyed upon ityou." self, evenly and slowly. During many hours of the He soon brought in the cushions, and strewed short winter days, however, when it was dusk there them on the ground. early in the afternoon, changing distortions of her" There you are, you see. Again as large as life. self in her wheeled chair, of Mr. Flintwinch with Oh, never mind thanking. I've daughters of my his wry neck, of Mistress Affery coming and going, own. And though they weren't born in the Mar- would be thrown upon the house wall that was over shalsea Prison, they might have been, if I had been, the gate-way, and would hover there like shadows in my ways of carrying on, of your father's breed. from a great magic lantern. As the room-ridden Stop a bit. I must put something under the cush- invalid settled for the night, these would gradually ion for your head. Here's a burial volume. Just disappear: Mistress Affery's magnified shadow al-. the thing! We have got Mrs. Bangham in this ways flitting about, last, until it finally glided away book. But what makes these books interesting to into the air, as though she were off upon a witchmost people is-not who's in'em, but who isn't- excursion. Then the solitary light would burn unwho's coming, you know, and when. That's the in- changingly, until it burned pale before the dawn, teresting question." and at last died under the breath of Mistress Affery, Commendingly looking back at the pillow he had as her shadow descended on it from the witch-reimprovised, he left them to their hour's repose. gion of sleep. Maggy was snoring already, and Little Dorrit was Strange, if the little sick-room fire were in effect a soon fast asleep, with her head resting on that seal- beacon fire, summoning some one, and that the most ed book of Fate, untroubled by its mysterious blank unlikely some one in the world, to the spot that leaves. must be come to. Strange, if the little sick-room This was Little Dorrit's party. The shame, de- light were in effect a watch-light, burning in that sertion, wretchedness, and exposure of the - great place every night until an appointed event should capital; the wet, the cold, the slow hours, and the be watched out! Which of the vast multitude of swift clouds of the dismal night. This was the par- travelers, under the sun and the stars, climbing the ty from which Little Dorrit went home, jaded, in the dusty hills and toiling along the weary plains, jourfirst gray mist of a rainy morning. neying by land and journeying by sea, coming and going so strangely, to meet and to act and react on one another, which of the host may, with no suspicion of the journey's end, be traveling surely hither? CHAPTER XV. Time shall show us. The post of honor and the post of shame, the general's station and the drumMRS. FNTWN HAS ANOTHE DREAM. mer's, a peer's statue in Westminster Abbey and the THE debilitated old house in the City, wrapped in seaman's hammock in the bosom of the deep, the miits mantle of soot, and leaning heavily on the tre and the work-house, the wool-sack and the galcrutches that had partaken of its decay and worn lows, the throne and the guillotine-the travelers to out with it, never knew a healthy or a cheerful in- all are on the great high-road; but it has wonderful terval, let what would betide. If the sun ever divergences, and only Time shall show us whither touched it, it was but with a ray, and that was each traveler is bound. gone in half an hour; if the moonlight ever fell On a wintry afternoon at twilight, Mrs. Flintupon it, it was only to put a few patches on its winch, having been heavy all day, dreamed this doleful cloak, and make it look more wretched. dream: The stars, to be sure, coldly watched it when the She thought she was in the kitchen getting the nights and the smoke were clear enough; and all kettle ready for tea, and was warming herself with bad weather stood by it with a rare fidelity. You her feet upon the fender and the skirt of her gown 86 LITTLE DORRIT. tucked up, before the collapsed fire in the middle of if you choose," she replied, after a pause that seemed the grate, bordered on either hand by a deep cold an angry one. "It is useless my addressing myself black ravine. She thought that as she sat thus, to a rash and headstrong old man who has a set musing upon the question, whether life was not for purpose not to hear me." some people a rather dull invention, she was fright- "Now, I won't take that from you either," said ened by a sudden noise behind her. She thought Jeremiah. "I have no such purpose. I have told that she had been similarly frightened once last you I did mean it. Do you wish to know why I week, and that the noise was of a mysterious kind meant it, you rash and headstrong old woman?" -a sound of rustling, and of three or four quick "After all, you only restore me my own words," beats like a rapid step; while a shock or tremble she said, struggling with her indignation. "Yes." was communicated to her heart, as if the step had "This is why, then. Because you hadn't cleared shaken the floor, or even as if she had been touched his father to him, and you ought to have done it. by some awful hand. She thought that this re- Because, before you went into any tantrum about wvived within her, certain old fears of hers that the yourself, who are-" house was haunted; and that she flew up the kitch- "'Hold there, Flintwinch!" she cried out in a en stairs, without knowing how she got up, to be changed voice: "you may go a word too far." nearer company. The old man seemed to think so. There was anMistress Affery thought that on reaching the hall, other pause, and he had altered his position in the she saw the door of her liege lord's office standing room, when he spoke again more mildly: open, and the room empty. That she went to the "I was going to tell you why it was. Because, ripped-up window, in the little room by the street before you took your own part, I thought you ought door, to connect her palpitating heart, through the to have taken the part ofrthur's father. Arthur's glass, with living things beyond and outside the father! I had no particular love for Arthur's father. haunted house. That she then saw, on the wall I served Arthur's father's uncle, in this house, when over the gate-way, the shadows of the two clever Arthur's father was not much above me —was poorones in conversation above. That she then went er as far as his pocket went-and when his uncle up stairs with her shoes in her hand, partly to be might as soon have left me his heir as have left him. near the clever ones as a match for most ghosts, and He starved in the parlor, and I starved in the kitchpartly to hear what they were talking about. en; that was the principal difference in our posi" None of your nonsense with me," said Mr. Flint- tions; there was not much more than a flight of winch. "I won't take it from you." break-neck stairs between us. I never took to him Mrs. Flintwinch dreamed that she stood behind in those times; I don't know that I ever took to him the door, which was just ajar, and most distinctly greatly at any time. He was an undecided, irresoheard her husband say these bold words. lute chap, who had had every thing but his orphan " Flintwinch," returned Mrs. Clennam, in her usu- life scared out of him when he was young. And al strong low voice, "there is a demon of anger in when he brought you home here, the wife his uncle you. Guard against it." had named for him, I didn't need to look at you "I don't care whether there's one or a dozen," twice (you were a good-looking woman at that time) said Mr. Flintwinch, forcibly suggesting in his tone to know who'd be master. You have stood of your that the higher number was nearer the mark. "If own strength ever since. Stand of your own strength there was fifty, they should all say, None of your now. Don't lean against the dead." nonsense with me, I won't take it from you-I'd "I do not-as you call it —lean against the dead." make'em say it, whether they liked it or not." " But you had a mind to do it, if I had submitted," "What have I done, you wrathful man.?" her growled Jeremiah, "and that's why you drop down strong voice asked. upon me. You can't forget that I didn't submit. I "Done?" said Mr. Flintwich. "Dropped down suppose you are astonished that I should consider it upon me." worth my while to have justice done to Arthur's fa"If you mean, remonstrated with you-" ther? Hey? It doesn't matter whether you an"Don't put words in my mouth that I don't mean," swer or not, because I know you are, and you know said Jeremiah, sticking to his figurative expression you are. Come, then, I'll tell you how it is. I may with tenacious and impenetrable obstinacy: "I be a bit of an oddity in point of temper, but this is mean dropped down upon me." my temper-I can't let any body have entirely their "I remonstrated with you," she began again, "be- own way. You are a determined woman, and a cause-" clever woman: and when you see your purpose be"I won't have it!" cried Jeremiah. "You drop- fore you, nothing will turn you from it. Who knows ped down upon me." that better than I do?" " I dropped down upon you, then, you ill-condi- "Nothing will turn me from it, Flintwinch, when tioned manll" (Jeremiah chuckled at having forced I have justified it to myself. Add that." her to adopt his phrase), " for having been needless- "Justified it to yourself? I said you were the ly significant to Arthur that morning. I have a most determined woman on the face of the earth (or right to complain of it as almost a breach of confi- I meant to say so), and if you are determined to jusdence. You did not mean it-" tify any object you entertain, of course you'll do it." "I won't have it!" interposed the contradictory "Man! Ijustify myself by the authority of these Jeremiah, flinging back the concession. "I did Books," she cried, with stern emphasis, and appearmean it." ing from the sound that followed to strike the dead" I suppose I must leave you to speak in soliloquy weight of her arm upon the table. MSIRS. FLINTWINCH DREAMS. 87 "Never mind that," returned Jeremiah, calmly, minute or two, they remained looking at each other "we won't enter into that question at present. with the candle between them, and that she someHowever that may be, you carry out your purposes, how derived an impression that they looked at each and you make every thing go down before them. other fixedly. Now, I won't go down before them. I have been " Do you happen to know, Mrs. Clennam," Affery's faithful to you, and useful to you, and I am attached liege lord then demanded in a much lower voice, and to you. But I can't consent, and I won't consent, with an amount of expression that seemed quite out and I never did consent, and I never will consent, of proportion to the simple purpose of his words, to be lost in you. Swallow up every body else, and "where she lives?" welcome. The peculiarity of my temper is, ma'am, "No." that I won't be swallowed up alive." "Would you-now, would you like to know?" Perhaps this had originally been the mainspring said Jeremiah, with a pounce as if he had sprung of the understanding between them. Descrying upon her. thus much of force of character in Mr. Flintwinch, " If I cared to know I should know already. perhaps Mrs. Clennam had deemed alliance with him Could I not have asked her, any day?" worth her while. "Then you don't care to know?" "Enough and more than enough of the subject," " I do not." said she, gloomily. Mr. Flintwinch, having expelled a long significant " Unless you drop down upon me again," returned breath, said with his former emphasis, " For I have the persistent Flintwinch, "and then you must ex- accidentally-mind!-found out." pect to hear of it again." "Wherever she lives," said Mrs. Clennam, speakMistress Affery dreamed that the figure of her lord ing in one unmodulated hard voice, and separating here began walking up and down the room, as if to her words as distinctly as if she were reading them cool his spleen, and that she ran away; but that, as off from separate bits of metal that she took up one he did not issue forth when she had stood listening by one, "she has made a secret of it, and she shall and trembling in the shadowy hall a little time, she always keep her secret from me." crept up stairs again, impelled as before by ghosts "After all, perhaps you would rather not have and curiosity, and once more cowered outside the known the fact, anyhow?" said Jeremiah; and he door. said it with a twist, as if his words had come out of " Please to light the candle, Flintwinch," Mrs. him in his own wry shape. Clennam was saying, apparently wishing to draw " Flintwinch," said his mistress and partner, flashhim back into their usual tone. " It is nearly time ing into a sudden energy that made Affery start, for tea. Little Dorrit is coming, and will find me in "why do you goad me? Look rouind this room. the dark." If it is any compensation for my long confinement Mr. Flintwinch lighted the candle briskly, and within these narrow limits-not that I complain of said, as he put it down upon the table, being afflicted; you know I never complain of that "What are you going to do with Little Dorrit? -if it is any compensation to me for my long conIs she to come to work here forever? To come to finement to this room, that while I am shut up from tea here forever? To come backward and forward all pleasant change, I am also shut up from the here, in the same way, forever?" knowledge of some things that I may prefer to avoid " How can you talk about' forever' to a maimed knowing, why should you, of all men, grudge me that creature like me? Are we not all cut down like the relief?" grass of the field, and was not I shorn by the scythe " I don't grudge it to you," returned Jeremiah. many years ago: since when, I have been lying here, "Then say no more. Say no more. Let Little waiting to be gathered into the barn?" Dorrit keep her secret from me, and do you keep it "Ay, ay! But since you have been lying here- from me also. Let her come and go, unobserved not near dead-nothing like it-numbers of children and unquestioned. Let me suffer, and let me have and young people, blooming women, strong men, what alleviation belongs to my condition. Is it so and what not, have been cut down and carried; and much, that you torment me like an evil spirit?" still here, are you, you see, not much changed after "I asked you a question. That's all." all. Your time and mine may be a long one yet. "I have answered it. So, say no more. Say no When I say forever, I mean (though I am not poet- more." Here the sound of the wheeled chair was ical) through all our time." Mr. Flintwinch gave heard upon the floor, and Affery's bell rang with a this explanation with great calmness, and calmly hasty jerk. waited for an answer. More afraid of her husband at the moment than " So long as Little Dorrit is quiet, and industrious, of the mysterious sound in the kitchen, Affery crept and stands in need of the slight help I can give her, away as lightly and as quickly as she could, descendand deserves it; so.long, I suppose, unless she with- ed the kitchen stairs almost as rapidly as she had draws of her own act, she will continue to come ascended them, resumed her seat before the fire, here, I being spared." tucked up her skirt again, and finally threw her "Nothing more than that " said Flintwinch, apron over her head. Then the bell rang once stroking his mouth and chin. more, and then once more, and then kept on ringing; "What should there be more than that! What in despite of which importunate summons, Affery could there be more than that!" she ejaculated, in still sat behind her apron, recovering her breath. her sternly wondering way. At last Mr. Flintwinch came shuffling down the Mrs. Flintwinch dreamed, that, for the space of a staircase into the hall, muttering and calling, "Af 88 LITTLE DORRIT. fery woman!" all the way. Affery still remaining be- head. " No, Jeremiah; I have felt it before. I have hind her apron, he came stumbling down the kitch- felt it up stairs, and once on the staircase, as I was en stairs, candle in hand, sidled up to her, twitched going from her room to ours in the night-a rustle her apron off, and roused her. and a sort of trembling touch behind me." "Oh Jeremiah," cried Affery, waking. " What a "Affery, my woman," said Mr. Flintwinch, grimly, start you gave me!" after advancing his nose to that lady's lips as a test "What have you been doing, woman?" inquired for the detection of spirituous liquors, "if you don't Jeremiah. " You've been rung for, fifty times." get tea pretty quick, old woman, you'll become sensi" Oh Jeremiah," said Mistress Affery, " I have been ble of a rustle and a touch that'll send you flying to a-dreaming!" the other end of the kitchen." Reminded of her former achievement in that way, This prediction stimulated Mrs. Flintwinch to beMr. Flintwinch held the candle to her head, as if he stir herself, and to hasten up stairs to Mrs. Clennam's had some idea of lighting her up for the illumination chamber. But, for all that, she now began to enterof the kitchen. tain a settled conviction that there was something "Don't you know it's her tea-time?" he demand- wrong in the gloomy house. Henceforth, she was / HE CAME STUMBLING DOWN THE KITCHEN STAIRS, CANDLE IN HAND. ed, with a vicious grin, and giving one of the legs of never at peace in it after daylight departed; and Mistress Affery's chair a kick. never went up or down stairs in the dark without "Jeremiah? Tea-time? I don't know what's having her apron over her head, lest she should see come to me. But I got such a dreadful turn, Jere- something. miah, before I went-off a-dreaming, that I think it What with these ghostly apprehensions, and her must be that." singular dreams, Mrs. Flintwinch fell that evening "Yoogh! Sleepy-head!" said Mr. Flintwinch, into a haunted state of mind, from which it may be "what are you talking about?" long before this present narrative descries any trace "Such a strange noise, Jeremiah, and such a curi- of her recovery. In the vagueness and indistinctous movement. In the kitchen here-just here." ness of all her new experiences and perceptions, as Jeremiah held up his light and looked at the every thing about her was mysterious to herself, she blackened ceiling, held down his light and looked began to be mysterious to others; and became as at the damp stone floor, turned round with his light difficult to be made out to any body's satisfaction, and looked about at the spotted and blotched walls. as she found the house and every thing in it difficult "Rats, cats, water, drains," said Jeremiah. to make out to her own. Mistress Affery negatived each with a shake of her She had not yet finished preparing Mrs. Clenuam's MR. CLENNAM WALKS AND MEDITATES. 89 tea, when the soft knock came to the door which road to Twickenham, he found himself a long way always announced Little Dorrit. Mistress Affery on his road to a number of airier and less substanlooked on at Little Dorrit taking off her homely tial destinations. They had risen before him fast, bonnet in the hall, and at Mr. Flintwinch scraping in the healthful exercise and the pleasant road. It his jaws and contemplating her in silence, as ex- is not easy to walk alone in the country without pecting some wonderful consequence to ensue which musing upon something. And he had plenty of would frighten her out of her five wits or blow them unsettled subjects to meditate upon, though he had all three to pieces. been walking to the Land's End. After tea there came another knock at the door, First, there was the subject seldom absent from announcing Arthur. Mistress Affery went down to his mind, the question, what he was to do hencelet him in, and he said, on entering, "Affery, I am forth in life; to what occupation he should devote glad it's you. I want to ask you a question." Af- himself, and in what direction he had best seek it. fery immediately replied, "For goodness' sake don't He was far from rich, and every day of indecision ask me nothing, Arthur! I am frightened out of one and inaction made his inheritance a source of greathalf of my life, and dreamed out of the other. Don't er anxiety to him. As often as he began to consider ask me nothing! I don't know which is which, or how to increase this inheritance, or to lay it by, so what is what!" - and immediately started away often his misgiving that there was some one with from him, and came near him no more. an unsatisfied claim upon his justice, returned; and Mistress Affery having no taste for reading, and no that alone was a subject to outlast the longest walk. sufficient light for needle-work in the subdued room, Again, there was the subject of his relations with supposing her to have the inclination, now sat every his mother, which were now upon an equable and night in the dimness from which she had momenta- peaceful but never confidential footing, and whom rily emerged on the evening of Arthur Clennam's he saw several times a week. Little Dorrit. was return, occupied with crowds of wild speculations a leading and a constant subject; for the circumand suspicions respecting her mistress, and her hus- stances of his life, united to those of her own story, band, and the noises in the house. When the fero- presented the little creature to him as the only percious devotional exercises were engaged in, these son between whom and himself there were ties of speculations would distract Mistress Affery's eyes innocent reliance on one hand, and affectionate protoward the door, as if she expected some dark form tection on the other; ties of compassion, respect, to appear at those propitious moments, and make unselfish interest, gratitude, and pity. Thinking of the party one too many. her, and of the possibility, of her father's release Otherwise, Affery never said or did any thing to from prison by the unbarring hand of death-the attract the attention of the two clever ones toward only change of circumstance he could foresee that her in any marked degree, except on certain occa- might enable him to be such a friend to her as he sions, generally at about the quiet hours toward wished to be, by altering her whole manner of life, bed-time, when she would suddenly dart out of her smoothing her rough road, and giving her a homedim corner, and whisper with a face of terror, to Mr. he regarded her, in that perspective, as his adopted Flintwinch reading the paper near Mrs. Clennam's daughter, his poor child of the Marshalsea hushed to little table: rest. If there were a last subject in his thoughts, "There, Jeremiah! Now! What's that noise?" and it lay toward Twickenham, its form was so inThen the noise, if there were any, would have definite that it was little more than the pervading ceased, and Mr. Flintwinch would snarl, turning atmosphere in which these other subjects floated beupon her as if she had cut him down that moment fore him. against his will, "Affery, old woman, you shall have He had crossed the heath and was leaving it bea dose, old woman, such a dose! You have been hind, when he gained upon a figure which had been dreaming again!" in advance of him for some time, and which, as he gained upon it, he thought he knew. He derived this impression from something in the turn of the CHAPTER XIV. head, and in the figure's action of consideration, as it went on at a sufficiently sturdy walk. But when the man-for it was a man's figure-pushed his hat up [rHE time being come for the renewal of his ac- at the back of his head, and stopped to consider some Iquaintance with the Meagles family, Clennam, object before him, he knew it to be Daniel Doyce. pursuant to contract made between himself and Mr. " How do you do, Mr. Doyce?" said Clennam, overMeagles, within the precincts of Bleeding Heart Yard, taking him. " I am glad to see you again, and in a turned his face on a certain Saturday toward Twick- healthier place than the Circumlocution Office." enharn, where Mr. Meagles had a cottage residence "Ha! Mr. Meagles's friend!" exclaimed that pubof his own. The weather being fine and dry, and lic criminal, coming out of some mental combinaany English road abounding in interest for him who tions he had been making, and offering his hand. had been so long away, he sent his valise on by the " I am glad to see you, sir. Will you excuse me if I coach, and set out to walk. A walk was in itself a forget your name?" new enjoyment to him, and one that had rarely di- "Readily. It's not a celebrated name. It's not versified his life afar off. Barnacle." He went by Fulham and Putney, for the pleasure "No, no," said Daniel, laughing. "And now I of strolling over the heath. It was bright and shin- know what it is. It's Clennam. How do you do, ing there; and when he found himself so far on his Mr. Clennam?" 90 LITTLE DORRIT. "I have some hope," said Arthur, as they walked miration of his quiet companion, " you are not finalon together, "that we may be going to the same ly discouraged even now?" place, Mr. Doyce." " I have no right to be, if I am," returned the oth"Meaning Twickenham?" returned Daniel. "I er. "The thing is as true as it ever was." am glad to hear it." When they had walked a little way in silence, They were soon quite intimate, and lightened the Clennam, at once to change the direct point of their way with a variety of conversation. The ingenious conversation and not to change it too abruptly, askculprit was a man of great modesty and good sense; ed Mr. Doyce if he had any partner in his business, and, though a plain man, had been too much accus- to relieve him of a portion of its anxieties? tomed to combine what was original and daring in " No," he returned, "not at present. I had when conception with what was patient and minute in I first entered on it, and a good man he was. But execution, to be by any means an ordinary man. It he has been dead some years; and as I could not was.at first difficult to lead him to speak about him- easily take to the notion of another when I lost him, self, and he put off Arthur's advances in that direc- I bought his share for myself, and have gone on by tion by admitting slightly, oh yes, he had done this, myself ever since. And here's another thing,' he and he had done that, and such a thing was of his said, stopping for a moment with a good-humored making, and such another thing was his discovery, laugh.in his eyes, and laying his closed right hand, but it was his trade, you see, his trade; until, as he with its peculiar suppleness of thumb, on Clennam's gradually became assured that his companion had a arm, "no inventor can be a man of business, you real interest in his account of himself, he frankly know." yielded to it. Then it appeared that he was the son "No?" said Clennam. of a north-country blacksmith, and had originally "Why, so the men of business say," he answered, been apprenticed by his Widowed mother to a lock- resuming the walk and laughing outright. " I don't maker; that he had " struck out a few little things" know why we unfortunate creatures should be supat the lock-maker's, which had led to his being re- posed to want common sense, but it is generally leased from his indentures with a present, which taken for granted that we do. Even the best friend present had enabled him to gratify his ardent wish I have in the world, our excellent friend over yonto bind himself to a working engineer, under whom der," said Doyce, nodding toward Twickenham, "exhe had labored hard, learned hard, and lived hard, tends a sort of protection to me, don't you know, as seven years. His time being out, he had "worked a man not quite able to take care of himself?" in the shop" at weekly wages seven or eight years Arthur Clennam could not help joining in the more; and had then betaken himself to the banks good-humored laugh, for he recognized the truth of of the Clyde, where he had studiedl, and filed, and the description. hammered, and improved his knowledge, theoretical "So I find that I must have a partner who is a and practical, for six or seven years more. There man of business and not guilty of any inventions," he had had an offer to go to Lyons, which he had said Daniel Doyce, taking off his hat to pass his accepted;' and from Lyons had been engaged to go hand over his forehead, " if it's only in deference to to Germany, and in Germany had had an offer to go the current opinion, and to uphold the credit of the to St. Petersburg, and there had done very well in- Works. I don't think he'll find that I have been deed-never better. However, he had naturally felt very remiss or confused in my way of conducting a preference for his own country, and a wish to gain them; but that's for him to say-whoever he isdistinction there, and to do whatever service he not for me." could do, there rather than elsewhere. And so he "You have not chosen him yet, then?" had come home. And so at home he had established " No, sir, no. I have only just come to a decision himself in business, and had invented and executed, to take one. The fact is, there's more to do than and worked his way on, until, after a dozen years of there used to be, and the Works are enough for me constant suit and, service, he had been enrolled in as I grow older. What with the books and correthe Great British Legion of Honor, the Legion of the spondence, and foreign journeys for which a PrinciRebuffed of the Circumlocution Office, and had been pal is necessary, I can't do all. I am going to talk decorated with the Great British Order of Merit, the over the best way of negotiating the matter, if I find Order of the Disorder of the Barnacles and Stilt- a spare half hour between this and Monday morning, stalkings. with my-my Nurse and protector,' said Doyce, with "It is much to be regretted," said Clennam, " that laughing eyes, again. "He is a sagacious man in you ever turned your thoughts that way, Mr. Doyce." business, and has had a good apprenticeship to it." "True, sir, true to a certain extent. But what is After this, they conversed on different subjects a man to do? If he has the misfortune to strike until they arrived at their journey's end. A comout something serviceable to the nation, he must posed and unobtrusive self-sustainment was noticefollow where it leads him." able in Daniel Doyce —a calm knowledge that what "Hadn't he better let it go?" asked Clennam. was true must remain true, in spite of all the Barna"He can't do it," said Doyce, shaking his head cles in the family ocean, and would be just the truth, with a thoughtful smile. "It's not put into his and neither more nor less, when even that sea had head to be buried. It's put into his head to be run dry —which had a kind of greatness in it, though made useful. You hold your life on the condition not of the official quality. that to the last you shall struggle hard for it. Ev- As he knew the honse well, he conducted Arthur ery man holds a discovery on the same terms." to it by the way that showed it to the best advan"That is to say," said Arthur, with a growing ad- tage. It was a charming place (none the worse for MR. JMEAGLES IN RETIREMENT. 91 being a little eccentric), on the road by the river, "Ah!" returned Mr. Meagles. " Something like a and just what the residence of the Meagles family look-out, that was, wasn't it? I don't want a militaought to be. It stood in a garden, no doubt as fresh ry government, but I shouldn't mind a little allongand beautiful in the May of the Year, as Pet now ing and marshonging-just a dash of it-in this was in the May of her life; and it was defended by neighborhood sometimes. It's Devilish still." a goodly show of handsome trees and spreading ever- Bestowing this eulogium on the retired character greens, as Pet was by Mr. and Mrs. Meagles. It was of his retreat with a dubious shake of the head, Mr. made out of an old brick house, of which a part had Meagles led the way into -the house. It was just been altogether pulled down, and another part had large enough and no more; was as pretty within as been changed into the present cottage; so there it was without, and was perfectly well arranged and was a hale elderly portion, to represent Mr. and Mrs. comfortable. Some traces of the migratory habits Meagles, and a young picturesque, very pretty por- of the family were to be observed in the covered tion to represent Pet. There was even the later ad- frames and furniture, and wrapped-up hangings; but dition of a conservatory sheltering itself against it, it was easy to see that it was one of Mr. Meagles's uncertain of hue in its deep stained glass, and in its whims to have the cottage always kept, in their abmore transparent portions flashing to the sun's rays, sencee as if they were always coming back the day now like fire and now like harmless water-drops; after to-morrow. Of articles collected on his variwhich might have stood for Tattycoram. Within ous expeditions, there was such a vast miscellany view were the peaceful river and the ferry-boat, to that it was like the dwelling of an amiable Corsair. moralize to all the inmates, saying: Young or old, There were antiquities from Central Italy, made by passionate or tranquil, chafing or content, you, thus the best modern housesin that department of indusruns the current always. Let the heart swell into try; bits of mummy from Egypt (and perhaps Birwhat discord it will, thus plays the rippling water mingham); model gondolas from Venice; model vilon the prow of the ferry-boat ever the same tune. lages from Switzerland; morsels of tesselated paveYear after year, so much allowance for the drifting ment from Herculaneum and Pompeii, like petrified of the boat, so many miles an hour the flowing of minced veal; ashes out of tombs, and lava out of the stream, here the rushes, there the lilies, nothing Vesuvius; Spanish fans, Spezzian straw hats, Mooruncertain or unquiet, upon this road that steadily ish slippers, Tuscan hair-pins, Carrara sculpture, runs away; while you, upon your flowing road of Trastaverini scarfs, Genoese velvets and filagree, time, are so capricious and distracted. Neapolitan coral, Rpman cameos, Geneva jewelry, The bell at the gate had scarcely sounded when Mr. Arab lanterns, rosaries blessed all round by the Pope Meagles came out to receive them. Mr. Meagles had himself, and an infinite variety of lumber. There scarcely come out, when Mrs. Meagles came out. Mrs. were views, like and unlike, of a multitude of places; Meagles had scarcely come out, when Pet came out. and there was one little picture-room devoted to a Pet had scarcely come out, when Tattycoram came few of the regular sticky old Saints, with sinews like out. Never had visitors a more hospitable reception. whip-cord, hair like Neptune's, wrinkles like tattoo-' Here we are, you see," said Mr. Meagles, " boxed ing, and such coats of varnish that every holy perup, Mr. Clennam, within our own home-limits, as if sonage served for a fly-trap, and became what is now we were never going to expand-that is, travel- called in the vulgar tongue a Catch-em-alive 0. Of again. Not like Marseilles, eh? No allonging and these pictorial acquisitions Mr. Meagles spoke in the marshonging here?" usual manner. He was no judge, he said, except of "'A different kind of beauty, indeed!" said Clen- what pleased himself; he had picked them up, dirtnam, looking about him. cheap, and people had considered them rather fine. " But, Lord bless me!" cried Mr. Meagles, rubbing One man, who at any rate ought to know something his hands with a relish, "it was an uncommonly of the subject, had declared that "Sage, Reading" pleasant thing being in quarantine, wasn't it? Do (a specially oily old gentleman in a blanket, with a you know, I have often wished myself back again? swan's-down tippet for a beard, and a web of cracks We were a capital party." all over him like rich pie-crust), to be a fine GuerciThis was Mr. Meagles's invariable habit. Always no. As for Sebastian del Piombo there, you would to object to every thing while he was traveling, and judge for yourself; if it were not his later manner, always to want to get back to it when he was not the question was, Who was it? Titian, that might traveling. or might not be —perhaps he had only touched it. "If it was summer-time," said Mr. Meagles, "which Daniel Doyce said perhaps he hadn't touched it, but I wish it was on your account, and in order that you Mr. Meagles rather declined to overhear the remark. might see the place at its best, you would hardly be When he had shown all his spoils, Mr. Meagles able to hear yourself speak for birds. Being prac- took them into his own snug room overlooking the tical people, we never allow any body to scare the lawn, which was fitted up in part like a dressingbirds; and the birds, being practical people too, room and in part like an office, and in which, upon come about us in myriads. We are delighted to see a kind of counter-desk, were a pair of brass scales for you, Clennam (if you'll allow me I shall drop the Mis- weighing gold, and a scoop for shoveling out money. ter); I heartily assure you, we are delighted." "Here they are, you see," said Mr. Meagles. "I " I have not had so pleasant a greeting," said Clen- stood behind these two articles five-and-thirty years nam-then he recalled what Little Dorrit had said running, when I no more thought of gadding about to him in his own room, and faithfillly added, "ex- than I now think of-staying at home. When I left cept once-since we last walked to and fro looking the Bank for good, I asked for them, and brought down at the Mediterranean." them away with me. I mention it at once, or you 92 LITTLE DORRIT. might suppose that I.sit in my counting-house (as pearance, young in health and strength, young in Pet says I do), like the king in the poem of the four- heart. A man was certainly not old at forty; and and-twenty blackbirds, counting out my money." many men were not in circumstances to marry, or did Clennam's eyes had strayed to a natural picture not marry, until they attained that time of life. On on the wall, of two pretty little girls with their arms the other hand, the question was, not what he thought entwined. "Yes, Clennam," said Mr. Meagles in a of the point, but what she thought of it. lower voice. "There they both are. It was taken He believed that Mr. Meagles was disposed to ensome seventeen years ago. As I often say to Mother, tertain a ripe regard for him, and he knew that he they were babies then." had a sincere regard for Mr. Meagles and his good "Their names?" said Arthur. wife. He could foresee that to relinquish this beau"Ah, to be sure! You have never heard any name tiful only child, of whom they were so fond, to any but Pet. Pet's name is Minnie; her sister's, Lillie." husband, would be a trial of their love which per" Should you have known, Mr. Clennam, that one haps they never yet had had the fortitude to conof them was meant for me?" asked Pet herself, now template. But the more beautiful and winning and standing in the door-way. charming she, the nearer they must always be to "I might have thought that both of them were the necessity of approaching it. And why not in meant for you, both are still so like you. Indeed," his favor, as well as in another's? said Clennam, glancing from the fair original to the When he had got so far, it came again into his picture and back, "I can not even now say which is head, that the question was, not what they thought not your portrait." of it, but what she thought of it. " D'ye hear that, Mother?" cried Mr. Meagles to Arthur Clennam was a retiring man, with a sense his wife, who had followed her daughter. "It's al- of many deficiencies; and he so exalted the merits ways the same, Clennam; nobody can decide. The of the beautiful Minnie in his mind, and depressed child to your left is Pet." his own, that when he pinned himself to this point, The picture happened to be near a looking-glass. his hopes began to fail him. He came to the final As Arthur looked at it again, he saw, by the refiec- resolution, as he made himself ready for dinner, that tion of the mirror, Tattycoram stop in passing out- he would not allow himself to fall in love with Pet. side the door, listen to what was going on, and pass They were only five, at a round table, and it was away with an angry and contemptuous frown upon very pleasant indeed. They had so many places her face that changed its beautyinto ugliness. and people to recall, and they were all so easy and " But come!" said Mr. Meagles. "You have had a cheerful together (Daniel Doyce either sitting out long walk, and will be glad to get your boots off. like an amused spectator at cards, or coming in As to Daniel here, I suppose he'd never think of tak- with some shrewd little experiences of his own, ing his boots off, unless we showed him a boot-jack." when it happened to be to the purpose), that they "Why not?" asked Daniel, with a significant might have been together twenty times, and not smile at Clennam. have known so much of one another. " O]! You have so many things to think about," "And Miss Wade," said Mr. Meagles, after they returned Mr. Meagles, clapping him on the shoulder, had recalled a number of fellow-travelers. " Has as if his weakness must not be left to itself on any any body seen Miss Wade?" account. " Figures, and wheels, and cogs, and levers, " I have," said Tattycoram. and screws, and cylinders, and a thousand things." She had brought a little mantle which her young " In my calling," said Daniel, amused, " the great- mistress had sent for, and was bending over her, er usually includes the less. But never mind, never putting it on, when she lifted up her dark eyes, and mind! Whatever pleases you, pleases me." made this unexpected answer. Clennam could not help speculating, as he seated "Tatty!" her young mistress exclaimed. "You himself in his room by the fire, whether there might seen Miss Wade?-where?" be in the breast of this honest, affectionate, and cor- "Here, miss," said Tattycoram. dial Mr. Meagles, any microscopic portion of the mus- "How?" tard-seed that had sprung up into the great tree of An impatient glance from Tattycoram seemed, as the Circumlocution Office. His curious sense of a Clennam saw it, to answer, "With my eyes!" But general superiority to Daniel Doyce, which seemed her only answer in words was: " I met her near the to be founded, not so much on any thing in Doyce's church." personal character, as on the mere fact of his being " What was she doing there, I wonder!" said Mr. an originator and a man out of the beaten track of Meagles. "Not going to it, I should think." other men, suggested the idea. It might have occu- "She had written to me first," said Tattycoram. pied him until he went down to dinner an hour af- "Oh, Tatty!" murmured her mistress, "take your terward, if he had not had another question to con- hands away. I feel as if some one else was touchsider, which had been in his mind so long ago as be- ing me!" fore he was in quarantine at Marseilles, and which She said it in a quick involuntary way, but half had now returned to it, and was very urgent with it. playfully, and not more petulantly or disagreeably No less a question than this: Whether he should al- than a favorite child might have done, who laughed low himself to fall in love with Pet? next moment. Tattycoram set her full red lips toHe was twice her age. (He changed the leg he gether, and crossed her arms upon her bosom. had crossed over the other, and tried the calculation " Did you wish to know, sir," she said, looking at again, but could not bring out the total at less.) He Mr. Meagles, "what Miss Wade wrote to me about?"' was twice her age. Well! He was young in ap- "Well, Tattycoram," returned Mr. Meagles, "since WHETHER OR NO TO LOVE HER PET. 93 you ask the question, and we are all friends here, breakfast-room, put her spectacles between two perhaps you may as well mention it, if you are so particular leaves of Doctor Buchan's Domestic Medinclined." icine, and sat looking over the blind all day until " She knew, when we were traveling, where you they came back again. It was supposed that no lived," said Tattycoram, "and she had seen me not persuasion could be invented which would induce quite-not quite —" Mrs. Tickit to abandon her post at the blind, how"Not quite in a good temper, Tattycoram?" sug- ever long their absence, or to dispense with the atgested Mr. Meagles, shaking his head at the dark tendance of Dr. Buchan: the lucubrations of which eyes with a quiet caution. "Take a little time- learned practitioner, Mr. Meagles implicitly believed count five-and-twenty, Tattycoram." she had never yet consulted to the extent of one She pressed her lips together again, and took a word in her life. long deep breath. In the evening, they played an old-fashioned rub"So she wrote to me to say that if I ever felt my- ber; and Pet sat looking over her father's hand, or self hurt," she looked down at her young mistress, singing to herself by fits and starts at the piano. " or found myself worried," she looked down at her She was a spoiled child; but how could she be othagain, "I might go to her, and be considerately erwise? Who could be much with so pliable and treated. I was to think of it, and could speak to beautiful a creature, and not yield to her endearher by the church. So I went there to thank her." ing influence? Who could pass an evening in the "Tatty," said her young mistress, putting her house, and not love her for the grace and charm of hand up over her shoulder that the other might her very presence in the room? This was Clentake it, "Miss Wade almost frightened me when we nam's reflection, notwithstanding the final concluparted, and I scarcely like to think of her just now sion at which he had arrived up stairs. as having been so near me without'my knowing it. In making it, he revoked. "Why, what are you Tatty, dear!" thinking of, my good sir?" asked the astonished Mr. Tatty stood for a moment, immovable. Meagles, who was his partner. "I beg your pardon. " Hey?" cried Mr. Meagles. " Count another five- Nothing," returned Clennam. " Think of something and-twenty, Tattycoram." next time; that's a dear fellow," said Mr. Meagles. She might have counted a dozen, when she bent Pet laughingly believed he had been thinking of and put her lips to the caressing hand. It patted Miss Wade. "Why of Miss Wade, Pet?" asked her her cheek, as it touched the owner's beautiful curls, father. " Why, indeed!" said Arthur Clennam. Pet and Tattycoram went away. colored a little, and went to the piano again. " Now, there," said Mr. Meagles, softly, as he gave As they broke up for the night, Arthur overheard a turn to the dumb-waiter on his right hand, to twirl Doyce ask his host if he could give him half an the sugar toward himself. "There's a girl who might hour's conversation before breakfast in the mornbe lost and ruined, if she wasn't among practical peo- ing? The host replying willingly, Arthur lingered ple. Mother and I know, solely from being practi- behind a moment, having his own word to add on cal, that there are times when that girl's whole na- that topic. ture seems to roughen itself against seeing us so "Mr. Meagles," he said, on their being left alone, bound up in Pet. No father and mother were "do you remember when you advised me to go bound up in her, poor soul. I don't like to think straight to London?" of the way in which that unfortunate child, with "Perfectly well." all that passion and protest in her, feels when she "And when you gave me some other good advice, hears the Fifth Commandment on a Sunday. I am which I needed at that time?" always inclined to call out, Church, Count five-and- "I won't say what it Was worth," answered Mr. twenty, Tattycoram." Meagles; "but of course I remember our being very Besides his dumb-waiter, Mr. Meagles had two pleasant and confidential together." other not dumb waiters, in the persons of two par- "I have acted on your advice; and having dislor-maids, with rosy faces and bright eyes, who embarrassed myself of an occupation that was painwere a highly ornamental part of the table decora- ful to me for many reasons, wish to devote myself tion. "And why not, you see?" said Mr. Meagles, and what means I have, to another pursuit." on this head. "As I always say to Mother, why "Right! You can't do it too soon," said Mr. Meanot have something pretty to look at, if you have gles. any thing at all?" "Now, as I came down to-day, I found that your A certain Mrs. Tickit, who was Cook and House- friend, Mr. Doyce, is looking for a partner in his busikeeper when the family were at home, and House- ness-not a partner in his mechanical knowledge, keeper only when the family were away, completed but in the ways and means of turning the business the establishment. Mr. Meagles regretted that the arising from it to the best account." nature of the duties in which she was engaged, ren- "Just so," said Mr. Meagles, with his hands in his dered Mrs. Tickit unpresentable at present, but hoped pockets, and with the old business expression of face to introduce her to the new visitor to-morrow. She that had belonged to the scales and scoop. was an important part of the cottage, he said, and "Mr. Doyce mentioned incidentally, in the course all his friends knew her. That was her picture up of our conversation, that he was going to take your in the corner. When they went away, she always valuable advice on the subject of finding such a put on the silk gown and the jet-black row of curls partner. If you should think our views and opporrepresented in that portrait (her hair was reddish tunities at all likely to coincide, perhaps you will gray in the kitchen), established herself in the let him know my available position. I speak, of 94 LITTLE DORRIT. course, in ignorance of the details, and they may be should it trouble him? And yet it did trouble him. unsuitable on both sides." And he thought-who has not thought for a mo" No doubt, no doubt," said Mr. Meagles, with the ment, sometimes?-that it might.be better to flow caution belonging to the scales and scoop. away monotonously, like the river, and to compound "But they will be a question of figures and ac- for its insensibility to happiness with its insensibilcounts-" ity to pain. " Just so, just so," said Mr. Meagles, with the arith-_ metical solidity belonging to the scales and scoop. "-And I shall be glad to enter into the subject, CHAPTER XVII. provided Mr. Doyce responds, and you think well of it. If you will at present, therefore, allow me to place it in your hands, you will much oblige me." - EFORE breakfast in the morning, Arthur walk"Clennam, I accept the trust with readiness," Led out to look about him. As the morning was said Mr. Meagles. "And, without anticipating any fine, and he had an hour on his hands, he crossed of the points which you, as a man of business, have the river by the ferry, and strolled along a foot-path of course reserved, I am free to say to you that I through some meadows. When he came back to the think something may come of this. Of one thing towing-path, he found the ferry-boat on the opposite you may be perfectly certain. Daniel is an honest side, and a gentleman hailing it and waiting to be man." taken over. " I am so sure of it that I have promptly made up This gentleman looked barely thirty. He was my mind to speak to you." well dressed, of a sprightly and gay appearance, a "You must guide him, you know; you must steer well-knit figure, and a rich dark complexion. As him; you must direct him; he is one of a crotchety Arthur came over the stile and down to the water's sort," said Mr. Meagles, evidently meaning nothing edge, the lounger glanced at him for a moment, and more than that he did new things and went new then resumed his occupation of idly tossing stones ways; "but he is as honest as the sun, and so good- into the water with his foot. There was something night!" in his way of spurning them out of their places with Clennam went back to his room, sat down again his heel, and getting them into the required position, before his fire, and made up his mind that he was that Clennaml thought had an air of cruelty in it. glad he had resolved not to fall in love with Pet. Most of us have more or less frequently derived a She was so beautiful, so amiable, so apt to receive similar impression, from a man's manner of doing any true impression given to her gentle nature and some very little thing: plucking a flower, clearing her innocent heart, and make the man who should away an obstacle, or even destroying an insentient be so happy as to communicate it, the most fortu- object. nate and enviable of all men, that he was very glad The gentleman's thoughts were preoccupied, as his indeed he had come to that conclusion. face showed, and he took no notice of a fine NewBut, as this might have been a reason for com- foundland dog, who watched him attentively, and ing to the opposite conclusion, he followed out the watched every stone too, in its turn, eager to spring theme again a little way in his mind. To justify into the river on receiving his master's sign. The himself perhaps. ferry-boat came over, however, without his receive" Suppose that a man," so his thoughts ran, "who ing any sign, and when it grounded his master took hadl been of age some twenty years or so; who was him by the collar and walked him into it. a diffident man, from the circumstances of his youth; " Not this morning," he said to the dog. "You who was rather a grave'nan, from the tenor of his won't do for ladies' company, dripping wet. Lie life; who knew himself to be deficient in many lit- down." tie engaging qualities which he admired in others, Clennam followed the man and the dog into the fronm having been long in a distant region, with boat, and took his seat. The dog did as he was ornothing softening near him; who had no kind sis- dered. The man remained standing, with his hands ters to present to her; who had no congenial home in his pockets, and towered between Clennam and to make her known in; who was a stranger in the the prospect. Man and dog both jumped lightly land; who had not a fortune to compensate, in any out as soon as they touched the other side, and went measuire, for these defects; who had nothing in his away. Clennam was glad to be rid of them. favor but his honest love and his general wish to The church clock struck the breakfast hour, as he do right-suppose such a man were to come to this walked up the little lane by which the garden-gate house, and were to yield to the captivation of this was approached. The moment he pulled the bell, charming girl, and were to persuade himself that he a deep loud barking assailed him from within the could hope to win her; what a weakness it would wall. be!" "I heard no dog last night," thought Clennam. He softly opened his window, and looked out The gate was opened by one of the rosy maids, and upon the serene river. Year after year so much al- on the lawn were the Newfoundland dog and the lowance for the drifting of the ferry-boat, so many man. miles an hour the flowing of the stream, here the " Miss Minnie is not down yet, gentlemen," said rushes, there the lilies, nothing uncertain or unquiet. the blushing portress, as they all came together in Why should he be vexed or sore at heart? It the garden. Then she said to the master of the dog, was not his weakness that he had imagined. It "Mr. Clennam, sir," and tripped away. was nobody's, nobody's within his knowledge, why " Odd enough, Mr. Clennam, that we should have HENRY GO WAN. 95met just now," said the man. Upon which the dog a Paradise because he first saw her coming, and so became mute. "Allow me to introduce myself- made her out within her hearing to be an angel, ConHenry Gowan. A pretty place this, and looks won- fusion to him! derfully well this morning!" And ah, how beaming she looked, and how glad! The manner was easy, and the voice agreeable; How she caressed the dog, and how the dog knew but still Clennam thought, that if he. had not made her! How expressive that heightened color in her that decided resolution to avoid falling in love with face, that fluttered manner, her downcast eyes, her Pet, he would have taken a dislike to this Henry irresolute happiness! When had Clennam seen her Gowan. look like this? Not that there was any reason why'It's new to you, I believe?" said this Gowan, he might, could, would or should have ever seen her when Arthur had extolled the place. look like this, or that he had ever hoped for himself "Quite new. I made acquaintance with it only to see her look like this; but still-when had he.yesterday afternoon." ever known her to do it? AS ARTHUR AM]E OVER TIHE STILE AND DOWN TO THE WATER'S EDGE, THE LOUNGER GLANOED AT HIM FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN RESUMED HIS OCCUPATION OF IDLY TOSSING STONES INTO THE WATER WITH HIS FOOT. "Ah! Of course this is not its best aspect. It He stood at a little distance from them. This used to look charming in the spring, before they Gowan, when he had talked about a Paradise, had went away last time. I should like you to have gone up to her and taken her hand. The dog had seen it then." put his great paws on her arm and laid his head But for that resolution so often recalled, Clennam against her dear bosom. She had laughed and welmight have wished him in the crater of Mount Etna, comed them, and made far too much of the dog, far, in return for this civility. far too much-that is to say, supposing there had "I have had the pleasure of seeing it under many been any third person looking on who loved her. circumstances during the last three years, and it's- She disengaged herself now, and came to Clena Paradise." nam, and put her hand in his and wished him goodIt was (at least it might have been, always ex- morning, and gracefully made as if she would take cepting for that wise resolution) like his dexterous his arm and be escorted into the house. This Gowimpudence to call it a Paradise. He only called it an had no objection. No, he knew he was too safe. 96 LITTLE DORRIT. There was a passing cloud on Mr. Meagles's good- In the beginning of this dialogue, Clennam had humored face, when they all three (four, counting expected some great harmless outburst from Mr. the dog, and he was the most objectionable but one Meagles, like that which had made him burst out of the party) came in to breakfast. Neither it, nor of the Circumlocution Office, holding Doyce by the the touch of uneasiness on Mrs. Meagles as she direct- collar. But his good friend had a weakness which ed her eyes toward it, was unobserved by Clennam. none of us need go into the next street to find, and "Well, Gowan,"' said Mr. Meagles, even suppress- which no amount of Circumlocution experience could ing a sigh;"how goes the world with you this long subdue in him. Clennam looked at Doyce; morning?" but Doyce knew all about it beforehand, and looked "Much as usual, sir. Lion and I being deter- at his plate, and made no sign, and said no word. mined not to waste any thing of our weekly visit, "I am much obliged to you," said Gowan, to conturned out early, and came over from Kingston, my elude the subject. "Clarence is a great ass, but present head-quarters, where I am making a sketch he is one of the dearest and best fellows that ever or two." Then he told how he had met Mr. Clen- lived!" nam at the ferry, and they had come over together. It appeared before the breakfast was over, that "Mrs. Gowan is well, Henry?" said Mrs. Meagles. every body whom this Gowan knew was either more (Clennam became attentive.) or less of an ass, or more or less of a knave; but "My mother is quite well, thank you." (Clennam was, notwithstanding, the most lovable, the most became inattentive.) " I have taken the liberty of engaging, the simplest, truest, kindest, dearest, best making an addition to your family dinner-party fellow that ever lived. The process by which this to-day, which I hope will not be inconvenient to unvarying result was attained, whatever the premyou or to Mr. Meagles. I couldn't very well get out ises, might have been stated by Mr. Henry Gowan of it," he explained, turning to the latter. "The thus: "I claim to be always book-keeping, with a young fellow wrote to propose himself to me; and peculiar nicety, in every man's case, and posting up as he is well connected, I thought you would not a careful little account of Good and Evil with him. object to my transferring him here." I do this so conscientiously, that I am happy to tell " Who is the young fellow?" asked Mr. Meagles you I find the most worthless of men to be the dearwith peculiar complacency. est old fellow too; and am in a condition to make " He is one of the Barnacles. Tite Barnacle's son, the gratifying report, that there is much less differClarence Barnacle, who is in his father's Depart- ence than you are inclined to suppose between an ment. I can at least guarantee that the river shall honest man and a scoundrel." The effect of this not suffer from his visit. He won't set it on fire." cheering discovery happened to be, that while he "Ay, ay'?" said Meagles. "A Barnacle is he? seemed to be scrupulously finding good in most men, We know something of that family, eh, Dan? By he did in reality lower it where it was, and set it up George, they are at the top of the tree, though! Let where it was not; but that was its only disagreeame see. What relation will this young fellow be ble or dangerous feature. to Lord Decimus now? His Lordship married, in It scarcely seemed, however, to afford Mr. Meagles seventeen ninety-seven, Lady Jemima Bilberry, who as much satisfaction as the Barnacle genealogy had was the second daughter by the third marriage —no! done. The cloud that Clennam had never seen upon There I am wrong! That was Lady Seraphina- his face before that morning, frequently overcast it Lady Jemima was the first daughter by the second again; and there was the same shadow of uneasy marriage of the fifteenth Earl of Stiltstalking with observation of him on the comely face of his wife. the honorable Clementina Toozellem. Very well. More than once or twice when Pet caressed the dog, Now this young fellow's father married a Stiltstalk- it appeared to Clennam that her father was unhaping and his father married his cousin who was a py in seeing her do it; and, in one particular inBarnacle. The father of that father who married a stance when Gowan stood on the other side of the Barnacle, married a Joddleby-I am getting a little dog, and bent his head at the same time, Arthur fantoo far back, Gowan; I want to make out what re- cied that he saw tears rise to Mr. Meagles's eyes as lation this young fellow is to Lord Decimus." he hurried out of the room. It was either the fact "That's easily stated. His father is nephew to too, or he fancied further, that Pet herself was not Lord Decimus." insensible to these little incidents; that she tried, " Nephew - to - Lord - Decimus," Mr. Meagles with a more delicate affection than usual, to express luxuriously repeated with his eyes shut, that he to her good father how much she loved him; that might have nothing to distract him from the full it was on this account that she fell behind the rest, flavor of the genealogical tree. "By George, you both as they went to church and as they returned are right, Gowan. So he is." from it, and took hi3 arm. He could not have sworn " Consequently, Lord Decimus is his great-uncle." but that as he walked alone in the garden after"But stop a bit!" said Mr. Meagles, opening his ward, he had an instantaneous glimpse of her in eyes with a fresh discovery. "Then, on the moth- her father's room, clinging to both her parents with er's side, Lady Stiltstalking is his great-aunt." the greatest tenderness, and weeping on her father's "Of course she is." shoulder. "Ay, ay, ay?" said Mr. Meagles, with much inter- The latter part of the day turning out wet, they est. "Indeed, indeed? We shall be glad to see were fain to keep the house, look over Mr. Meagles's him. We'll entertain him as well as we can, in our collection, and beguile the time with conversation. humble way; and we shall not starve him, I hope, This Gowan had plenty to say for himself, and said at all events." it in an off-hand and amusing manner. He appear THE BARNACLE BLIGHT. 97 ed to be an artist by profession, and to have been at and jealous as to the one he had left: jaundiced and Rome some time; yet he had a slight, careless, ama- jealous as to the other he couldn't reach. teur way with him-a perceptible limp, both in his Such was the substance of Clennam's discoveries devotion to art and his attainments-which Clen- concerning him, made that rainy Sunday afternoon nam could scarcely understand. and afterward. He applied to Daniel Doyce for help, as they stood About an hour or so after dinner-time, Young Bartogether, looking out of window. nacle appeared, attended by his eyeglass; in honor "You know Mr. Gowan?" he said, in a low voice. of whose family connections, Mr. Meagles had cash"I have seen him here. Comes here every Sun- iered the pretty parlor-maids for the day, and placed day, when they are at home." on duty in their stead two dingy men. Young Bar"An artist, I infer from what he says i" nacle was in the last degree amazed and disconcert"A sort of a one," said Daniel Doyce, in a surly ed at sight of Arthur, and had murmured involuntatone. rily, "Look here!-Upon my soul, you know!" be"What sort of a one'?" asked Clennam, with a fore his presence of mind returned. smile. Even then, he was obliged to embrace the earliest "Why, he has sauntered into the Arts at a leisure- opportunity of taking his friend into a window, and ly Pall-Mall pace," said Doyce, " and I doubt if they saying, in a nasal way that was a part of his general care to be taken quite so coolly." debility: Pursuing his inquiries, Clennam found that the "I want to speak to you, Gowan. I say. Look Gowan family were a very distant ramification of here. Who is that fellow?" the Barnacles; and that the paternal Gowan, origi- "A friend of our host's. None of mine." nally attached to a legation abroad, had been pen- "He's a most ferocious Radical, you know," said sioned off as a Commissioner of nothing particular Young Barnacle. somewhere or other,, and had died at his post with "Is he? How do you know?" his drawn salary in his hand, nobly defending it to "Egad, sir, he was Pitching into our people the the last extremity.. In consideration of this emi- other day, in the most tremendous manner. Went nent public service, the Barnacle then in power had up to our place and Pitched into my father to that recommended the Crown to bestow a pension of two extent that it was necessary to order him out. Came or three hundred a year on his widow; to which the back to our department, and Pitched into me. Look next Barnacle in power had added certain shady and here. You never saw such a fellow." sedate apartments in the Palace at Hampton Court, "What did he want?" where the old lady still lived, deploring the degen- "Egad, sir," returned Young Barnacle, "he said eracy of the times, in company with several other he wanted to know, you know! Pervaded our deold ladies of both sexes. Her son, Mr. Henry Gowan, partment-without an appointment-and said he inheriting from his father, the Commissioner, that wanted to know!" very questionable help in life, a very small inde- The stare of indignant wonder with which Young pendence, had been difficult to settle; the rather as Barnacle accompanied this disclosure, would have public appointments chanced to be scarce, and his strained his eyes injuriously but for the opportune genius, during his earlier manhood, was of that ex- relief of dinner. Mr. Meagles (who had been exclusively agricultural character which applies itself tremely solicitous to know how his uncle and aunt to the cultivation of wild oats. At last he had de- were) begged him to conduct Mrs. Meagles to the clared that he would become a Painter; partly be- dining-room. And when he sat on Mrs. Meagles's cause he had always had an idle knack that way, right hand, Mr. Meagles looked as gratified as if his and partly to grieve the souls of the Barnacles-in- whole family were there.: chief who had not provided for him. So it had All the natural charm of the previous day was come to pass successively, first, that several distin- gone. The eaters of the dinner, like the dinner itguished ladies had been frightfully shocked; then, self, were lukewarm, insipid, overdone-and all owthat port-folios of his performances had been hand- ing to this poor little dull Young Barnacle. Coned about o' nights, and declared with ecstasy to be versationless at any time, he was now the victim of perfect Claudes, perfect Cuyps, perfect phenomena; a weakness special to the occasion, and solely referthen, that Lord Decimus had bought his picture, able to Clennam. He was under a pressing and conand had asked the President and Council to dinner tinual necessity of looking at that gentleman, which at a blow, and had said, with his own magnificent occasioned his eyeglass to get into his soup, into his gravity, "Do you know, there appears to me to be wine-glass, into Mrs. Meagles's plate, to hang down really immense merit in that work?" and, in short, his back like a bell-rope, and to be several times disthat people of condition had absolutely taken pains gracefully restored to his bosom by one of the dingy to bring him into fashion. But, somehow it had all men. Weakened in mind by his frequent losses of failed. The prejudiced public had stood out against this instrument, and its determination not to stick it obstinately. They had determined not to admire in his eye, and more and more enfeebled in intellect Lord Decimus's picture. They had determined to every time he looked at the mysterious Clennam, he believe that in every service, except their own, a applied spoons to his eye, forks, and other foreign man must qualify himself, by striving, early and matters connected with the furniture of the dinnerlate, and by working heart and soul, might and table. His discovery of these mistakes greatly inmain. So now Mr. Gowan, like that worn-out old creased his difficulties, but never released him from coffin which never was Mohammed's nor any body the necessity of looking at Clennam. And whenelse's, hung midway between two points: jaundiced ever Clennam spoke, this ill-starred young man was 7 98 LITTLE DORRIT. clearly seized with a dread that he was coming, by tween Miss Minnie and Mr. Gowan, I have no doubt some artful device, round to that point of wanting we see." to know, you know. "Ah! We see enough!" cried Arthur. It may be questioned, therefore, whether any one Mr. Doyce wished him good-night, in the tone of but Mr. Meagles had much enjoyment of the time. a man who had heard a mournful, not to say despairMr. Meagles, however, thoroughly enjoyed Young ing, exclamation, and who sought to infuse some enBarnacle. As a mere flask of the golden water in couragement and hope into the mind of the person the tale became a full fountain when it was poured by whom it had been uttered. Such tone was probout, so Mr. Meagles seemed to feel that this small ably a part of his oddity, as one of a crotchety band; spice of Barnacle imparted to his table the flavor of for how could he have heard any thing of that kind, the whole family tree. In its presence, his frank, without Clennam's hearing it, too? fine, genuine qualities paled; he was not so easy, he The rain fell heavily on the roof, and pattered on was not so natural, he was striving after something the ground, and dripped among the evergreens, and that did not belong to him, he was not himself. the leafless branches of the trees. The rain fell What a strange peculiarity on the part of Mr. Mea- heavily, drearily. It was a night of tears. gles, and where should we find such another case! If Clennam had not decided against falling in love At last the wet Sunday wore itself out in a wet with Pet; if he had had the weakness to do it; if he night; and Young Barnacle went home in a cab, had, little by little, persuaded himself to set all the feebly smoking; and the objectionable Gowan went earnestness of his nature, all the might of his hope, away on foot, accompanied by the objectionable dog. and all the wealth of his maturer character, on that Pet had taken the most amiable pains all day to be cast; if he had done this, and found that all was friendly with Clennam, but Clennam had been a lit- lost; he would have been, that night, unutterably tie reserved since breakfast-that is to say, would miserable. As it washave been, if he had loved her. As it was, the rain fell heavily, drearily. When he had gone to his own room, and had again thrown himself into the chair by the fire, Mr. Doyce knocked at the door, candle in hand, to ask him how and at what hour he purposed returning on the mor- CHAPTER XVIII. row? After settling this question, he said a word to Mr. Doyce about this Gowan-who would have LITTLE DORRIT'S LOVER. run in his head a good deal, if he had been his rival. TITTLE DORRIT had not attained her twenty" Those are not good prospects for a painter," said second birthday without finding a lover. Even Clennam. in the sallow Marshalsea, the ever young Archer " No," returned Doyce. shot off a few featherless arrows now and then from Mr. Doyce stood, chamber-candlestick in hand, the a moldy bow, and winged a Collegian or two. other hand in his pocket, looking hard at the flame Little Dorrit's lover, however was not a Collegian. of his candle, with a certain quiet perception in his He was the sentimental son of a turnkey. His faface that they were going to say something more. ther hoped, in the fullness of time, to leave him the "I thought our good friend a little changed, and inheritance of an unstained key; and had from his out of spirits, after he came this morning?" said early youth familiarized him with the duties of his Clennam. office, and with an ambition to retain the prison-'Yes," returned Doyce. lock in the family. While the succession was yet "But not his daughter?" said Clennam. in abeyance, he assisted his mother in the conduct "No," said Doyce. of a snug tobacco business round the corner of There was a pause on both sides. Mr. Doyce, still Horsemonger Lane (his father being a non-resident looking at the flame of his candle, slowly resumed: turnkey), which could usually command a neat con"The truth is, he has twice taken his daughter nection within the College walls. abroad, in the hope of separating her from Mr.'Yearsagone, when the object of his affections was Gowan. He rather thinks she is disposed to like wont to sit in her little arm-chair by the high Lodgehim, and he has painful doubts (I quite agree with fender, Young John (family name, Chivery), a year him, as I dare say you do), of the hopefulness of such older than herself, had eyed her with admiring wona marriage." der. When he had played with her in the yard, his " There —" Clennam choked, and coughed, and favorite game had been to counterfeit locking her up stopped. in corners, and to counterfeit letting her out for real "Yes, you have taken cold," said Daniel Doyce. kisses. When he grew tall enough to peep through But without looking at him. the key-hole of the great lock of the main door, he "-There is an engagement between them, of had divers times set down his father's dinner, or supcourse?" said Clennam, airily. per, to get on as it might on the outer side thereof, "No, as I am told, certainly not. It has been while he stood taking cold in one eye by dint of solicited on the gentleman's part, but none has been peeping at her through that airy perspective. made. Since their recent return, our friend has If Young John had ever slackened in his truth in yielded to a weekly visit, but that is the utmost. the less penetrable days of his boyhood, when youth Minnie would not deceive her father and mother. is prone to wear its boots unlaced and is happily You have traveled with them, and I believe you unconscious of digestive organs, he had soon strung know what a bond there is among them, extending it up again and screwed it tight. At nineteen, his even beyond this present life. All that there is be- hand had inscribed in chalk on that part of the wall YO UNG JOHN CHIVEBRY. 99 which fronted her lodging, on the occasion of her and not as a diplomatist, had then, from a different birthday, " Welcome, sweet nursling of the Fairies!" point of view, desired her husband to recollect that At twenty-three, the same hand falteringly presented their John had never been strong, and that his love cigars on Sundays to the Father of the Marshalsea, had fretted and worrited him enough as it was, and Father of the queen of his soul. without his being driven to do himself a mischief, Young John was small of stature, with rather as nobody couldn't say he wouldn't be if he was weak legs and very weak light air. One of his eyes crossed. These arguments had so powerfully infin(perhaps the eye that used to peep through the key- enced the mind of Mr. Chivery, who was a man of hole) was also weak, and looked larger than the oth- few words, that he had, on sundry Sunday mornings, er, as if it couldn't collect itself. Young John was given his boy what he termed "a lucky touch," siggentle likewise. But he was great of soul. Poet- nifying that he considered such commendation of ical, expansive, faithful. him to Good Fortune, preparatory to his that day deThough too humble before the ruler of his heart claring his passion and becoming triumphant. But to be sanguine, Young John had considered the ob- Young John had never taken courage to make the ject of his attachment in all its lights and shades. declaration; and it was principally on these occaFollowing it out to blissful results, he had descried, sions that he had returned excited to the tobaccowithout self-commendation, a fitness in it. Say shop, and flown at the customers. things prospered, and they were united. She, the In this affair, as in every other, Little Dorrit herchild of the Marshalsea; he, the lock-keeper. There self was the last person considered. Her brother was a fitness in that. Say he became a resident and sister were aware of it, and attained a sort of turnkey. She would officially succeed to the cham- station by making a peg of it on which to air the her she had rented so long. There was a beautiful miserably ragged old fiction of the family gentility. propriety in that. It looked over the wall, if you Her sister asserted the family gentility, by flouting stood on tiptoe; and, with a trellis-work of scarlet the poor swain as he loitered about the prison for beans and a canary or so, would become a very Ar- glimpses of his dear. Tip asserted the family genbor. There was a charming idea in that. Then, tility, and his own, by coming out in the character being all in all to one another, there was even an of the aristocratic brother, and loftily swaggering in appropriate grace in the'lock. With the world shut the little skittle-ground respecting seizures by the out (except that part of it which would be shut in); scruff of the neck, which there were looming probawith its troubles and disturbances only known to bilities of some gentleman unknown executing on them by hearsay, as they would be described by the some little puppy not mentioned. These were not pilgrims tarrying with them on their way to the the only members of the Dorrit family who turned Insolvent Shrine; with the Arbor above, and the it to account. No, no. The Father of the MarshalLodge below; they would glide down the stream of sea was supposed to know nothing about the matter, time, in pastoral domestic happiness. Young John of course: his poor dignity could not see so low. drew tears from his eyes by finishing the picture Bnt he took the cigars on Sundays, and was glad to with a tombstone in the adjoining church -yard, get them; and sometimes even condescended to walk close against the prison wall, bearing the following up and down the yard with the donor (who was touching inscription: "Sacred to the memory of proud and hopeful then), and benignantly to smoke JORN CHIVErY, Sixty years Turnkey, and fifty years one in his society. With no less readiness and conHead Turnkey, Of the neighboring Marshalsea, who descension did he receive attentions from Chivery departed this life, universally respected, on the thir- Senior, who always relinquished his arm-chair and ty-first of December, One thousand eight hundred newspaper to him, when he came into the Lodge and eighty-six, Aged eighty-three years. Also of during one of his spells of duty; and who had even his truly beloved and truly loving wife, AMY, whose mentioned to him, that if he would like at any time maiden name was DORRIT, Who survived his loss after dusk quietly to step out into the fore-court and not quite forty-eight hours, And who breathed her take a look at the street, there was not much to prelast in the Marshalsea aforesaid. There she was vent him. If he did not avail himself of this latter born, There she lived, There she died." civility, it was only because he had lost the relish The Chivery parents were not ignorant of their for it; inasmuch as he took every thing else he could son's attachment-indeed it had, on some exception- get, and would say at times, "Extremely civil peral occasions, thrown him into a state of mind that son, Chivery; very attentive man, and very respecthad impelled him to conduct himself with irascibili- fifl. Young Chivery, too; really almost with a delty toward the customers, and damage the business icate perception of one's position here. A very well-but they, in their turns, had worked it out to de- conducted family indeed, the Chiveries. Their besirable conclusions. Mrs. Chivery, a prudent wom- havior gratifies me." an, had desired her husband to take notice that their The devoted Young John all this time regarded John's prospects of the Lock would certainly be the family with reverence. He never dreamed of strengthened by an alliance with Miss Dorrit, who disputing their pretensions, but did homage to the had herself a kind of claim upon the College, and miserable Mumbo Jumbo they paraded. As to rewas much respected there. Mrs. Chivery had de- senting any affront from her brother, he would have sired her husband to take notice that if, on the one felt, even if he had not naturally been of a most pahand, their John had means and a post of trust, on cific disposition, that to wag his tongue or lift his the other hand, Miss Dorrit had family; and, that hand against that sacred gentleman would be an unher (Mrs. Chivery's) sentiment was, that two halves hallowed act. He was sorry that his noble mind made a whole. Mrs. Chivery, speaking as a mother, should take offense; still, he felt the fact to be not 100 LITTLE DORRIT. incompatible with its nobility, and sought to propi- "Oh!" (For the moment, excessively surprised.) tiate and conciliate that gallant soul. Her father, "Thank you, Young John, thank you. But really, I a gentleman in misfortune-a gentleman of a fine am afraid I am too- No? Well then, I will say spirit and courtly manners, who always bore with no more about it. Put them on the mantel-shelf, if him, he deeply honored. Her sister, he considered you please, Young John. And sit down, sit down. somewhat vain and proud, but a young lady of infi- You are not a stranger, John." nite accomplishments, who could not forget the past. "Thank you, sir, I am sure. Miss;" here Young It was an instinctive testimony to Little Dorrit's John turned the great hat round and round upon his worth, and difference from all the rest, that the poor left hand, like a slowly twirling mouse-cage; " Miss young fellow honored and loved her for being simply Amy quite well, sir?" what she was.'" Yes, John, yes; very well. She is out." The tobacco business round the corner of Horse- "Indeed, sir?" monger Lane was carried on in a rural establish- "Yes, John. Miss Amy is gone for an airing. ment one story high, which had the benefit of the My young people all go out a good deal. But at air from the yards of Horsemonger Lane Jail, and their time of life it's natural, John." the advantage of a retired walk under the wall of "Very much so, I am sure, sir." that pleasant establishment. The business was of "An airing. An airing. Yes." He was blandly too modest a character to support a life-size High- tapping his fingers on the table, and casting his eyes lander, but it maintained a little one on a bracket up at the window. "Amy has gone for an airing on on the, door-post, who looked like a fallen Cherub the Iron Bridge. She has become quite partial to that had found it necessary to take to a kilt. the Iron Bridge of late, and seems to like to walk From the portal thus decorated, one Sunday after there better than anywhere." He returned to conan early dinner of baked viands, Young John issued versation. "Your father is not on duty at present, forth on his usual Sunday errand; not empty-hand- I think, John?" ed, but with his offering of cigars. He was neatly "No, sir, he comes on later in the afternoon." attired in a plum-colored coat, with as large a collar Another twirl of the great hat, and then Young John of black velvet as his figure could carry; a silken said, rising, "I am afraid I must wish you good-day, waistcoat, bedecked with golden sprigs; a chaste sir." neckerchief much in vogue at that day, representing "So soon? Good-day, Young John. Nay, nay," a preserve of lilac pheasants on a buff ground; pan- with the utmost condescension, " never mind your taloons so highly decorated with side-stripes, that glove, John. Shake hands with it on. You are no each leg was a three-stringed lute; and a hat of stranger here, you know." state, very high and hard. When the prudent Mrs. Highly gratified by the kindness of his reception, Chivery perceived that in addition to these adorn- Young John descended the staircase. On his way ments her John carried a pair of white kid gloves, down he met some Collegians bringing up visitors and a cane like a little finger-post, surmounted by to be presented, and at that moment Mr. Dorrit hapan ivory hand marshaling him the way that he pened to call over the banisters with particular disshould go; and when she saw him, in this heavy tinctness, " Much obliged to you for your little testimarching order, turn the corner to the right; she monial, John!" remarked to Mr. Chivery, who was at home at the Little Dorrit's lover very soon laid down his pentime, that she thought she knew which way the ny on the toll-plate of the Iron Bridge, and came wind blew. upon it looking about him for the well-known and The Collegians were entertaining a considerable well-beloved figure. At first he feared she was not number of visitors that Sunday afternoon, and their there; but as he walked on toward the Middlesex Father kept his room for the purpose of receiving side, he saw her standing still, looking at the water. presentations. After making the tour of the yard, She was absorbed in thought, and he wondered what Little Dorrit's lover with a hurried heart went up she might be thinking about. There were the piles stairs, and knocked with his knuckles at the Fa- of city roofs and chimneys, more free from smoke ther's door. than on week-days; and there were the distant masts "Come in, come in!" said a gracious voice. The and steeples. Perhaps she was thinking about them. Father's voice, her father's, the Marshalsea's father's. Little Dorrit mused so long, and was so entirely He was seated in his black velvet cap, with his preoccupied, that although her lover stood for what newspaper, three-and-sixpence accidentally left on he thought was a long time, and twice or thrice rethe table, and two chairs arranged. Every thing tired and came back again to the former spot, still prepared for holding his Court. she did not move. So, in the end, he made up his "Ah, Young John! How do you do, how do you mind to go on, and seem to come upon her casually do?" in passing, and speak to her. The place was quiet, "Pretty well, I thank you, sir. I hope you are and now or never was the time to speak to her. the same." He walked on, and she did not appear to hear his "Yes, John Chivery; yes. Nothing to complain steps until he was close upon her. When he said of." "Miss Dorrit!" she started and fell back from him, " I have taken the liberty, sir, of-" with an expression in her face of fright and some"Eh'?" The Father of the Marshalsea always thing like dislike that caused him unutterable dislifted up his eyebrows at this point, and became may. She had often avoided him before-always, amiably distraught and smilingly absent in mind. indeed, for a long, long while. She had turned away "-A few cigars, sir." and glided off so often, when she had seen him com YO UITVG JOHN DOES HOMAGE. 101 ing toward her, that the unfortunate Young John lowlier station-for, whether viewed as tobacco or could not think it accidental. But he had hoped viewed as the lock, I well know it is lowly-and that it might be shyness, her retiring character, her ever wish them well and happy." foreknowledge of the state of his heart, any thing There really was a genuineness in the poor fellow, short of aversion. Now, that momentary look had and a contrast between the hardness of his hat and said, " You, of all people! I would rather have seen the softness of his heart (albeit, perhaps, of his head, any one on earth than you!" too), that was moving. Little Dorrit entreated him It was but a momentary look, inasmuch as she to disparage neither himself nor his station, and, checked it, and said in her soft little voice, "Oh, Mr. above all things, to divest himself of any idea that John! Is it you?" But she felt what it had been, she supposed hers to be superior. This gave him a as he felt what it had been; and they stood looking little comfort. at one another equally confused. "Miss Amy," he then stammered, "I have had for "Miss Amy, I am afraid I disturbed you by speak- a long time-ages they seem to me-Revolving ages ing to you." -a heart-cherished wish to say something to you. "Yes, rather. I-I came here to be alone, and I May I sayit?" thought I was." Little Dorrit involuntarily started from his side " Miss Amy, I took the liberty of walking this way, again, with the faintest shadow of her former look; because Mr. Dorrit chanced to mention, when I called conquering that, she went on at great speed half upon him just now, that you-" across the Bridge without replying. She caused him more dismay than before by sud- "May I-Miss Amy, I but ask the question humdenly murmuring, " Oh, father, father!" in a heart- bly- may I say it? I have been so unlucky already rending tone, and turning her face away. in giving you pain, without having any such inten"Miss Amy, I hope I don't give you any uneasi- tions, before the holy Heavens! that there is no fear ness by naming Mr. Dorrit. I assure you I found of my saying it unless I have your leave. I can be him very well, and in the beet of spirits, and he miserable alone, I can be cut up by myself; why showed me even more than his usual kindness; be- should I also make miserable and cut up one, that I ing so very kind as to say that I was not a stranger would fling myself off that parapet to give half a there, and in all ways gratifying me very much." moment's joy to? Not that that's much to do, for To the inexpressible consternation of her lover, I'd do it for two-pence." Little Dorrit, with her hands to her averted face, The mournfulness of his spirits, and the gorgeousand rocking herself where she stood, as if she were ness of his appearance, might have made him ridicin pain, murmured, "Oh, father, how can you! Oh ulous, but that his delicacy made him respectable. dear, dear father, how can you, can you do it!" Little Dorrit learned from it what to do. The poor fellow stood gazing at her, overflowing "If you please, John Chivery," she returned, tremwith sympathy, but not knowing what to make of bling, but in a quiet way, " since you are so considthis, until, having taken out her handkerchief and erate as to ask me whether you shall say any more put it to her still averted face, she hurried away. At -if you please, no." first he remained stock-still; then hurried after her. "Never, Miss Amy?" " Miss Amy, pray! Will you have the goodness to "No, if you please. Never." stop a moment? Miss Amy, if it comes to that, let "Oh Lord!" gasped Young John. me go. I shall go out of my senses, if I have to think "But perhaps you will let me, instead, say somethat I have driven you away like this." thing to you. I want to say it earnestly, and with His trembling voice and unfeigned earnestness as plain a meaning as it is possible to express. When brought Little Dorrit to a stop. "Oh, I don't know you think of us, John-I mean my brother and siswhat to do," she cried, "I don't know what to do!" ter, and me-don't think of us as being any different To Young John, who had never seen her bereft of from the rest; for, whatever we once were (which I her quiet self-command, who had seen her from her hardly know) we ceased to be long ago, and never infancy ever so reliable and self-suppressed, there can be any more. It will be much better for you, was a shock in her distress, and in having to associ- and much better for others, if you will do that, inate himself with it as its cause, that shook him from stead of what you are doing now." his great hat to the pavement. He felt it necessary Young John dolefully protested that he would try to explain himself. He might be misunderstood- to bear it in mind, and would be heartily glad to do supposed to mean something, or to have done some- any thing she wished. thing, that had never entered into his imagination. "As to me," said Little Dorrit, "think as little of He begged her to hear him explain himself, as the me as you can; the less the better. When you think greatest favor she could show him. of me at all., John, let it only be as the child you "Miss Amy, I know very well that your family is have seen grow up in the prison, with one set of dufar above mine. It were vain to conceal it. There ties always occupying her; as a weak, retired, connever was a Chivery a gentleman that ever I heard tented, unprotected girl. I particularly want you to of, and I will not commit the meanness of making remember, that when I come outside the gate, I am a false representation on a subject so momentous. unprotected and solitary." Miss Amy, I know very well that your high-souled He would try to do any thing she wished. But why brother, and likewise your spirited sister, spurn me did Miss Amy so much want him to remember that? from a height. What I have to do is to respect them, " Because," returned Little Dorrit, " I know I can to wish to be admitted to their friendship, to look up then quite trust you not to forget to-day, and not to at the eminence on which they are placed, from my say any more to me. You are so generous that I 102 LITTLE DORRIT. know I can trust to you for that; and I do, and I al- It was an affecting illustration of the fallacy of ways will. I am going to show you, at once, that human projects, to behold her lover with the great I fully trust you. I like this place where we are hat pulled over his eyes, the velvet collar turned up speaking, better than any place I know;" her slight as if it rained, the plum-colored coat buttoned to concolor had faded, but her lover thought he saw it ceal the silken waistcoat of golden sprigs, and the coming back just then; " and I may be often here. little direction-post pointing inexorably home, creepI know it is only necessary for me to tell you so, to ing along by the worst back-streets, and composing, be quite sure that you will never come here again in as he went, the following new inscription for a tombsearch of me. And I am-quite sure." stone in St. George's church-yard: She might rely upon it, said Young John. He was "Here lie the mortal remains of JOHN CiHIVER a miserable wretch, but her word was more than a Never any thing worth mentioning, Who died about law for him. the end of the year one thousand eight hundred and "And good-bye, John," said Little Dorrit. "And twenty-six, Of a broken heart, Requesting with his I hope you will have a good wife one day, and be a last breath that the word AMY might be inscribed happy man. I am sure you will deserve to be hap- over his ashes, Which was accordingly directed to be py, and you will be, John." done, By his afflicted Parents." AND SO HE LEFT HER: FIRST OBSERVING THAT SIIE SAT DOWN ON THE CORNER OF A SEAT, AND NOT ONLY RFSTED HER,ITTLE HAND UPON THE ROUGH WALL, BUT LAID HER FACE AGAINST IT TOO, AS IF HEE HEAD WERE HEAVY, AND HER MINI) WEltE SAD. As she held out her hand to him with these words, CHAPTER XIX. the heart that was under the waistcoat of sprigsTHE rATHER OF THE MARSEHALSEA IN TWO OR, mere slop-work, if the truth must be known-swelled THREE RELATIONS. to the size of the heart of a gentleman; and the poor common little fellow having no room to hold it, burst HE brothers William and Frederick Dorrit, walkinto tears. ing up and down the College-yard-of course "Oh don't cry!" said Little Dorrit, piteously. on the aristocratic or Pump side, for the Father "Don't, don't! Good-bye, John. God bless you!" made it a point of his state to be chary of going " Good-bye, Miss Amy. Good-bye!" among his children on the Poor side, except on SunAnd so he left her: first observing that she sat day mornings, Christmas-days, and other occasions down on the corner of a seat, and not only rested of ceremony, in the observance whereof he was very her little hand upon the rough wall, but laid her punctual, and at which times he laid his hand upon face against it too, as if her head were heavy, and the heads of their infants, and blessed those young her mind were sad. Insolvents with a benignity that was highlv edify PRECEPT OF THE FATHER OF THE MARSHALSEA. 103 ing-the brothers walking up and down the Col- and friend, if he had only steered his brother clear lege-yard together, were a memorable sight. Fred- of ruin, instead of bringing it upon him. erick the free, was so humbled, bowed, withered, "I think, William," said the object of his affecand faded; William the bond, was so courtly, conde- tionate consideration, " that I am tired, and will go scending, and benevolently conscious of a position; home to bed." that in this regard only, if in no other, the brothers "My dear Frederick," returned the other, "don't let were a spectacle to wonder at. me detain you; don't sacrifice yourinclinations to me." They walked up and down the yard, on the even- "Late hours, and a heated atmosphere, and years, ing of Little Dorrit's Sunday interview with her I suppose," said Frederick, "weaken me." lover on the Iron Bridge. The cares of state were "My dear Frederick," returned the Father of the over for that day, the Drawing-Room had been well Marshalsea, " do you think you are sufficiently careattended, several new presentations had taken place, ful of yourself? Do you think your habits are as the three-and-sixpence accidentally left on the table precise and methodical as-shall I say as mine are? had accidentally increased to twelve shillings, and Not to revert again to that little eccentricity which the Father of the Marshalsea refreshed himself with I mentioned just now, I doubt if you take air and a whiff of cigar. As he walked up and down, af- exercise enough, Frederick. Here is the parade, alfably accommodating his step to the shuffle of his ways at your service. Why not use it more regubrother, not proud in his superiority, but consider- larly than you do?" ate of that poor creature, bearing with him, and "Hah!" sighed the other. " Yes, yes, yes, yes." breathing toleration of his infirmities in every little "But it is of no use saying yes, yes, my dear Fredpuff of smoke that issued from his lips and aspired erick," the Father of the Marshalsea in his mild to get over the spiked wall, he was a sight to won- wisdom persisted, " unless you act on that assent. der at. Consider my case, Frederick. I am a kind of exHis brother Frederick of the dim eye, palsied ample. Necessity and time have taught me what hand, bent form, and groping mind, submissively to do. At certain stated hours of the day, you will shuffled at his side, accepting his patronage as he find me on the parade, in my room, in the Lodge, accepted every incident of the labyrinthian world reading the paper, receiving company, eating and in which he had got lost. He held the usual screw- drinking. I have impressed upon Amy during many ed bit of whitey-brown paper in his hand, from years, that I must have my meals (for instance) which he ever and again unscrewed a spare pinch punctually. Amy has grown up in a sense of the of snuff. That falteringly taken, he would glance importance of these arrangements, and you know at his brother not unadmiringly, put his hands be- what a good girl she is." hind him, and shuffle on so at his side until he took The brother only sighed again, as he plodded another pinch, or stood still to look about him-per- dreamily along, "Hah! Yes, yes, yes, yes." chance suddenly missing his clarionet. "My dear fellow," said the Father of the MarshalThe College visitors were melting away as the sea, laying his hand upon his shoulder, and mildly shades of night drew on, but the yard was still pret- rallying him-mildly, because of his weakness, poor ty full, the Collegians being mostly out, seeing their dear soul; "you said that before, and it does not friends to the Lodge. As the brothers paced the express much, Frederick, even if it means much. I yard, William the bond looked about him to receive wish I could rouse you, my good Frederick; you salutes, returned them by graciously lifting off his' want to be roused." hat, and, with an engaging air, prevented Frederick "Yes, William, yes. No doubt," returned the oththe free from running against the company, or be- er, lifting his dim eyes to his face. "But I am not ing jostled against the wall. The Collegians as a like you." body were not easily impressible, but even they, ac- The Father of the Marshalsea said, with a shrug cording to their various ways of wondering, appear- of modest self-depreciation, "Oh! You might be ed to find in the two brothers a sight to wonder at. like me, my dear Frederick; you might be, if you "You are a little low this evening, Frederick," chose!" and forbore, in the magnanimity of his said the Father of the Marshalsea. "' Any thing the strength, to press his fallen brother further. matter?" There was a deal of leave-taking going on in cor"The matter?" He stared for a moment, and ners, as was usual on Sunday nights; and here and then dropped his head and eyes again. "No, Wil- there in the dark, some poor woman, wife or mother, liam, no. Nothing is the matter." was weeping with a new Collegian. The time had "If you could be persuaded to smarten yourself been when the Father himself had wept, in the up a little, Frederick-" shades of that yard, as his own poor wife had wept. "Ay, ay!" said the old man, hurriedly. "But I But it was many years ago; and now he was like a can't be. I can't be. Don't talk so. That's all passenger aboard ship in a long voyage, who has reover." covered from sea-sickness, and is impatient of that The Father of the Marshalsea glanced at a pass- weakness in the fresher passengers taken aboard at ing Collegian with whom he was on friendly terms, the last port. He was inclined to remonstrate, and as who should say, "An enfeebled old man, this; to express his opinion that people who couldn't get but he is my brother, sir, my brother, and the voice on without crying, had no business there. In manof Nature is potent!" and steered his brother clear ner, if not in words, he always testified his displeasof the handle of the pump by the threadbare sleeve. ure at these interruptions of the general harmony; Nothing would have been wanting to the perfection and it was so well understood, that delinquents usof his character as a fraternal guide, philosopher, ually withdrew if they were aware of him. 104 LITTLE DORRIT. On this Sunday evening, he accompanied his broth- ly, no! And, he said, Heaven forbid that Frederick er to the gate with an air of endurance and clemen- should be there in any other character than in his cy; being in a bland temper and graciously disposed present voluntary character! Gentlemen, whoever to overlook the tears. In the flaring gas-light of the came to that College, to remain there a length of Lodge, several Collegians were basking: some tak- time, must have strength of character to go through ing leave of visitors, and some who had no visitors, a good deal and to come out of a good deal. Was his watching the frequent turning of the key, and con- beloved brother Frederick that man? No. They versing with one another and with Mr. Chivery. saw him, even as it was, crushed. Misfortune crushThe paternal entrance made a sensation, of course; *ed him. He had not power of recoil enough, not and Mr. Chivery, touching his hat (in a short man- elasticity enough, to be a long time in such a place, ner though) with his key, hoped he found himself and yet preserve his self-respect and feel conscious tolerable. that he was a gentleman. Frederick had not (if he "Thank you, Chivery, quite well. And you?" might use the expression) Power enough to see in Mr. Chivery said in a low growl, " Oh! he was all any delicate little attentions and-and- Testimoniright." Which was his general way of acknowledg- als that he might under such circumstances receive, ing inquiries after his health when a little sullen. the goodness of human nature, the fine spirit ani"I had a visit from Young John to-day, Chivery. mating the Collegians as a community, and at the And very smart he looked, I assure you." same time no degradation to himself, and no depreSo Mr. Chivery had heard. Mr. Chivery must ciation of his claims as a gentleman. Gentlemen, confess, however, that his wish was that the boy God bless you! didn't lay out so much money upon it. For what Such was the homily with which he improved did it bring him in? It only brought him in Wex- and pointed the occasion to- the company in the ation. And he could get that anywhere, for noth- Lodge, before turning into the sallow yard again, ing. and going with his own poor shabby dignity past "How vexation, Chivery?" asked the benignant the Collegian in the dressing-gown who had no father. coat, and past the Collegian in the sea-side slippers " No odds," returned Mr. Chivery. "Never mind. who had no shoes, and past the stout green-grocer Mr. Frederick going out?" Collegian in the corduroy knee-breeches who had "Yes, Chivery, my brother is going home to bed. no cares, and past the lean clerk Collegian in butHe is tired, and not quite well. Take care, Freder- tonless black who had no hopes, up his own poor ick, take care. Good-night, my dear Frederick!" shabby staircase, to his own poor shabby room. Shaking hands with his brother, and touching his There the table was laid for his supper, and his greasy hat to the company in the Lodge, Frederick old gray gown was ready for him on his chair-back slowly shuffled out of the door which Mr. Chivery at the fire. His daughter put her little prayer-book unlocked for him. The Father of the Marshalsea in her pocket-had she been praying for pity on all showed the amiable solicitude of a superior being prisoners and captives?-and rose to welcome him. that he should come to no harm. Uncle had gone home then? she asked him, as she "Be so kind as to keep the door open a moment, changed his coat and gave him his black velvet cap. Chivery, that I may see him go along the passage Yes, uncle had gone home. Had her father enjoyed and down the steps. Take care, Frederick! (He his walk? Why, not much, Amy; not much. No? is very infirm.) Mind the steps. (He is so very Did he not feel quite well? absent.) Be careful how you cross, Frederick. (I As she stood behind him, leaning over his chair so really don't like the notion of his going wandering lovingly, he looked with downcast eyes at the fire. at large, he is so extremely liable to be run over.)" An uneasiness stole over him that was like a touch With these words, and with a face expressive of of shame; and when he spoke, as he presently did, many uneasy doubts and much anxious guardian- it was in an unconnected and embarrassed manner. ship, he turned his regards upon the assembled "Something, I- hem! -I don't know what, has company in the Lodge: so plainly indicating that gone wrong with Chivery. He is not-ha!- not his brother was to be pitied for not being under nearly so obliging and attentive as usual to-night. lock and key, that an opinion to that effect went It-hem! -it's a little thing, but it puts me out, my round among the Collegians assembled. love. It's impossible to forget," turning his hands But he did not receive it with unqualified assent; over and over, and looking closely at them, " thaton the contrary, he said, No, gentlemen, no; let them hem!-that in such a life as mine, I am unfortunatenot misunderstand him. His brother Frederick was ly dependent on these men for something, every hour much broken, no doubt, and it might be more com- in the day." fortable to himself (the Father of the Marshalsea) to Her arm was on his shoulder, but she did not look know that he was safe within the walls. Still, it in his face while he spoke. Bending her head, she must be remembered that to support an existence looked another way. there during many years, required a certain combina_ "I hem!-I can't think, Amy, what has given tion of qualities-he did not say high qualities, but Chivery offense. He is generally so-so very attenqualities-moral qualities. Now, had his brother tive and respectful. And to-night he was quiteFrederick that peculiar union of qualities? Gentle- quite short with me. Other people there too! men, he was a most excellent man, a most gentle, Why, good Heaven! if I was to lose the support tender, and estimable man, with the simplicity of a and recognition of Chivery and his brother officers, child; but would he, though unsuited for most oth- I might starve to death here." er places, do for that place? No; he said confident- While he spoke, he was opening and shutting his HER SELF- SACRIFICE. 105 hands like valves; so conscious all the time of that should say, brother's —account. I hardly know touch of shame, that he shrunk before his own knowl- how I have strayed into this story. I. suppose it edge of his meaning. has been through being unable to account for Chiv"I-'ha!-I can't think what it's owing to. I cry; but as to the connection between the two, I am sure I can not imagine what the cause of it is. don't see-" There was a certain Jackson here once, a turnkey His voice died away, as if she could not bear the of the name of Jackson (I don't think you can re- pain of hearing him, and her hand had gradually member him, my dear, you were very young), and crept to his lips. For a little while, there was a -hem!-and he had a-brother, and this-young dead silence and stillness; and he remained shrunk brother paid his addresses to-at least, did not go in his chair, and she remained with her arm round so far as to pay his addresses to-but admired-re- his neck, and her head bowed down upon his shoulspectfnlly admired-the-not the daughter, the sis- der. ter-of one of us; a rather distinguished Collegian; His supper was cooking in a saucepan on the fire, AS SH] STOOD BEHIND HIM, LEANING OVER HIS CHAIR SO LOVINGLY, HE LOOKED WITH DOWNCAST EYES AT THE FIRE. I may say, very much so. His name was Captain and, when she moved, it was to make it ready for Martin; and he consulted me on the question wheth- him on the table. He took his usual seat, she took er it wasnecessary that his daughter —sister-should hers, and he began his meal. They did not, as yet, hazard offencling the turnkey brother by being too- look at one another. By little and little he began;. ha! —too plain with the other brother. Captain laying down his knife and fork with a noise, taking Martin was a gentleman and a man of honor,'and I things up sharply, biting at his bread as if he were put it to him first to give me his —his own opinion. offended with it, and in other similar ways showing Captain Martin (highly respected in the army) then that he was out of sorts. At length he pushed his unhesitatingly said, that it appeared to him that his plate from him, and spoke aloud. With the strangest -hem! —sister was not called upon to understand inconsistncy. the young man too distinctly, and that she might What does it matter whether I eat or starve? lead him on-I am doubtful whether lead him on What does it matter whether such a blighted life as was Captain Martin's exact expression; indleed I mine comes to an end, now, next weekor next year? think he said tolerate him-on her father's -I What am I worth to any one? A poor prisonerd fed 106 LITTLE _DORIIT. on alms and broken victuals; a squalid, disgraced for him! Then he reverted to himself, and weakly wretch!" told her how much better she would have loved him " Father, father!" As he rose, she went on her if she had known him in his vanished character, and knees to him, and held up her hands to him. how he would have married her to a gentleman who "Amy," he went on in a suppressed voice, trem- should have been proud of her as his daughter, and bling violently, and looking at her as wildly as if he how (at which he cried again) she should first have had gone mad. "I tell you, if you could see me as ridden at his fatherly side on her own horse, and your mother saw me, you wouldn't believe it to be how the crowd (by which he meant in effect the peo-'the creature you have only looked at through the pie who had given him the twelve shillings he then bars of this cage. I was young, I was accomplished, had in his pocket) should have trudged the dusty I was good-looking, I was independent-by God I roads respectfully. was, child!-and people sought me out, and envied Thus, now boasting, now despairing, in either fit me. Envied me!" a captive with the jail-rot upon him, and the impu"Dear father!" She tried to take down the shak- rity of his prison worn into the grain of his soul, he ing arm that he flourished in the air, but he resisted, revealed his degenerate state to his affectionate and put her hand away. child. No one else ever beheld him in the details of " If I had but a picture of myself in those days, his humiliation. Little recked the Collegians who though it was ever so ill done, you would be proud were laughing in their rooms over his late address of it, you would be proud of it. But I have no such in the Lodge, what a serious picture they had in thing. Now, let me be a warning! Let no man," he their obscure gallery of the Marshalsea that Sunday cried, looking haggardly about, " fail to preserve at night. least that little of the times of his prosperity and re- There was a classical daughter once-perhapsspect. Let his children have that clue to what he who ministered to her father in his prison as her was. Unless my face, when I am dead, subsides into mother had ministered to her. Little Dorrit, though the long-departed look-they say such things hap- of the unheroic modern stock, and mere English, did pen, I don't know - my children will have never much more in comforting her father's wasted heart seen me." upon her innocent breast, and turning to it a fount"' Father, father!" ain of love and fidelity that never ran dry or waned, " Oh, despise me, despise me! Look away from through all his years of famine. me, don't listen to me, stop me, blush for me, cry for She soothed him; asked him for his forgiveness me-even you, Amy! Do it, do it! I do it to my- if she had been, or seemed to have been, undutiful; self! I am hardened now, I have sunk too low to told him, Heaven knows truly, that she could not care long even for that." honor him more if he were the favorite of Fortune "Dear father, loved father, darling of my heart!" and the whole world acknowledged him. When She was clinging to him with her arms, and she got his tears were dried, and he sobbed in his weakness him to drop into his chair again, and caught at the no longer, and was free from that touch of shame, raised arm, and tried to put it round her neck. and had recovered his usual bearing, she prepared " Let it lie there, father. Look at me, father, kiss the remains of his supper afresh, and, sitting by his me, father! Only think of me, father, for one little side, rejoiced to see him eat and drink. For, now moment!" he sat in his black velvet cap, and old gray gown, Still he went on in the same wild way, though it magnanimous again; and would have comported was gradually breaking down into a miserable whin- himself toward any Collegian who might have looking. ed in to ask his advice, like a great moral Lord "And yet I have some respect here. I have made Chesterfield, or master of the ethical ceremonies of some stand against it. I am not quite trodden down. the Marshalsea. Go out and ask who is the chief person in the place. To keep his attention engaged, she talked with They'll tell you it's your father. Go out and ask him about his wardrobe; when he was pleased to who is never trifled with, and who is always treated say, that Yes, indeed, those shirts she proposed would with some delicacy. They'll say, your father. Go be exceedingly acceptable, for thosehe had were worn out and ask what funeral here (it must be here, I out, and, being ready-made, had never fitted him. know it can be nowhere else) will make more talk, Being conversational and in a reasonable flow of and perhaps more grief, than any that has ever gone spirits, he then invited her attention to his coat as it out at the gate. They'll say, your father's. Well hung behind the door: remarking that the Father then. Amy! Amy! Is your father so universally of the place would set an indifferent example to his despised? Is there nothing to redeem him? Will children, already disposed to be slovenly, if he went you have nothing to remember him by, but his ruin among them out at elbows. He was jocular, too, as and decay? Will you be able to have no affection to the heeling of his shoes; but became grave on for him when he is gone, poor castaway, gone?" the subject of his cravat, and promised her that He burst into tears of maudlin pity for himself, when she could afford it, she should buy him a new and at length suffering her to embrace him, and take one. charge of him, let his gray head rest against her While he smoked out his cigar in peace, she made cheek, and bewailed his wretchedness. Presently his bed, and put the small room in order for his rehe changed the subject of his lamentations, and pose. Being weary then, owing to the advanced clasping his hands about her as she embraced him, hour and his emotions, he came out of his chair to cried, Oh, Amy, his motherless, forlorn child! Oh bless her and wish her good-night. All this time he the days that he had seen her careful and laborious j had never once thought of her dress, her shoes, her THE FFATHER OF THE MARSHALSEA AND AMY. 107 need of any thing. No other person upon earth, save kissing him with suspended breath, and calling him herself, could have been so unmindful of her wants. in a whisper by some endearing name. At times He kissed her many times with " Bless you, my she stood aside, so as not to intercept the low firelove. Good-night, my dear." light, and, watching him when it fell upon his sleepBut her gentle breast had been so deeply wound- ing face, wondered did he look now at all as he had ed by what she had seen of him, that she was un- looked when he was prosperous and happy; as he willing to leave him alone, lest he should lament had so touched her by imagining that he might look and despair again. " Father, dear, I am not tired;. once more in that awful time. At the thought of let me come back presently, when you are in bed, that time, she kneeled beside his bed again, and and sit by you." prayed, " Oh spare his life! Oh save him to me! Oh He asked her with an air of protection, if she felt look down upon my dear, long-suffering, unfortunate, solitary g much-changed, dear, dear father!" "Yes, father." Not until the morning came to protect him and "Then come back by all means, my love." encourage him, did she give him a last kiss and " I shall be very quiet, father." leave the small room. When she had stolen down " Don't think of me, my dear," he said, giving her stairs, and along the empty yard, and had crept up his kind permission fully. "Come back by all to her own high garret, the smokeless housetops and means." the distant country hills were discernible over the He seemed to be dozing when she returned, and wall in the clear morning. As she gently opened she put the low fire together very softly lest she the window, and looked eastward down the prisonshould awake him. But he overheard her, and call- yard, the spikes upon the wall were tipped with red, ed out who was that? then made a sullen purple pattern on the sun as it " Only Amy, father." came flaming up into the heavens. The spikes had "Amy, my child, come here. I want to say a never looked so sharp and cruel, nor the bars so word to you." heavy, nor the prison space so gloomy and contractHe raised himself a little in his low bed, as she ed. She thought of the sunrise on rolling rivers, of kneeled beside it to bring her face near him, and put the sunrise on wide seas, of the sunrise on rich landhis hands between hers. Oh! Both the private fa- scapes, of the sunrise on great forests, where the ther and the Father of the Marshalsea were strong birds were waking and the trees were rustling; and within him then. she looked down into the living grave on which the " My love, you have had a life of hardship here. sun had risen, with her father in it, three-and-twenNo companions, no recreations, many cares, I am ty years, and said, in a burst of sorrow and compasafraid?" sion, " No, no, I have never seen him in my life!" " Don't think of that, dear. I never do." "You know my position, Amy. I have not been able to do much for you; but all I have been able to do, I have done." " Yes, my dear father," she rejoined, kissing him. CHAPTER XX. " I know, I know." 1" I am in the twenty-third year of my life here," MOVING IN SOCIETY. he said, with a catch in his breath that was not so -F young John Chivery had had the inclination, much a sob as an irrepressible sound of self-approv- and the power, to write a satire on family pride, al, the momentary outburst of a noble consciousness. he would have had no need to go for an avenging " It is all I could do for my children-I have done illustration out of the family of his beloved. He it. Amy, my love, you are by far the best loved of would have found it amply in that gallant brother the three; I have had you principally in my mind- and that dainty sister, so steeped in mean experiwhatever I have done for your sake, my dear child, ences, and so loftily conscious of the family name; I have done freely and without murmuring." so ready to beg or borrow from the poorest, to eat Only the wisdom that holds the clue to all hearts of any body's bread, spend any body's money, drink and all mysteries, can surely know to what extent from any body's cup and break it afterward. To a man, especially a man brought down as this man have painted the sordid facts of their lives, and they had been, can impose upon himself. Enough, for throughout invoking the death's-head apparition of the present place, that he lay down with wet eye- the family gentility to come and scare their benefaclashes, serene, in a manner majestic, after bestowing tors, would have made Young John a satirist of the his life of degradation as a sort of portion on the first water. devoted child upon whom its miseries had fallen so Tip had turned his liberty to hopeful account by heavily, and whose love alone had saved him to be becoming a billiard-marker. He had troubled himeven what he was. self so little as to the means of his release, that ClenThat child had no doubts, asked herself no ques- nam scarcely needed to have been at the pains of tions, for she was but too content to see him with a impressing the mind of Mr. Plornish on that subject. lustre round his head. Poor dear, good dear, truest, Whoever had paid him the compliment, he very kindest, dearest, were the only words she had for readily accepted the compliment with his complihim, as she hushed him to rest. ments, and there was an end of it. Issuing forth She never left him all that night. As if she had from the gate on these easy terms, he became a billdone him a wrong which her tenderness could hard- iard-marker; and now occasionally looked in at the ly repair, she sat by him in his sleep, at times softly little skittle-ground in a green Newmarket coat (sec 108 LITTLE DORRIT. ond-hand), with a shining collar and bright buttons went through had a roll of music, half in her muff (new), and drankthe beer of the Collegians. and half out of it, and was in such a tumbled condiOne solid stationary point in the looseness of this tion altogether, that it seemed as if it would be an gentleman's character was, that he respected and act of kindness to iron her. But as she was very admired his sister Amy. The feeling had never in- good-natured, and said "Come with me; I'll soon duced him to spare her a moment's uneasiness, or to find Miss Dorrit for you," Miss Dorrit's sister went put himself to any restraint or inconvenience on her with her, drawing nearer and nearer, at every step account; but with that Marshalsea taint upon his ~she took in the darkness, to the sound of music and love, he loved her. The same rank Marshalsea fla- the sound of dancing feet. vor was to be recognized in his distinctly perceiv- At last they came into a maze of dust, where a ing that she sacrificed her life to her father, and in quantity of people where tumbling over one anothhis having no idea that she had done any thing for er, and where there was such a confusion of unachimself. countable shapes of beams, bulkheads, brick walls, When this spirited young man, and his sister, had ropes, and rollers, and such a mixing of gas-light begun systematically to produce the family skeleton and daylight, that they seemed to have got on the for the overawing of the College, this narrative can wrong side of the pattern of the universe. Little not precisely state. Probably at about the period Dorrit, left to herself, and knocked against by somewhen they began to dine on the College charity. body every moment, was quite bewildered when she It is certain that the more reduced and necessitous heard her sister's voice. they were, the more pompously the skeleton emerged " Why, good gracious, Amy, whatever brought you from its tomb; and that when there was any thing here!" particularly shabby in the wind, the skeleton al- "I wanted to see you, Fanny dear; and as I am ways came out with the ghastliest flourish. going out all day to-morrow, and knew you might Little Dorrit was late on the Monday morning, be engaged all day to-day, I thought-" for her father slept late, and afterward there was "But the idea, Amy, of you coming behind! I his breakfast to prepare and his room to arrange. never did!" As her sister said this in no very corShe had no engagement to go out to work, however, dial tone of welcome, she conducted her to a more and therefore staid with him until, with Maggy's open part of the maze, where various golden chairs help, she had put every thing right about him, and and tables were heaped together, and where a numhad seen him off upon his morning walk (of twenty ber of young ladies were sitting on any thing they yards or so) to the coffee-house to read the paper. could find, chattering. All these young ladies wantShe then got on her bonnet and went out; having ed ironing, and all had a curious way of looking been anxious-to get out much sooner. There was, everywhere, while they chattered. as usual, a cessation of the small-talk in the Lodge Just as the sisters arrived here, a monotonous as she passed through it; and a Collegian who had boy in a Scotch cap put his head round a beam on come in on Saturday night, received the intimation the left, and said," Less noise there, ladies!" and from the elbow of a more seasoned Collegian, "Look disappeared. Immediately after which, a sprightly out. Here she is!" gentleman with a quantity of long black hair lookShe wanted to see her sister, but when she got ed round a beam on the right, and said, "Less noise round to Mr. Cripples's she found that both her sister there, darlings!" and also disappeared. and her uncle had gone to the theatre where they "The notion of you among professionals, Amy, is were engagid. Having taken thought of this prob- really the last thing I could have conceived!" said ability by the way, and having settled that in such her sister. " Why, how did you ever get here?" case she would follow them, she set off afresh for the "I don't know. The lady who told you I was theatre, which was on that side of the river, and not here, was so good as to bring me in." very far away. "Like you quiet little things! You can make Little Dorrit was almost as ignorant of the ways your way anywhere, I believe. I couldn't have of theatres as of the ways of gold mines, and when managed it, Amy, though I know so much more of she was directed to a furtive sort of door, with a the world." curious up-all-night air about it, that appeared to It was the family custom to lay it down as family be ashamed of itself and to be hiding in an alley, law, that she was a plain domestic little creature, she hesitated to approach it; being further deterred without the great and sage experiences of the rest. by the sight of some half dozen close-shave(d gentle- This family fiction was the family assertion of itmen, with their hats very strangely on, who were self against her services. Not to make too much of lounging about the door, looking not at all unlike them. Collegians. On her applying to them, re-assured by "Well! And what have you got on your mind,. this resemblance, for a direction to Miss Dorrit, they Amy? Of course yon have got something on your made way for her to enter a dark hall-it was more mind, about me?" said Fanny. She spoke as if her like a great grim lamp gone out than any thing else sister, between two and three years her junior, were -where she could hear the distant playing of music her prejudiced grandmother. and the sound of dancing feet. A man so much in "It is not much; but since you told me of the want of airing that he had a blue mold upon him, lady who gave you the bracelet, Fanny-" sat watching this dark place from a hole in a corner, The monotonous boy put his head round the beam like a spider; and he told her that he would send on the left and said, " Look out there, ladies!" and a message up to Miss Dorrit by the first lady or disappeared. The sprightly gentleman with the gentleman who went through. The first lady who black hair as suddenly put his head round the beam PROFESSIONAL AND NON-PROFESSIONAL. 109 on the right, and said, "Look out there, darlings!" vate life, where there was no part for the clarionet, and also disappeared. Thereupon all the young he had no part at all. Some said he was poor, some ladies rose, and began shaking their skirts out be- said he was a wealthy miser; but he said nothing, hind. never lifted up his bowed head, never varied his " Well, Amy??" said Fanny, doing as the rest did; shuffling gait by getting his springless foot from the "what were you going to say?" ground. Though expecting now to be summoned "Since you told me a lady had given you the by his niece, he did not hear her until she had bracelet you showed me, Fanny, I have not been spoken to him three or four times; nor was he at quite easy on your account, and indeed want to all surprised by the presence of two nieces instead know a little more if you will confide more to me." of one, but merely said, in his tremulous voice, "I "Now, ladies!" said the boy in the Scotch cap. am coming, I am coming!" and crept forth by some "Now, darlings!" said the gentleman with the black underground way which emitted a cellarous smell. hair. They were every one gone in a moment, and "And so, Amy," said her sister, when the three the music and the dancing feet were heard again. together passed out, at the door that had such a Little Dorrit sat down in a golden chair, made shamefaced consciousness of being different from quite giddy by these rapid interruptions. Her sis- other doors: the uncle instinctively taking Amy's ter and the rest were a long time gone; and during arm as the arm to be relied on: " so, Amy, you are their absence a voice (it appeared to be that of the curious about me?" gentleman with the black hair) was continually call- She was pretty, and conscious, and rather flaunting out through.the music, " One, two, three, four, ing; and the condescension with which she put aside five, six-go! One, two, three, four, five, six-go! the superiority of her charms, and of her worldly exSteady, darlings! One, two, three, four, five, six- perience, and addressed her sister on almost equal go!" Ultimately the voice stopped, and they all terms, had a vast deal of the family in it. came back again, more or less out of breath, folding "I am interested, Fanny, and concerned in any themselves in their shawls, and making ready for thing that concerns you." the streets. "' Stop a moment, Amy, and let them " So you are, so you are, and you are the best of get away before us," whispered Fanny. They were Amys. If I am ever a little provoking, I am sure soon left alone; nothing more important happening, you'll consider what a thing it is to.occupy my posiin the mean time, than the boy looking round his old tion and feel a consciousness of being superior to it. beam, and saying, "Every body at eleven to-mor- I shouldn't care," said the Daughter of the Father row, ladies!" and the gentleman with the black hair of the Marshalsea, "if the others were not so comlooking round his old beam, and saying, " Every body mon. None of them have come down in the world as at eleven to-morrow, darlings!" each in his own ac- we have. They are all on their own level. Common." customed manner. Little Dorrit mildly looked at. the speaker, but When they were alone, something was rolled up did not interrupt her. Fanny took out her handor by other means got out of the way, and there was kerchief, and rather angrily wiped her eyes. "I a great empty well before them, looking down into was not born where you were, you know, Amy, and the depths of which Fanny said, "Now, uncle!" Lit- perhaps that makes a difference. My dear child, tle Dorrit, as her eyes became used to the darkness, when we get rid of uncle, you shall know all about faintly made him out, at the bottom of the well, in it. We'll drop him at the cook's shop where he is an obscure corner by himself, with his instrument going to dine." in its ragged case under his arm. They walked on with him until they came to a The old man looked as if the remote high gallery dirty shop-window in a dirty street, which was made windows, with their little strip of sky, might have almost opaque by the steam of hot meats, vegetabeen the point of his better fortunes, from which he bles, and puddings. But glimpses were to be caught had descended, until he had gradually sunk down of a roast leg of pork, bursting into tears of sage and below there to the bottom. He had been in that onion in a metal reservoir full of gravy, of an unctuplace six nights a week for many years, but had ous piece of roast beef and blisterous Yorkshire pudnever been observed to raise his eyes above his mu- ding bubbling hot in a similar receptacle, of a stuffsic-book, and was confidently believed.to have never ed fillet of veal in rapid cut, of a ham in a perspiraseen a play. There were legends in the place that tion with the pace it was going at, of a shallow tank he, did not so much as know the popular heroes and of baked potatoes glued together by their own richheroines by sight, and that the low comedian had ness, of a truss or two of boiled greens, and other " mugged " at him in his richest manner fifty nights substantial delicacies. Within were a few wooden for a wager, and he had shown.no trace of conscious- partitions, behind which such customers as found it ness. The carpenters had a joke to the effect that more convenient to take away their dinners in their he was dead without being aware of it; and the fre- stomachs than in their hands, packed their purchases quenters of the pit supposed him to pass his whole in solitude. Fanny, opening her reticule as they life, night and day and Sunday and all, in the or- surveyed these things, produced from that reposichestra. They had tried him a few times with tory a shilling and handed it to Uncle. Uncle, afpinches of snuff offered over the rails, and he had al- ter not looking at, it a little while, divined its object, ways responded to this attention with a momentary and muttering " Dinner? Ha! Yes, yes, yes!" slowwaking up of manner that had the pale phantom of ly vanished from them into the mist. a gentleman in it: beyond this he never, on any oc- "Now, Amy," said her sister, "come with me, if casion, had any other part in what was going on you are not too tired to walk to Harley Street, Cavthan the part written out for the clarionet; in pri- endish Square." 110 LITTLE DORRIT. The air with which she threw off this distinguish- thought I might take the liberty of bringing her ed address, and the toss she gave her new bonnet with me, when perhaps you would tell her. I wish (which was more gauzy than serviceable) made her her to know, and perhaps you will tell her." sister wonder; however, she expressed her readiness " Do you think, at your sister's age-" hinted to go to Harley Street, and thither they directed Mrs. Merdle. their steps. "She is much older than she looks," said Fanny; Arrived at that grand destination, Fanny singled "almost as old as I am." out the handsomest house, and knocking at the door " Society," said Mrs. Merdle, with another curve inquired for Mrs. Merdle. The footman who opened of her little finger, "is so difficult to explain to the door, although he had powder on his head, and young persons (indeed is so difficult to explain to was backed up'by two other footmen likewise pow- most persons), that I am glad to hear that. I wish dered, not only admitted Mrs. Merdle to be at home, Society was not so arbitrary, I wish it was not so but asked Fanny to walk in. Fanny walked in, exacting- Bird, be quiet!" taking her sister with her; and they went up stairs The parrot had given a most piercing shriek, as with powder going before and powder stopping be- if its name were society, and it asserted its right to hind, and were left in a spacious semicircular draw- its exactions. ing-room, one of several drawing-rooms, where there "But," resumed Mrs. Merdle, "we must take it as was a parrot on the outside of a golden cage holding we find it. We know it is hollow and conventional on by its beak with its scaly legs in the air, and put- and worldly and very shocking, but unless we are ting itself into many strange upside-down postures. savages in the Tropical seas (I should have been This peculiarity has been observed in birds of quite charmed to be one myself-most delightful life and another feather, climbing upon golden wires. perfect climate, I am told), we must consult it. It The room was far more splendid than any thing is the common lot. Mr. Merdle is a most extensive Little Dorrit had ever imagined, and would have merchant, his transactions are on the vastest scale, been splendid and costly in any eyes. She looked his wealth and influence are very great, but even in amazement at her sister, and would have asked he- Bird, be quiet!" a question, but that Fanny with a warning frown The parrot had shrieked another shriek; and it pointed to a curtained door-way of communication filled up the sentence so expressively, that Mrs. Merwith another room. The curtain shook next mo- dle was under no necessity to end it. ment, and a lady, raising it with a heavily ringed "Since your sister begs that I would terminate hand, dropped it behind her again as she entered. our personal acquaintance," she began again, adThe lady was not young and fresh from the hand dressing Little Dorrit, " by relating the circumof Nature, but was young and fresh from the hand stances that are much to her credit, I can not object of her maid. She had large unfeeling handsome to comply with her request, I am sure. I have a son eyes, and dark unfeeling handsome hair, and a broad (I was first married extremely young) of two or unfeeling handsome bosom, and was made the most three and twenty." of in every particular. Either because she had a Fanny set her lips, and her eyes looked half tricold, or because it suited her face, she wore a rich umphantly at her sister. white fillet tied over her head and under her chin. "A son of two or three and twenty. He is a little And if ever there were an unfeeling handsome chin gay, a thing Society is accustomed to in young men, that looked as if, for certain, it had never been, in and he is very impressible. Perhaps he inherits familiar parlance, "chucked" by the hand of man, that misfortune. I am very impressible myself, by it was the chin curbed up so tight and close by that nature. The weakest of creatures. My feelings laced bridle. are touched in a moment." "Mrs. Merdle," said Fanny. " My sister, ma'am." She said all this, and every thing else, as coldly as "I am glad to see your sister, Miss Dorrit. I did a woman of snow; quite forgetting the sisters exnot remember that you had a sister." cept at odd times, and apparently addressing some "I did not mention that I had," said Fanny. abstraction of Society. For whose behoof, too, she "Ay!" Mrs. Merdle curved the little finger of her occasionally arranged her dress, or the composition left hand as who should say, "I have caught you. of her figure upon the ottoman. I know you didn't!" All her action was usually I"So he is very impressible. Not a misfortune in with her left hand, because her hands were not a our natural state, I dare say, but we are not in a pair; the left being much the whiter and plumper natural state. Much to be lamented, no doubt, parof the two. Then she added: "Sit down," and com- ticularly by myself, who am a child of nature if I posed herself voluptuously, in a nest of crimson and could but show it; but so it is. Society suppresses gold cushions, on an ottoman near the parrot. us and dominates us- Bird, be quiet!" "Also professional?" said Mrs. Merdle, looking at The parrot had broken into a violent fit of laughLittle Dorrit through an eyeglass. ter, after twisting divers bars of his cage with his Fanny answered No. "No," said Mrs. Merdle, crooked bill, and licking them with his black tongue. dropping her glass. "Has not a professional air. " It is quite unnecessary to say to a person of your Very pleasant; but not professional." good sense, wide range of experience, and cultivated "My sister, ma'am," said Fanny, in whom there feelings," said Mrs. Merdle, from her nest of crimson was a singular mixture of deference and hardihood, and gold-and there put up her glass to refresh her " has been asking me to tell her, as between sisters, memory as to whom she was addressing-" that the how I came to have the honor of knowing you. stage sometimes has a fascination for young men of And as I had engaged to call upon you once more, I that class of character. In saying the stage, I mean .MRS. MERDLE AND HER PARROT. 111 the people on it of the female sex. Therefore, when "but it is to your sister's credit. I pointed out to I heard that my son was supposed to be fascinated your sister the plain state of the case; the impossiby a dancer, I knew what that usually meant in So- bility of the Society in which we moved, recognizing ciety, and confided in her being a dancer at the Op- the Society in which she moved-though charmera, where young men moving in Society are usually ing, I have no doubt; the immense disadvantage at fascinated." which she would consequently place the family she She passed her white hands over one another, ob- had so high an opinion of, upon which we should servant of the sisters now; and the rings upon her find ourselves compelled to look down with confingers grated against each other, with a hard sound. tempt, and from which (socially speaking) we should " As your sister will tell youi when I found what feel obliged to recoil with abhorrence. In short, I the theatre was, I was much surprised and much made an appeal to that laudable pride in your sister." distressed. But when I found that your sister, by "Let my sister know, if you please, Mrs. Merdle," rejecting my son's advances (I must add, in an unex- Fanny pouted, with a toss of her gauzy bonnet, pected manner), had brought him to the point of "that I had already had the honor of telling your proposing marriage, my feelings were of the pro- son that I wished to have nothing whatever to say foundest anguish-acute." to him." She traced the outline of her left eyebrow, and "Well, Miss Dorrit," assented Mrs. Merdle, "perput it right. haps I might have mentioned that before. If I did "In a distracted condition which only a mother not think of it, perhaps it was because my mind re-moving in Society-can be susceptible of, I deter- verted to the apprehensions I had at the time, that mined to go myself to the theatre, and represent my he might persevere and you might have something state of mind to the dancer. I made myself known to say to him. I also mentioned to your sister-I to your sister. I found her, to my surprise, in many again address the non-professional Miss Dorrit-that respects different from my expectations; and cer- nmy son would have nothing in the event of such a tainly in none more so than meeting me with-what marriage, and would be an absolute beggar. (I shall I say —a sort of family assertion on her own mention that, merely as a fact which is part of the part?" Mrs. Merdle smiled. narrative, and not as supposing it to have influenced "' I told you, ma'am," said Fanny, with a height- your sister, except in the prudent and legitimate ening color, "that although you found me in that way in which, constituted as our artificial system is, situation, I was so far above the rest, that I consid- we must all be influenced by such considerations.) ered my family as good as your son's; and that I Finally, after some high words and high spirit on had a brother who, knowing the circumstances, the part of your sister, we came to the complete unwould be of the same opinion, and would not consid- derstanding that there was no danger; and your siser such a connection any honor.". ter was so obliging as to allow me to present her " Miss Dorrit," said Mrs. Merdle, after frostily look- with a mark or two of my appreciation at my dressing at her through her glass, " precisely what I was maker's." on the point of telling your sister, in pursuance of Little Dorrit looked sorry, and glanced at Fanny your request. Much obliged to you for recalling it with a troubled face. so accurately and anticipating me. I immediately," "Also," said Mrs. Merdle, "as to promise to give addressing Little Dorrit, "(for I am the creature of me the present pleasure of a closing interview, and impulse), took a bracelet from my arm, and begged parting with her on the best of terms. On which your sister to let me clasp it on hers, in token of the occasion," added Mrs. Merdle, quitting her nest, and delight I had in our being able to approach the sub- putting something in Fanny's hand, "Miss Dorrit ject so far on a common footing." (This was per- will permit me to say Farewell with best wishes, in fectly true, the lady having bought a cheap and my own dull manner." showy article on her way to the interview, with a The sisters rose at the same time, and they all general eye to bribery.) stood near the cage of the parrot, as he tore at a "And I told you, Mrs. Merdle," said Fanny, " that clawful of biscuit and spat it out, seemed to mock we might be unfortunate, but were not common." them with a pompous dance of his body without "I think the very words, Miss Dorrit," assented moving his feet, and suddenly turned himself upside Mrs. Merdle. down and trailed himself all over the outside of his "And I told you, Mrs. Merdle," said Fanny, "that golden cage, with the aid of his cruel beak and his if you spoke to me of the superiority of your son's black tongue. standing in Society, it was barely possible that you "Adieu, Miss Dorrit, with best wishes," said Mrs. rather deceived yourself in your suppositions about Merdle. "If we could only come to a Millennium, my origin; and that my father's standing, even in or something of that sort, I for one might have the the Society in which he now moved (what that was, pleasure of knowing a number of charming and talwas best known to myself), was eminently superior, ented persons from whom I am at present excluded. and was acknowledged by every one." A more primitive state of society would be delicious " Quite accurate," rejoined Mrs. Merdle. "A most to me. There used to be a poem when I learned admirable memory." lessons, something about Lo the poor Indian whose " Thank you, ma'am. Perhaps you will be so kind something mind! If a few thousand persons moving as to tell my sister the rest." in Society, could only go and be Indians, I would "There is very little to tell," said Mrs. Merdle, re- put my name down directly; but as, moving in Soviewing the breadth of bosom which seemed essen- ciety, we can't be Indians, unfortunately- Goodtial to her having room enough to be unfeeling in, morning!" 112 LITTLE DORRIT. They came down stairs with powder before them "Then make her pay for it, you mean little thing. and powder behind, the elder sister haughty and the What else can you make her do? Make her pay for younger sister humbled, and were shut out into un- it, you stupid child; and do your family some credit powdered Harley Street, Cavendish Square. with the money!" "Well?" said Fanny, when they had gone a little They spoke no more, all the way back to the lodgway without speaking. " Have you nothing to say, ing where Fanny and her uncle lived. When they Amy?" arrived there, they found the old man practicing his " Oh, I don't know what to say!" she'answered, clarionet in the dolefullest manner in a corner of distressed. " You didn't like this young man, Fan- the room. Fanny had a composite meal to make, of ny?" chops, and porter, and tea; and indignantly pre"Like him? He is almost an idiot." tended to prepare it for herself, though her sister did "I am so sorry-don't be hurt-but, since you ask all that in quiet reality. When, at last, Fanny sat me what I have to say, I am so very sorry, Fanny, down to eat and drink, she threw the table implethat you suffered this lady to give you any thing." ments about and was angry with her bread, much as "You little Fool!" returned her sister, shaking her her father had been last night. /'/ WHEN THEY ARRIVED THERE, THEY FOUND THE OLD MAN PRAOTICING HIS OLARIONET. with the sharp pull she gave her arm. "Have you "If you despise me," she said, bursting into veheno spirit at all? But that's just the way! You have ment tears, "because I am a dancer, why did you put no self-respect, you have no becoming pride. Just me in the way of being one? It was your doing. as you allow yourself to be followed about by a con- You would have me stoop as low as the ground betemptible little Chivery of a thing," with the scorn- fore this Mrs. Merdle, and let her say what she liked fullest emphasis, "you would let your family be trod- and do what she liked, and hold us all in contempt, den on, and never turn." and tell me so to my face. Because I am a dancer!" "Don't say that, dear Fanny. I do what I can "Oh, Fanny!" for them." "And Tip too, poor fellow. She is to disparage "You do what you can for them!" repeated Fan- him just as much as she likes, without any checkny, walking her on very fast. "Would you let a I suppose because he has been in the law, and the woman like this, whom you could see, if you had any docks, and different things. Why, it was your doexperience of any thing, to be as false and insolent ing, Amy. You might at least approve of his being as a woman can be-would you let her put her foot defended." upon your family, and thank her for it?" All this time the uncle was dolefully blowing his "No Fanny, I am sure." clarionet in the corner, sometimes taking it an inch THE GREAT AND TFONDERFUL MERDLE. 113 or so from his mouth for a moment while he stopped CHAPTER XXI. to gaze at them, with a vague impression that some- MR. MERDLE'S COMPLAINT. body had said something. "And your father, your poor father, Amy. Be- PON that establishment of state, the Merdle escause he is not free, to show himself and to speak for U tablishment in Harley Street, Cavendish Square, himself, you would let such people insult him with there was the shadow of no more common wall than impunity. If you don't feel for yourself because you the fronts of other establishments of state on the opgo out to work, you might at leastfeel for him, I should posite side of the street. Like unexceptionable Sothink, knowing what he has undergone so long." ciety, the opposing rows of houses in Harley Street Poor Little Dorrit felt the injustice of this taunt were very grim with one another. Indeed, the manrather sharply. The remembrance of last night sions and their inhabitants were so much alike in added a barbed point to it. She said nothing in re- that respect, that the people were often to be found ply, but turned her chair from the table toward the drawn up on opposite sides of dinner-tables, in the fire. Uncle, after making one more pause, blew a shade of their own loftiness, staring at the other side dismal wail and went on again. of the way with the dullness of the houses. Fanny was passionate with the tea-cups and the Every body knows how like the street the two bread as long as her passion lasted, and then pro- dinner-rows of people who take their stand by the tested that she was the wretchedest girl in the street will be. The expressionless uniform twenty world, and she wished she was dead. After that, houses, all to be knocked at and rung at in the same her crying became remorseful, and she got up and form, all approachable by the same dull steps, all put her arms round her sister. Little Dorrit tried fended off by the same pattern of railing, all with to stop her from saying any thing, but she answered the same impracticable fire-escapes, the same inconthat she would, she must! Thereupon she said, venient fixtures in their heads, and every thing withagain and again, "I beg your pardon, Amy," and out exception to be taken at a high valuation-who "Forgive me, Amy," almost as passionately as she has not dined with these? The house so drearily had said what she regretted. out of repair, the occasional bow-window, the stuc"But indeed, indeed, Amy," she resumed, when coed house, the newly-fronted house, the corner house they were seated in sisterly accord side by side, "I with nothing but angular rooms, the house with the hope and I think you would have seen this different- blinds always down, the house with the hatchment ly, if you had known a little more of Society." always up, the house where the collector has called "Perhaps I might, Fanny," said the mild Little for one quarter of an Idea, and found nobody at Dorrit. home-who has not dined with these? The house " You see, while you have been domestic and resign- that nobody will take, and is to be had a bargainedly shut up there, Amy," pursued her sister, gradual- who does not know her? The showy house that ly beginning to patronize, " I have been out, moving was taken for life by the disappointed gentleman, more in Society, and may have been getting proud and which doesn't suit him at all-who is unacand spirited-more than I ought to be, perhaps?" quainted with that haunted habitation? Little Dorrit answered, " Yes. Oh yes!" Harley Street, Cavendish Square, was more than " And while you have been thinking of the dinner aware of Mr. and Mrs. Merdle.. Intruders there were or the clothes, I may have been thinking, you know, in Harley Street, of whom it was not aware; but of the family. Now, may it not be so, Amy?" Mr. and Mrs. Merdle it delighted to honor. Society Little Dorrit again nodded "Yes," with a more was aware of Mr. and Mrs. Merdle. Society had cheerful face than heart. said, " Let us license them; let us know them." " Especially as we know," said Fanny, " that there Mr. Merdle was immensely rich; a man of prodigcertainly is a tone in the place to which you have ions enterprise; a Midas without the ears, who turned been so true, which does belong to it, and which all he touched to gold. He was in every thing good, does make it different from other aspects of Society. from banking to building. He was in Parliament, So kiss me once again, Amy dear, and we will agree of course. He was in the City, necessarily. He was that we may both be right, and that you are a tran- Chairman of this, Trustee of that, President of the quil, domestic, home-loving, good girl." other. The weightiest of men had said to projectThe clarionet had been lamenting most pathetic- ors, "Now, what name have you got? Have you ally during this dialogue, but was cut short now by got Merdle?" And, the reply being in the negative, Fanny's announcement that it was time to go; which had said, " Then I won't look at you." she conveyed to her uncle by shutting up his scrap This great and fortunate man had provided that of music, and taking the clarionet out of his mouth. extensive bosom, which required so much room to Little Dorrit parted from them at the door, and be unfeeling enough in, with a nest of crimson and hastened back to the Marshalsea. It fell dark there gold some fifteen years before. It was not a bosom sooner than elsewhere, and going into it that even- to repose upon, but it was a capital bosom to hang ing was like going into a deep trench. The shadow jewels upon. Mr. Merdle wanted something to hang of the wall was on every object. Not least, upon jewels upon, and he bought it for the purpose. the figure in the old gray gown and the black velvet Storr and Mortimer might have married on the same cap, as it turned toward her when she opened the speculation. door of the dim room. Like all his other speculations, it was sound and "Why not upon me too?" thought Little Dorrit, successful. The jewels showed to the richest advanwith the door yet in her hand. " It was not unrea- tage. The bosom, moving in Society with the jewsonable in Fanny." els displayed upon it, attracted general admiration. 8 114 LITTLE DORRIT. Society approving, Mr. Merdle was satisfied. He And he did not get Mr. Sparkler by any means was the most disinterested of men-did every thing cheap for Society, even as it was. for Society, and got as little for himself out of all There was a dinner giving in the Harley Street his gain and care, as a man might. establishment while Little Dorrit was stitching at That is to say, it may be supposed that he got her father's new shirts by his side that night; and all he wanted, otherwise with unlimited wealth he there were magnates from the Court and magnates would have got it. But his desire was to the ut- from the City, magnates from the Commons and most to satisfy Society (whatever that was), and magnates from the Lords, magnates from the bench take up all its drafts upon him for tribute. He did and magnates from the bar, Bishop magnates, Treasnot shine in company; he had not very much to say ury magnates, Horse Guards magnates, Admiralty for himself; he was a reserved man, with a broad, magnates-all the magnates that keep us going, overhanging, watchful head, that particular kind and sometimes trip us up. of dull red color in his cheeks which is rather stale "I am told," said Bishop magnate to Horse Guards, than fresh, and a somewhat uneasy expression about "that Mr. Merdle has made another enormous hit. his coat-cuffs, as if they were in his confidence, and They say a hundred thousand pounds." had reasons for being anxious to hide his hands. In Horse Guards had heard two. the little he said, he was a pleasant man enough; Treasury had heard three. plain, emphatic about public and private confidence, Bar, handling his persuasive double eyeglass, and tenacious of the utmost deference being shown was by no means clear but that it might be four. by every one, in all things, to Society. In this same It was one of those happy strokes of calculation and Society (if that were it which came to his dinners, combination, the result of which it was difficult to and to Mrs. -Merdle's receptions and concerts), he estimate. It was one of those instances of a coinhardly seemed to enjoy himself much, and was prehensive grasp, associated with habitual luck and mostly to be found against walls and behind doors. characteristic boldness, of which an age presented Also when he went out to it, instead of its coming us but few. But here was Brother Bellows, who home to him, he seemed a little fatigued, and upon had been in the great Bank case, and who could the whole rather more disposed for bed; but he was probably tell us more. What did Brother Bellows always -cultivating it nevertheless, and always mov- put this new success at? ing in it, and always laying out money on it with Brother Bellows was on his way to make his bow the greatest liberality. to the bosom, and could only tell them in passing Mrs. Merdle's first husband had been a colonel, that he had heard it stated, with great appearance under whose'auspices the bosom had entered into of truth, as being worth, from first to last, half a competition with the snows of North America, and million of money. had come off at a little disadvantage in point of Admiralty said Mr. Merdle was a wonderful man. whiteness, and at none in point of coldness. The Treasury said he was a new power in the country, colonel's son was Mrs. Merdle's only child. He was and would be able to buy up the whole House of of a chuckle-headed, high-shouldered make, with a Commons. Bishop said he was glad to think that general appearance of being, not so much a young this wealth flowed into the coffers of a gentleman man as a swelled boy. He had given so few signs who was always disposed to maintain the best inof reason, that'a by-word went among his compan- terests of Society. ions that his brain had been frozen up in a mighty Mr. Merdle himself was usually late on these ocfrost which prevailed at St. John's, New Brunswick, casions, as a man still detained in the clutch of giat the period of his birth there, and had never thaw- ant enterprises when other men had shaken off their ed from that hour. Another by-word represented dwarfs for the day. On this occasion, he was the him as having in his infancy, through the negligence last arrival. Treasury said Merdle's work punished of a nurse, fallen out of a high window on his head, him a little. Bishop said he was glad to think that which had been heard by responsible witnesses to this wealth flowed into the coffers of a gentleman crack. It is probable that both these representa- who accepted it with meekness. tions were of ex post facto origin; the young gen- Powder! There was so much Powder in waiting, tleman (whose expressive name was Sparkler) be- that it flavored the dinner. Pulverous particles got ing monomaniacal in offering marriage to all man- into the dishes, and Society's meats had a seasoning ner of undesirable young ladies, and in remarking of first-rate footmen. Mr. Merdle took down a countof every successive young lady to whom he tender- ess who was secluded somewhere in the core of an ed a matrimonial proposal that she was "a doosed immense dress, to which she was in the proportion fine gal-well educated too-with no biggodd non- of the heart to the overgrown cabbage. If so low sense about her." a simile may be admitted, the dress went down the A son-in-law, with these limited talents, might staircase like a richly brocaded Jack in the Green, have been a clog upon another man; but Mr. Mer- and nobody knew what sort of small person cardle did not want a son-in-law for himself; he want- ried it. ed a son-in-law for Society. Mr. Sparkler having Society had every thing it could want, and could been in the Guards, and being in the habit of fre- not want, for dinner. It had every thing to look at, quenting all the races, and all the lounges, and all and every thing to eat, and every thing to drink. the parties, and being well known, Society was sat- It is to be hoped it enjoyed itself; for Mr. Merdle's isfied with its son-in-law. This happy result Mr. own share of the repast might have been paid for Merdle would have considered well attained, though with eighteen-pence. Mrs. Merdle was magnificent. Mr. Sparkler had been a more expensive article. The chief butler was the next magnificent institu COURTIERS OF THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL MERDLE. 115 tion of the day. He was the stateliest man in cornm- eastern counties-lying, in fact, for Mr. Merdle knew pany. He did nothing, but he looked on as few we lawyers loved to be particular, on the borders other men could have done. He was Mr. Merdle's of two of the eastern counties. Now, the title was last gift to Society. Mr. Merdle didn't want him, perfectly sound, and the estate was to be purchased and was put out of countenance when the great by one who had the command of-Money (Jury creature looked at him; but inappeasable Society droop and persuasive eyeglass), on remarkably adwould have him-and had got him. vantageous terms. This had come to Bar's knowlThe invisible countess carried out the Green at edge only that day, and it had occurred to him, "I the usual stage of the entertainment, and the file of shall have the honor of dining with my esteemed beauty was closed up by the bosom. Treasury said, friend, Mr. Merdle, this evening, and, strictly beJuno. Bishop.saidl, Judith. tween ourselves, I will mention the opportunity." Bar fell into discussion with Horse Guards con- Such a purchase would involve not only great lecerning courts-martial. Brother Bellows and Bench gitimate political influence, but some half-dozen struck in. Other magnates paired off. Mr. Merdle church presentations of considerable annual value. sat silent, and looked at the table-cloth. Sometimes Now, that Mr. Merdle was already at no loss to disa magnate addressed him, to turn the stream of his cover means of occupying even his capital, and of own particular discussion toward him; but Mr. Mer- fiully employing even his active and vigorous inteldie seldom gave much attention to it, or did more lect, Bar well knew: but he would venture to sugthan rouse himself from his calculations and pass gest that the question arose in his mind, whether the wine. one who had deservedly gained so high a position When they rose, so many of the magnates had and so European a reputation did not owe it-we something to say to Mr. Merdle individually, that, would not say to himself, but we would say to Socihe held little levees by the sideboard, and checked ety, to possess himself of such influences as these; them off as they went out at the door. and to exercise them - we would not say for his Treasury hoped he might venture to congratulate own, or for his party's, but we would say for Socieone of England's world-famed capitalists and mer- ty's-benefit. chant princes (he had turned that original senti- Mr. Merdle again expressed himself as wholly dement in the House a few times, and it came easy to voted to that object of his constant consideration, him) on a new achievement. To extend the tri- and Bar took his persuasive eyeglass up the grand umphs of such men, was to extend the triumphs staircase. Bishop then came undesignedly sliding and resources of the nation; and Treasury felt-he in the direction of the sideboard. gave Mr. Merdle to understand- patriotic on the Surely the goods of this world, it occurred in an subject. accidental way to Bishop to remark, could scarcely "Thank you, my lord," said Mr. Merdle; "thank be directed into happier channels than when they you. I accept your congratulations with pride, and accumulated under the magic touch of the wise and I am glad you approve." sagacious, who, while they knew the just value of " Why, I don't unreservedly approve, my dear Mr. riches (Bishop tried here to look as if he were rather Merdle. Because,"' smiling Treasury turned him by poor himself), were aware of their importance, judithe arm toward the sideboard and spoke bantering- ciously governed and rightly distributed, to the welly, " it never can be worth your while to come among fare of our brethren at large. us and help us." Mr. Merdle with humility expressed his convicMr. Merdle felt honored by the- tion that Bishop couldn't mean him, and with incon" No, no," said Treasury," that is not the light in sistency expressed his high gratification in Bishop's which one so distinguished for practical knowledge, good opinion. and great foresight, can be expected to regard it. If Bishop then-jauntily stepping out a little with we should ever be happily enabled, by accidentally his well-shaped right leg, as though he said to Mr. possessing the control over circumstances, to pro- Merdle, "Don't mind the apron; a mere form!" — pose to one so eminent to-to come among us, and put this case to his good friend: -give us the weight of his influence, knowledge, and Whether it had occurred to his good friend, that character, we could only propose it to him as a duty. Society might not unreasonably hope that one so In fact, as a duty that he owed to Society." blessed in his undertakings, and whose example on Mr. Merdle intimated that Society was the apple his pedestal was so influential with it, would shed a of his eye, and that its claims were paramount. to little money in the direction of a mission or so to every other consideration. Treasury moved on, Africa? and Barcame up. Mr. Merdle signifying that the idea should have Bar, with his little insinuating Jury droop, and his best attention, Bishop put another case: fingering his persuasive dduble eyeglass, hoped he Whether his good friend had at all interested himmight be excused if he mentioned to one of the self in the proceedings of our Combined Additional greatest converters of the root of all evil into the Endowed Dignitaries Committee, and whether it root of all good, who had for a long time reflected a had occurred to him that to shed a little money in shining lustre on the annals even of our commercial that direction might be a great conception finely excountry -if he mentioned, disinterestedly, and as, ecuted? what we lawyers called in our pedantic way, ami- Mr. Merdle made a similar reply, and Bishop excus curiae, a fact that had come by accident within plained his reason for inquiring. his knowledge. He had been required to look over Society looked to such men as his good friend to the title of a very considerable estate in one of the do such things. It was not that he looked to them, 116 LITTLE DORRIT. but that Society looked to them. Just as it was the matter with Mr. Merdle. He has the constitunot Our Committee who wanted the Additional En- tion of a rhinoceros, the digestion of an ostrich, and dowed Dignitaries, but it was Society that was in a the concentration of an oyster. As to nerves, Mr. state of the most agonizing uneasiness of mind until Merdle is of a cool temperament, and not a sensiit got them. He begged to assure his good friend, tive man: is about as invulnerable, I should say, as that he was extremely sensible of his good friend's Achilles. How such a man should suppose himself regard on all occasions for the best interests of So- unwell without reason, you may think strange. But ciety; and he considered that he was at once con- I have found nothing the matter with him. He may suiting those interests, and expressing the feeling of have some deep-seated recondite complaint. I can't Society, when he wished him continued prosperity, say. I only say, that at present I have not found it continued increase of riches, and continued things in out." general. There was no shadow of Mr. Merdle's complaint Bishop then betook himself up stairs, and the on the bosom now displaying precious stones in riother magnates gradually floated up after him until valry with many similar superb jewel-stands; there there was no one left below but Mr. Merdle. That was no shadow of Mr. Merdle's complaint on young gentleman, after looking at the table-cloth until the Sparkler hovering about the rooms, monomaniacally soul of the chief butler glowed with a noble resent- seeking any sufficiently ineligible young lady with ment, went slowly up after the rest, and became of no nonsense about her; there was no shadow of Mr. no account in the stream of people on the grand Merdle's complaint on the Barnacles and Stiltstalkstaircase. Mrs. Merdle was at home, the best of the ings, of whom whole colonies were present; or on jewels were hung out to be seen, Society got what any of the company. Even on himself, its shadow it came for, Mr. Merdle drank two pennyworth of was faint enough as he moved about among the tea in a corner, and got more than he wanted. throng, receiving homage. Amniong the evening magnates was a famous physi- Mr. Merdle's complaint. Society and he had so cian, who knew every body, and whom every body much to do with one another in all things else, that knew. On entering at the door, he came upon Mr. it is hard to imagine his complaint, if he had one, Merdle drinking his tea in a corner, and touched being solely his own affair. Had he that deep-seathim on the arm. ed recondite complaint, and did any doctor find it Mr. Merdle started. "Oh! It's you!" out? Patience. In the mean time, the shadow of "Any better to-day?" the Marshalsea wall was a real darkening influence, "No," said Mr. Merdle, "I am-no better." and could be seen on the Dorrit Family at any stage "A pity I didn't see you this morning. Pray of the sun's course. come to me to-morrow, or let me come to you." "Well," he replied. "I will come to-morrow as I drive by." CHAPTER XXII. Bar and Bishop had both been by-standers during this short dialogue, and as Mr. Merdle was swept away by the crowd, they made their remarks upon -JR. CLENNAM did not increase in favor with it to the Physician. Bar said, there was a certain AII the Father of the Marshalsea in the ratio of his point of mental strain beyond which no man could increasing visits. His obtuseness on the great Tesgo; that the point varied with various textures of timonial question was not calculated to awaken brain and peculiarities of constitution, as he had had admiration in the paternal breast, but had rather a occasion to notice-in several of his learned brothers; tendency to give offense in that sensitive quarter, but, the point of endurance passed by a line's breadth, and to be regarded as a positive shortcoming in depression and dyspepsia ensued. Not to intrude point of gentlemanly feeling. An impression of dison the sacred mysteries of medicine, he took it, now appointment, occasioned by the discovery that Mr. (with the Jury droop and persuasive eyeglass), that Clennam scarcely possessed that delicacy for which, this was Merdle's case? Bishop said that when in the confidence of his nature, he had been inclined he was a young man, and had fallen for a brief to give him credit, began to darken the fatherly' space into the habit of writing sermons on Satur- mind in connection with that gentleman. The fadays, a habit which all young sons of the church ther went so far as to say, in his private family should sedulously avoid, he had frequently been sen- circle, that he feared Mr. Clennam was not a man of sible of a depression, arising as he supposed from an high instincts. He was happy, he observed, in his overtaxed intellect, upon which the yolk of a new- public capacity as leader and representative of the laid egg, beaten up by the good woman in whose College, to receive Mr. Clennam when he called to house he at that time lodged, with a glass of sound pay his respects; but he didn't find that he got on sherry, nutmeg, and powdered sugar, acted like a with him personally. there appeared to be somecharm. Without presuming to offer so simple a thing (he didn't know what it was) wanting in him. remedy to the consideration of so profound a pro- Howbeit, the father did not fail in any outward show fessor of the great healing art, he would venture to of politeness, but, on the contrary, honored him with inquire whether the strain, being by way of intricate much attention; perhaps cherishing the hope that, calculations, the spirits might not (humanly speak- although not a man of sufficiently brilliant and. ing) be restored to their tone by a gentle and yet spontaneous turn of mind to repeat his former testigenerous stimulant? monial unsolicited, it might still be within the com"Yes," said the physician, " yes, you are both right. pass of his nature to bear the part of a responsive But I may as well tell you that I can find nothing gentleman, in any correspondence that way tending. MR. AND MRS. CHIVERY. 117 In the threefold capacity of the gentleman from Lane? Could you by any means find time to look outside who had been accidentally locked in on the in at that address?" handing him a little card, printnight of his first appearance, of the gentleman from ed for circulation among the connection of Chivery outside who had inquired into the affairs of the Fa- and Co., Tobacconists, Importers of pure Havana ther of the Marshalsea with the stupendous idea of Cigars, Bengal Cheroots, and fine-flavored Cubas, getting him out, and of the gentleman from outside Dealers in Fancy Snuffs, etc., etc. who took an interest in the child of the Marshalsea, "(Private) It an't tobacco business," said Mr. Clennam soon became a visitor of mark. He was Chivery. " The truth is, it's my wife. She's wishnot surprised by the attentions be received from Mr. ful to say a word to you, sir, upon a point respecting Chivery when that officer was on the lock, for he -yes," said Mr. Chivery, answering Clennam's look made little distinction between Mr. Chivery's polite- of apprehension with a nod, " respecting her." ness and that of the other turnkeys. It was on one "I will make a point of seeing your wife diparticular afternoon that Mr. Chivery surprised him rectly.",l IP' ARTHUR cLENNAM, WITH THE OARD IN HIS HAND, BETOOK HIMSELF TO THE ADDRESS SET FORTII UPON IT. all at once, and stood forth from his companions in "Thank you, sir. Much obliged. It an't above bold relief. ten minutes out of your way. Please to ask for Mris. Mr. Chivery; by some artful exercise of his power Chivery!" These instructions, Mr. Chivery, who had of clearing the Lodge, had contrived to rid it of all already let him out, cautiously called through a litsauntering Collegians; so that Clennam, coming out tle slide in the outer door, which he could draw back of the prison, should find him on duty alone. from within for the inspection of visitors, when it " (Private) I ask your pardon, sir," said Mr. Chiv- pleased him. cry in a secret manner; "but which way might you Arthur Clennam, with the card in his hand, bebe going?" took himself to the address set forth upon it, and "I am going over the Bridge." He saw in Mr. speedily arrived there. It was a very small estabChivery, With some astonishment, quite an Allegory lishment, wherein a decent woman sat behind the of Silence, as he stood with his key on his lips. counter working at her needle. Little jars of tobac"(Private) I ask your pardon again," said Mr. co, little boxes of cigars, a little assortment of pipes, Chivery, "but could you go round by Horsemouger a little jar or two of snuff, and a little instrument 118.LITTLE DORRIT. like a shoeing-horn for serving it out, composed the "Then she knows it, sir," said Mrs. Chivery, " by retail stock in trade. word of mouth." Arthur mentioned his name, and his having prom- "Are you sure?" ised to call, on the solicitation of Mr. Chivery. About " Sir," said Mrs. Chivery, " sure and certain as in something relating to Miss Dorrit, he believed. Mrs. this house I am. I see my son go out with my own Chivery at once laid aside her work, rose up from eyes when in this house I was, and I see my son her seat behind the counter, and deploringly shook come in with my own eyes when in this house I was, her head. and I know he done it!" Mrs. Chivery derived a " You may see him now," said she, " if you'll con- surprising force of emphasis from the foregoing cirdescend to take a peep." cufnstantiality and repetition. With these mysterious words, she preceded the " May I ask you how he came to fall into the devisitor into a little parlor behind the shop, with a sponding state which causes you so much uneasilittle window in it commanding a very little dull ness'?" back yard. In this yard, a wash of sheets and table- " That," said Mrs. Chivery, "took place on that cloths tried (in vain, for want of air) to get itself same day when to this house I see that John with dried on a line or two; and among those flapping these eyes return. Never been himself in this house articles was sitting in a chair, like the last mariner since. Never was like what he has been since, not left alive on the deck of a damp ship without the from the hour when to this house seven year ago power of furling the sails, a little woe-begone young me and his father, as tenants by the quarter, came!" man. An effect in the nature of an affidavit was gained " Our John," said Mrs. Chivery. for this speech, by Mrs. Chivery's peculiar power of Not to be deficient in interest, Clennam asked construction. what he might be doing there? " May I venture to inquire what is your version "' It's the only change he takes," said Mrs. Chiv- of the matter?" ery, shaking her head afresh. "' He won't go out, even " You may," said Mrs. Chivery, " and I will give in the back yard, when there's no linen; but when it you in honor and in word as true as in this shop there's linen to keep the neighbors' eyes off, he'll sit I stand. Our John has every one's good word and there, hours. Hours he will. Says he feels as if it every one's good wish. He played with her as a was groves!" Mrs. Chivery shook her head again, child, when in that yard a child she played. He has put her apron in a motherly way to her eyes, and re- known her ever since. He went out upon the Sunconducted her visitor into the regions of the busi- day afternoon when in this very parlor he had dined, ness. and met her, with appointment or without appoint" Please to take a seat, sir," said Mrs. Chivery. ment, which I do not pretend to say. He made his " Miss Dorrit is the matter with Our John, sir; he's offer to her. Her brother and sister is high in their a-breaking his heart for her, and I would wish to views, and against Our John. Her father is all for take the liberty to ask how it's to be made good to himself in his views, and against sharing her with his parents when bust?" any one. Under which circumstances she has anMrs. Chivery, who was a comfortable-looking worn- swered Our John,' No, John, I can not have you, I an, nmuch respected about Horsemonger Lane for her can not have any husband, it is not my intentions feelings and her conversation, uttered this speech ever to become a wife, it is my intentions to be alwith fell composure, and immediately afterward be- ways a sacrifice, farewell, find another worthy, of gan again to shake her head and dry her eyes. you, and forget me!' This is the way in which she "Sir," said she in continuation, "you are acquaint- is doomed to be a constant slave, to them that are ed with the family, and have interested yourself not worthy that a constant slave she unto them with the family, and are influential with the family. should be. This is the way in which Our John has If you can promote views calculated to make two come to find no pleasure but in taking cold among young people happy, let me, for Our John's sake, and the linen, and in showing in that yard, as in. that for both their sakes, implore you so to do." yard I have myself shown you, a broken-down ruin "I have been so habituated," returned Arthur, at that goes home to his mother's heart!" Here the a loss, " during the short time I have known her, to good woman pointed to the little window, whence consider Little-I have been so habituated to con- her son might be seen sitting disconsolate in the sider Miss Dorrit in a light altogether removed from tuneless groves; and again shook her head and that in which you present her to me, that you quite wiped her eyes, and besought him, for the united take me by surprise. Does she know your son?" sakes of both the young people, to exercise his in", Brought up together, sir," said Mrs. Chivery. fluence toward the bright reversal of these dismal " Played together!" events. " Does she know your son as her admirer?" She was so confident in her exposition of the case, "Oh! bless you, sir," said Mrs. Chivery, with a and it was so undeniably founded on correct premsort of triumphant shiver, " she never could have ises in so far as the relative positions of Little Dorseen him on a Sunday without knowing he was that. rit and her family were concerned, that Clennaml His cane alone would have told it long ago, if noth- could not feel positive on the other side. He had ing else had. Young men like John don't take to come to attach to Little Dorrit an interest so peivory hands a-pinting, for nothing. How did I first culiar-an interest that removed her from, while it know it myself? Similarly." grew out of, the common and coarse things' surround" Perhaps Miss Dorrit may not be so ready as you, ing her-that he found it disappointing, disagreeayou see." ble, almost painful, to suppose her in love with young MRS. CHIFERY RATHER MISTAKEN. 119 Mr. Chivery in the back yard, or any such person. "Ah yes! But going back, you must remember On the other hand, he reasoned with himself that that you take with you the spirit and influence of she was just as good and just as true, in love with such things, to cheer him." him, as not in love with him; and that to make a "Do I? I hope I may! I am afraid you fancy kind of domesticated fairy of her, on the penalty of too much, sir, and make me out too powerful. If you isolation at heart from the only people she knew, were in prison, could I bring such comfort to you?" would be but a weakness of his own fancy, and not " Yes, Little Dorrit. I am sure of it!" a kind one. Still, her youthful and ethereal appear- He gathered from a tremor on her lip, and a passance, her timid manner, the charm of her sensitive ing shadow of great agitation on her face, that her voice and eyes, the very many respects in which she mind was with her father. He remained silent for had interested him out of her own individuality, and a few moments, that she might regain her composthe strong difference between herself and those about ure. The Little Dorrit, trembling on his arm, was her, were not in unison, and were determined not to less in unison than ever with Mrs. Chivery's theory, be in unison, with this newly presented idea. and yet was not irreconcilable with a new fancy He told the worthy Mrs. Chivery, after turning which sprung up within him, that there might be these things over in his mind-he did that, indeed, some one else in the hopeless-newer fancy still-in while she was yet speaking-that he might be re- the hopeless unattainable distance. lied upon to do his utmost at all times to promote They turned, and Clennam said, Here was Maggy the happiness of Miss Dorrit, and to further the coming! Little Dorrit looked up, surprised, and wishes of her heart if it were in his power to do so, they confronted Maggy, who brought herself at sight and if he could discover what they were. At the of them to a dead stop. She had been trotting along, same time, he cautioned her against assumptions and so preoccupied and busy, that she had not recognized appearances; enjoined strict silence and secrecy, lest them until they turned upon her. She was now in Miss Dorrit should be made unhappy; and particu- a moment so conscience-stricken, that her very baslarly advised her to endeavor to win her son's confi- ket partook of the change. deuce, and so to make quite sure of the state of the "Maggy, you promised me to stop near father." case. Mrs. Chivery considered the latter precaution "So I would, Little Mother, only he wouldn't let superfluous, but said she would try. She shook her me. If he takes and sends me out, I must go. If he head as if she had not derived all the comfort she takes and says,'Maggy, you hurry away and back had fondly expected from this interview, but thank- with that letter, and you shall have a sixpence if ed him nevertheless for the trouble he had kindly the answer's a good'un,' I must take it. Lor, Little taken. They then parted good friends, and Arthur Mother, what's a poor thing of ten years old to do? walked away. And if Mr. Tip-if he happens to be a-coming in as I The crowd in the street jostling the crowd in his come out, and if he says,' Where are you going, Magmind, and the two crowds making a confusion, he gy?' and if I says,' I'm agoing So and So,' and if he avoided London Bridge, and turned off in the quieter says,'I'll have a Try too,' and if he goes into the direction of the Iron Bridge. He had scarcely set George and writes a letter, and if he gives it me and foot upon it, when he saw Little Dorrit walking on says,'Take that one to the saume place, and if the before him. It was a pleasant day, with a light answer's a good'un I'll give you a shilling,' it ain't breeze blowing, and she seemed to have that minute my fault, mother!" come there for air. He had left her in her father's Arthur read, in Little Dorrit's downcast eyes, to room within an hour. whom she foresaw that the letters were addressed. It was a timely chance, favorable to his wish of "I'm agoing So and So. There! That's where I observing her face and manner when no one else am agoinug to," said Maggy. " I'm agoing So and So. was by. He quickened his pace: but, before he It an't you, Little Mother, that's got any thing to do reached her, she turned her head. with it —it's you, you, know," said Maggy, address"Have I startled you." he asked. ing Arthur. " You'd better come, So and So, and let "I thought I knew the step," she answered, hesi- me take and give'em to you." tating. "We will not be so particular as that, Maggy. "And did you know it, Little Dorrit? You could Give them me here," said Clennam, in a low voice. hardly have expected mine." "Well, then, come across the road," answered Mag"I did not expect any. But when I heard a step, gy, in a very loud whisper. " Little Mother wasn't I thought it-sounded like yours." to know nothing of it, and she would never have "Are you going farther?" known nothing of it if you had only gone, So and So, "No, sir, I am only walking here for a little instead of bothering and loitering about. It ain't change." my fault. I must do what I am told. They ought They walked together, and she recovered her con- to be ashamed of themselves for telling me." fiding manner with him, and looked up in his face, Clennam crossed to the other side, and hurriedly as she said, after glancing around: opened the letters. That from the father, mentioned " It is so strange. Perhaps you can hardly under- that most unexpectedly finding himself in the novel stand it. I sometimes have a sensation as if it was position of-having been disappointed of a remittance almost unfeeling to walk here." from the City on which he had confidently counted, " Unfeeling?" he took up his pen, being restrained by the unhappy "To see the river, and so much sky, and so many ob- circumstance of his incarceration during three-andjects, and such change and motion. Then to go back, twenty years (doubly underlined), from coming himyou know, and find him in the same cramped place." self, as he would otherwise certainly have done 120 LITTLE DORRIT. took up his pen to entreat Mr. Clennam to advance by myself. Good-bye, God bless you. Thank you, him the sum of Three Pounds Ten Shillings upon his thank you." I.O.U., which he begged to inclose. That from the He felt that it was better to respect her entreaty, son set forth that Mr. Clennam would, he knew, be and did not move while her slight form went quickgratified to hear that he had at length obtained per- ly away from him. When it had fluttered out of nianent employment of a highly satisfactory nature, sight, he turned his face toward the water, and stood accompanied with every prospect of complete suc- thinking. cess in life; but that the temporary inability of his She would have been distressed at any time by employer to pay him his arrears of salary to that this discovery of the letters; but so much so, and in date (in which condition said employer had appealed that unrestrainable way? to that generous forbearance in which he trusted he No. should never be wanting toward a fellow-creature), When she had seen her father begging with his combined with the fraudulent conduct of a false threadbare disguise on, when she had entreated him friend, and the present high price of provisions, had not to give her father money, she had been distressreduced him to the verge of ruin, unless he could by ed, but not like this. Something had made her a quarter before six that evening raise the sum of keenly and additionally sensitive just now. Now, eight pounds. This sum, Mr. Clennam would be hap- was there some one in, the hopeless unattainable dispy to learn, he had, through the promptitude of sev- tance? Or had the suspicion been brought into his eral friends who had a lively confidence in his prob- mind, by his own associations of the troubled river ity, already raised, with the exception of a trifling running beneath the bridge with the same river balance of one pound seventeen-and-fourpence; the higher up, its changeless tune upon the prow of the loan of which balance, for the period of one month, ferry-boat, so many miles an hour the peaceful flowwould be fraught with the usual beneficent conse- ing of the stream, here the rushes, there the lilies, quences. nothing uncertain or unquiet? These letters Clennam answered with the aid of He thought of his poor child, Little Dorrit, for a his pencil and pocket-book, on the spot; sending the long time there; he thought of her going home; he father what he asked for, and excusing himself from thought of her in the night; he thought of her when compliance with the demand of the son. He then the day came round again. And the poor child Litcommissioned Maggy to return with his replies, and tie Dorrit thought of him-too faithfully, ah, too gave her the shilling of which the failure of her sup- faithfully!-in the shadow of the Marshalsea wall. plemental enterprise would have disappointed her otherwise. When he rejoined Little Dorrit, and they had begun walking as before, she said all at once: CHAPTER XXIII. "I think I had better go. I had better go home." MACHINERY IN MOTION. "Don't be distressed," said Clennam. " I have answered the letters. They were nothing. You li/R. MEAGLES bestirred himself with such know what they were. They were nothing." IL1 prompt activity in the matter of the negotia"' But I am afraid," she returned, " to leave him, I tion with Daniel Doyce which Clennam had intrustam afraid to leave any of them. When I am gone, ed to him, that he soon brought it into business they pervert-but they don't mean it-even Maggy." train, and called on Clennam at nine o'clock one "It was a very innocent commission that she un- morning to make his report. dertook, poor thing. And in keeping it secret from " Doyce is highly gratified by your good opinion," you, she supposed, no doubt, that she was only sav- he opened the business by saying, " and desires nothing you uneasiness." ing so much as that you should examine the affairs " Yes, I hope so, I hope so. But I had better go of the Works for yourself, and entirely understand home! It was but the other day that my sister told them. He has handed me the keys of all his books me I had become so used to the prison that I had its and papers-here they are jingling in this pockettone and character. It must be so. I am sure it and the only charge he has given me is,'Let Mr. must be when I see things. My place is there. I Clennam have the means of putting himself on a am better there. It is unfeeling in me to be here perfect equality with me as to knowing whatever I when I can do the least thing there. Good-bye. I know. If it should come to nothing after all, he had far better stay at home!" will respect my confidence. Unless I was sure of The agonized: way in which she poured this out, that to begin with, I should have nothing to do with as if it burst of itself from her suppressed heart, him.' And there, you see," said Mr. Meagles, " you made it difficult for Clennam to keep the tears from have Daniel Doyce all over." his eyes as he saw and heard it. "A very honorable character." " Don't call it home, my child," he entreated. " It "Oh yes, to be sure. Not a doubt of it. Odd, but is always painful to me to hear you call it home." very honorable. Very odd, though. Now would "But it is home! What else can I call home? you believe, Clennam," said Mr. Meagles, with a Why should I ever forget it for a single moment?" hearty enjoyment of his friend's eccentricity, " that "You never do, dear Little Dorrit, in any good I had a whole morning in What's-his-name Yard-" and true service." "Bleeding Heart?" "I hope not, oh I hope not! But it is better for "A whole morning in Bleeding Heart Yard, before me to stay there; much better, much more dutiful, I could induce him to pursue the subject at all?" much happier. Please don't go with me;; let me go' "How was that?" DOYCE AND CLENNAAM. 121 "How was that, my friend? I no sooner men- ways plain, and directed straight to the purpose. It tiqned your name in connection with it, than he de- occurred ito Arthur that a far more elaborate and dared off." taking show of business-such as the records of the "Declared off, on my account?" Circumlocution Office made, perhaps-might be far "I no sooner mentioned your name, Clennam, than less serviceable, as being meant to be far less intellihe said,' That will never do!' What did he mean gible. by that? I asked him. No matter, Meagles; that Three or four days of steady application rendered would never do. Why would it never do? You'll him master of all the facts it was essential to become hardly believe it, Clennam," said Mr. Meagles, laugh- acquainted with. Mr. Meagles was at hand the ing within himself, " but it came out that it would whole time, always ready to illuminate any dim never do, because you and he, walking down to place with the bright little safety-lamp belonging Twickenham together, had glided into a friendly to the scales and scoop. Between them, they agreed conversation, in the course of which he had referred upon the sum it would be fair to offer for the purto his intention of taking a partner, supposing at chase of a half-share in the business, and then Mr. the time that you were as firmly and finally settled Meagles unsealed a paper in which Daniel Doyce as St. Paul's Cathedral.' Whereas,' says he,' Mr. had noted the amount at which he valued it; which Clennam might now believe, if I entertained his was even something less. Thus, when Daniel came proposition, that I had a sinister and designing mo- back, he found the affair as good as concluded. tive in what was open free speech. Which I can't "And I may now avow, Mr. Clennam," said he, bear,' says he,'which I really am too proud to with a cordial shake of the hand, "that if I had bear."' looked high and low for a partner, I believe I could "I should as soon suspect —" not have found one more to my mind." "(Of course you wonld," interrupted Mr Meagles, "I say the same," said Clennam. " and so I told him. But it took a morning to scale "And I say of both of you," added Mr. Meagles, that wall; and I doubt if any other man than my- "that you are well matched. You keep him in self (he likes me of old) could have got his leg over check, Clennam, with your common sense, and you it. Well, Clennam. This business- like obstacle stick to the Works, Dan, with your-" surmounted, he then stipulated that before resum- "Uncommon sense?" suggested Daniel, with his ing with you Ishould look over the books, and form quiet smile. my own opinion. I looked over the books, and form- "You may call it so, if you like-and each of you ed my own opinion.'Is it, on the whole, for, or will be a right hand to the other. Here's my own against? says he.' For,' says I.' Then,' says he, right hand upon it, as a practical man, to both of'you may now, my good friend, give Mr. Clennam you." the means of forming his opinion. To enable him The purchase was completed within a month. It to do which, without bias and with perfect freedom, left Arthur in possession of private personal means I shall go out of town for a week.' And he's gone," not exceeding a few hundred pounds; but it opened said Mr. Meagles; " that's the rich conclusion of the to him an active and promising career. The three thing." friends dined together on the auspicious occasion; "Leaving me," said Clennam, " with a high sense, the factory and the factory wives and children made I must say, of his candor and his-" holiday and dined too; even Bleeding Heart Yard "Oddity," Mr. Meagles struck in. " I should dined, and was full of meat. Two months had barethink so!" ly gone by in all, when Bleeding Heart Yard had beIt was not exactly the word on Clennam's lips, come so familiar with short-commons again that the but he forbore to interrupt his good-humored friend. treat was forgotten there; when nothing seemed "And now," added Mr. Meagles, "you can begin new in the partnership but the paint of the inscripto look into matters as soon as you think proper. I tion on the door-posts, DOYCE AND CLENNAM; when have undertaken to explain where you may want it appeared even to Clennam himself, that he had explanation, but to be strictly impartial, and to do had the affairs of the firm in his mind for years. nothing more." The little counting-house reserved for his own ocThey began their perquisitions in Bleeding Heart cupation, was a room of wood and glass at the end Yard that same forenoon. Little peculiarities were of a long low workshop, filled with benches, and easily to be detected by experienced eyes in Mr. vises, and tools, and straps, and wheels; which, when Doyce's way of managing his affairs, but they al- they were in gear with the steam-engine, went tearmost always involved some ingenious simplification ing round as though they had a suicidal mission to of a difficulty, and some plain road to the desired grind the business to dust and tear the factory to end. That his papers were in arrear, and that he pieces. A communication of great trap-doors in the stood in need of assistance to develop the capacity floor and roof with the workshop above and the of his business, was clear enough; but all the re- workshop below, made a shaft of light in this persults of his undertakings during many years were spective, which brought to Clennam's mind the distinctly set forth, and were ascertainable with child's old picture-book, where similar rays were the ease. Nothing had been done for the purposes of witnesses of Abel's murder. The noises were suffithe pending investigation; every thing was in its ciently removed and shut out from the counting-,genuine working dress, and in a certain honest rug- house to blend into a busy hum, interspersed with ged order. The calculations and entries, in his own periodical clinks and thumps. The patient figures hand, of which there were many, were bluntly writ- at work were swarthy with the filings of iron and ten, and with no very neat precision; but were al- steel that danced on every bench and bubbled up 122 LITTLE DORRIT. through every chink in the planking. The work- rior to China not to be denied and much nearer shop was arrived at by a step-ladder from'the outer though higher up!" yard below, where it served as a shelter for the "I am very happy to see you," said Clennamn, large grindstone where tools were sharpened. The "and I thank you, Flora, very much for your kind whole had at once a fanciful and practical air in remembrance." Clennam's. eyes which was a welcome change; and, " More than I can say myself at any rate," returnas often as he raised them from his first work of get- ed Flora, "for I might have been dead and buried ting the array of business documents into perfect twenty distinct times over and no doubt whatever order, he glanced at these things with a feeling of should have been before you had genuinely remernpleasure in his pursuit that was new to him. bered Me or any thing like it in spite of which one Raising his eyes thus one day, he was surprised to last remark I wish to make, one last explanation I see a bonnet laboring up the step-ladder. The nuns- wish to offer-" ual apparition was followed by another bonnet. He "My dear Mrs. Finching," Arthur remonstrated in then perceived that the first bonnet was on the head alarm. of Mr. F.'s Aunt, and that the second bonnet was on "Oh not that disagreeable name, say Flora!" the head of Flora, who seemed to have propelled her "Flora, is it worth troubling yourself afresh to legacy up the steep ascent with considerable diffi- enter into explanations? I assure you none are culty. needed. I am satisfied-I am perfectly satisfied." Though not altogether enraptured at the sight of A diversion was occasioned here, by Mr. F.'s Aunt these visitors, Clennam lost no time in opening the making the following inexorable and awful stats counting-house door, and extricating them from the ment: workshop; a rescue which was rendered the more "There's mile-stones on the Dover road!" necessary by Mr. F.'s Aulnt already stumbling over With such mortal hostility toward the human some impediment, and menacing steam-power as an race did she discharge this missile, that Clennamn Institution with a stony reticule she carried. was quite at a loss how to defend himself; the rath" Good gracious, Arthur-I should say Mr. Clen- er as he had been already perplexed in his mind by nam, far more proper-the climb we have had to the honor of a visit from this venerable lady, when get up here and however to get down again without it was plain she held him in the utmost abhorrence. a fire-escape and Mr. F.'s Aunt slipping through the He could not but look at her with gisconcertment, steps and bruised all over and you in the machin- as she sat breathing bitterness and scorn, and starery and foundry way too only think, and never told ing leagues away. Flora, however, received the reus!" mark as if it had been of a most apposite and agreeThus Flora, out of breath. Meanwhile, Mr. F.'s able nature; approvingly observing aloud that Mr. Aunt rubbed her esteemed insteps with her umbrel- F.'s Aunt had a great deal of spirit. Stimulated eila, and vindictively glared. ther by this compliment, or by her burning indigna"Most unkind never to have come back to see us tion, that illustrious woman then added, "Let him since that day, though naturally it was not to be meet it if he can!" And, with a rigid movement of expected that there should be any attraction at our her stony reticule (an appendage of great size, and house and you were much more pleasantly engaged, of a fossil appearance), indicated that Clennam was that's pretty certain, and is she fair or dark blue the unfortunate person at whom the challenge was eyes or black I wonder, not that I expect that she hurled. should be any thing but a perfect contrast to me in " One last remark," resumed Flora, "I was going all particulars for I am a disappointment as I very to say I wish to make one last explanation I wish well know and you are quite right to be devoted no to offer, Mr. F.'s Aunt and myself would not have indoubt though what I am saying Arthur never mind truded on business hours Mr. F. having been in busI hardly know myself Good gracious!" iness and though the wine trade still business is By this time he had placed chairs for them in the equally business call it what you will and business counting-house. As Flora dropped into hers, she habits are just the same as witness Mr. F. himself bestowedthe old look upon him. who had his slippers always on the mat at ten min"And to think of Doyce and Clennam, and who utks before six in the afternoon and his boots inside Doyce can be," said Flora; "delightful man no the fender at ten minutes before eight in the morndoubt and married perhaps or perhaps a daughter, ing to the moment in all weathers light or darknow has he really? then one understands the part- would not therefore have intruded without a motive nership and sees it all, don't tell me any thing about which being kindly meant it may be hoped will bet it for I know I have no claims to ask the question kindly taken Arthur, Mr. Clennam far more proper, the golden chain that once was forged, being snap- even Doyce and Clennam probably more businessped and very proper." like." Flora put her hand tenderly on his, and gave him "Pray say nothing in the way of apology," Arthur another of the youthful glances. entreated. "You are always welcome." " Dear Arthur-force of habit, Mr. Clennam every "Very polite of you to say so Arthur-can not reway more delicate and adapted to existing circum- member Mr. Clennam until the word is out, such is stances-I must beg to be excused for taking the the habit of times forever fled, and so true it is that liberty of this intrusion but I thought I might so oft in the stilly night ere slumber's chain has bound far presume upon old times forever faded never people, fond memory brings the light of other days more to bloom as to call with Mr. F.'s Aunt to con- around people-very polite but more polite than gratulate and offer best wishes, A great deal supe- true I am afraid, for to go into the machinery busi THE PATRIARCH AND TUG,. 123 ness without so much as sending a line or a card to to mention Little Dorrit to you, was he? What; did papa-I don't say me though there was a time but he say?" that is past and stern reality has now my gracious "Oh you know what papa is,"' rejoined Flora, never mind-does not look like it you must confess." "and how aggravatingly he sits looking beautiful Even Flora's commas seemed to have fled on this and turning his thumbs over and over one another occasion; she was so much more disjointed and vol- till he makes one giddy if one keeps one's eyes upon uble than in the preceding interview. him, he said when we were talking of you —I don't "Though indeed," shel hurried on, " nothing else know who began the subject Arthur (Doyce and iF to be expected and why should it be expected, Clennam) but I am sure it wasn't me, at least I hope and if it's not to be expected why should it be, and not but you really must excuse my confessing more I am far from blaming you or any one, When your on that point." mamma and my papa worried us to death and sev- " Certainly," said Arthur. " By all means." ered the golden bowl-I mean bond but Idlare say "You are very ready," pouted Flora, coming to a you know what I mean and if you don't you don't sudden stop in a captivating bashfulness, "that I lose much and care just as little I will venture to must admit, Papa said you had spoken of her in an add —when they severed the golden bond that bound earnest way and I said what I have told you and us and threw us into fits of crying on the sofa near- that's all."' ly choked at least myself every thing was changed "That's all?" said Arthur, a little disappointed. and in giving my hand to Mr. F. I know I did so "Except that when Pancks told us of your havwith my eyes open but he was so very unsettled and inug embarked in this business and with difficulty in such low spirits that he had distractedly alluded persuaded us that it was really you I said to Mr. F.'s to the river if not oil of something from the chem- Aunt then we would come and ask you if it would ist's and I did it for the best." be agreeable to all parties that she should be en"My good Flora, we settled that before. It was gaged at our house when required for I know she all quite'right." often goes to your mamma's and I know that your "It's perfectly clear you think so," returned Flora, mamma has a very touchy temper. Arthur-Doyce "for you take it very coolly, if I hadn't known it to and Clennam-or I never might have married Mr. F. be China I should have guessed myself the Polar re- and might have been at this hour but I am running gions, dear Mr. Clennam you are right however and into nonsense." I can not blame you but as to Doyce and Clennam " It was very kind of you, Flora, to think of this." papa's property being about here we heard it from Poor Flora rejoined with a plain sincerity which Pancks and but for him we never should have heard became her better than her youngest glances, that one word about it I am satisfied." she was glad he thought so. She said it with so " No, no, don't say that." much heart, that Clennam would have given a great "What nonsense not to say it Arthur-Doyce and deal to buy his old character of her on the spot, and Clennam-easier and less trying to me than Mr. throw it and the mermaid away forever. Clennam-when I know it and you know it too and "I think, Flora," he said, "that the employment can't deny it." you can give Little Dorrit, and the kindness you can "But I do deny it, Flora. I should soon have' show her-" made you a firiendly visit." "Yes and I will," said Flora, quickly. "Ah!" said Flora, tossing her head. " I dare say!" "I am sure of it-will be a great assistance and and she gave him another of the old looks. " How- support to her. I do not, feel that I have a right ever when Pancks told us I made up my mind that to tell you what I know of her, for I acquired the Mr. F.'s Aunt and I would come and call because knowledge confidentially, and under circumstances when papa-which was before that —happened to that bind me to. silence. But I have an interest in mention her name to me and say that you were in- the little creature, and a respect for her that I can terested in her I said at the moment Good gracious not:express to you. Her life has been one of such why not have her here then when there's any thing trial and devotion, and such quiet goodness, as you to do instead of putting it out." canll scarcely imagine. I can hardly think of her, "When you say Her," observed Clennam, by this far less speak of her, without feeling moved. Let time pretty well bewildered, "do you mean Mr. that feeling represent what I could tell you, and F.'s —" commit her to your friendliness with my thanks." "My goodness, Arthur-Doyce and Cleunam real- Once more he put out his hand frankly to poor ly easier to me with old remembrances-who ever Flora; once more poor Flora couldn't accept it heard of Mr. F.'s Aunt doing needle-work and going frankly, found it worth nothing -openly, must make out by the day!" the old intrigue and:mystery of it. As much to her " Going out by the day! Do you speak of Little own enjoyment as to his dismay, she covered it with Dorrit?" a corner of her shawl as she took it. Then, looking "W Vhy yes of course," returned Flora; " and of all toward the glass front of the counting-house, and the strangest names I ever heard the strangest, like seeing two.figures approaching, she cried with infia place down in the country with a turnpike, or a nite relish, " Papa! Hush, Arthur, for Mercy's sake!" favorite pony or a puppy or a bird or something and tottered back to her chair with an amazing imi-.from a seed-shop to be put in a garden or a flower- tation of being in danger of swooning, in the dread pot and come iup speckled." surprise and maidenly flutter of her spirits. "Then, Flora," said Arthur, with a sudden inter- The Patriarch meanwhile came inanely beaming est in the conversation, "Mr. Casby was so kind as toward the counting-house, in the wake of Paucks. 124 LITTLE DORRIT. Pancks opened the door for him, towed him in, and Mr. F.'s Aunt, who had been sitting upright in cataretired to his own moorings in a corner. leptic state since her last public remark. She now "I heard from Flora," said the Patriarch, with his underwent a violent twitch, calculated to produce a benevolent smile, "that she was coming to call, com- startling effect on the nerves of the uninitiated, and ing to call. And being out, I thought I'd come also, with the deadliest animosity observed: thought I'd come also." "You can't make a head and brains out of a brass The benign wisdom he infused into this declara- knob with nothing in it. You couldn't do it when tion (not of itself profound), by means of his blue your Uncle George was living: much less when he's eyes, his shining head, and his long white hair, was dead." most impressive. It seemed worth putting down Mr. Pancks was not slow to reply, with his usual among the noblest sentiments enunciated by the calmness, "Indeed, ma'am! Bless my soul! I'm best of men. Also, when he said to Clennam, seat- surprised to hear it." Despite his presence of mind, ing himself in the proffered chair, "And you are in a however, the speech of Mr. F.'s Aunt produced a new business, Mr. Clennam? I wish you well, sir, I depressing effect on the little assembly; firstly, bewish you well!" he seemed to have done benevolent cause it was impossible to disguise that Clennam's wonders. unoffending head was the particular temple of rea"Mrs. Finching has been telling me, sir," said Ar- son depreciated; and secondly, because nobody ever thur, after making his acknowledgments; the rel- knew on these occasions whose Uncle George was ict of the late M. F. meanwhile protesting, with a referred to, or what spectral presence might be ingesture, against his use of that respectable name; voked under that appellation. "that she hopes occasionally to employ the young Therefore Flora said, though still not without a needle - woman you recommended to my mother. certain boastfulness and triumph in her legacy, that For which I have been thanking her." Mr. F.'s Aunt was "very lively to-day, and she The Patriarch turning his head in a lumbering thought they had better go." But, Mr. F.'s Aunt way toward Pancks, that assistant put up the note- proved so lively as to take the suggestion in unexbook in which he had been absorbed, and took him pected dudgeon and declare that she would not go; in tow. adding, with several injurious expressions, that if "You didn't recommend her, you know," said "He "-too evidently meaning Clennam-wanted to Pancks; "how could you? You knew nothing get rid of her, "let him chuck her out of winder;" about her, you didn't. The name was mentioned to and urgently expressing her desire to see "Him" you, and you passed it on. That's what you did." perform that ceremony. "Well!" said Clennam. "As she justifies any In this dilemma, Mr. Pancks, whose resources aprecommendation, it is much the same thing." peared equal to any emergency in the patriarchal "You are glad she turns out well," said Pancks, waters, slipped on his hat, slipped out at the count"but it wouldn't have been your fault if she had ing-house door, and slipped in again a moment afterturned out ill. The credit's not yours as it is, and ward with an artificial freshness upon him, as if he the blame wouldn't have been yours as it might had been in the country for some weeks. "Why, have been. You gave no guarantee. You knew bless my heart, ma'am!" said Mr. Pancks, rubbing nothing about her."'up his hair in great astonishment, "is that you? " You are not acquainted, then," said Arthur, haz- How do you do, ma'am? You are looking charmarding a random question, "with any of her family?" ing to-day! I am delighted to see you. Favor me "Acquainted with any of her family?" returned with your arm, ma'am; we'll have a little walk toPancks. " How should you be acquainted with any gether, you and me, if you'll honor me with your of her family? You never heard of'em. You can't company." And so escorted Mr. F.'s Aunt down the be acquainted with people you never heard of, can private staircase of the counting-house, with great you.? You should think not!" gallantry and success. The patriarchal Mr. Casby All this time the Patriarch sat serenely smiling; then rose with the air of having done it himself, nodding or shaking his head benevolently, as the and blandly followed: leaving his daughter, as she case required. followed in her turn, to remark to her former lover "As to being a reference," said Pancks, "you know in a distracted whisper (which she very much enin a general way, what being a reference means. It's joyed), that they had drained the cup of life to the all your eye, that is! Look at your tenants down dregs; and further to hint mysteriously that the the Yard here. They'd all be references for one an- late Mr. F. was at the bottom of it. other, if you'd let'em. What would be the good of Alone again, Clennam became a prey to his old letting'em? It's no satisfaction to be done by two doubts in reference to his mother and Little Dormen instead of one. One's enough. A person who rit, and revolved the old thoughts and suspicions. can't pay, gets another person who can't pay, to They were all in his mind, blending themselves guarantee that he can pay. Like a person with with the duties he was mechanically discharging, two wooden legs, getting another person with two when a shadow on his papers caused him to look wooden legs, to guarantee that he has got two nat- up for the cause. This cause was Mr. Pancks. ural legs. It don't make either of them able to do With his hat thrown back upon his ears as if his a walking-match. And four wooden legs are more wiry prongs of hair had darted up like springs and troublesome to you than two, when you don't want cast it off, with his jet-black beads of eyes inquisiany." Mr. Pancks concluded by blowing off that tively sharp, with the fingers of his right hand in steam of his. his mouth that he might bite the nails, and with the A momentary silence that ensued was broken by fingers of his left hand in reserve in his pocket for MR. PANCKS'S PROPRIETOR. 125 another course, Mr. Pancks cast his shadow through matter of business, for information. Say, Plornish, the glass upon the books and papers. though six weeks in arrear to my proprietor, deMr. Pancks asked, with a little inquiring twist of clines. Say Mrs. Plornish declines. Say, both rehis head, if he might come in again? Clennam re- fer to Mr. Clennam. Put the case." plied with a nod of his head in the affirmative. Mr. "Well?" Pancks worked his way in, came alongside the desk, " Well, sir," returned Pancks, " say, I come to him. made himself fast by leaning his arms upon it, and Say, here I am." started conversation with a puff and a snort. With those prongs of hair sticking up all over his "Mr. F.'s Aunt is appeased, I hope?" said Clen- head, and his breath coming and going very hard nam. and short, the busy Pancks fell back a step (in Tug "All right, sir," said Pancks. metaphor, took half a turn astern) as if to show his "I am so unfortunate as to have awakened a dingy hull complete, then forged ahead again, and strong animosity in the breast of that lady," said directed his quick glance by turns into his hat Clennam. "Do you know why?" where his note-book was, and into Clennam's face. "Does she know why?" said Pancks. "Mr. Pancks, not to trespass on your ground of "I suppose not." mystery, I will be as plain with you as I can. Let "I suppose not," said Pancks. me ask two questions. First —" He took out.his note-book, opened it, shut it, "All right!" said Pancks, holding up his dirty dropped it into his hat, which was beside him on forefinger with its broken nail. "I see!'What's the desk, and looked in at it as it lay at the bottom your motive?'" of the hat:.all with a great appearance of consid- "Exactly." eration. "Motive," said Pancks, "good. Nothing to do "Mr. Clennam," he then began, "I am in want of with my proprietor; not statable at present, ridicinformation, sir." ulous to state at present; but good. Desiring to "Connected with this firm?" asked Clennam. serve young person, name of Dorrit," said Pancks, "No," said Pancks. with his forefinger still up as a caution. "Better "With what then, Mr. Pancks? That is to say, admit motive to be good." assuming that you want it of me." "Secondly, and lastly, what do you want to "' Yes, sir; yes, I want it of you," said Pancks, " if know?" I can persuade you to furnish it. A, B, C, D. DA, Mr. Pancks fished up his note-book before the DE, DI, DO. Dictionary order. Dorrit. That's question was put, and buttoning it with care in an the name, sir." inner breast-pocket, and looking straight at ClenMr. Pancks blew off his peculiar noise again, and nam all the time, replied with a pause and a puff) fell to at his right - hand nails. Arthur looked "I want supplementary information of any sort." searchingly at him; he returned the look. Clennam could not withhold a smile, as the pant" I don't understand you, Mr. Pancks." ing little steam-tug, so useful to that unwieldy ship "That's the name that I want to know about." the Casby, waited on and watched him as if it were "And what do you want to know?" seeking an opportunity of running in and rifling "Whatever you can and will tell me." This him of all it wanted, before he could resist its macomprehensive summary of his desires was not dis- nceuvres; though there was that in Mr. Pancks's charged without some heavy laboring on the part eagerness, too, which awakened many wondering of Mr. Pancks's machinery. speculations in his mind. After a little considera"This is a singular visit, Mr. Pancks. It strikes tion, he resolved to supply Mr. Pancks with such me as rather extraordinary that you should come, leading information as it was in his power to imwith such an object, to me." part to him; well knowing that Mr. Paucks, if he " It may be all extraordinary together," returned failed in his present research, was pretty sure to Pancks.'It may be out of the ordinary course, find other means of getting it. and yet be business. In short, it is business. I am He, therefore, first requesting Mr. Pancks to rea man of business. What business have I in this member his voluntary declaration that his propriepresent world, except to stick to business? No tor had no part in the disclosure, and that his own business." intentions were good (two declarations which that With his former doubt whether this dry hard per- coaly little gentleman with the greatest ardor resonage were quite in earnest, Clennam again turned peated), openly told him that as to the Dorrit linehis eyes attentively upon his face. It was as scrub- age or former place of habitation he had no inforby and dingy as ever, and as eager and quick as ever, mation to communicate, and that his knowledge of and he could see nothing lurking in it that was at all the family did not extend beyond the fact that it expressive of a latent mockery that had seemed to appeared to be now reduced to five members; namestrike upon his ear in the voice. ly, to two brothers, of whom one was single, and "Now," said Pancks, "to put this business on its one a widower with three children. The ages of own footing, it's not my proprietor's." the whole family he made known to Mr. Pancks, as "Do you refer to Mr. Casby as your proprietor?" nearly as he could guess at them; and finally he Pancks nodded. "My proprietor. Put a case. described to him the position of the Father of the Say, at my proprietor's I hear name-name of young Marshalsea, and the course of time and events person Mr. Clennam wants to serve. Say, name first through which he had become invested with that mentioned to my proprietor by Plornish in the Yard. character. To all this, Mr. Paucks, snorting and Say, I go to Plornish. Say, I ask Plornish, as a blowing in a more and more portentous maniser as 126 LITTLE DORRIT. he became more interested, listened with great at- Throughout the remainder of the day, Bleeding tention; appearing to derive the most agreeable Heart Yard was in consternation, as the grim Pancks sensations from the painfullest parts of the narra- cruised in it; haranguing the inhabitants on their tive, and particularly to be quite charmed by the backslidings in respect of payment, demanding his account of William Dorrit's long imprisonment. bond, breathing notices to quit and executions, run"In conclusion, Mr. Pancks,"'said Arthur, I"I have ning down defaulters, sending a swell of terror on but to say this. I have reasons beyond a personal before him, and leaving it in his wake. Knots of regard, for speaking as little as I can of the Dorrit people, impelled by a fatal attraction, lurked outside family, particularly at my mother's house" (Mr. any house in which he was known to be, listening Pancks nodded), "and for knowing as much as I for fragments of his discourses to the inmates; and, can. So devoted a man of business as you are- when he was rumored to be coming down the stairs, eh?" often could not disperse so quickly but that he For, Mr. Pancks had suddenly made that blowing would be prematurely in among them, demanding effort with unusual force. their own arrears, and rooting them to the spot. "It's nothing," said Pancks. Throughout the remainder of the day, Mr. Pancks's "So devoted a man of business as yourself has a What were they up to? and What did they mean perfect understanding of a fair bargain. I wish to by it? sounded all over the Yard. Mr. Paneks make a fair bargain with you, that you shall en- wouldn't heat of excuses, wouldn't hear of comlighten me concerning the Dorrit family, when you plaints, wouldn't hear of repairs,,wouldn't hear of have it in your power, as I have enlightened you. any thing but unconditional money down. PerIt may not give you a very flattering idea of my spiring and puffing and darting about in eccentric business habits, that I failed to make my terms be- directions, and becoming hotter and dingier every forehand," continued Clennam; "but I prefer to moment, he lashed the tide of the Yard into a most make them a point of honor. I have seen so much agitated and turbid state. It had not settled down business done on sharp principles that, to tell you into calm water again, full two hours after he had the truth, Mr. Pancks, I am tired of them." been seen fuming away on the horizon at the top Mr. Pancks laughed. "It's a bargain, sir," said of the steps. he. " You shall find me stick to it." There were several small assemblages of the After that, he stood a little while looking at Clen- Bleeding Hearts at the popular points of meeting nam, and biting his ten nails all round; evidently in the Yard that night, among whom it was univerwhile he fixed in his mind what he had been told, sally agreed that Mr. Pancks was a hard man to and went over it carefully before the means of sup- have to do with; and that it was much to be replying a gap in his memory should be no longer at gretted, so it was, that~a gentleman like Mr. Casby hand. " It's all right," he said at last, " and now I'll should put his rents in his hands, and never know wish you good-day, as it's collecting-day in the Yard. him in his true light. For (said the Bleeding By-the-bye, though. A lame foreigner with a stick." Hearts), if a gentleman with that head of hair and "Ay, ay. You do take a reference sometimes, I them eyes took his rents into his own hands, ma'am, see?" said Clennam. there would be none of this worriting and wearing, " When he can pay, sir," replied Pancks. "Take aund things would be very different. all you can get, and keep back all you can't be At which identical evening hour and minute, the forced to give up. That's business. The lame for- Patriarch-who had floated serenely through the eigner with the stick wants a top room down in the Yard in the forenoon before the harryinug began, Yard. Is he good for it?" with the express design of getting up this trust"I am," said Clennam, "and I will answer for fulness in his shining bumps and silken locks —at him." which identical hour and minute, that first-rate " That's enough. What I must have of Bleeding humbug of a thousand guns was heavily flounderHeart Yard," said Pancks, making a note of the case ing in the little Dock of his exhausted Tug at home, in his book, " is my bond. I want my bond, you and was saying, as he turned his thumbs: see. Pay up, or produce your property! That's "A very bad day's work, Pancks, very bad day's the watch-word down in the Yard. The lame for- work. It seems to me, sir, and I must insist on eigner with the stick represented that you sent making the observation forcibly, in justice to myhim; but he could represent (as far as that goes) self, that you ought to have got much -more money, that the Great Mogul sent him. He has been in much more money." the Hospital, I believe?" "Yes. Through having met with an accident. He is only just now discharged." " It's pauperizing a man, sir, I have been shown, CHAPTER XXIV. to let him into a Hospital?" said Pancks. And again blew off that remarkable sound. " I have been shown so too," said Clennam, coldly. f- ITTLE DORRIT received a call that same evenMr. Pancks, being by that time quite ready for a Ling from Mr. Plornish, who, having intimated start, got under steam in a moment, and, without that he wished to speak to her, privately, in a series any other signal or ceremony, was snorting down of coughs so very noticeable as to favor the idea the step-ladder and working into Bleeding Heart that her father, as regarded her seamstress occupaYard, before he seemed to be well out of the count- tion, was an illustration of the axiom that there are ing-honse. no such stone-blind men as those who will not see, SHE WAITS UPON FLORA. 127 obtained an audience with her on the common stair- there found a breakfast-table comfortably laid for case outside the door. two, with a supplementary tray upon it laid for one. "There's been a lady at our place to-day, Miss The young woman, disappearing for a few moments, Dorrit," Plornish growled,- "and another one along returned to say that she was to please to take a with her as is a old wixen if ever I met with chair by the fire, and to take off her bonnet and such. The way she snapped a person's head off, make herself at home. But Little Dorrit being dear me!" bashful, and not used to make herself at home on The mild Plornish was at first quite unable to get such occasions, felt at a loss how to do it; so she his mind away from Mr. F.'s Atunt. " For," said he, was still sitting near the door with her bonnet on, to excuse himself, " she is, I do assure you, the wine- when Flora came iu in a hurry, half an hour aftergariest party!" ward. At length, by a great effort, he detached himself Flora was so sorry to have kept her waiting, and from the subject sufficiently to observe: good gracious why did she sit out there in the cold "But she's neither here nor there just at present. when she had expected to find her by the fire readThe other lady, she's Mr. Casby's daughter; and if ing the paper, and hadn't that heedless girl given Mr.. Casby an't well off, none better, it an't through her the message then, and had she really been in any fault of Pancks. For, as to Pancks, he does, he her bonnet all this time, and pray for goodness' sake really does, he does indeed!" let Flora take it off! Flora taking it off in the bestMr. Plornish, after his usual manner, was a little natured manner in the world, was so, struck by the obscure, but:conscientiously emphatic. face disclosed, that she said, "Why, what a good " And what she come to our place for," he pur- little thing you are, my dear!" and pressed the face sued, "was to leave word that if Miss Dorrit would between her hands like the gentlest of women. step up to that card-which it's Mr. Casby's house It was the word and the action of a moment. Litthat is, and Pancks he has a office at the back, where tle Dorrit had hardly time to think how kind it was, he really does, beyond belief-she would be glad for when Flora dashed at the breakfast-table, full of to engage her. She was a old and dear friend, she business, and plunged over head and ears into losaid particular, of Mr. Clennam, and hoped for to quacity. prove herself a. useful friend to his friend. Them "Really so sorry that I should happen to be late was her words. Wishing to know whether Miss on this morning of all miornings because my intenDorrit could come to-morrow morning, I said I would tion and my wish was to be ready to meet you when see you, miss, and inquire, and look-round there to- you came in and to say that any one that interested night to say yes, or, if you was engaged to-morrow, Arthur Clennam half so much must interest me and when." that I gave you the heartiest welcome and was so "I can go to-morrow, thank you," said Little Dor- glad, instead of which they never called me and rit. " This is very kind of you, but you are always there I still am snoring I dare say if the truth was kind." known and if you don't like either cold fowl or hot Mr. Plornish, with a modest disavowal of his mer- boiled ham which many people don't I dare say its, opened the room door for her re-admission, and besides Jews and theirs are scruples of conscience followed her in with such an exceedingly bald pre- which we must all respect though I must say I wish tense of not having been out at all, that her father they had them equally strong when they sell us might have observed it without being very suspi- false articles for real that certainly ain't worth the cious. In his affable unconsciousness, however, he money I shall be quite vexed," said Flora. took no heed. Plornish, after a little conversation, Little Dorrit thanked her, and said, shyly, breadin which he blended his former duty as a Collegian and-butter and tea was all she usuallywith his present privilege as a humble outside friend, " Oh nonsense my dear child I can never hear of qualified again by his low estate as a plasterer, took that," said Flora, turning on the urn in the most his leave;.making the tour of the prison before he reckless manner, and making herself wink by splashleft, and looking on at a game of skittles, with the ing hot water into her eyes as she bent down to look mixed feelings of an old inhabitant who had his pri- into the tea-pot. " You are come here on the footvate reasons for believing that it might be his des- ing of a friend and companion you know if you will tiny to come back.again. let me take that liberty and I should be ashamed of Early in the morning Little Dorrit, leaving Mag- myself indeed if you could come here upon any othgy in high domestic trust, set off for the Patriarchal er, besides which Arthur Clennam spoke in such tent. She went by the Iron Bridge, though it cost terms-you are tired my dear." her a penny, and walked more slowly in that part "No, ma'am." of her journey than in any other. At five minutes "You turn so pale you have walked too far before before eight, her hand was on the Patriarchal knock- breakfast and I dare say live a great way off and er, which was quite as high as she could reach. ought to have had a ride," said Flora, " dear dear is She gave Mrs. Finching's card to the young wom- there any thing that would do you good?" an who opened the door, and the young woman told "Indeed I am quite well, ma'am. I thank you her that "Miss Flora "-Flora having, on her return again and again, but I am quite well." to the parental roof, reinvested herself with the title "Then take your tea at once I beg," said Flora, under which she had lived there-was not yet out "and this wing of fowl and bit of ham, don't mind of her bedroom, but she was to please to walk up me or wait for me because I always carry in this tray into Miss Flora's sitting-room.. She walked up into myself to Mr. F.'s Aunt who breakfasts in bed and a Miss Flora's sitting-room, as in duty bound, and charming old lady too and very clever, Portrait of 128 LITTLE DORRIT. Mr. F. behind the door and -very like though too like Fate in a go-cart-shocking comparison really much forehead and as to a pillar with a marble — invalid and not her fault-I never know or can pavement and balustrades and a mountain I never imagine." saw him near it nor not likely in the wine-trade, ex- "Shall I find my work anywhere, ma'am?" asked cellent man but not at all in thtat way." Little Dorrit, looking timidly about; " can I get it?" Little Dorrit glanced at the portrait, very imper- "You industrious little fairy," returned Flora, takfectly following the references to that work of art. ing, in another cup of tea, another of the doses pre"Mr. F. was so devoted to me that he never could scribed by her medical man, " there's not the slightbear me out of his sight," said Flora, "though of est hurry and it's better that we should begin by becourse I am unable to say how long that might have ing confidential about our mutual friend-too cold a lasted if he hadn't been cut short while I was a new word for me at least I don't mean that, very proper broom, worthy man but not poetical manly prose but expression mutual friend -than become through not romance." mere formalities not you but me like the Spartan Litte Dorrit glanced at the portrait again. The boy with the fox biting him, which I hope you'll exartist had given it a head that would have been, in cuse my bringing up for of all the tiresome boys that an intellectual point of view, top-heavy for Shaks- will go tumbling into every sort of company that peare. boy's the tiresomest." "Romance, however," Flora went on, busily ar- Little Dorrit, her face very pale, sat down again ranging Mr. F.'s Aunt's toast, "as I openly said to to listen. "Hadn't I better work the while?" she Mr. F. when he proposed to me and you will be sur- asked. "I can work and attend too. I would rathprised to hear that he proposed seven times once in er, if I may." a hackney coach once in a boat once in a pew once Her earnestness was so expressive of her being unon a donkey at Tunbridge Wells and the rest on his easy without her work, that Flora answered, " Well knees, Romance was fled with the early days of Ar- my dear whatever you like best," and produced a thur Clennam, our parents tore us asunder we be- basket of white handkerchiefs. Little Dorrit gladly came marble and stern reality usurped the throne, put it by her side, took out her little pocket-houseMr. F. said very much to his credit that he was per- wife, threaded her needle, and began to hem. fectly aware of it and even preferred that state of " What nimble fingers you have," said Flora, " but things accordingly the word was spoken the fiat are you sure you are well?" went forth and such is life you see my dear and yet " Oh yes, indeed!" we do not break but bend, pray make a good break- Flora put her feet upon the fender,and settled fast while I go in with the tray." herself for a thorough good romantic disclosure. She disappeared, leaving Little Dorrit to ponder She started off at score, tossing her head, sighing over the meaning of her scattered words. She soon in the most demonstrative manner, making a great came back again; and at last began to take her own deal of use of her eyebrows, and occasionally, but breakfast, talking all the while. not often, glancing at the. quiet face that bent over "You see my dear," said Flora, measuring out a the work. spoonful or two of some brown liquid that smelledclike "You must know my dear," said Flora, " but that brandy, and putting it into her tea, " I am obliged I have no doubt you know already not only because to be careful to.follow the directions of my medical I have already thrown it out in a general way but man though the flavor is any thing but agreeable because I feel I carry it stamped in burning what'sbeing a poor creature and it may be have never re- his-names upon my brow that before I was introcovered the shock received in youth from too much duced to the late Mr. F. I had been engaged to Argiving way to crying in the next room when sepa- thur Clennam-Mr. Clennam in public where reserve rated from Arthur, have you known him long?" is necessary Arthur here-we were all in all to one As soon as Little Dorrit comprehended that she another it was the morning of life it was bliss it was had been asked this question -for which time was frenzy it was every thing else of that sort in the necessary, the galloping pace of her new patroness highest degree, when rent asunder we turned to having left her far behind-she answered that she stone in which capacity Arthur went to China and had known Mr. Clennam ever since his return. I became the statue bride of the late Mr. F." "To be sure you couldn't have known him before Flora, uttering these words in a deep voice, enjoyunless you had been in China or had corresponded ed herself immensely. neither of which is likely," returned Flora, " for tray- "To paint," said she, "the emotions of that morneling people usually get more or less mahogany and ing when all was marble within and Mr. F.'s Aunt you are not at all so and as to corresponding what followed in a glass-coach which it stands to reason about? that's very true unless tea, so it was at his must have been in shameful repair or it never could mother's was it really that you knew him first, high- have broken down two streets from the house and ly sensible and firm but dreadfillly severe-ought Mr. F.'s Aunt brought home like the fifth of Novemto be the mother of the man in the iron mask." ber in a rush-bottomed chair I will not attempt, suf"Mrs. Clennam has been kind to me," said Little fice it to say that the hollow form of breakfast took Dorrit. place in the dining-room down stairs that papa par" Really? I am sure I am glad to hear it because taking too freely of pickled salmon was ill for weeks as Arthur's mother it's naturally pleasant to my feel- and that Mr. F. and myself went upon a continental ings to have a better opinion of her than I had be- tour to Calais where the people fought for us on the fore, though what she thinks of me when I run on pier until they separated us though not forever that as I am certain to do and she sits glowering at me was not yet to be." THE STATUE BRIDE. 129 The statue bride, hardly pausing for breath, went if he still loves me or what the end is to be or when, on, with the greatest complacency, in a rambling we are surrounded by watchful eyes and it may be manner sometimes incidental to flesh and blood. that we are destined to pine asunder it may be never " I will draw a veil over that dreamy life, Mr. F. more to be reunited not a word not a breath not a was in good spirits his appetite was good he liked look to betray us all must be secret as the tomb the cookery he considered the wine weak but pala- wonder not therefore that even if I should seem table and all was well, we returned to the immediate comparatively cold to Arthur or Arthur should seem neighborhood of Number Thirty Little Gosling Street comparatively cold to me we have fatal reasons it is London Docks and settled down, ere we had yet ful- enough if we understand them hush!" ly detected the house-maid in selling the feathers All of which Flora said with so much headlong out of the spare bed Gout flying upward soared with vehemence as if she really believed it. There is not Mr. F. to another sphere." much doubt, that, when she worked herself into full His relict, with a glance at his portrait, shook her mermaid condition, she did actually believe what-.head and wiped her eyes. ever she said in it. "I revere the memory of Mr. F. as an estimable "Hush!" repeated Flora, "I have now told yon all, /'. W'd FLORA PUT HIER FEET UPON THu FENDER, AND SETTLED HERSELF FOR A THOROUGH GOOD ROMANTIO DISOLOSURE. man and most indulgent husband, only necessary to confidence is established between us hush, for Armention Asparagus and it appeared or to hint at any thur's sake I will always be a friend to you my dear little delicate thing to drink and it came like magic girl and in Arthur's name you may always rely upon in a pint bottle it was not ecstasy but it was com- me." fort, I returned to papa's roof and lived secluded if. The nimble fingers laid aside the work, and the not happy during some years until one day papa little figure rose and kissed her hand. "You are came smoothly blundering in and said that Arthur very cold," said Flora, changing to her own; natural Clennam awaited me below, I went below and found kind-hearted manner, and gaining greatly by the him ask me not what I found him except that he change. " Don't work to-day I am sure youl are not was still unmarried still unchanged!" well I am sure you are not strong." The dark mystery with which Flora now enshroud- " It is only that I feel a little overcome by your ed herself might have stopped other fingers than the kindness, and by Mr. Clennam's kindness in confidnimble fingers that worked near her. They worked ing me to one he has known and loved, so long." on, without pause, and the busy head bent over them "Well really my dear," said Flora, who had a dewatching the stitches. cided tendency to be always honest when she gave "Ask me not," said Flora, "if I love him still or herself time to think about it, " it's as well to leave 9 130 LITTLE DORRIT. that alone now, for I couldn't undertake to say after "No, thank you, sir," said Little Dorrit. all, but it doesn't signify lie down a little!" "Busy, I see," observed Mr. Pancks, stealing into "I have always been strong enough to do what I the room by inches. "What are those now, Miss want to do, and I shall be quite well directly," re- Dorrit?" turned Little Dorrit, with a faint smile. " You have " Handkerchiefs." overpowered me with gratitude, that's all. If I keep "Are they though?" said Pancks. "I shouldn't near the window for a moment, I shall be quite my- have thought it." Not in the least looking at them, self." but looking at Little Dorrit. "Perhaps you wonFlora opened a window, sat her in a chair by it, der who I am. Shall I tell you? I am a fortuneand considerately retired to her former place. It teller." was a windy day, and the air stirring on Little Dor- Little Dorrit now began to think he was mad. rit's face soon brightened it. In a very few min- "I belong body and soul to my proprietor," said utes she returned to her basket of work, and her Pancks; "you saw my proprietor having his dinner nimble fingers were as nimble as ever. below. But I do a little in the other way, someQuietly pursuing her task, she asked Flora if times; privately, very privately, Miss Dorrit." Mr. Clennam had told her where she lived? When Little Dorrit looked at him doubtfully, and not Flora replied in the negative, Little Dorrit said that without alarm. "I wish you would show me the she understood why he had been so delicate, but that palm of your hand," said Pancks. "I should like she felt sure he would approve of her confiding her to have a look at it. Don't let me be troublesecret to Flora, and that she would therefore do so some." now with Flora's permission. Receiving an encour- He was so far troublesome that he was not at all aging answer, she condensed the narrative of her wanted there, but she laid her work in her lap for a life into a few scanty words about herself, and a moment, and held out her left hand with the thimglowing eulogy upon her father; and Flora took it ble on it. all in with a natural tenderness that quite under- "Years of toil, eh?" said Pancks, softly, touching stood it, and in which there was no incoherence. it with his blunt forefinger. "But what else are When dinner-time came, Flora drew the' arm of we made for? Nothing. Halloo!" looking into the her new charge through hers, and led her down lines. "What's this with bars? It's a College! stairs, and presented her to the Patriarch and Mr. And what's this with a gray gown and a black velPancks, who were already in the dining-room wait- vet cap? It's a father! And what's this with a ing to begin. (Mr. F.'s Aunt was, for the time, laid clarionet? It's an uncle! And what's this in danup in ordinary in her chamber.) By those gentle- cing-shoes? It's a sister! And what's this stragmen she was received according to their characters; gling about in an idle sort of a way? It's a broththe Patriarch appearing to do her some inestimable er! And what's this thinking for'em all? Why, service in saying that he was glad to see her, glad this is you, Miss Dorrit!" to see her; and Mr. Pancks blowing off his favorite Her eyes met his as she looked up wonderingly sound as a salute. into his face, and she thought that although his In that new presence she would have been bash- were sharp eyes, he was a brighter and gentlerful enough under any circumstances, and particular- looking man than she had supposed at dinner. His ly under Flora's insisting on her drinking a glass of eyes were on her hand again directly, and her opwine and eating of the best that was there; but her portunity of confirming or correcting the impression constraint was greatly increased by Mr. Pancks. The was gone. demeanor of that gentleman at first suggested to her "Now, the deuce is in it," muttered Pancks, tramind that he might be a taker of likenesses, so intent- cing out a line in her hand with his clumsy finger, ly did he look at her, and so frequently did he glance "if this isn't me in the corner here! What do I at the little note-book by his side. Observing that he want here? What's behind me?" made ffo sketch, however, and that he talked about He carried his finger slowly down to the wrist, business only, she began to have suspicions that he and round the wrist, and affected to look at the represented some creditor of her father's, the'bal- back of the hand for what was behind him. ance due to whom was noted in that pocket volume. " Is it any harm?" asked Little Dorrit, smiling. Regarded from this point of view Mr. Pancks's puff- "Deuce a bit!" said Pancks. "What do you ings expressed injury and impatience, and each of think it's worth'?" his louder snorts became a demand for payment. " I ought to ask you that. I am not the fortuneBut here again she was undeceived by anomalous teller." and incongruous conduct on the part of Mr. Pancks "True," said Pancks. "What's it worth? You himself. She had left the table half an hour, and shall live to see, Miss Dorrit." was at work alone. Flora had " gone to lie down " Releasing the hand by slow degrees, he drew all in the next room, concurrently with which retire- his fingers through his prongs of hair, so that they ment a smell of something to drink had broken out stood up in their most portentous manner; and rein the house. The Patriarch was fast asleep, with peated slowly, " Remember what I say, Miss Dorrit. his philanthropic mouth open, under a yellow pock- You shall live to see." et-handkerchief in the dining-room. At this quiet She could not help showing that she was much time, Mr. Pancks softly appeared before her, urbane- surprised, if it were only by his knowing so much ly nodding. about her. "Find it a little dull, Miss Dorrit?" inquired "Ah! That's it!" said Pancks, pointing at her. Pancks, in a low voice. " Miss Dorrit, not that, ever!" PANCKS THE FORTUNE- TELLER.. 131 More surprised than before, and a little more and bind him. He could only stare, and sometimes frightened, she looked to him for an explanation of weakly mutter that it wouldn't be believed down his last words. Bleeding Heart Yard that this was Pancks; but he "Not that," said Pancks, making, with great seri- never said a word more, or made a sign more, even ousness, an imitation of a surprised look and man- to Little Dorrit. Mr. Pancks crowned his mysteries ner, that appeared to be unintentionally grotesque. by making himself acquainted with Tip in some un"Don't do that. Never on seeing me, no matter known manner, and taking a Sunday saunter into when, no matter where. I am nobody. Don't take the College on that gentleman's arm. Throughout on to mind me. Don't mention me. Take no no- he never took any notice of Little Dorrit, save once tice. Will you agree, Miss Dorrit?" or twice when he happened to come close to her, "I hardly know what to say," returned Little and there was no one very near; on which occaDorrit, quite astounded. " Why?" sions he said, in passing, with'friendly look and "Because I am a fortune-teller. Pancks the gyp- a puff of encouragement, "Pance s the gypsy-forsy. I haven't told you so much of your fortune yet, tune-telling." Miss Dorrit, as to tell you what's behind me on that Little Dorrit worked and strove as usual, wonderlittle hand. I have told you you shall live to see. ing at all this, but keeping her wonder, as she had Is it agreed, Miss Dorrit?" from her earliest years kept many heavier loads, in "Agreed that I-am-to-" her own breast. A change had stolen, and was "To take no notice of me away from here, unless stealing yet, over the patient heart. Every day I take on first. Not to mind me when I come and found her something more retiring than the day bego. It's very easy. I am no loss, I am not hand- fore. To pass in and out of the prison unnoticed, some, I am not good company, I am only my pro- and elsewhere to be overlooked and forgotten, were, prietor's grubber. You need do no more than think, for herself, her chief desires.'Ah! Pancks the gypsy at his fortune-telling-he'll To her own room too, strangely assorted room for tell the rest of my fortune one day-I shall live to her delicate youth and character, she was glad to know it.' Is it agreed, Miss Dorrit?" retreat as often as she could without desertion of "Ye-es," faltered Little Dorrit, whom he greatly any duty. There were afternoon times when she confused, "I suppose so, while you do no harm." was unemployed, when visitors dropped in to play " Good!" Mr. Paucks glanced at the wall of the a hand at cards with her father, when she could be adjoining room, and stooped forward. "Honest spared and was better away. Then she would flit creature, woman of capital points, but heedless and along the yard, climb the scores of stairs that led to a loose talker, Miss Dorrit." With that he rubbed her room, and take her seat at the window. Many his hands as if the interview had been very satis- combinations did those spikes upon the wall assume, factory to him, panted away to the door, and ur- many light shapes did the strong iron weave itself banely nodded himself out again. into, many golden touches fell upon the rust, while If Little Dorrit were beyond measure perplexed Little Dorrit sat there musing. New zigzags sprung by this curious conduct on the part of her new ac- into the cruel pattern sometimes, when she saw it quaintance, and by finding herself involved in this through a burst of tears; but beautiful or har4enped singular treaty, her perplexity was not diminished still, always over it and under it and through i~,she by ensuing circumstances. Besides that Mr. Pancks was fain to look in her solitude, seeing every thing took every opportunity afforded him in Mr. Casby's with that ineffaceable brand. house of significantly glancing at her and snorting A garret, and a Marshalsea garret without comat her-which was not much, after what he had promise, was Little Dorrit's room. Beautifully kept, done already-he began to pervade her daily life. it was ugly in itself, and had little but cleanliness She saw him in the street constantly. When she and air to set it off; for what embellishment she went to Mr. Casby's, he was always there. When had ever been able to buy had gone to her father's she went to Mrs. Clennam's, he came there on any room. Howbeit, for this poor place she showed an pretense, as if to keep her in his sight. A week had increasing love; and to sit in it alone became her not gone by, when she found him, to her astonish- favorite rest. ment, in the Lodge one night, conversing with the Insomuch, that on a certain afternoon, during the turnkey on duty, and to all appearance one of his Pancks mysteries, when she was seated at her winfamiliar companions. Her next surprise was to find dow, and heard Maggy's well-known step coming up him equally at his ease within the prison; to hear the stairs, she was very much disturbed by the apof his presenting himself among the visitors at her prehension of being summoned away. As Maggy's father's Sunday levee; to see him arm in arm with step came higher up and nearer, she trembled and a Collegiate friend about the yard; to learn, from faltered; and it was as much as she could do to Fame, that he had greatly distinguished himself one speak, when Maggy at length appeared. evening at the social club that held its meetings in " Please, Little Mother," said Maggy, panting for the Snuggery, by addressing a speech to the mem- breath, "you must come down and see him. He's bers of that institution, singing a song, and treating here." the company to five gallons of ale-report madly "Who, Maggy?" added a bushel of shrimps. The effect on Mr. Plor- "Who, o' course Mr. Clennam. He's in your fanish of such of these phenomena as he became an ther's room, and he says to me, Maggy, will you be eye-witness of, in his faithful visits, made an impres- so kind and go and say it's only me?" sion on Little Dorrit only second to that produced "I am not very well, Maggy. I had better not by the phenomena themselves. They seemed to gag go. I am going to lie down. See! I lie down now 132 LITTLE DORRIT. to ease my head. Say, with my grateful regard, "Yes, he had plenty of them, and he had plenty that you left me so, or I would have come." of every thing." " Well, it an't very polite though, Little Mother," "Plenty of baked potatoes, for instance," said said the staring Maggy, "to turn your face away, Maggy. neither! " Plenty of every thing." Maggy was very susceptible to personal slights, "Lor!" chuckled Maggy, giving her knees a hug. and very ingenious in inventing them. "Putting "Wasn't it prime!" both your hands afore your face too!" she went on. "This King had a daughter, who was the wisest "If you can't bear the looks of a poor thing, it and most beautiful Princess that ever was seen. would be better to tell her so at once, and not go When she was a child she understood all her lessons and shut her out like that, hurting her feelings and before her masters taught them to her; and when breaking her heart at ten year old, poor thing!" she was grown up, she was the wonder of the world. " It's to ease mythead, Maggy." Now, near the Palace where this Princess lived, there "Well, and if you cry to ease your head, Little was a cottage in which there was a poor little tiny Mother, let me cry too. Don't go and have all the woman, who lived all alone by herself." crying to yourself," expostulated Maggy, " that an't "A old woman," said Maggy, with an unctuous not being greedy." And immediately began to blub- smack of her lips. ber. "No, not an old woman. Quite a young one." It was with some difficulty that she could be in- "I wonder she warn't afraid," said Maggy. "Go duced to go back with the excuse; but the promise on, please." of being told a story-of old her great delight-on "The Princess passed the cottage nearly every condition that she concentrated her faculties upon day, and whenever she went by in her beautiful carthe errand and left her little mistress to herself for riage, she saw the poor tiny woman spinning at her an hour longer, combined with a misgiving on Mag- wheel, and she looked at the tiny woman, and the gy's part that she had left her good temper at the tiny woman looked at her. So, one day she stopped bottom of the staircase, prevailed. So away she the coachman a little way from the cottage, and got went, muttering her message all the way to keep it out and walked on and peeped in at the door, and in her mind, and, at the appointed time, came back. there, as usual, was the tiny woman spinning at her "He was very sorry, I can tell you," she an- wheel, and she looked at the Princess, and the Prinnounced, "and wanted to send a doctor. And he's cess looked at her." coming again to-morrow he is, and I don't think "Like trying to stare one another out," said Maghe'll have a good, sleep to-night along o' hearing gy. "Please go on, Little Mother." about your head, Little Mother. Oh my! Ain't "The Princess was such a wonderful Princess you been a;crying!" that she had the power of knowing secrets, and she " I think I-haveq, a little, Maggy." said to the tiny woman, Why do you keep it there? "A little! Oh!" This showed her directly that the Princess knew "But Sit's all over now —all over for good, Maggy. why she lived all alone by herself spinning at her And my-head is much better and cooler, and I am wheel, and she kneeled down at the Princess's feet, qui::codmfortable. I am very glad I did not go and asked her never to betray her. So, the Princess down." said, I never will betray you. Let me see it. So, Her great staring child tenderly embraced her; the tiny woman closed the shutter of the cottage and having smoothed her hair, and bathed her fore- window and fastened the door, and, trembling from head and eyes with cold water (offices in which her head to foot for fear that any one should suspect awkward hands became skillfiul), hugged her again, her, opened a very secret place, and showed the exulted in her brighter looks, and stationed her in Princess a shadow." her chair by the window. Over against this chair, "Lor!" said Maggy. Maggy, with apoplectic exertions that were not at "It was the shadow of Some one who had gone by all required, dragged the box which was her seat long before: of Some one who had gone on far away on story-telling occasions, sat down upon it, hugged. quite out of reach, never, never to come back. It her own knees, and said, with a voracious appetite was bright to look at; and when the tiny woman for. stories, and with widely-opened eyes: showed it to the Princess, she was proud of it with "Now, Little Mother, let's have a good'un!" all her heart, as a great, great treasure. When the "What shall it be about, Maggy?" Princess had considered it a little while, she said to' Oh, let's have a Princess," said Maggy, " and let the tiny woman, And you keep watch over this, every her be a reg'lar one. Beyond all belief, you know!" day? And she cast down her eyes, and whispered, Little Dorrit considered for a moment; and with Yes. Then the Princess said, Remind me why. To a rather sad smile upon her face, which was flushed which the other replied, that no one so good and by the sunset, began,: kind had ever passed, that way, and that was why in "Maggy, there was once upon a time a fine King, the beginning. She said, too, that nobody missed it, and he had every thing he could wish for, and a that nobody was the worse for it, that Some one had great deal more. He had gold and silver, diamonds gone on to those who were expecting him —" and rubies, riches of every kind. He had palaces, " Some one was a man, then?" interposed Maggy. and he had —" Little Dorrit timidly said yes, she believed so; and "Hospitals," interposed Maggoy, still nursing her resumed: knees. "Let him have hospitals, because they're so "-Had gone on to those who were expecting him, comfortable. Hospitals with lots of Chicking." and that this remembrance was stolen or kept back MR. PANCKS AND MISS RUGG. 133 from nobody. The Princess made answer, Ah! But CHAPTER XXV. when the cottager died it would be discovered there. CONSPIRATORS AND OTHERS. The tiny woman told her no; when that time came, it would sink quietly into her own grave, and would THE private residence of Mr. Pancks was in Pennever be found." tonville, where he lodged on the second-floor of "Well, to be sure!" said Maggy. " Go on, please." a professional gentleman in an extremely small way, "The Princess was very much astonished to hear who had an inner door within the street door, poised this, as you may suppose, Maggy." on a spring and starting open with a click like a ('" And well she might be," said Maggy.) trap; and who wrote up in the fan-light, RUGG, " So she resolved to watch the tiny woman, and GENERAL AGENT, ACCOUNTANT, DEBTS RECOVERED. see what came of it. Every day she drove in her This scroll, majestic in its severe simplicity, illubeautiful carriage by the cottage door, and there she minated a little slip of front garden abutting on the saw the tiny woman always alone by herself spinning thirsty high-road, where a few of the dustiest of at her wheel, and she looked at the tiny woman, and leaves hung their dismal heads and led a life of the tiny woman looked at her. At last one day the choking. A professor of writing occupied the firstwheel was still, and the tiny woman was not to be floor, and enlivened the garden railings with glass seen. When the Princess made inquiries why the cases containing choice examples of what his pupils wheel had stopped, and where the tiny woman was, had been before six lessons and while the whole of she was informed that the wheel had stopped because his young family shook the table, and what they had there was nobody to turn it, the tiny woman being become after six lessons when the young family was dead." under restraint. The tenancy of Mr. Pancks was (" They ought to have took her to the Hospital," limited to one airy bedroom; he covenanting and said Maggy, "and then she'd have got over it.") agreeing with Mr. Rugg his landlord, that in conThe Princess, after crying a very little for the sideration of a certain scale of payments accurately loss of the tiny woman, dried her eyes and got out of defined& and on certain verbal notice duly given, he her carriage at the place where she had stopped it should be at liberty to elect to share the Sunday before, and went to the cottage and peeped in at the breakfast, dinner, tea, or supper, or each or any or all door. There was nobody to look at her now, and of those repasts or meals, of Mr. and Miss Rugg (his nobody for her to look at, so she went in at once to daughter) in the back-parlor. search for the treasured shadow. But there was no Miss Rugg was a lady of a little property, which sign of it to be found anywhere; and then she knew she had acquired, together with much distinction in that the tiny woman had told her the truth, and that the neighborhood, by having her heart severely lacit would never give any body any trouble, and that erated and her feelings mangled by a middle-aged it had sunk quietly into her own grave, and that she baker, resident in the vicinity, against whom she and it were at-rest together. had, by the agency of Mr. Rugg, found it necessary " That's all, Maggy." to proceed at law to recover damages for a breach of The sunset flush was so bright on Little Dorrit's promise of marriage. The baker, having been, by the face when she came thus to the end of her story, that counsel for Miss Rugg, witheringly denounced on that she interposed her hand to shade it. occasion up to the full amount of twenty guineas, at "Had she got to be old?" Maggy asked. the rate of about eighteen-pence an epithet, and hayv"The tiny woman?" ing been cast in corresponding damages, still suffer-'Ah!" ed occasional persecution from the youth of Penton"I don't know," said little Dorrit. "But it would ville. But Miss Rugg, environed by the majesty of have been just the same, if she had been ever and the law, and having her damages invested in the ever so old." public securities, was regarded with consideration. "Would it, raly?" said Maggy. "Well, I suppose In the society of Mr. Rugg, who had a round white it would though." And sat staring and ruminating. visage, as if all his blushes had been drawn out of She sat so long with her eyes wide open, that at him long ago, and who had a ragged yellow head length Little Dorrit, to entice her from her box, rose like a worn-out hearth-broom; and in the society of and looked out of window. As she glanced down Miss Rugg, who had little nankeen spots, like shirt into the yard, she saw Pancks come in, and leer up buttons, all over her face, and whose own yellow with the corner of his eye as he went by. tresses were rather scrubby than luxuriant; Mr. " Who's he, Little Mother?" said Maggy. She had Pancks had usually dined on Sundays for some few joined her at the window and was leaning on her years, and had twice a week or so enjoyed an evenshoulder. "I see him come in and out often." ing collation of bread, Dutch cheese, and porter. Mr. "I have heard him called a fortune-teller," said Pancks was one of the very few marriageable men Little Dorrit. "But I doubt if he could tell many for whom Miss Rugg had no terrors, the argument people even their past or present fortunes." with which he re-assured himself being twofold; "Couldn't have told the Princess hers?" said Mag- that is to say, firstly, " that it wouldn't do twice," gy. and secondly, " that he wasn't worth it." Fortified Little Dorrit, looking musingly down into the dark within this double armor, Mr. Pancks snorted at valley of the prison, shook her head. Miss Rugg on easy terms. "Nor the tiny woman hers?" said Maggy. Up to this time, Mr. Pancks had transacted little "No," said Little Dorrit, with the sunset very or no business at his quarters in Pentonville, except bright upon her. "tBut let us come awvay from the in the sleeping line; but, now that he had become a window." fortune-teller, he was often closeted after midnight 134 LITTLE DORRIT. with Mr. Rugg in his little front-parlor office, and fact in his calendar. But he invited Young John to even after those untimely hours burned tallow in his dinner, and even brought him within range of the bedroom. Though his duties as his proprietor's grub- dangerous (because expensive) fascinations of Miss ber were in no wise lessened; and though that serv- Rugg. The banquet was appointed for a Sunday, ice bore no greater resemblance to a bed of roses and Miss Rugg with her own hands stuffed a leg of than was to be discovered in its many thorns, some mutton with oysters on the occasion, and sent it to new branch of industry made a constant demand the baker's-not the baker's, but an opposition esupon him. When he cast off the Patriarch at night, tablishment. Provision of oranges, apples, and nuts it was only to take an anonymous craft in tow, and was also made. And rum was brought home by Mr. labor away afresh in other waters. Pancks on Saturday night, to gladden the visitor's The advance from a personal acquaintance with heart. the elder Mr. Chivery, to an introduction to his ami- The store of creature comforts was not the chief able wife and disconsolate son, may have been easy; part of the visitor's reception. Its special feature but easy or not, Mr. Pancks soon made it. He nestled was a foregone family confidence and sympathy. in the bosom of the tobacco business within a week When Young John appeared at half-past one, withor two after his first appearance in the College, and out the ivory hand and waistcoat of golden sprigs, particularly addressed himself to the cultivation of the sun shorn of his beams by disastrous clouds, Mr. a good understanding with Young John. In this en- Pancks presented him to the yellow-haired Ruggs as deavor he so prospered as to lure that pining shep- the young man he had so often mentioned who loved herd forth from the groves, and tempt him to under- Miss Dorrit. take mysterious missions; on which he began to "I am glad," said Mr. Rugg, challenging him spedisappear at uncertain intervals for as long a space cially in that character, "to have the distinguished as two or three days together. The prudent Mrs. gratification of making your acquaintance, sir. Your Chivery, who wondered greatly at this change, would feelings do you honor. You are young; may you have protested against it as detrimental to the High- never outlive your feelings! If I was to outlive my land typification on the door-post, but for two forci- own feelings, sir," said Mr. Rugg, who was a man of ble reasons; one, that her John was roused to take many words, and was considered to possess a remarkstrong interest in the business which these starts ably good address; "if I was to outlive my own feelwere supposed to advance-and this she held to be ings, I'd leave fifty pound in my will to the man who good for his drooping spirits; the other, that Mr. would put me out of existence." Pancks confidentially agreed to pay her, for the oc- Miss Rugg heaved a sigh. cupation of her son's time, at the handsome rate of "My daughter, sir," said Mr. Rugg. "Anastatia, seven-and-sixpence per day. The proposal origi- you are no stranger to the state of this young man's nated with himself, and was couched in the pithy affections. My daughter has had her trials, sir," MT. terms, " If your John is weak enough, ma'am, not to Rugg might have used the work more pointedly in take it, that is no reason why you should be, don't the singular number, " and she can feel for you." you see? So, quite between ourselves, ma'am, busi- Young John, almost overwhelmed by the touchness being business, here it is!" ing nature of this greeting, professed himself to that What Mr. Chivery thought of these things, or how effect. much or how little he knew about them, was never "What I envy you, sir, is," said Mr. Rugg, " allow gathered from himself. It has been already remark- me to take your hat-we are rather short of pegs ed that he was a man of few words; and it may be -I'll put it in the corner, nobody will tread i, it here observed, that he had imbibed a professional there- What I envy you, sir, is the luxury of your habit of locking every thing up. He locked him- own feelings. I belong to a profession in which that self up as carefully as he locked up the Marshalsea luxury is sometimes denied us." debtors. Even his custom of bolting his meals may Young John replied, with acknowledgments, that have been a part of an uniform whole; but there is he only hoped he did what was right, and what no question, that, as to all other purposes, he kept showed how entirely he was devoted to Miss Dorrit. his mouth as he kept the Marshalsea door. He nev- He wished to be unselfish; and he hoped he was. er opened it without occasion. When it was neces- He wished to do any thing as laid in his power to sary to let any thing out, he opened it a little way, serve Miss Dorrit, altogether putting himself out of held it open just as long as sufficed for the purpose, sight; and he hoped he did. It was but little that and locked it again. Even as he would be sparing he could do, but he hoped he did it. of his trouble at the Marshalsea door, and would " Sir," said Mr. Rugg, taking him by the hand, keep a visitor who wanted to go out, waiting for a "you are a young man that it does one good to few moments if he saw another visitor coming down come across. You are a young man that I should the yard, so that one turn of the key should suffice like to. put in the witness-box, to humanize the for both, similarly he would often reserve a remark minds of the legal profession. I hope you have if he perceived another on its way to his lips, and brought your appetite with you, and intend to play would deliver himself of the two together. As to a good knife and fork?" any key to his inner knowledge being to be found "Thank you, sir," returned Young John, "I don't in his face, the Marshalsea key was as legible an in- eat much at present." dex to the individual characters and histories upon Mr. Rugg drew him a little apart. "My daughwhich it was turned. ter's case, sir," said he, " at the time when, in vindiThat Mr. Pancks should be moved to invite any cation of her outraged feelings and her sex, she beone to dinner at Pentonville, was an unprecedented came the plaintiff in Rugg and Hawkins. I suppose lMR. PAANCKS DEALS. 135 I could have put it in evidence, Mr. Chivery, if I had Stone; three to me. And a Still-born Baby; four thought it worth my while, that the amount of solid to me. And all, for the present, told." sustenance my daughter consumed at that period did When he had thus disposed of his cards, all being not exceed ten ounces per week." done very quietly and in a suppressed tone, Mr. "I think I go a little beyond that, sir," returned Pancks puffed his way into his own breast-pocket the other, hesitating, as if he confessed it with some and tugged out a canvas bag; from which, with a shame. sparing hand, he told forth money for traveling ex" But in your case there's no fiend in human form," penses in two little portions. " Cash goes out fast," said Mr. Rugg, with argumentative smile and action he said, anxiously, as he pushed a portion to each of of hand. "Observe, Mr. Chivery! No fiend in hu- his male companions, " very fast." man form!" " I can only assure you, Mr. Pancks," said Young "No, sir, certainly," Young John added, with sim- John, "that I deeply regret my circumstances being plicity, " I should be very sorry if there was." such that I can't afford to pay my own charges, or " The sentiment," said Mr. Rugg, "is what I that it's not advisable to allow me the time necesshould have expected from your known principles. sary for my doing the distances on foot. Because It would affect my daughter greatly, sir, if she heard nothing would give me greater satisfaction than to it. As I perceive the mutton, I am glad she didn't walk myself off my legs without fee or reward." hear it. Mr. Pancks, on this occasion, pray face me. This young man's disinterestedness appeared so My dear, face Mr. Chivery. For what we are going very ludicrous in the eyes of Miss Rugg, that she to receive, may we (and Miss Dorrit) be truly thank- was obliged to effect a precipitate retirement from ful!" the company, and to sit: upon the stairs until she But for a grave waggishness in Mr. Rugg's man- had had her laugh out. Meanwhile, Mr. Pancks, ner of delivering this introduction to the feast, it looking, not without some pity, at Young John, -might have appeared that Miss Dorrit was expected slowly and thoughtfully twisted up his canvas bag to be one of the company. Pancks recognized the as if he were wringing its neck. The lady returnsally in his usual way, and took in his provender in ing as he restored it to his pocket, mixed rum-andhis usual way. Miss Rugg, perhaps making up some water for the party, not forgetting her fair self, and of her arrears, likewise took very kindly to the mut- handed to every one his glass. When all were supton, and it rapidly diminished to the bone. A bread- plied, Mr. Rugg rose, and silently holding out his and-butter pudding entirely disappeared, and a con- glass at arms-length above the centre of the table, siderable amount of cheese and radishes vanished by by that gesture invited the other three to add theirs, the same means. Then came the dessert. and to unite in a general conspiratorial clink. The Then also, and before the broaching of the rum- ceremony was effective up to a certain point, and and-water, came Mr. Pancks's note-book. The ensu- would have been wholly so throughout, if Miss Rugg, ing business proceedings were brief but curious, and as she raised her glass to her lips in completion of rather in the nature of a conspiracy. Mr. Pancks it, had not happened to look at Young John; when looked over his note-book, which was now getting she was again so overcome by the contemptible comfull, studiously; and picked out little extracts, icality of his disinterestedness, as to splutter some which he wrote on separate slips of paper on the ambrosial drops of rum-and-water around, and withtable; Mr. Rugg, in the mean while, looking at him draw in confusion. with close attention, and Young John losing his un- Such was the dinner without precedent, given by collected eye in mists of meditation. When Mr. Pancks at Pentonville; and such was the busy and Pancks, who supported the character of chief con- strange life Pancks led. The only waking moments spirator, had completed his extracts, he looked them at which he appeared to relax from his cares, and over, corrected them, put up his note-book, and held to recreate himself by going anywhere or saying any them like a hand at cards. thing without a pervading object, were when he "Now, there's a church-yard in Bedfordshire," said showed a dawning interest in the lame foreigner Pancks. "Who takes it?" with the stick, down Bleeding Heart Yard. " I'll take it, sir," returned Mr. Rugg, " if no one The foreigner, by name John Baptist Cavallettobids." they called him Mr. Baptist in the Yard —was such Mr. Pancks dealt him his card, and looked at his a chirping, easy, hopeful little fellow, that his athand again. traction for Pancks was prob*ly in the force of "Now, there's an Inquiry in York," said Pancks. contrast. Solitary, weak, and::scantily acquainted "Who takes it?" with the most necessary words of the only language "I'm not good for York," said Mr. Rugg. in which he could communicate with the people "Then perhaps," pursued Pancks, "you'll be so about him, he went with the stream of his fortunes, obliging, John Chivery?" in a brisk way that was new in those parts. With Young John assenting, Pancks dealt him his card, little to eat, and less to drink, and nothing to wear and consulted his hand again. but what he wore upon him, or had brought tied up "There's a Church in London; I may as well in one of the smallest bundles that ever were seen, take that. And a Family Bible; I may as well take he put as bright a face upon it as if he were in the that, too. That's two to me. Two to me," repeat- most flourishing circumstances, when he first hobed Pancks, breathing hard over his cards. "Here's bled up and down the Yard, humbly propitiating a Clerk at Durham for you, John, and an old sea- the general good-will with his white teeth. faring gentleman at Dunstable for you, Mr. Rugg. It was up-hill work for a foreigner, lame or sound, Two to me, was it? Yes, two to me. Here's a to make his way with the Bleeding Hearts. In the 136 LITTLE DORRIT. first place, they were vaguely persuaded that every they could desire to be, that did not diminish the foreigner had a knife about him; in the second, they force of the objection. They believed that foreignheld it to be a sound constitutional national axiom ers were dragooned and bayoneted; and though they that he ought to go home to his own country. They certainly got their own skulls promptly fractured if never thought of inquiring how many of their own they showed any ill-humor, still it was with a blunt countrymen would be returned upon their hands instrument, and that didn't count. They believed from divers parts of the world, if the principle were that foreigners were always immoral; and though generally recognized; they considered it practically they had an occasional assize at home, and now and and peculiarly British. In the third place, they had then a divorce case or so, that had nothing to do a notion that it was a sort of Divine visitation upon with it. They believed that foreigners had no ina foreigner that he was not an Englishman, and that dependent spirit, as never being escorted to the poll all kinds of calamities happened to his country be- in droves by Lord Decimus Tite Barnacle, with colcause it did things that England did not, and did ors flying and the tune of Rule Britannia playing. "NOW, OLD CHAP," SAID MR. PANcOKB, {PAY UP "not do things that:England did. In this belief, to Not to be tedious, they had many other beliefs of a be sure, they had long been carefully trained by the similar kind. Barnacles and Stiltstalkings, who were always pro- Against these obstacles, the lame foreigner with claiming to them, officially and unofficially, that no the stick had to make head as well as he could; not country which failed to submit itself to those two absolutely single-handed, because Mr. Arthur Clenlarge families could possibly hope to be under the nam had recommended him to the Plornishes (he protection of Providence; and who, when they be- lived at the top of the same house), but still at lieved it, disparaged them in private as the most heavy odds. However, the Bleeding Hearts were prejudiced people under the sun. kind hearts; and when they saw the little fellow This, therefore, might be called a political posi- cheerily limping about with a good-humored face, tion of the Bleeding Hearts; but they entertained doing no harm, drawing no knives, committing no other objections to having foreigners in the Yard. outrageous immoralities, living chiefly on farinaThey believed that foreigners were always badly ceous and milk diet, and playing with Mrs. Plornish's off; and though they were as ill off themselves as children of an evening, they began to think that alV " x ~~~~~~~ —~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i ~ ~ ~ ~ i P-M ENM' "NOW OL OHA," AID R. ANOR, "AY'P V no d hig tatEigad i. n hs eietoNo o eedos. te hdmayoterblif o be sure, they bad long been carefully trained by the similarkind.~~~~~~~~~~ R i, Barnacles and Stiltstalkings, who were always pro'- Against these obstacles, the lame foreigner with~~~~'I''HfI% MR. B-APTIST'S GOOD-HUMOR. 137 though he could never hope to be an Englishman, " Can he live by that?" asked Mr. Pancks. still it would be hard to visit that affliction on his "He can live on very little, sir, and it is expected head. They began to accommodate themselves to as he will be able, in time, to make a very good livhis level, calling him "Mr. Baptist," but treating ing. Mr. Clennam got it him to do, and gives him him like a baby, and laughing immoderately at his odd jobs besides, in at the Works next door-makes lively gestures and his childish English-more be-'em for him, in short, when he knows he wants'em." cause he didn't mind it, and laughed too. They "And what does he do with himself, now, when spoke to him in very loud voices as if he were stone he ain't hard at it?" said Mr. Paucks. deaf. They constructed sentences, by way of teach- "Why, not much as yet, sir, on account I suppose ing him the language in its purity, such as were of not being able to walk much; but he goes about addressed by the savages to Captain Cook, or by the Yard, and he chats without particular underFriday to Robinson Crusoe. Mrs. Plornish was par- standing or being understood, and he plays with the ticularly ingenious in this art; and attained so much children, and he sits in the sun —he'll sit down anycelebrity for saying "Me ope you leg well soon," where, as if it was a arm-chair-and he'll sing, and that it was considered in the Yard but a very short he'll laugh!" remove indeed from speaking Italian. Even Mrs. "Laugh!" echoed Mr. Pancks. He looks to me as Plornish herself began to think that she had a nat- if every tooth in his head was always laughing." ural call toward that language. As he became more "But whenever he gets to the top of the steps at popular, household objects were brought into requi- t'other end of the Yard," said Mrs. Plornish, he'll peep sition for his instruction in a copious vocabulary; out in the curiousest way! So that some of us thinks and whenever he appeared in the Yard, ladies would he's peeping out toward where his own country is, fly out at their doors crying, " Mr. Baptist-tea-pot!" and some of us thinks he's looking for somebody he "Mr. Baptist - dust-pan!" "Mr. Baptist - flour- don't want to see, and some of us don't know what dredger!" "Mr. Baptist — coffee-biggin!" At the to think." same Lime exhibiting those articles, and penetra- Mr. Baptist seemed to have a general understandting him with a sense of the appalling difficulties ing of what she said; or perhaps his quickness of the Anglo-Saxon tongue. caught and applied her slight action of peeping. In It was in this stage of his progress, and in about any case, he closed his eyes and tossed his head with the third week of his occupation, that Mr. Pancks's the air of a man who had his sufficient reasons for fancy became attracted by the little man. Mount- what he did, and said in his own tongue, it didn't ing to his attic, attended by Mrs. Plornish as inter-, matter. Altro! preter, he found Mr. Baptist with no furniture but "What's Altro?" said Pancks. his bed on the ground, a table, and a chair, carving "Hem! It's a sort of a general kind of expreswith the aid of a few simple tools, in the blithest sion, sir," said Mrs. Plornish. way possible. "Is it?" said Pancks. " Why, then Altro to you, "Now, old chap," said Mr. Pancks, "pay up!" old chap. Good-afternoon. Altro!" He had his money ready, folded in a scrap of pa- Mr. Baptist in his vivacious way repeating the per, and laughingly handed it in; then with a free word several times, Mr. Pancks in his duller way action, threw out as many fingers of his right hand gave it him back once. From that time it became as there were shillings, and made a cut crosswise in a frequent custom with Pancks the gypsy, as he went the air for an odd sixpence. home jaded at night, to pass round by Bleeding Heart "Oh!" said Mr, Pancks, watching him, wonder- Yard, go quietly up the stairs, look in at Mr. Bapingly. "That's it, is it? You're a quick custolher. tist's door, and finding him in his room, to say " HalIt's all right. I didn't expect to receive it, though." loo, old chap! Altro!" To which Mr. Baptist would Mrs. Plornish here interposed with great conde- reply, with innumerable bright nods and smiles, scension, and explained to Mr. Baptist, "E please. "Altro, signore, altro, altro, altro?" After this E glad get money." highly condensed conversation, Mr. Pancks would The little man smiled and nodded. His bright go his way; with an appearance of being lightened face seemed uncommonly attractive to Mr. Pancks. and refreshed. "How's he getting on in his limb?" he asked Mrs. Plornish. "Oh, he's a deal better, sir," said Mrs. Plornish. CHAPTER XXVI. "We expect next week he'll be able to leave off his NOBODY'S STATE OF MIND. stick entirely." (The opportunity being too favorable to be lost, Mrs. Plornish displayed her great ac- JF Arthur Clennam had not arrived at that wise complishment, by explaining, with pardonable pride, A decision firmly to restrain himself from loving to Mr. Baptist, "E ope you leg well soon.") Pet, he would have lived on in a state of mnuch per"He's a merry fellow, too," said Mr. Pancks, ad- plexity, involving difficult struggles with his owh miring him as if he were a mechanical toy. "How heart. Not the least of these would have been a does he live?" contention, always waging within it, between a tend" Why, sir," rejoined Mrs. Plornish," he turns out ency to dislike Mr. Henry Gowan, if not to regard to have quite a power of carving them flowers that him with positive repugnance, and a whisper that you see him at now." (Mr. Baptist, watching their the inclination was unworthy. A generous nature faces as they spoke, held up his work. Mrs. Plor- is not prone to strong aversions, and is slow to admit nish interpreted in her Italian manner, on behalf of them even dispassionately; but when it finds ill-will Mr. Pancks, "E please. Double good!") gaining upon it, and can discern between-whiles 138 LITTLE DORRIT. that its origin is not dispassionate, such a nature Daniel had an old workman-like habit of carrying becomes distressed. his pocket-handkerchief in his hat. He took it out Therefore Mr. Henry Gowan would have clouded and wiped his forehead with it, slowly repeating, Clennam's mind, and would have been far oftener "They are all well. Miss Minnie looking particularpresent to it than more agreeable persons and sub- ly well, I thought." jects, but for the great prudence of his decision afore- "Any company at the cottage?" said. As it was, Mr. Gowan seemed transferred to " No, no company." Daniel Doyce's mind; at all events, it so happened "And how did you get on, you four?" asked Clenthat it usually fell to Mr. Doyce's turn, rather than nam, gayly. to Clennam's, to speak of him in the friendly conver- "There were five of us," returned his I artner. sations they held together. These were of frequent "There was What's-his-name. He was there." occurrence now; as the two partners shared a por- "Who is he?" said Clennam. tion of a roomy house in one of the grave old-fash- "Mr. Henry Gowan." ioned City streets, lying not far from the Bank of "Ah, to be sure!" cried Clennam, with unusual viEngland, by London Wall. vacity. "Yes! I forgot him." COMEIN, COMEiW / "c OME IN, (COME IN!" SAID OLENNAM. Mr. Doyce had been to Twickenham to pass the "As I mentioned, you may remember," said Daniel day. Clennam had excused himself. Mr. Doyce Doyce, "he is always there on Sunday." was just come home. He put in his head at the "Yes, yes," returned Clennam; "I remember door of Clennam's sitting-room to say Good-night. now." *" Come in, come in!" said Clennam. Daniel Doyce, still wiping his forehead ploddingly, "I saw you were reading," returned Doyce, as he repeated, "Yes. He was there, he was there. Oh entered;'#and thought you might not care to be dis- yes, he was there. And his dog. He was there too." turbed." "Miss Meagles is quite attached to-the-dog," But for the notable resolution he had made, Clen- observed Clennam. nam really might not have known what he had been " Quite so," assented his partner. " More attached reading; really might not have had his eyes upon to the dog than I am to the man." the book for an hour past, though it lay open before " You mean Mr. -?" him. He shut it up rather quickly. "I mean Mr. Gowan, most decidedly," said Daniel "Are they well?" he asked. Doyce. "Yes," said Doyce; " they are well. They are all There was a gap in the conversation, which Clenwell." nam devoted to winding up his watch. GENERO US ENDEA VORS. 139 "Perhaps you are a little hasty in your judgment," Equally, if his heart had given entertainment to he said. "Our judgments-I am supposing a gen- that prohibited guest, his silent fighting of his way eral case-" through the mental condition of this period might " Of course," said Doyce. have been a little meritorious. In the constant effort "Are so liable to be influenced by many considera- not to be betrayed into a new phase of the besetting tions, which, almost without our knowing it, are un- sin of his experience, the pursuit of selfish objects by fair, that it is necessary to keep a guard upon them. low and small means, and to hold instead to some For instance, Mr. " high principle of hbnor and generosity, there might " Gowan," quietly said Doyce, upon whom the ut- have been a little merit. In the resolution not even terance of the name almost always devolved. to avoid Mr. Meagles's house, lest, in the selfish spar" Is young and handsome, easy and quick, has tal- ing of himself, he should bring any slight distress ent, and has seen a good deal of various kinds of life. upon the daughter through making her the cause of It might be difficult to give an unselfish reason for an estrangement which he believed the father would being prepossessed against him." regret, there might have been a little merit. In the "Not difficult for me, I think, Clennam," returned modest truthfulness of always keeping in view the his partner. " I see him bringing present anxiety, greater equality of Mr. Gowan's years, and the greater and, I fear, future sorrow, into my old friend's house. attractions of his person and manner, there might I see him wearing deeper lines into my old friend's have been a little merit. In doing all this and much face, the nearer he draws to, and the oftener he looks more in a perfectly unaffected way, and with a manat, the face of his daughter. In short, I see him with ful and composed constancy, while the pain within a net about the pretty and affectionate creature whom him (peculiar as his life and history) was very sharp, he will never make happy." there might have been some quiet strength of char"4 We don't know,'" said Clennam, almost in the acter. But, after the resolution he had made, of tone of a man in pain, " that he will not make her course he could have no such merits as these; and happy." such a state of mind was nobody's-nobody's. " We don't know," returned his partner, "that the Mr. Gowan made it no concern of his whether it earth will last another hundred years, but we think was nobody's or somebody's. He preserved his perit highly probable." feet serenity of manner on all occasions, as if the "Well, well!" said Clennam, "we must be hope- possibility of Clennam's presuming to have debated ful, and we must at least try to be, if not generous the great question were too distant and ridiculous (which, in this case, we have no opportunity of be- to be imagined. He had always an affability to being), just. We will not disparage this gentleman, stow on Clennam and an ease to treat him with, because he is successful in his addresses to the beau- which might of itself (in the supposititious case of tiful object of his ambition; and we will not ques- his not having taken that sagacious course) have tion her natural right to bestow her love on one been a very uncomfortable element in his state of whom she finds worthy of it." mind. "Maybe, my friend," said Doyce. "Maybe also, "I quite regret that you were not with us yesterthat she is too young and petted, too confiding and day," said Mr. Henry Gowan, calling on Clennam inexperienced, to discriminate well." next morning. "We had an agreeable day up the "That," said Clennam, "would be far beyond our river there." power of correction." So he had heard, Arthur said. Daniel Doyce shook his head gravely, and re- "From your partner?" returned Henry Gowan. joined, "I fear so." "What a dear old fellow he is!" "Therefore, in a word," said Clenuam, "we should "I have a great regard for him." make up our minds that it is not worthy of us to say "By Jove, he is the finest creature!" said Gowan. any ill of Mr. Gowan. It would be a poor thing to "So fresh, so green, trusts in such wonderful things!" gratify a prejudice against him. And I resolve, for Here was one of the many little rough points that my part, not to depreciate him." f had a tendency to grate on Clennam's hearing. He " I am not quite so sure of myself, and therefore I put it aside by merely repeating that he had a high reserve my privilege of objecting to him," returned regard for Mr. Doyce. the other. "But, if I am not sure of myself, I am "He is charming! To see him mooning along to sure of you, Clennam, and I know what an upright that time of life, laying down nothing by the way man you are, and how much to be respected. Good- and picking up nothing by the way, is delightful. night, my friend and partner!" He shook his hand in It warms a man. So unspoiled, so simple, such a saying this, as if there had been something serious at good soul! Upon my life, Mr. Clennam, one feels the bottom of their conversation; and they separated. desperately worldly and wicked, in comparison with By this time, they had visited the family on sev- such an innocent creature. I speak for myself, let eral occasions, and had always observed that even a me add, without including you. You are genuine, passing allusion to Mr. Henry Gowan when he was also." not among them, brought back the cloud which had "Thank you for the compliment," said Clennam, obscured Mr. Meagles's sunshine on the morning of ill at ease; "you are too, I hope?" the chance encounter at the Ferry. If Clennam had " So, so," rejoined the other. " To be candid with ever admitted the forbidden passion into his breast, you, tolerably. I am not a great impostor. Buy this period might have been a period of real trial; one of my pictures, and I assure you, in confidence, under the actual circumstances, doubtless it was it will not be worth the money. Buy one of another nothing-nothing. man's-any great professor who beats me hollow 140 LITTLE DORRIT. and the chances are that the more you give him, the! away the moment they could get any thing better; more he'll impose upon you. They all do it." there was also a dissatisfied air about themselves, "All painters?" as if they took it very ill that they had not already "Painters, writers, patriots, all the rest who have got something much better. Genteel blinds and stands in the market. Give almost any man I know make-shifts were more or less observable as soon ten pounds, and he will impose upon you to a corre- as their doors were opened; screens not half high sponding extent; a thousand pounds-to a corre- enough, which made dining-rooms out of arched sponding extent; ten thousand ounds-to a corre- passages, and warded off obscure corners where sponding extent. So great the success, so great'the foot-boys slept at night with their heads among the imposition. But what a capital world it is!" cried knives and forks; curtains which called upon you Gowan, with warm enthusiasm. "What a jolly,ek- to believe that they didn't hide any thing; panes cellent, lovable world it is!" of glass which requested you not to see them; many " I had rather thought," said Clennam, "that the objects of various forms, feigning to have no connecprinciple you mention was chiefly acted on by-" tion with their guilty secret, a bed; disguised traps "By the Barnacles?" interrupted Gowan, laughing. in walls, which were clearly coal-cellars; affecta"By the political gentlemen who condescend to tions of no thoroughfares, which were evidently keep the Circumlocution Office." doors to little kitchens. Mental reservations and "Ah! Don't be hard upon the Barnacles," said artful mysteries grew out of these things. Callers, Gowan, laughing afresh, " they are darling fellows! looking steadily into the eyes of their receivers, preEven poor little Clarence, the born idiot of the fam- tended not to smell cooking three feet off; people, ily, is the most agreeable and most endearing block- confronting closets accidentally left open, pretended head! A:nd by Jupiter, with a kind of cleverness not to see bottles; visitors, with their heads against in him too, that would astonish you!" a partition of thin canvas and a page and a young "It would. Very much," said Clennam, dryly. female at high words on the other side, made believe "And after all," cried Gowan, with that charac- to be sitting in a primeval silence. There was no teristic balancing of his which reduced every thing end to the small social accommodation-bills of this in the wide world to the, same light weight, " though nature which the gypsies of gentility were constantI can't deny that the Circumlocution Office may ly drawing upon, and accepting for, one another. ultimately shipwreck every body and every thing, Some of these Bohemians were of an irritable temstill, that will probably not be in our time —and it's perament, as constantly soured and vexed by two a school for gentlemen." mental trials: the first, the consciousness that they "It's a very dangerous, unsatisfactory, and ex- had never got enough out of the public; the second, pensive school to the people who pay to keep the the consciousness that the public were admitted into pupils there, I am afraid," said Clennam, shaking his the building. Under the latter great wrong, a few head. suffered dreadfully-particularly on Sundays, when'"Ah! You are a terrible fellow," returned Gowan, they had for some time expected the earth to open airily. "I can understand how you have frightened and swallow the public up; but which desirable that little donkey, Clarence, the most estimable of event had not yet occurred, in consequence of some moon-calves (I really love him), nearly out of his reprehensible laxity in the arrangements of the wits. But enough of him, and of all the rest of Universe. them. I want to present you to my mother, Mr. Mrs. Gowan's door was attended by a family servClennam. Pray do me the favor to give me the op- ant of several years' standing, who had his own portunity." crow to pluck with the public, concerning a situaIn nobody's state of mind, there was nothing tion in the Post-office which he had been for some Clennam would have desired less, or would have time expecting, and to which he was not yet apbeen more at a loss how to avoid. pointed. He perfectly knew that the public could "My mother lives in the most primitive manner never have got him in, but he grimly gratified himdown in that dreary red-brick dungeon at Hampton self with the idea that the public kept him out. Court," said. Gowan.. "If you would make your own Under the influence of this injury (and perhaps of appointment, suggest your own day for permitting some little straitness and irregularity in the matter me to take you there to dinner, you would be bored, of wages), he had grown neglectful of his person and and she would be charmed. Really that's the state morose in mind; and now beholding in Clennam of the case." one of the degraded body of his oppressors, received What could Clennam say after this? His retir- him with ignominy. inug character included a great deal that was simple Mrs. Gowan, however, received him with condein the best sense, because unpracticed and unused; scension. He found her a courtly old lady, formerly and, in his simplicity and modesty, he could only a Beauty, and still sufficiently well-favored tp have say that he was happy to place himself at -Mr. dispensed with the powder on her nose, and a cerGowan's disposal. Accordingly he said it, and the tain impossible bloom under each eye. She was a day was fixed. And a dreaded day it was on his little lofty with him: so was another old lady, darkpart, and a very unwelcome day when it came, and browed and high-nosed, and who must have had they went down to Hampton Court together. something real about her or she could not have exThe venerable inhabitants of that venerable pile isted, but it was certainly not'her hair or her teeth seemed, in those times, to be encamped there like a or her figure or her complexion; so was a gray old sort of civilized gypsies. There was a temporary gentleman of dignified and sullen appearance; both air about their establishments, as if they were going of whom had come to dinner. But, as they had all .DWVELLERS IN HFAMPTON COURT TENTS. 141 been in the British Embassy way in sundry parts of or Harry Barnacle or Stiltstalking, because there the earth, and as a British Embassy can not better was nobody else but mob. And this was the feaestablish a character with the Circumlocution Office ture of the conversation which impressed Clennam, than by treating its compatriots with illimitable as a man not used to it, very disagreeably: making contempt (else it would become like the Embassies him doubt if it were quite right to sit there, silentof other countries), Clennam felt that on the whole ly hearing a great nation narrowed to such little they let him off lightly. bounds. Remembering, however, that in the ParThe dignified old gentleman turned out to be liamentary debates, whether on the life of that nLaLord Lancaster Stiltstalking, who had been main- tion's body or the life of its soul, the question was tailed by the Circumlocution Office for many years usually all about and between John Barnacle, Anas a representative of the Britannic Majesty abroad. gustus Stiltstalking, William Barnacle and Tudor This noble Refrigerator had iced several European Stiltstalking, Tom, Dick, or Harry Barnacle or Stiltcourts in his time, and had done it with such com- stalking, and nobody else; he said nothing on the plete success that the very name of Englishman yet part of mob, bethinking himself that mob was used struck cold to the stomachs of foreigners who had to it. the distinguished honor of reinembering him, at a Mr. Henry Gowan seemed to have a malicious distance of a quarter of a century. pleasure in playing off the three talkers against He was now in retirement, and hence (in a pon- each other, and in seeing Clennam startled by what derous white cravat, like a stiff snow-drift) was so they said. Having as supreme a contempt for the obliging as to shade the dinner. There was a whis- class that had thrown him off as for the class that per of the pervading Bohemian character in the no- had not taken him on, he had no personal disquiet madic nature of the service, and its curious races of in any thing that passed. His healthy state of mind plates and dishes; but the noble Refrigerator, infi- appeared even to derive a gratification from Clennitely better than plate or porcelain, made it superb. nam's position of embarrassment and isolation among He shaded the dinner, cooled the wines, chilled the the good company; and if Clennam had been in that gravy, and blighted the vegetables. condition with which Nobody was incessantly conThere was only one other person in the room: a tending, he would have suspected it, and would have microscopically small foot-boy, who waited on the struggled with the suspicion as a meanness, even malevolent man who hadn't got into the Post-office. while he sat at the table. Even this youth, if his jacket could have been un- In the course of a couple of hours the noble Rebuttoned and his heart laid bare, would have been frigerator, at no time less than a hundred years beseen, as a distant adherent of the Barnacle family, hind the period, got about five centuries in arrear, already to aspire to a situation under Government. and delivered solemn political oracles appropriate Mrs. Gowan with a gentle melancholy upon her, to that epoch. He finished by freezing a cup of tea occasioned by her son's being reduced to court the for his own drinking, and retiring at his lowest temswinish public as a follower of the low Arts, in- perature. stead of asserting his birthright and putting a ring Then Mrs. Gowan, who had been accustomed in through its nose as an acknowledged Barnacle, head- her days of state to retain a vacant arm-chair beside ed the conversation at dinner on the evil days. It her to which to summon her devoted slaves, one by was then that Clennam learned for the first time one, for short audiences as marks of her especial what little pivots this great world goes round upon. favor, invited Clennam with a turn of her fan to "If John Barnacle," said Mrs. Gowan, after the approach the presence. He obeyed, and took the degeneracy of the times had been fully ascertained, tripod recently vacated by Lord Lancaster Stilt" if John Barnacle had but abandoned his most un- stalking. fortunate idea of conciliating the mob, all would "Mr. Clennam," said Mrs. Gowan, "apart from the have been well, and I think the country would have happiness I have in becoming known to you, though been preserved." in this odiously inconvenient place —a mere barrack The old lady with the high nose assented, but -here is a subject on which I am dying to speak added that if Augustus Stiltstalking had in a gen- to you. It is the subject in connection with which eral way ordered the cavalry out with instructions my son first had, I believe, the pleasure of cultivato charge, she thought the country would have been ting your acquaintance." preserved. Clennam inclined his head, as a generally suitable The noble Refrigerator assented; but added that reply to what he did not yet quite understand. if William Barnacle and Tudor Stiltstalking, when "First," said Mrs. Gowan, "now is she really they came over to one another and formed their ever- pretty?" memorable coalition, had boldly muzzled the news- In nobody's difficulties, he would have found it papers, and rendered it penal for any Editor-person very difficult to answer; very difficult indeed to to presume to discuss the conduct of any appointed smile, and say "Who?" authority abroad or at home, he thought the coun- "Oh! You know!" she returned. "This fiame try would have been preserved. of Henry's. This unfortunate fancy. There! If it It was agreed that the country (another word for is a point of honor that I should originate the name the Barnacles and Stiltstalkings) wanted preserving, -Miss Mickles-Miggles." but how it came to want preserving was not so "Miss Meagles," said Clennam, "is very beauticlear. It. was only clear that the question was all ful." about John Barnacle, Augustus Stiltstalking, Wil- "Men are so often mistaken on those points," reliam Barnacle and Tudor Stiltstalking, Tom, Dick, turned Mrs. Gowan, shaking her head, "that I can 142 LITTLE DORBIT. didly confess to you I feel any thing but sure of it, danger of the family's ever going beyond an Amaeven now; though it is something to have Henry teur, even as it was. corroborated with so much gravity and emphasis. "Henry," the mother resumed, "is self-willed and He picked the people up at Rome, I think?" resolute; and as these people naturally strain every The phrase would have given nobody mortal of- nerve to catch him, I can entertain very little hope, fense. Clennam replied, "Excuse me, I doubt if I Mr. Clennam, that the thing will be broken off. I understand your expression." apprehend the girl's fortune will be very small; " Picked the people up," said Mrs. Gowan, tapping Henry might have done much better; there is scarcethe sticks of her closed fan (a large green one, which ly any thing to compensate for the connection: still, she used as a hand-screen) upon her little table. he acts for himself; and if I find no improvement "Came upon them. Found them out. Stumbled within a short time, I see no other course than to against them." resign myself, and make the best of these people. "The people?" I am infinitely obliged to you for what you have told " Yes. The Miggles people." me." " I really can not say," said Clennam, "where my As she shrugged her shoulders, Clennam stiffly bowfriend Mr. Meagles first presented Mr. Henry Gowan ed again. With an uneasy flush upon his face, and to his daughter." hesitation in his manner, he then said, in a still lower " I am pretty sure he picked her up at Rome; but tone than he had adopted yet: never mind where-somewhere. Now (this is en- "Mrs. Gowan, I scarcely know how to acquit mytirely between ourselves), is she very plebeian?" self of what I feel to be a duty, and yet I must ask " Really, ma'am," returned Clennam, " I am so un- you for your kind consideration in attempting to disdoubtedly plebeian myself, that I do not feel quali- charge it. A misconception on your part, a very fled to judge." great misconception if I may venture to call it so, "Very neat!" said Mrs. Gowan, coolly unfurling seems to require setting right. You have supposed her screen. "Very happy! From which I infer Mr. Meagles and his family to strain every nerve, I that you secretly think her manner equal to her think you said-" looks?" "Every nerve," repeated Mrs. Gowan, looking at Clennam, after a moment's stiffness, bowed. him in calm obstinacy, with her green fan between " That's comforting, and I hope you may be right. her face and the fire. Did Henry tell me you had traveled with them?" " To secure Mr. Henry Gowan?" "I traveled with my friend Mr. Meagles, and his The lady placidly assented. wife and daughter, during some months." (Nobody's " Now that is so far," said Arthur, "from being heart might have been wrung by the remembrance.) the case, that I know Mr. Meagles to be unhappy in "Really comforting, because you must have had this matter; and to have interposed all reasonable a large experience of them. You see, Mr. Clennam, obstacles, with the hope of putting an end to it." this thing has been going on for a long time, and I Mrs. Gowan shut up her great green fan, tapped find no improvement in it. Therefore to have the him on the arm with it, and tapped her smiling lips. opportunity of speaking to one so well informed "Why, of course," said she. "Just what I mean." about it as yourself, is an immense relief to me. Arthur watched her face for some explanation of Quite a boon. Quite a blessing, I am sure." what she did mean. " Pardon me," returned Clennam, " but I am not " Are you really serious, Mr. Clennam? Don't you in Mr. Henry Gowan's confidence. I am far from see?" being so well informed as you suppose me to be. Arthur did not see; and said so. Your mistake makes my position a very delicate "Why, don't I know my son, and don't I kriow one. No word on this topic has ever passed between that this is exactly the way to hold him?" said Mr. Henry Gowan and myself." Mrs. Gowan, contemptuously; "and do not these Mrs. Gowan glanced at the other end of the room, Miggles people know it, at least as well as I? Oh, where her son was playing 6cart6 on a sofa, with the shrewd people, Mr. Clennam: evidently people of old lady who was for a charge of cavalry. business! I believe Miggles belonged to a Bank. It "Not in his confidence? No," said Mrs. Gowan. ought to have been a very profitable Bank, if he had "No word has passed between you? No. That I much to do with its management. This is very well can imagine. But there are unexpressed confidences, done, indeed." Mr. Clennam; and as you have been together inti- "I beg and entreat you, ma'am-" Arthur intermately among these people, I can not doubt that a posed. confidence of that sort exists in the present case. "Oh, Mr. Clennam, can you really be so creduPerhaps you have heard that I have suffered the lous?" keenest distress of mind from Henry's having taken It made such a painful impression upon him to to a pursuit which-well!" shrugging her shoulders, hear her talking in this haughty tone, and to see her "a very respectable pursuit, I dare say, and some patting her contemptuous lips with her fan, that he artists are, as artists, quite superior persons; still said very earnestly, "Believe me, ma'am, this is unwe never yet in our family have gone beyond an just, a perfectly groundless suspicion." Amateur, and it is a pardonable weakness to feel a "Suspicion?" repeated Mrs. Gowan. "Not suslittle —" picion, Mr. Clennam, Certainty. It is very knowingAs Mrs. Gowan broke off to heave a sigh, Clen- ly done indeed, and seems to have taken ye& in comnam, however resolute to be magnanimous, could not pletely." She laughed; and again sat tapping her keep down the thought that there was mighty little lips with her fan, and tossing her head, as if she add MR. PANCK'S HUMILlTY. 143 ed, "Don't tell me. I know such people will do CHAPTER XXVII. any thing for the honor of such an alliance." At this opportune moment, the cards were thrown up, and Mr. Henry Gowan came across the room say- A FREQUENTLY recurring doubt, whether Mr. ing, "1 Mother, if you can spare Mr. Clenna~m for this Jul. Pancks's desire to collect information relative time, we have a long way to go, and it's getting late." to the Dorrit family could have any possible bearing Mr. Clennam thereupon rose, as he had no choice on the misgivings he had imparted to his mother on but to do; and Mrs. Gowan showed him, to the last, his return from his long exile, caused Arthur Clenthe same look and the same tapped contemptuous nam much uneasiness at this period. What Mr. lips. Pancks already knew about the Dorrit family, what " You have had a portentously long audience of more he really wanted to find out, and why he should my mother," said Gowan, as the door closed upon trouble his busy head about them at all, were questhem. "I fervently hope she has not bored you?" tions that often perplexed him. Mr. Pancks was "Not at all," said Clennam. not a man to waste his time and trouble in researches They had a little open phaeton for the journey, prompted by idle curiosity. That he had a specific and were soon in it on the road home. Gowan, driv- object Clennam could not doubt. And whether the ing, lighted a cigar; Clennam declined one. Do what attainment of that object by Mr. Pancks's industry he would, he fell into such a mood of abstraction, might bring to light, in some untimely way, secret that Gowan said again, " I am very much afraid my reasons which had induced his mother to take Little mother has bored you?" To which he roused him- Dorrit by the hand, was a serious speculation. self to answer, "Not at all;" and soon relapsed Not that he ever wavered, either in his desire or again. his determination to repair a wrong that had been In that state of mind which rendered nobody un- done in his father's time, should a wrong come to easy, his thoughtfulness would have turned princi- light, and be reparable. The shadow of a supposed pally on the man at his side. He would have thought act of injustice, which had hung over him since his of the morning when he first saw him rooting out father's death, was so vague and formless that it the stones with his heel, and would have asked him- might be the result of a reality widely remote from self, "Does he jerk me out of the path in the same his idea of it. But, if his apprehensions should careless, cruel way?" He would have thought, had prove to be well founded, he was ready at any mothis introduction to his mother been brought about ment to lay down all he had, and begin the world by him because he knew what she would say, and 7anew. As the fierce dark teaching of his childhood that he could thus place his position before a rival had never sunk into his heart, so the first article in and loftily warn him off, without himself reposing a his code of morals was, that he must begin in practiword of confidence in him? He would have thought, cal humility, with looking well to his feet on Earth, even if there were no such design as that, had he and that he could never mount on wings of words to brought him there to play with his repressed emo- Heaven. Duty on earth, restitution on earth, action tions, and torment him? The current of these med- on earth: these first, as the first steep steps upward. itations would have been stayed sometimes by a rush Strait was the gAbte, and narrow was the way; far of shame, bearing a remonstrance to himself from straiter and narrower than the broad high-road his own open nature, representing that to shelter paved with vain professions and vain repetitions, such suspicions, even for the passing moment, was motesqfrom other men's eyes and liberal delivery of not to hold the high, unenvious course he had re- others to the judgment-all cheap materials, costing solved to keep. At those times, the striving within absolutely nothing. him would have been hardest; and looking up and No. It was not a selfish fear or hesitation that catching Gowan's eyes, he would have started as if rendered him uneasy, but a mistrust lest Pancks he had done him an injury. might not observe his part of the understanding beThen, looking at the dark road and its uncertain tween them, and making any discovery, might take objects, he would have gradually trailed off again some course upon it without imparting it to him. into thinking, "Where are we driving, he and I, I On the other hand, when he recalled his conversawonder, on the darker road of life? How will it be tion with Pancks, and the little reason he had to supwith us, and with her, in the obscure distance'?" pose that there was any likelihood of that strange Thinking of her, he would have been troubled anew personage being on that track at all, there were with a reproachful misgiving that it was not even times when he wondered that he made so much of loyal to her to dislike him, and that in being so it. Laboring in this sea, as all barks labor in crosseasily prejudiced against him he was less deserving seas, he tossed about, and came to no haven. of her than at first. The removal of Little Dorrit herself from their "You are evidently out of spirits," said Gowan; customary association did not mend the matter. " I am very much afraid my mother must have bored She was so much out, and so much in her own room, you dreadfully." that he began to miss her and to find a blank in her "Believe me, not at all," said Clennam. "It's place. He had written to her to inquire if she were nothing-nothing!" better, and she had written back, very gratefully and earnestly, telling him not to be uneasy on her behalf, for she was quite well; but he had not seen her, for what, in their intercourse, was a long time. He returned home one evening from an interview with her father, who had mentioned that she was 144 LITTLE DORRIT. out visiting —which was what he always said, when fully. " She couldn't stand it. The chafing and firshe was hard at work to buy his supper-and found ing of that girl, the wearing and tearing of that girl Mr. Meagles in an excited state walking up and within her own breast, has been such that I have down his room. On his opening the door, Mr. Mea- softly said to her again and again, in passing her, gles stopped, faced round, and said,' Five-and-twenty, Tattycoram, five-and-twenty!' I "Clennam!-Tattycoram!" heartily wish she could have gone on counting five"What's the matter?" and-twenty day and night, and then it wouldn't "Lost!" have happened." "Why, bless my heart alive!" cried Clennam, in Mr. Meagles, with a despondent countenance, in amazement. "What do you mean?" which the goodness of his heart was even more ex"Wouldn't count five-and-twenty, sir; couldn't pressed than in his times of cheerfulness and gayety, be got to do it; stopped at eight, and took herself stroked his face down from his forehead to his chin, off." and shook his head again. "Left your house?" "I said to Mother (not that it was necessary, for "Never to come back," said Mr. Meagles, shaking she would have thought it all for herself), we are his head. "You don't know that girl's passionate practical people, my dear, and we know her story; and proin character. A team of horses couldn't we see, in this unhappy girl, some reflection of what draw her back now; the bolts and bars of the old was raging in her mother's heart before ever such a Bastile couldn't keep her." creature as this poor thing was, in the world; we'll "How did it happen? Pray sit down and tell gloss her temper over, Mother, we won't notice it at me." present, my dear, we'll take advantage of some bet"As to how it happened, it's not so easy to relate; ter disposition in her, another time. So we said because you must have the unfortunate temperament nothing. But, do what we would, it seems as if it of the poor impetuous girl herself, before you can was to be; she broke out violently one night." fully understand it. But it came about in this way. " How, and why?" Pet and Mother and I have been having a good deal "If you ask me Why," said Mr. Meagles, a little of talk together of late. I'll not disguise it from disturbed by the question, for he was far more inyou, Clennam, that those conversations have not tent on softening her case than the family's, "I can been of as bright a kind as I could wish; they have only refer you to what I have just repeated as havreferred to our going away again. In proposing to ing been pretty near my words to Mother. As to do which, I have had, in fact, an object." e How, we had said Good-night to Pet in her presence Nobody's heart beat quickly. (very affectionately, I must allow), and she had at"An object," said Mr. Meagles, after a moment's tended Pet up stairs-you remember she was her pause, "that I will not disguise from you, either, maid. Perhaps Pet, having been out of sorts, may Clennam. There's an inclination on the part of my have been a little more inconsiderate than usual in dear child which I am sorry for. Perhaps you guess requiring services of her: but I don't know that I the person. Henry Gowan." have any right to say so; she was always thoughtful " I was not unprepared to hear it." and gentle." "Well!" said Mr. Meagles, with;a heavy sigh, "I " The gentlest mistress in the world." wish to God you had never had to hear it. How- "Thank you, Clennam," said Mr. Meagles, shaking ever, so it is. Mother and I have done all we could him by the hand; "you have often seen them toto get the better of it, Clennam. We have tried gether. Well! We presently heard this unfortutender advice, we have tried time, we have tried nate Tattycoram loud and angry, and before we absence. As yet of no use. Our late conversations could ask what was the matter, Pet came back in a have been upon the subject of going away for an- tremble, saying she was frightened of her. Close other year at least, in order that there might be an after her came Tattycoram, in a flaming rage.'I entire separation and breaking off for that term. hate you all three,' says she, stamping her foot at us. Upon that question, Pet has been unhappy, and'I am bursting with hate of the whole house."' therefore Mother and I have been unhappy." "Upon which you —?" Clennam said that he could easily believe it. "I?" said Mr. Meagles, with a plain good faith, "Well!" continued Mr. Meagles in an apologetic that might have commanded the belief of Mrs. way, " I admit as a practical man, and I am sure Gowan herself: "I said, count five-and-twenty, TatMother would admit as a practical woman, that tycoram." we do, in families, magnify our troubles and make Mr. Meagles again stroked his face and shook his mountains of our molehills, in a way that is calcu- head, with an air of profound regret. lated to be rather trying to people who look on- "She was so used to do it, Clennam, that even to mere outsiders, you know, Clennam. Still, Pet's then, such a picture of passion as you never saw, happiness or unhappiness is quite a life or death she stopped short, looked me full in the face, and question with us; and we may be excused, I hope, counted (as I made out) to eight. But she couldn't for making much of it. At all events, it might have control herself to go any further. Then she broke been borne by Tattycoram. Now, don't you think down, poor thing, and gave the other seventeen to so?" the four winds. Then it all burst out. She detest" I do indeed think so," returned Clennam, in most ed us, she was miserable with us, she couldn't bear emphatic recognition of this very moderate expec- it, she wouldn't bear it, she was determined to go tation. away. She was younger than her young mistress, "No, sir," said Mr. Meagles, shaking his head rue- and would she remain to see her always held up as STA TEL D ULLNESS. 145 the only creature who was young and interesting, form from any body, and yet which every body and to be cherished and loved? No. She wouldn't, seems to have got hold of loosely from somebody she wouldn't, she wouldn't! What did we think and let go again, that she lives, or was living, thereshe, Tattycoram, might have been if she had been abouts." Mr. Meagles handed him a slip of paper, caressed and cared for in her childhood, like her on which was written the name of one of the dull young mistress? As good as her Ah! Perhaps by-streets in the Grosvenor region, near Park Lane. fifty times as good. When we pretended to be so "Here is no number," said Arthur, looking over it. fond of one another, we exulted over her; that was "No number, my dear Clennam?" returned his what we did; we exulted over her, and shamed her. friend. "No any thing! The very name of the And all in the house did the same. They talked street may have been floating in the air, for, as I about their fathers and mothers, and brothers and tell you, none of my people can say where they got sisters; they liked to drag them up before her face. it from. However, it's worth an inquiry; and as I There was Mrs. Ticket, only yesterday, when her lit- would rather make it in company than alone, and tie grandchild was with her, had been amused by as you too were a fellow-traveler of that immovable the child's trying to call her (Tattycoram) by the woman's, I thought perhaps-" Clennam finished wretched name we gave her; and had laughed at the sentence for him by taking up his hat again, and the name. Why, who didn't; and who were we saying he was ready. that we should have a right to name her like a dog It was now summer-time; a gray, hot, dusty evenor a cat? But she didn't care. She would take no ing. They rode to the top of Oxford Street, and more benefits from us; she would fling us her name there alighting, dived in among the great streets back again, and she would go. She would leave us of melancholy stateliness, and the little streets that that minute, nobody should stop her, and we should try to be as stately and succeed in being more melnever hear of her again." ancholy, of which there is a labyrinth near Park Mr. Meagles had recited all this with such a vivid Lane. WilkL,rnesses of corner houses, with barbaremembrance of his original, that he was almost as rous old porticoes and appurtenances; horrors that flushed and hot by this time as he described her to came into existence under some wrong-headed perhave been. son in some wrong-headed time, still demanding the "Ah, well!" he said, wiping his face. "It was of blind admiration of all ensuing generations, and deno use trying reason then, with that vehement pant- termined to do so until they tumbled down; frowning creature (Heaven knows what her mother's story ed upon the twilight. Parasite little tenements must have been); so I quietly told her that she should with the cramp in their whole frame, from the dwarf not go at that late hour of night, and I gave her my hall door on the giant model of his Grace's in the hand and took her to her room, and locked the house Square, to the squeezed window of the boudoir comdoors. But she was gone this morning." manding the dunghills in the Mews, made the even"And you know no more of her?" ing doleful. Rickety dwellings of undoubted fash"No more," returned Mr. Meagles. " I have been ion, but of a capacity to hold nothing comfortably hunting about all day. She must have gone very except a dismal smell, looked like the last result of early and very silently. I have found no trace of the great mansions' breeding in-and-in; and, where her, down about us." their little supplementary bows and balconies were "Stay! You want," said Clennam, after a mo- supported on thin iron columns, seemed to be scrofment's reflection, " to see her? I assume that?" ulously resting upon crutches. Here and there a "Yes, assuredly: I want to give her another Hatchment, with the whole science of Heraldry in chance; Mother and Pet want to give her another it, loomed down upon the street, like an Archbishop chance; come! You yourself," said Mr. Meagles, per- discoursing on Vanity. The shops, few in number, suasively, as if the provocation to be angry were not made no show; for popular opinion was as nothing his own at all, "want to give the poor passionate to them. The pastry-cook knew who was on his girl another chance, I know, Clennam." books, and in that knowledge could be calm, with "It would be strange and hard indeed if I did a few glass cylinders of dowager peppermint-drops not," said Clennam, "when you are all so forgiving. in his window, and half a dozen ancient specimens What I was going to ask you was, have you thought of currant-jelly. A few oranges formed the greenof that Miss Wade?" grocer's whole concession to the vulgar mind. A " I have. I did not think of her until I had per- single basket made of moss, once containing plovers' vaded the whole of our neighborhood, and I don't eggs, held all that the poulterer had to say to the rabknow that I should have done so then, but for find- ble. Every body in those streets seemed (which is ing Mother and Pet, when I went home, full of the always the case at that hour and season) to be gone idea that Tattycoram must have gone to her. Then, out to dinner, and nobody seemed to be giving the of course, I recalled what she said that day at din- dinners they had gone to. On the door-steps there ner when you were first with us." were lounging, footmen with bright party-colored "Have you any idea where Miss Wade is to be plumage and white polls, like an extinct race of found?" monstrous birds; and butlers, solitary men of re"To tell you the truth," returned Mr. Meagles, cluse demeanor, each of whom appeared distrustful " it's because I have an addled jumble of a notion of all other butlers. The roll of carriages in the on that subject, -that you found me waiting here. Park was done for the day; the street lamps were There is one of those odd impressions in my house lighting; and wicked little grooms in the tightestwhich do mysteriously get into houses sometimes, fitting garments, with twists in their legs answerwhich nobody seems to have picked up in a distinct ing to the twists in their minds, hung about in pairs, 10 146 LITTLE DORRIT. chewing straws and exchanging fraudulent secrets. tone, "but we have succeeded; that's the main The spotted dogs who went out with the carriages, point. Here's a light coming!" and who were so associated with splendid equipages, The light was a lamp, and the bearer was an old that it looked like a condescension in those animals woman: very dirty, very wrinkled and dry. " She's to come out without them, accompanied helpers to at home," she said (and the voice was the same that and fro on messages. Here and there was a retiring had spoken before); " she'll come directly." Havpublic-house which did not require to be supported ing set the lamp down on the table, the old woman on the shoulders of the people, and where gentlemen dusted her hands on her apron, which she might out of livery were not much wanted. have done forever without cleaning them, looked at This last discovery was made by the two friends the visitors with a dim pair of eyes, and backed out. in pursuing their inquiries. Nothing was there, or The lady whom they had come to see, if she were anywhere, known of such a person as Miss Wade, in the present occupant of the house, appeared to have connection with the street they sought. It was one taken up her. quarters there, as she might have esof the parasite streets; long, regular, narrow, dull, tablished herself in an Eastern caravanserai. A and gloomy; like a brick-and-mortar funeral. They small square of carpet in the middle of the room, a inquired at several little area gates, where a deject- few articles of furniture that evidently did not beed youth stood spiking his chin on the summit of a long to the room, and a disorder of trunks and travprecipitous little shoot of wooden steps, but could eling articles, formed the whole of her surroundings. gain no information. They walked up the street on Under some former regular inhabitant, the stifling one side of the way, and down it on the other, what little apartment had broken out into a pier-glass time two vociferous news-sellers, announcing an ex- and a gilt table; but the gilding was as faded as traordinary event that had never happened and nev- last year's flowers, and the glass was so clouded that er would happen, pitched their hoarse voices into the it seemed to hold in magic preservation all the fogs secret chambers; but nothing came of it. At length and bad weather it had ever reflected. The visitors they stood at the corner from which they had be- had had a minute or two to look about them, when gun, and it had fallen quite dark, and they were no the door opened and Miss Wade came in. wiser. She was exactly the same as when they had partIt happened that in the street they had several ed. Just as handsome, just as scornful, just as retimes passed a dingy house, apparently empty, with pressed. She manifested no surprise in seeing them, bills in the windows, announcing that it was to let. nor any other emotion. She requested them to be The bills, as a variety in the funeral procession, al- seated; and declining to take a seat herself, at once most amounted to a decoration. Perhaps because anticipated any introduction of their business. they kept the house separate in his mind, or per- "I apprehend," she said, "''that I know the cause haps because Mr. Meagles and himself had twice of your favoring me with this visit. We may come agreed in passing, " It is clear she don't live there," to it at once." Clennam now proposed that they should go back "The cause then, ma'am," said Mr. Meagles, "is and try that house before finally going away. Mr. Tattycoram." Meagles agreed, and back they went. " So I supposed." They knocked once, and they rang once, without "Miss Wade," said Mr. Meagles, " will you be so any response. "Empty," said Mr. Meagles, listening. kind as to say whether you know any thing of her?" "Once more," said Clennam, and knocked again. " Surely. I know she is here with me." After that knock they heard a movement below, and " Then, ma'am," said Mr. Meagles, " allow me to somebody shuffling up toward the door. make known to you that I shall be happy to have The confined entrance was so dark, that it was her back, and that my wife and daughter will be impossible to make out distinctly what kind of per- happy to have her back. She has been with us a son opened the door; but it appeared to be an old long time, we don't forget her claims upon us, and I woman. "Excuse our troubling you," said Clen- hope we know how to make allowances." nam. "Pray can you tell us where Miss Wade "You hope you know how to make allowances?" lives?" The voice in the darkness unexpectedly re- she returned, in a level, measured voice. "For plied, "Lives here." what?" "Is she at home?" "I think my friend would say, Miss Wade," ArNo answer coming, Mr. Meagles asked again. thur Clennam interposed, seeing Mr. Meagles rather "Pray, is she at home?" at a loss, " for the passionate sense that sometimes After another delay, " I suppose she is," said the comes upon the poor girl, of being at a disadvantage. voice abruptly; "you had better come in, and I'll Which occasionally gets the better of better rememask." brances." They were summarily shut into the close black The lady broke into a smile, as she turned her house; and the figure rustling away, and speaking eyes upon him. "Indeed!" was all she answered. from a higher level, said, " Come up if you please; She stood by the table so perfectly composed and you can't tumble over any thing." They groped still after this acknowledgment of his remark, that their way up stairs toward a faint light, which Mr. Meagles stared at her under a sort of fascination, proved to be the light of the street shining through and could not even look to Clennain to make ana window; and the figure left them shut up in an other move. After waiting, awkwardly enough, for airless room. some moments, Arthur said: " This is odd, Clennam," said Mr. Meagles, softly. "Perhaps it would be well if Mr. Meagles could "Odd enough,' assented Clennam, in the same see her, Miss Wade?" MISS WADE'S MEDIATION. 147 "That is easily done," said she. "Come here, She looked at him for an instant, and then said, child." She had opened a door while saying this, frowningly, "I won't. Miss Wade, take me away, and now led the girl in by the hand. It was very please." curious to see them standing together: the girl The contention that raged within her had no softwith her disengaged fingers plaiting the bosom of ening in it now; it was wholly between passionate her dress, half irresolutely, half passionately; Miss defiance and stubborn defiance. Her rich color, her Wade with her composed face attentively regarding. quick blood, her rapid breath, were all setting themher, and suggesting to an observer with extraordi- selves against the opportunity of retracing her steps. nary force, in her composure itself (as a veil will " I won't. I won't. I won't!" she repeated in a low, suggest the form it covers), the unquenchable pas- thick voice. "I'd be torn to pieces first. I'd tear sion of her own nature. myself to pieces first!" "See here," she said, in the same level way as be- Miss Wade, who had, released her hold, laid her fore. "Here is your patron, your master. He is hand protectingly on the girl's neck for a moment, willing to take you back, my dear, if you are sen- and then said, looking round with her former smile, sible of the favor and choose to go. You can be, and speaking exactly in her former tone," Gentleagain, a foil to his pretty daughter, a slave to her men! What do you do upon that?" pleasant willfulness, and a toy in the house showing "Oh, Tattycoram, Tattycoram!" cried Mr. Meathe goodness of the family. You can have your gles, adjuring her besides with an earnest hand. droll name again, playfully pointing you out and "Hear that lady's voice, look at thyt lady's face, setting you apart, as it is right that you should be consider what is in that lady's heart, and think what pointed out and set apart. (Your birth, you know; a future lies before you. My child, whatever you you must not forget your birth.) You can again may think, that lady's influence over you-astonishbe shown to this gentleman's daughter, Harriet, and ing to us, and I should hardly go too far in saying kept before her, as a living reminder of her own su- terrible to us, to see-is founded in passion fiercer periority and her gracious condescension. You can than yours and temper more violent than yours. recover all these advantages, and many more of the What can you two be together? What can come same kind which I dare say start up in your memo- of it?" ry while I speak, and which you lose in taking ref- " I am alone here, gentlemen," observed Miss Wade, uge with me-you can recover them all, by telling with no change of voice or manner. " Say any thing these gentlemen how humbled and penitent you are, you will." and by going back with them to be forgiven. What "Politeness must yield to this misguided girl, do you say, Harriet? Will you go?" ma'am," said Mr. Meagles, "at her present pass; The girl who, under the influence of these words, though I hope not altogether to dismiss it, even; had gradually risen in anger and heightened in color, with the injury you do her so strongly before me. answered, raising her lustrous black eyes for the mo- Excuse.me for reminding you in her hearing-I must ment, and clenching her hand upon the folds it had:say it-that you were a mystery to all of us, and had' been puckering up, " I'd die sooner!" nothing in common with any of us, when she unforMiss Wade, still standing at her side holding her tunately fell in your way. I don't know what you hand, looked quietly round and said, with a smile, are, but you don't hide, can't hide, what a dark spirit " Gentlemen! What do you do upon that?" you have within you. If it should happen that you Poor Mr. Meagle's inexpressible consternation in are a woman who, from whatever cause, has a perhearing his motives and actions so perverted, had verted delight in making a sister-woman as wretchprevented him from interposing any word until now; ed as she is (I am old enough to have heard of'such), but now he regained the power of speech. I warn her against you, and I warn you against your" Tattycoram," said he, "for I'll call you by that self." name still, my good girl, conscious that I meant noth- "Gentlemen!" said Miss Wade, calmly. " When; ing but kindness when I gave it to you, and conscious you have concluded-Mr. Clennam, perhaps you will that you know it-" induce your friend-" "I don't!" said she, looking up again, and almost "Not without another effort," said Mr. Meagles,. rending herself with the same busy hand. stoutly. "Tattycoram, my poor dear girl, count "No, not now, perhaps," said Mr. Meagles, "not five-and-twenty." with that lady's eyes so intent upon you, Tattyco- " Do not reject the hope, the certainty, this kind! ram," she glanced at them for a moment, "and that man offers you," said Clennam, in a low emphatic' power over you which we see she exercises; not now, voice. " Turn to the friends you have not forgotten. perhaps, but at another time. Tattycoram, I'll not Think once more!" ask that lady whether she believes what she has "I won't! Miss Wade," said the girl, with her' said, even in the anger and ill blood in which I and bosom swelling high, and speaking with her hand. my friend here equally know she has spoken, though held to her throat, " take me away!" she subdues herself with a determination that any "Tattycoram," said Mr. Meagles. "Once more, one who has once seen her is not likely to forget. yet! The only thing I ask of you in the world, my I'll not ask you, with your remembrance of my house child! Count five-and-twenty!" and all belonging to it, whether you believe it. I'll She put her hands tightly over her ears, confusedly' only say that you have no profession to make to me tumbling down her bright black hair in the veheor mine, and no forgiveness to entreat; and that all mence of the action, and turned her face resolutely in the world that I ask you to do, is to count five- to the wall. Miss Wade, who had watched her unand-twenty, Tattycoram." der this final appeal with that strange attentive 148 LITTLE DORRIT. smile, and that repressing hand upon her own bo- must be leaving their homes without reflection, evsom, with which she had watched her in her strug- ery day; for shoals of wrong young people came gle at Marseilles, then put her arm about her waist down to Twickenham, who, not finding themselves as if she took possession of her for evermore. received with enthusiasm, generally demanded cornAnd there was a visible triumph in her face when pensation by way of damages, in addition to coachshe turned it to dismiss the visitors. hire there and back. Nor were these the only un"As it is the last time I shall have this honor," invited clients whom the advertisement produced. she said, "and as you have spoken of not knowing The swarm of begging-letter writers who would what I am, and also of the foundation of my influ- seem to be always watching eagerly for any hook, ence here, you may know now that it is founded in however small, to hang a letter upon, wrote to say a common cause. What your broken plaything is that having seen the advertisement, they were inas to birth, I am. She has no name, I have no name. duced to apply with confidence for various sums, Her wrong is my wrong. I have nothing more to ranging from ten shillings to fifty pounds: not besay to you." cause they knew any thing about the young person, This was addressed to Mr. Meagles, who sorrow- but because they felt that to part with those donafully went out. As Clennam followed, she said to tions would greatly relieve the advertiser's mind. him, with the same external composure and in the Several projectors, likewise, availed themselves of same level voice, but with a smile that is only seen the same opportunity to correspond with Mr. Meaon cruel faces: a very faint smile, lifting the nostril, gles; as, for example, to apprise him that their atscarcely touching the lips, and not breaking away tention having been called to the advertisement by gradually, but instantly dismissed when done with: a friend, they begged to state that if they should " I hope the wife of your dear friend, Mr. Gowan, ever hear any thing of the young person, they would may be happy in the contrast of her extraction to not fail to make it known to him immediately, and this girl's and mine, and in the high good fortune that in the mean time if he would oblige them with that awaits her." the funds necessary for bringing to perfection a certain entirely novel description of Pump, the happiest results would ensue to mankind. CHAPTER XXVIII. Mr. Meagles and his family, under these combined NOB'ODY'S DISAPPEARANCE. discouragements, had begun reluctantly to give up Tattycoram as irrecoverable, when the new and actOT resting satisfied with the endeavors he had ive firm of Doyce and Clennam, in their private camade to recover his lost charge, Mr. Meagles pacities, went down on a Saturday to stay at the addressed a letter of remonstrance, breathing noth- cottage until Monday. The senior partner took the ing but good-will, not only to her, but to Miss Wade coach, and the junior partner took his walking-stick. too. No answer coming to these epistles, or to an- A tranquil summer sunset shone upon him as he other written to the stubborn girl by the hand of approached the end of his walk, and passed through her late young mistress, which might have melted the meadows by the river-side. He had that sense her if any thing could (all three letters were return- of peace, and of being lightened of a weight of care, ed weeks afterward as having been refused at the which country quiet awakens in the breasts of house door), he deputed Mrs. Meagles to make the ex- dwellers in towns. Every thing within his view periment of a personal interview. That worthy lady was lovely and placid. The rich foliage of the being unable to obtain one, and being steadfastly trees, the luxuriant grass diversified with wild flowdenied admission, Mr. Meagles besought Arthur to ers, the little green islands in the river, the beds of essay once more what he could do. All that came rushes, the water-lilies floating on the surface of the of his compliance was, his discovery that the empty stream, the distant voices in boats borne musically house was left in charge of the old woman, that Miss toward him on the ripple of the water and the evenWade was gone, that the waifs and strays of furni- ing air, were all expressive of rest. In the occasionture were gone, and that the old woman would ac- al leap of a fish, or dip of an oar, or twittering of a cept any number of half-crowns and thank the donor bird not yet at roost, or distant barking of a dog, or kindly, but had no information whatever to exchange'lowing of a cow-in all such sounds, there was the for those coins, beyond constantly offering for peru- prevailing breath of rest, which seemed to encomsal a memorandum relative to fixtures, which the pass him in every scent that sweetened the fragrant house-agent's young man had left in the hall. air. The long lines of red and gold in the sky, and Unwillin'g, even under this discomfiture, to resign the glorious track of the descending sun, were all the ingrate and leave her hopeless, in case of her divinely calm. Upon the purple tree-tops far away, better dispositions obtaining the mastery over the and on the green height near at hand up which the darker side of her character, Mr. Meagles, for six shades were slowly creeping, there was an equal successive days, published a discreetly covert adver- hush. Between the real landscape and its shadow tisement in the morning papers, to the effect that in the water there was no division; both were so if a certain young person who had lately left home untroubled and clear, and, while so fraught with without reflection, would at any time apply at his solemn mystery of life and death, so hopefully re-asaddress at Twickenham, every thing would be as it suring to the gazer's soothed heart, because so tenhad been before, and no reproaches need be appre- derly and mercifully beautiful. hended. The unexpected consequences of this noti- Clennam had stopped, not for the first time by fication, suggested to the dismayed Mr. Meagles for many times, to look about him and suffer what he the first time that some hundreds of young persons saw to sink into his soul, as the shadows, looked at, MINNIE'S CONFIDENCE. 149 seemed to sink deeper and deeper into the water. His own hand shook, as he accepted a rose or two He was slowly resuming his way, when he saw a from hers, and thanked her. They were now by an figure in the path before him which he had, perhaps, avenue of trees. Whether they turned into it on already associated with the evening and its impres- his movement or on hers, matters little. He never sions. knew how that was. Minnie was there, alone. She had some roses in " It is very grave here," said Clennam, " but very her hand, and seemed to have stood still on seeing pleasant at this hour. Passing along this deep him, waiting for him. Her face was toward him, shade, and out at that arch of light at the other and she appeared to have been coming from the op- end, we come upon the ferry and the cottage by the posite direction. There was a flutter in her manner, best approach, I think." which Clennam had never seen in it before; and as In her simple garden-hat and her light summer he came near her, it entered his mind all at once dress, with her rich brown hair naturally clustering that she was there of a set purpose to speak to him. about her, and her wonderful eyes raised to his for MINNIE WAS THERE ALONE. She gave him her hand, and said, "You wonder to a moment, with a look in which regard for him and see me here by myself? But the evening is so love- trustfiulness in him were strikingly blended with a ly, I have strolled farther than I meant at first. I kind of timid sorrow for him, she was so beautiful, thought it likely I might meet you, and that made that it was well for his peace-or ill for his peace, me more confident. You always come this way, do he did not quite know which-that he had made you not?" that vigorous resolution he had so often thought As Clennam said that it was his favorite way, he about. felt her hand falter on his arm, and saw the roses She broke a momentary silence by inquiring if he shake. * knew that papa had been thinking of another tour "Will you let me give you one, Mr. Clennam? I abroad? He said he had heard it mentioned. She gathered them as I came out of the garden. Indeed, broke another momentary silence by adding, with I almost gathered them for you, thinking it so likely some hesitation, that papa had abandoned the idea. I might meet yon. Mr. Doyce arrived more than an At this, he thought directly, " They are to be marhour ago, and told us you were walking down." ried." 150 LITTLE DORRIT. "Mr. Clennam," she said, hesitating more timidly "My dear girl," said Clennamn, "it is in the natuyet, and speaking so low that he bent his head to ral progress and change of time. All homes are left hear her, "I should very much like to give you so." my confidence, if you would not mind having the "Yes, I know; but all homes are not left with goodness to receive it. I should have very much such a blank in them as there will be in mine when liked to have given it to you long ago, because-I I am gone. Not that there is any scarcity of far felt that you were becoming so -much our friend." better and more endearing and more accomplished " How can I be otherwise than proud of it at any girls than I am; not that I am much; but that they time? Pray give it to me. Pray trust me." have made so much of me!" " I could never have been afraid of trusting you," Pet's affectionate heart was overcharged, and she she returned, raising her eyes frankly to his face. sobbed while she pictured what would happen. "I think I would have done so some time ago, if I "I know what a change papa will feel at first, had known how. But I scarcely know how, even and I know that at first I can not be to him any now." thing like what I have been these many years. And "Mr. Gowan," said Arthur Clennam, "has reason it is then, Mr. Clennam, then more than at any time, to be very happy. God bless his wife and him!" that I beg and entreat you to remember him, and She wept, as she tried to thank him. He re-as- sometimes to keep him company when you can spare sured her, took her hand as it lay with the trem- a little while; and to tell him that you know I was bling roses in it on his arm, took the remaining fender of him, when I left him, than I ever was in roses from it, and put it to his lips. At that time, all my life. For there is nobody — he told me so it seemed to him, he first finally resigned the dying himself when he talked to me this very day-there hope that had flickered in nobody's heart, so much is nobody he likes so well as you, or trusts so much." to its pain and trouble; and from that time he be- A clue to what had passed between the father and came in his own eyes, as to any similar hope or pros- daughter dropped like a heavy stone into the well pect, a very much older man who had done with of Clennam's heart, and swelled the water to his that part of life. eyes. He said, cheerily, but not quite so cheerily as He put the roses in his breast and they walked he tried to say, that it should be done: that he gave on for a little while, slowly and silently, under the her his faithful promise. umbrageous trees. Then he asked her, in a voice "If I do not speak of mamma," said Pet, more of cheerful kindness, was there any thing else that moved by, and more pretty in, her innocent grief, she would say to him as her friend and her father's than Clennam could trust himself even now to confriend, many years older than herself; was there sider-for which reason he counted the trees beany trust she would repose in him, any service she tween them and the fading light as they slowly would ask of him, any little aid to her happiness diminished in number-" it is because mamma will that she could give him the lasting gratification of understand me better in this action, and will feel believing it was in his power to render? my loss in a different way, and will look forward in She was going to answer, when she was so touch- a different manner. But you know what a dear, ed by some little hidden sorrow or sympathy-what devoted mother she is, and you will remember her, could it have been?-that she said, bursting into too; will you not?" tears again: "Oh, Mr. Clennam! Good, generous Let Minnie trust him, Clennam said, let Minnie Mr. Clennam, pray tell me you do not blame me." trust him to do all she wished. "I blame you?" said Clennam. "My dearest girl! "And, dear Mr. Clennam," said Minnie, "because I blame you? No!" papa and one whom I need not name, do not fully After clasping both her hands upon his arm, and appreciate and understand one another yet, as they looking confidentially up into his face, with some will by-and-by; and because it will be the duty, hurried words to the effect that she thanked him and the pride, and pleasure of my new life, to draw from her heart (as indeed she did, if it be the source them to a better knowledge of one another, and to of earnestness), she gradually composed herself, with be a happiness to one another, and to be proud of now and then a word of encouragement from him, one another, and to love one another, both loving as they walked on slowly and almost silently under me so dearly; oh, as you are a kind, true man! the darkening trees. when I am first separated from home (I am going a "And, now, Minnie Gowan," at length said Clen- long distance away), try to reconcile papa to him a nam, smiling; "will you ask me nothing?" little more, and use your great influence to keep him " Oh! I have very much to ask of you." before papa's mind, free from prejudice and in his " That's well! I hoped so; I am not disappointed." real form. Will you do this for me, as you are a " You know how I am loved at home, and how I noble-hearted friend?" love home. You can hardly think it perhaps, dear Poor Pet! Self-deceived, mistaken child! When Mr. Clennam," she spoke with great agitation, "see- were such changes ever made in men's natural relaing me going from it of my own free-will and choice, tions to one another: when was such reconcilement but I do so dearly love it!" of ingrain differences ever effected? It has been "I am sure of that," said Clennam. "Can you tried many times by other daughters, Minnie; it suppose I doubt it?" has never succeeded; nothing has ever come of it " No, no. But it is strange, even to me, that lov- but failure. ing it so much and being so much beloved in it, I So Clennam thought. So he did not say; it was can bear to cast it away. It seems so neglectful of too late. He bound himself to do all she asked, and it, so unthankful." she knew full well that he would do it. MRS. FLINT WICHf'S DREAMING. 151 They were now at the last tree in the avenue. on the flowing river. Pale and unreal in the moonShe stopped and withdrew her arm. Speakingr'to light, the river floated ttlem away. himn with her eyes lifted up to his, and with the The lights were bright within doors when he enhand that had lately rested on his sleeve trembling- tered, and the faces on which they shone, his own ly touching one of the roses in his breast as an addi- face not excepted, were soon quietly cheerful. They tional appeal to him, she said: talked of many subjects (his partner never had had "Dear Mr. Clennam, in my happiness-for I am such a ready store to draw upon for the beguiling happy, though you have seen me crying-I can not of the time), and so to bed, and to sleep. While the bear to leave any cloud between us. If you have flowers, pale and unreal in the moonlight, floated any thing to forgive me (not any thing that I have away upon the river; and thus do greater things willfully done, but any trouble I may have caused than once were in our breasts, and near our hearts, you without meaning it, or having it in my power flow from us to the eternal seas. to help it), forgive me to-night out of your noble heart!" He stooped to meet the guileless face that met his without shrinking. He kissed it, and answered, CHAPTER XXIX. Heaven knew that he had nothing to forgive. As,.MRS. FLINTWINCH GOES ON DREAMING. he stooped to meet the innocent face once again, she whispered "Good-bye!" and he repeated it. It was mIHE house in the City preserved its heavy dulltaking leave of all his old hopes —all nobody's old 1 ness through all these transactions, and the inrestless doubts. They came out of the avenue next valid within it turned the same unvarying round of moment, arm in arm as they had entered it; and the life. Morning, noon, and night, morning, noon, and trees seemed to close up behind them in the dark- night, each recurring with its accompanying monotness, like their own perspective of the past. ony, always the same reluctant return to the same The voices of Mr. and Mrs. Meagles, and Doyce, sequences of machinery, like a dragging piece of were audible directly, speaking- near the garden- clock-work. gate. Hearing Pet's name among them, Clennam The wheeled chair had its associated rememcalled out "She is here, with me." There was some brances and reveries, one may suppose, as every little wondering and laughing until they came up; place that is made the station of a human being has. but as soon as they had all come together, it ceased, Pictures of demolished streets and altered houses, as and Pet glided away. they formerly were when the occupant of the chair Mr. Meagles, Doyce, and Clennam, without speak- was familiar with them; images of people as they ing, walked up and down on the brink of the river, too used to be, with little or no allowance made for in the light of the rising moon, for a few minutes; the lapse of time since they were seen; of these, and then Doyce lingered behind, and went into the there must have been many in the long routine of house. Mr. Meagles and Clennam walked up and gloomy days. To stop the clock of busy existence, down together for a few minutes more without at the hour when we were personally sequestered speaking, until at length the former broke silence. from it; to suppose mankind stricken motionless, "Arthur," said he, using that familiar address for when we were brought to a stand-still; to be unathe first time in their communication, "do you re- ble to measure the changes beyond our view, by any member my telling you, as we walked up and down larger standard than the shrunken one of our own one hot morning, looking over the harbor at Mar- uniform and contracted existence; is the infirmity seilles, that Pet's baby sister who was dead seemed of many invalids, and the mental unhealthiness of to Mother and me to have grown as she had grown, almost all recluses. and changed as she had changed?" What scenes and actors the stern woman most re" Very well." viewed, as she sat from season to season in her one "You remember my saying that' our thoughts had dark room, none knew but herself. Mr. Flintwinch, never been able to separate those twin sisters, and with his wry presence brought to bear upon her that in our fancy whatever Pet was, the other was?" daily like some eccentric mechanical force, would "Yes, very well." perhaps have screwed it out of her, if there had "Arthur," said Mr. Meagles, much subdued, "I car- been less resistance in her; but she was too strong ry that fancy further to-night. I feel to-night, my for him. So far as Mistress Affery was concerned, dear fellow, as if you had loved my dead child very to regard her liege lord and her disabled mistress tenderly, and had lost her when she was like what with a face of blank wonder, to go about the house Pet is now." after dark with her apron over her head, always to " Thank you," murmured Clennam, " thank you!" listen for the strange noises and sometimes to hear And pressed his hand. them, and never to emerge from her ghostly dreamy, "Will you come in?" said Mr. Meagles, presently. sleep-waking state, was occupation enough for her. "In a little while." There was a fair stroke of business doing, as MisMr. Meagles fell away, and he was left alone. tress Affery made out, for her husband had abundant When he had walked on the river's brink in the occupation in his little office, and saw more people leaceful moonlight for some half an hour, he put than had been used to come there for some years. his hand in his breast and tenderly took out the This might easily be, the house having been long handflll of roses. Perhaps he put them to his heart, deserted; but he did receive letters, and comers, perhaps he put them to his lips, but certainly he and keep books, and correspond. Moreover, he went bent down on the shore, and gently launched them about to other counting-houses, and to wharves, and 152 LITTLE DORRIT. docks, and to the Custom-house, and to Garraway's "Thank you. Good-evening." Coffee-house, and the Jerdsalem Coffee-house, and The dismissal, and its accompanying finger pointon'Change; so that he was much in and out. He ed straight at the door, was so curt and direct that began, too, sometimes of an evening, when Mrs. Mr. Pancks did not see his way to prolonging his Clennam expressed no particular wish for his so- visit. He stirred up his hair with his sprightliest ciety, to resort to a tavern in the neighborhood to expression, glanced at the little figure again, said look at the shipping news and closing prices in the "Good-evening, ma'am; don't come down, Mrs. Afevening paper, and even to exchange small sociali- fery; I know the road to the door," and steamed out. ties with mercantile Sea-captains who frequented Mrs. Clennam, her chin resting on her hand, followed that establishment. At some period of every day, him with attentive and darkly distrustful eyes; and he and Mrs. Clennam held a council on matters of Affery stood looking at her, as if she were spell-bound. business; and it appeared to Affery, who was always Slowly and thoughtfully, Mrs. Clennam's eyes groping about, listening and watching, that the two turned from the door by which Pancks had gone clever ones were making money. out, to Little Dorrit, rising from the carpet. With The state of mind into which Mr. Flintwinch's her chin drooping more heavily on her hand, and her dazed lady had fallen, had now begun to be so ex- eyes vigilant and lowering, the sick woman sat lookpressed on all her looks and actions, that she was ing at her until she attracted her attention. Little held in very low account by the two clever ones, as Dorrit colored under such a gaze, and looked down. a person never of strong intellect, who was becoming Mrs. Clennam still sat intent. foolish. Perhaps because her appearance was not "Little Dorrit," the said, when she at last broke of a commercial cast, or perhaps because it occurred silence, " what do you know of that man?" to him that his having taken her to wife might ex- "I don't know any thing of him, ma'am, except pose his judgment to doubt in the minds of custom- that I have seen him about, and that he has spoken ers, Mr. Flintwinch laid his commands upon her that to me." she should hold her peace on the subject of her con- "What has he said to you.'" jugal relations, and should no longer call him Jer- "I don't understand what he has said, he is so emiah out of the domestic trio. Her frequent for- strange. But nothing rough or disagreeable." getfulness of this admonition intensified her startled " Why does he come here to see you?" manner, since Mr. Flintwinch's habit of avenging "I don't know, ma'am," said Little Dorrit, with himself on her remissness by making springs after perfect frankness. her on the staircase, and shaking her, occasioned her " You know that he does come here to see you?" to be always nervously uncertain when she might be " I have fancied so," said Little Dorrit. " But why thus waylaid next. he should come here or anywhere, for that, ma'am, I Little Dorrit had finished a long day's work in can't think." Mrs. Clennam's room, and was neatly gathering up Mrs. Clennam cast her eyes toward the ground, her shreds and odds and ends before going home. and with her strong, set face, as intent upon a subMr. Pancks, whom Affery had just shown in, was ad- ject in her mind as it had lately been upon the form dressing an inquiry to Mrs. Clennam on the subject that seemed to pass out of her view, sat absorbed. of her health, coupled with the remark that, "hap- Some minutes elapsed before she came out of this pening to find himself in that direction," he had look- thoughtfulness, and resumed her hard composure. ed in to inquire, on behalf of his proprietor, how she Little Dorrit in the mean while had been waiting found herself. Mrs. Clennam, with a deep contrac- to go, but afraid to disturb her by moving. She'now tion of her brows, was looking at him. ventured to leave the spot where she had been stand" Mr. Casby knows," said she, "that I am not sub- ing since she had risen, and to pass gently round by ject to changes. The change that I await here is the wheeled chair. She stopped at its side to say the great change." " Good-night, ma'am."' "Indeed, ma'am?" returned Mr. Pancks, with a Mrs. Clennam put out her hand, and laid it on her wandering eye toward the figure of the little seam- arm. Little Dorrit; confused under the touch, stood stress on her knee picking threads and fraying of her faltering. Perhaps some momentary recollection of work from the carpet. "You look nicely, ma'm." the story of the Princess may have been in her mind. " I bear what I have to bear," she answered. " Do "Tell me, Little Dorrit," said Mrs. Clennam. you what you have to do." I "Have you many friends now?" " Thank you, ma'am," said Mr. Pancks; " such is "Very few, ma'am. Besides you, only Miss Flora my endeavor." and-one more." "You are often in this direction, are you not?" "Meaning," said Mrs. Clennam, with her unbent asked Mrs. Clennam. finger again pointing to the door, " that man?" "Why yes, ma'am," said Pancks, " rather so lately; " Oh no, ma'am!" I have lately been round this way a good deal, owing " Some friend of his, perhaps?" to one thing and another." "No, ma'am." Little Dorrit earnestly shook her "Beg Mr. Casby and his daughter not to trouble head. " Oh no! No one at all like him, or belongthemselves, by deputy, about me. When they wish ing to him." to see me, they know I am here to see them. They " Well!" said Mrs. Clennam, almost smiling. " It have no need to trouble themselves to send. You is no affair of mine. I ask, because I take an interhave no need'to trouble yourself to come." est in you; and because I believe I was your friend, "Not the least trouble, ma'am," said Mr. Pancks. when you had no other who could serve you. Is " You really are looking uncommonly nicely, ma'am." that so?" A STRANGER. 153 " Yes, ma'am; indeed it is. I have been here many door blowing upon her in a violent gust of wind and a time when, but for you.and the work you gave me, shutting her out. " What's to be done now, what's we should have wanted every thing." to be done now?" cried Mistress Affery, wringing her "We," repeated Mrs. Clennam, looking toward hands in this last uneasy dream of all; "when she's the watch, oce her dead husband's, which always all alone by herself inside, and can no more come lay upon her table. "Are there many of you?" down to open it than the church-yard dead them" Only father and I, now. I mean, only father and selves!" I to keep regularly out of what we get." In this dilemma, Mistress Affery, with her apron "Have you undergone many privations'? You as a hood to keep the rain off, ran crying up and and your father, and who else there may be of you?" down the solitary paved inclosure several times. asked Mrs. Clennam, speaking deliberately, and med- Why she should then stoop down and look in at the. itatively turning the watch over and over. key-hole of the door, as if an eye would open it, it " Sometimes it has been rather hard to live," said would be difficult to say; but it is none the less what Little Dorrit, in her soft voice, and timid uncomplain- most people would have done in the same situation, ing way; " but I think not harder-as to that-than and it is what she did. many people find it." From this posture she started up suddenly, with " That's well said!" Mrs. Clennam quickly return- a half-scream, feeling something on her shoulder. ed. " That's the truth! You are a good, thoughtful It was the touch of a hand; of a man's hand. girl. You are a grateful girl too, or I must mis- The man was dressed like a traveler, in a foratake you." ging cap with fur about it, and a heap of cloak. He " It is only natural to be that. There is no merit looked like a foreigner. He had a quantity of hair in being that," said Little Dorrit. " I am indeed." and mustache-jet black, except at the shaggy ends, Mrs. Clennam, with, a gentleness of which the where it had a tinge of red-and a high hook nose. dreaming Affery had never dreamed her to be capa- He laughed at Mistress Affery's start and cry, and, ble, drew down the face of her little seamstress, and as he laughed, his mustache went up under his nose, kissed her on the forehead. and his nose came down over his mustache. " Now go, Little Dorrit," said she," or you will be " What's the matter?" he asked in plain English. late, poor child!" "What are you frightened at?" In all the dreams Mistress Affery had been piling " At you," panted Affery. up since she first became devoted to the pursuit, she "Me, madam?" had dreamed nothing more astonishing than this. "And the dismal evening, and-and every thing," Her head ached with the idea that she would find said Affery. "And here! The wind has been and the other clever one kissing Little Dorrit next, and blown the door to, and I can't get in." then the two clever ones embracing each other and "Hah!" said the gentleman, who took that very dissolving into tears of tenderness for all mankind. coolly. "Indeed! Do you know such a name as The idea quite stunned her, as she attended the light Clennam about here?" footsteps down the stairs, that the house door might " Lord bless us, I should think I did, I should be safely shut. think I did!" cried Affery, exasperated into a new On opening it to let Little Dorrit out, she found wringing of hands by the inquiry. Mr. Pancks, instead of having gone his way, as in any " Where about here?" less wonderful place and among less wonderful phe- "Where!" cried Affery, goaded into another innomena he might have been reasonably expected to spection of the key-hole. "Where but here in this dlo, fluttering up and down the court outside the house? And she's all alone in her room, and lost house. The moment he saw Little Dorrit, he passed the use of her limbs and can't stir to help herself or her briskly, said with his finger to his nose (as Mis- me, and the t'other clever one's out, and Lord fortress Affery distinctly heard), "Pancks the gypsy, give me!" cried Affery, driven into a frantic dance fortune-telling," and went away. "Lord save us, by these accumulated considerations, "if I ain't agohere's a gypsy and a fortune-teller in it now!" cried ing headlong out of my mind!" Mistress Affery. "What next?" Taking a warmer view of the matter now that it She stood at the open door, staggering herself concerned himself, the gentleman stepped back to with this enigma, on a rainy, thundery evening. glance at the house, and his eyes soon rested on the The clouds were flying fast, the wind was coming long narrow window of the little room near the hall up in gusts, banging some neighboring shutters that door. had broken loose, twirling the rusty chimney-cowls "Where may the lady be who has lost the use of and weather-cocks, and rushing round and round a her limbs, madam?" he inquired, with that peculiar confined adjacent church-yard as if it had a mind to smile which Mistress Affery could not choose but blow the dead citizens out of their graves. The low keep her eyes upon. thunder, muttering in all quarters of the sky at once, " Up there!" said Affery. " Them two windows." seemed to threaten vengeance for this attempted des- "Hah! I am of a fair size, but could not have ecration, and to mutter, "Let them rest! Let them the honor of presenting myself in that room without rest!" a ladder. Now, madam, frankly-frankness is a Mistress Affery, whose fear of thunder and light- part of my character -shall I open the'door for ning was only to be equaled by her dread of the you?" haunted house with a premature and preternatural "Yes, bless you, sir, for a dear creetur, and do it darkness in it, stood undecided whether to go in or at once," cried Affery, "for she may be a-calling to not, until the question was settled for her by the me at this very present minute, or may be setting 154 LITTLE.DORRIT. herself afire and burning herself to death, or there's his way up the bricks, and in a moment had his no knowing what may be happening to her, and me hand at the sash, raising it. His eyes looked so very agoing out of my mind at thinking of it!" sinister, as he put his leg into the room and glanced "Stay, my good madam!" He restrained her im- round at Mistress Affery, that she thought, with a patience with a smooth white hand. " Business sudden coldness, if he were to go straight up stairs hours, I apprehend, are over for the day?" to murder the invalid, what could she do to prevent " Yes, yes, yes," cried Affery. "Long ago." him? "Let me make, then, a fair proposal. Fairness is Happily he had no such purpose; for he re-appeara part of my character. I am just landed from the ed, in a moment, at the house door. " Now, my packet-boat, as you may see." He showed her that dear madam," he said, as he took back his cloak his cloak was very wet, and that his boots were sat- and threw it on, "if you'll have the goodness tourated with water; she had previously observed What the devil's that'?" that he was disheveled and sallow, as if from a The strangest of sounds. Evidently close at hand rough voyage, and so chilled that he could not keep from the peculiar shock it communicated to the air, his teeth from chattering. " I am just landed from yet subdued as if it were far off. A tremble, a rumthe packet-boat, madam, and have been delayed by ble, and a fall of some light dry matter. " WHAIT'S THE MATTER?" IHE ASKEDT IN PLAIN ElGLISII.' WHAT ARE YOU FRIGHTENED AT? the weather; the infernal weather! In consequence "What the devil is it?" of this, madam, some necessary business that I should "I don't know what it is, but I've heard the like otherwise have transacted here within the regular of it over and over again," said Affery, who had hours (necessary business because money business), caught his arm. still remains to be done. Now, if you will fetch He could hardly be a very brave man, even she any authorized neighboring somebody to do it, in thought in her dreamy start and fright, for his tremreturn for my opening the door, I'll open the door. bling lips had turned colorless. After listening a If this arrangement should be objectionable, I'll-" few moments, he made light of it. and with the same smile he made a significant feint " Bah! Nothing! Now, my dear madam, I think of backing away. you spoke of some clever personage. Will you be Mistress Affery, heartily glad to effect the pro- so good as to confront me with that genius?" He posed compromise, gave in her willing adhesion to held the door in his hand, as though he were quite it. The gentleman at once requested her to do him ready to shut her out again if she failed. the favor of holding his cloak, took a short run at "Don't you say any thing about the door and the narrow window, made a leap at the sill, clung me, then," whispered Affery. ~ ~ TESTEDGER TAKIG ADANTAE OFTHIS ITFU ILLMINAION O HISVISAE, LOKED NTENLY AD WONERINLY A HIM THE STRANGER SURPRISED. 157 "Not a word." flustered woman, who was putting her cap on, "Get "And don't you stir from here, or speak if she out with you, and get up stairs!" and then turned calls, while I run round the corner." to the stranger, and said to him, "Now, sir, what " Madam, I am a statue." might you please to want?" Affery had so vivid a fear of his going stealthily "I am afraid," said the stranger, "I must be so up stairs the moment her back was turned, that, af- troublesome as to propose a candle." ter hurrying out of sight, she returned to the gate- "True," assented Jeremiah. "I was going to do way to peep at him. Seeing him still on the thresh- so. Please to stand where you are, while I get one." old, more out of the house than in it, as if he had The visitor was standing in the door-way, but no love for darkness and no desire to probe its mys- turned a little into the gloom of the house as Mr. teries, she flew into the next street, and sent a mes- Flintwinch turned, and pursued him with his eyes sage into the tavern to Mr. Flintwinch, who came into the little room, where he groped about for a out directly. The two returning together-the lady phosphorus box. When he found it, it was damp, in advance, and Mr. Flintwinch coming up briskly or otherwise out of order; and match after match behind, animated with the hope of shaking her be- that he struck into it lighted sufficiently to throw fore she could get housed-saw the gentleman stand- a dull glare about his groping face, and to sprinkle ing in the same place in the dark, and heard the his hands with pale little spots of fire, but not suffistrong voice of Mrs. Clennam calling from her room, ciently to light the candle. The stranger, taking "Who is it? What is it? Why does no one an- advantage of this fitful illumination of his visage, swer? Who is that, down there?" looked intently and wonderingly at him. Jeremiah, when he at last lighted the candle, knew he had been doing this, by seeing the last shade of a lowering watchfulness clear away from his face, as it CHAPTER XXX. broke into the doubtful smile that was a large ingredient in its expression. "Be so good," said Jeremiah, closing the house W HEN Mr. and Mrs. Flintwinch panted up to door, and taking a pretty sharp survey of the smilN the door of the old house in the twilight, Jere- ing visitor in his turn, "as to step into my countmiah within a second of Affery, the stranger started ing-house.- It's all right, I tell you!" petulantly back. " Death of my soul!" he exclaimed. " Why, breaking off to answer the voice up stairs, still unhow did you get here?" satisfied, though Affery was there, speaking in perMr. Flintwinch, to whom these words were spoken, suasive tones. "Don't I tell you it's all right? repaid the stranger's wonder in full. He gazed at Preserve the woman, has she no reason at all in him with blank astonishment; he looked over his her?" own shoulder, as expecting to see some one he had "Timorous," remarked the stranger. not been aware of standing behind him; he gazed "Timorous?" said Mr. Flintwinch, turning his at the stranger again, speechlessly at a loss to know head to retort, as he went before with the candle. what he meant; he looked to his wife for explana- "More courageous than ninety men in a hundred, tion; receiving none, he pounced upon her, and sir, let me tell you." shook her with such heartiness that he shook her "Though an invalid?" cap off her head, saying between his teeth, with "Many years an invalid. Mrs. Clennam. The grim raillery as he did it, "Affery, my woman, you only one of that name left in the House now. My must have a dose, my dear! This is some of your partner." tricks! You have been dreaming again, mistress. Saying something apologetically as he crossed the What's it about? Who is it? What does it mean? hall, to the effect that at that time of night they Speak out or be choked! It's the only choice I'll were not in the habit of receiving any one, and were give you." always shut up, Mr. Flintwinch led the way into Supposing Mistress Affery to have any power of his own office, which presented a sufficiently busielection at the moment, her choice was decidedly to ness-like appearance. Here he put the light on his be choked; for she answered not a syllable to this desk, and said to the stranger, with his wryest twist adjuration, but, with her bare head wagging vio- upon him, " Your commands." lently backward and forward, resigned herself to "My name is Blandois." her punishment. The stranger, however, picking "Blandois. I don't know it," said Jeremiah. up her cap with an air of gallantry, interposed. "I thought it possible," resumed the other, "that "Permit me," said he, laying his hand on the you might have been advised from Paris-" shoulder of Jeremiah, who stopped, and released his "We have had no advice from Paris, respecting victim. "Thank you. Excuse me. Husband and any body of the name of Blandois," said Jeremiah. wife I know, from this playfulness. Ha-ha! Always "No?" agreeable to see that relation playfully maintained. "No." Listen! May I suggest that somebody up stairs, in Jeremiah stood in his favorite attitude. The the dark, is becoming energetically curious to know smiling Mr. Blandois, opening his cloak to get his what is going on here?" hand to a breast-pocket, paused to say, with a laugh This reference to Mrs. Clennam's voice reminded in his glittering eyes, which it occurred to Mr. FlintMr. Flintwinch to step into the hall and call up the winch were too near together: staircase. "' It's all right, I am here; Affery is com- " You are so like a friend of mine! Not so identiing with your light." Then he said to the latter cally the same as I supposed when I really did for 158 LITTLE DORRIT. the moment take you to be the same in the dusk- Mr. Flintwinch was slowly beginning, " For a for which I ought to apologize; permit me to do so; gentleman of your habits, there is not in this immea readiness to confess my errors is, I hope, a part of diate neighborhood any hotel-" when Mr. Blandois the frankness of my character-still, however, un- took him up. commonly like." "So much for my habits, my dear sir!" snapping "Indeed'?" said Jeremiah, perversely. "But I his fingers. "A citizen of the world has no habits. have not received any letter of advice from any- That I am, in my poor way, a gentleman, by Heavwhere, respecting any body of the name of Blan- en! I will not deny, but I have no unaccommodadois." ting prejudiced habits. A clean room, a hot dish "Just so," said the stranger. for dinner, and a bottle of not absolutely poisonous "Just so," said Jeremiah. wine, are all I want to-night. But' I want that Mr. Blandois, not at all put out by this omission much, without the trouble of going one unnecessary on the part of the correspondents of the house of inch to get it." Clennam and Co., took his pocket-book from his " There is," said Mr. Flintwinch, with more than breast-pocket, selected a letter from that receptacle, his usual deliberation, as he met, for a moment, Mr. and handed it to Mr. Flintwinch. "No doubt you Blandois's shining eyes, which were restless; " there are well acquainted with the writing. Perhaps the is a coffee-house and tavern close here, which, so letter speaks for itself, and requires no advice. You far, I can recommend; but there's no style about it." are a far more competent judge of such affairs than "I dispense with style!" said Mr. Blandois, wavI am. It is my misfortune to be, not so much a man ing his hand. " Do me the honor to show me the of business, as what the world calls (arbitrarily) a house, and introduce me there (if I am not too trougentleman.". blesome), and I shall be infinitely obliged." Mr. Flintwinch took the letter, and read, under Mr. Flintwinch, upon this, looked up his hat, and date of Paris, "We have to present to you, on be- lighted Mr. Blandois across the hall again. As he half of a highly esteemed correspondent of our Firm, put the candle on a bracket, where the dark old M. Blandois, of this city," e etc. etc. " Such facilities paneling almost served as an extinguisher for it, he as he may require, and such attentions as may lie bethought himself of going up to tell the invalid in your power," etc., etc. "Also have to add that if that he would not be absent five minutes. you will honor M. Blandois's drafts at sight to the "Oblige me," said the visitor, on his saying so, extent of, say Fifty Pounds sterling (~50)," etc., "by presenting my card of visit. Do me the favor etc. to add, that I shall be happy to wait on Mrs. Clen" Very good, sir," said Mr. Flintwinch. " Take a nam, to offer my personal compliments, and to apolchair. To the extent of any thing that our House ogize for having occasioned any agitation in this can do-weq are in a retired, old-fashioned, steady tranquil corner, if it should suit her convenience to way of business, sir-we shall be happy to render endure the presence of a stranger for a few minutes, you our best assistance. I observe, from the date of after he shall have changed his wet clothes and forthis, that we could not yet be advised of it. Prob- tified himself with something to eat and drink." ably you came over with the delayed mail. that Jeremiah made all dispatch, and said, on his rebrings the advice." turn, " She'll be glad to see you, sir; but, being con"That I came over with the delayed mail, sir," scious that her sick-room has no attractions, wishes returned Mr. Blandois, passing his white hand down me to say that she won't hold you to your offer, in his high-hooked nose, "I know to the cost of my case you should think better of it." head and stomach: the detestable and intolerable "To think better of it," returned the gallant Blanweather having racked them both. You see me in dois, "would be to slight a lady; to slight a lady the plight in which I came out of the Packet within would be to be deficient in chivalry toward the sex; this half-hour. I ought to have been here hours and chivalry toward the sex is a part of my characago, and then I should not have to apologize-per- ter!" Thus expressing himself, he threw the dragmit me to apologize-for presenting myself so un- gled skirt of his cloak over his shoulder, and accomseasonably, and frightening-no, by-the-bye, you panied Mr. Flintwinch to the tavern; taking up on said not frightening; permit me to apologize again the road a porter, who was waiting with his port-the esteemed lady, Mrs. Clennam, in her invalid manteau on the outer side of the gate-way. chamber above stairs." - The house was kept in a homely manner, and the Swagger, and an air of authorized condescension, condescension of Mr. Blandois was infinite. It seemdo so much, that Mr. Flintwinch had already begun ed to fill to inconvenience the little bar, in which to think this a highly gentlemanly personage. Not the widow landlady and her two daughters received the less unyielding with him on that account, he him; it was much too big for the narrow wainscoted scraped his chin and said, what could he have the room with a bagatelle-board in it, that was first prohonor of doing for Mr. Blandois to-night, out of bus- posed for his reception; it perfectly swamped the iness hours? little private holiday sitting-room of the family, " Faith!" returned that gentleman, shrugging his which was finally given up to him. Here, in dry cloaked shoulders, "I must change, and eat and clothes and scented linen, with sleeked hair, a great drink, and be lodged somewhere. Have the kind- ring on each forefinger, and a massive show of ness to advise me, a total stranger, where, and mon- watch-chain, Mr. Blandois waiting for his dinner, ey is a mlatter of perfect indifference, until to-mor- lolling on a window-seat with his knees drawn up, row. The nearer the place, the better. Next door, looked (for all the difference in the setting of the if that's all." jewel) fearfully and wonderfully like a certain Mon A CALL FROMa BLANDOIS. 159 sieur Rigaud who had once so waited for his break- drapery. For the rest, there was the bier-like sofa fast, lying on the stone ledge of the iron grating of with the block upon it, and the figure in the wida cell in a villainous dungeon at Marseilles. ow's dress, as if attired for execution; the fire topHis greed at dinner, too, was closely in keeping ped by the mound of damped ashes; the grate with with the greed of Monsieur Rigaud at breakfast. its second little mound of ashes; the kettle and the His avaricious manner of collecting all the eatables smell of black dye; all as they had been for fifteen about him, and devouring some with his eyes, while years. devouring others with his jaws, was the same man- Mr. Flintwinch presented the gentleman comner. His utter disregard of other people, as shown mended to the consideration of Clennam and Co. in his way of tossing the little womanly toys of fur- Mrs. Clennam, who had the letter lying before her, niture about, flinging favorite cushions under his bent her head and requested him to sit. They lookboots for a softer rest, and crushing delicate cover- ed very closely at one another. That was but natings with his big body and his great black head, ural curiosity. had the same brute selfishness at the bottom of it. " I thank you, sir, for thinking of a disabled womThe softly-moving hands that were so busy among an like me. Few who come here on business have the dishes had the old wicked facility of the hands any remembrance to bestow on one so removed from that had clung to the bars. And when he could observation. It would be idle to expect that they eat no more, and sat sucking his delicate fingers one should have. Out of sight, out of mind. When I by one and wiping them on a cloth, there wanted am grateful for the exception I don't complain of nothing but the substitution of vine-leaves to finish the rule." the picture. Mr. Blandois, in his most gentlemanly manner, On this man, with his mustache going up and his was afraid he had disturbed her by unhappily prenose coming down in that most evil of smiles, and senting himself at such an unconscionable time. with his surface eyes looking as if they belonged to For which he had already offered his best apologies his dyed hair, and had had their natural power of to Mr. — he begged pardon-hbut by name had not reflecting light stopped by some similar process, Na- the distinguished honorture, always true, and never working in vain, had "Mr. Flintwinch has been connected with the set the mark, Beware! It was not her fault, if the House many years." warning were fruitless. She is never to blame in Mr. Blandois was Mr. Flintwinch's most obedient any such instance. humble servant. He entreated Mr. Flintwinch to Mr. Blandois, having finished his repast and clean- receive the assurance of his profoundest consideraed his fingers, took a cigar from his pocket, and, ly- tion. ing on the window-seat again, smoked it out at his "My husband being dead," said Mrs. Clennam, leisure, occasionally apostrophizing the smoke as it "and my son preferring another pursuit, our old parted from his thin lips in a thin stream: House has no other representative in these days "Blandois, you shall turn the tables on society, than Mr. Flintwinch." my little child! Ha-ha! Holy blue, you have be- "What do you call yourself?" was the surly degun well, Blandois! At a pinch, an excellent mas- mand of that gentleman. " You have the head of ter in English or French; a man for the bosom of two men." families! You have a quick perception, you have "My sex disqualifies me," she proceeded, with humor, you have ease, you have insinuating man- merely a slight turn of her eyes in Jeremiah's direcners, you have a good appearance; in effect, you are tion, "from taking a responsible part in the busia gentleman! A gentleman you shall live, my small ness, even if I had the ability; and therefore Mr. boy, and a gentleman you shall die. You shall win, Flintwinch combines my interest with his own, and however the game goes. They shall all confess your conducts it. It is not what it used to be; but some merit,Blandois. You shall subdue the society which of our old friends (principally the writers of this has grievously wronged you, to your own high spir- letter) have the kindness not to forget us, and we it. Death of my soul! You are high-spirited by retain the power of doing what they intrust to us right and by nature, my Blandois!" as efficiently as we ever did. This, however, is not To such soothing murmurs did this gentleman interesting to you. You are English, sir?" smoke out his cigar and drink out his bottle of "Faith, madam, no; I am neither born nor bred wine. Both being finished, he shook himself into a in England. In effect, I am of no country," said Mr. sitting attitude; and with the concluding serious Blandois, stretching out his leg and smiting it: "I apostrophe " Hold, then! Blandois, you ingenious descend from half a dozen countries." one, have all your wits about you!" arose and went "You have been much about the world?" back to the house of Clennam and Co. "It is true. By Heaven, madam, I have been He was received at the door by Mistress Affery, here and there and everywhere!" who, under instructions from her lord, had lighted "You have no ties, probably. Are not married?" up two candles in the hall and a third on the stair- "Madam," said Mr. Blandois, with an ugly fall of case, and who conducted him to Mrs. Clennam's his eyebrows, "I adore your sex, but I am not marroom. Tea was prepared there, and such little com- ried-never was." pany arrangements had been made as usually at- Mistress Affery, who stood at the table near him, tended the reception of expected visitors. They pouring out the tea, happened in her dreamy state were slight on the greatest occasion, never extend- to look at him as he said these words, and to fancy ing beyond the production of the China tea-service, that she caught an expression in his eyes which atand the covering of the bed with a sober and sad tracted her own eyes so that she could not get them 160 LITTLE DORRIT. away. The effect of this fancy was, to keep her star- fore he emptied it at a gulp; and always deliberaing at him with the tea-pot in her hand, not only to ting again before he refilled it. her own great uneasiness, but manifestly to his, too; "D. N. F. was some tender lovely fascinating fair and through them both, to Mrs. Clennam's and Mr. creature, I make no doubt," observed Mr. Blandois, Flintwinch's. Thus a few ghostly moments super- as he snapped on the case again. "I adore her vened, when they were all confusedly staring with- memory on the assumption. Unfortunately for my out knowing why. peace of mind, I adore but too readily. It may be "Affery," her mistress was the first to say, "what a vice, it may be a virtue, but adoration of female is the matter with you?" beauty and merit constitutes three parts of my char"I don't know," said Mistress Affery, with her acter, madam." disengaged left hand extended toward the visitor. Mr. Flintwinch had by this time poured himself " It.ain't me. It's him!" out another cup of tea, which he was swallowing in "What does this good woman mean?" cried Mr. gulps as before, with his eyes directed to the invalid. Blandois, turning white, hot, and slowly rising with " You may be heart-free here, sir," she returned to a look of such deadly wrath that it contrasted sur- Mr. Blandois. " Those letters are not intended, I beprisingly with the slight force of his words. "How lieve, for the initials of any name." is it possible to understand this good creature?" "Of a motto, perhaps," said Mr. Blandois, casu" It's not possible," said Mr. Flintwinch, screwing ally. himself rapidly in that direction. " She don't know "Of a sentence. They have always stood, I bewhat she means. She's an idiot, a wanderer in her lieve, for Do Not Forget!" mind. She shall have a dose, she shall have such a "And naturally," said Mr. Blandois, replacing the dose! Get along with you, my woman," he added watch, and stepping backward to his former chair, in her ear, "get along with you, while you know "you do not forget." you're Affery, and before you're shaken to yeast." Mr. Flintwinch, finishing his tea, not only took a Mistress Affery, sensible of the danger in which longer gulp than he had taken yet, but made his her identity stood, relinquished the tea-pot as her succeeding pause under new circumstances: that is husband seized it, put her apron over her head, and to say, with his head thrown back and his cup still in a twinkling vanished. The visitor gradually held at his lips, while his eyes were still directed at broke into a smile, and sat down again. the invalid. She had that force of face, and that "You'll excuse her, Mr. Blandois," said Jeremiah, concentrated air of collecting her firmness or obpouring out the tea himself; "she's failing and stinacy, which represented in her case what would breaking up; that's what she's about. Do you take have been gesture and action in another, as she resugar, sir?" plied with her deliberate strength of speech: "Thank you; no tea for me.-Pardon my observ- "No, sir, I do not forget. To lead a life as moing it, but that's a very remarkable watch!" notonous as mine has been during many years, is The tea-table was drawn up near the sofa, with not the way to forget. To lead a life of self-correca small interval between it and Mrs. Clennam's own tion is not the way to forget. To be sensible of particular table. Mr. Blandois in his gallantry had having (as we all have, every one of us, all the chilrisen to hand that lady her tea (her dish of toast dren of Adam!) offenses to expiate and peace to was already there), and it was in placing the cup make, does not justify the desire to forget. Thereconveniently within her reach that the watch, lying fore I have long dismissed it, and I neither forget before her as it always did, attracted his attention. nor wish to forget." Mrs. Clennam looked suddenly up at him. Mr. Flintwinch, who had latterly been shaking " May I be permitted? Thank you. A fine old- the sediment at the bottom of his tea-cup round and fashioned watch," he said, taking it in his hand. round, here gulped it down, and putting the cup in "Heavy for use, but massive and genuine. I have the tea-tray, as done with, turned his eyes upon Mr. a partiality for every thing genuine. Such as I am, Blandois, as if to ask him what he thought of that? I am genuine myself. Hah! A gentleman's watch " All expressed, madam," said Mr. Blandois, with with two cases in the old fashion. May I remove it his smoothest bow and his white hand on his breast, from the outer case? Thank you. Ay? An old " by the word'naturally,' which I am proud to have silk watch-lining, worked with beads! I have often had sufficient apprehension and appreciation (but seen these among old Dutch people and Belgians. without appreciation I could not be Blandois) to Quaint things!" employ." " They are old-fashioned too," said Mrs. Clennam. "Pardon me, sir," she returned, "if I doubt the "Very. But this is not as old as the watch, I likelihood of a gentleman of pleasure, and change, think?" and politeness, accustomed to court and to be court"' I think not." ed —" " Extraordinary how they used to complicate these "Oh madam! By Heaven!" ciphers!" remarked Mr. Blandois, glancing up with " —If I doubt the likelihood of such a character, his own smile again. "Now, is this D. N. F.? It quite comprehending what belongs to mine in my might be almost any thing." circumstances. Not to obtrude doctrine upon you," "Those are the letters." she looked at the rigid pile of hard pale books beMr. Flintwinch, who had been observantly pans- fore her, "(for you go your own way, and the coning all this time with a cup of tea in his hand, and sequences are on your own head), I will say vhis his mouth open ready to swallow the contents, be- much: that I shape my course by pilots, strictly by gan to do so: always entirely filling his mouth be- proved and tried pilots, under whom I can not be MR. BLANDOIS ENRAPTURED. 161 shipwrecked-can not be-and that if I were un- several times. " This is an old room," he remarked, mindful of the admonition conveyed in those three with a sudden sprightliness of manner, looking round letters, I should not be half as chastened as I am." when he got near the door. " I have been so interIt was curious how she seized the occasion to ar- ested that I have not observed it. " But it's a gengue with some invisible opponent. Perhaps with nine old room." her own better sense, always turning upon herself "It is a genuine old house," said Mrs. Clennam, and her own deception. with her frozen smile. "A place of no pretensions, "If I forgot my ignorances in my life of health but a piece of antiquity." and freedom, I might complain of the life to which " Faith!" cried the visitor. "If Mr. Flintwinch I am now condemned. I never do; I never have would do me the favor to take me through the done. If I forgot that this scene, the Earth, is ex- rooms on my way out, he could hardly oblige me pressly meant to be a scene of gloom, and hardship, more. An old house is a weakness with me. I and dark trial, for the creatures who are made out have many weaknesses, but none greater. I love of its dust, I might have some tenderness for its and study the picturesque in all its varieties. I vanities. But I have no such tenderness. If I did have been called picturesque myself. It is no mernot know that we are, every one, the subject (most it to be picturesque-I have greater merits, perhaps justly the subject) of a wrath that must be satis- -but I may be, by an accident. Sympathy, symflied, and against which mere actions are nothing, pathy!" I might repine at the difference between me, impris- "I tell you beforehand, Mr. Blandois, that you'll oned here, and the people who pass that gate-way find it very dingy, and very bare," said Jeremiah, yonder. But I take it as a grace and favor to be taking up the candle. "It's not worth your lookelected to make the satisfaction I am making here, ing at." But Mr. Blandois, smiting him in a friendto know what I know for certain here, and to work ly manner on the back, only laughed; so the said out what I have worked out here. My affliction Blandois kissed his hand again to Mrs. Clennam, might otherwise have had no meaning to me. Hence and they went out of the room together. I would forget, and I do forget, nothing. Hence I "You don't care to go up stairs?" said Jeremiah, am contented, and say it is better with me than on the landing. with millions." "On the contrary, Mr. Flintwinch; if not tireAs she spoke these words, she put her band upon some to you, I shall be ravished!" the watch, and restored it to the precise spot on her Mr. Flintwinch, therefore, wormed himself up the little table which it always occupied. With her staircase; and Mr. Blandois followed close. They touch lingering upon it, she sat for some moments ascended to the great garret bedroom which Arthur afterward, looking at it steadily and half defiantly. had occupied on the night of his return. " There, Mr. Blandois, during this exposition, had been Mr. Blandois!" said Jeremiah, showing it, "I hope strictly attentive, keeping his eyes fastened on the you may think that worth coming so high to see. I lady, and thoughtfully stroking his mustache with confess I don't." his two hands. Mr. Flintwinch had been a little Mr. Blandois being enraptured, they walked fidgety, and now struck in. through other garrets and passages, and came down "There, there, there!" said he. "That is quite the staircase again. By this time Mr. Flintwinch understood, Mrs. Clennam, and you have spoken pi- had remarked that he never found the visitor lookously and well. Mr. Blandois, I suspect, is not of a ing at any room, after throwing one quick glance pious cast." around, but always found the visitor looking at "On the contrary, sir!" that gentleman protested, him, Mr. Flintwinch. With this discovery in his snapping his fingers. "Your pardon! It's a part thoughts, he turned about on the staircase for anof my character. I am sensitive, ardent, conscien- other experiment. He met his eyes directly; and tious, and imaginative. A sensitive, ardent, consci- on the instant of their fixing one another, the visentious, and imaginative man, Mr. Flintwinch, must itor, with that ugly play of nose and mustache, be that, or nothing!" laughed (as he had done at every similar moment There was an inkling of suspicion in Mr. Flint- since they left Mrs. Clennam's chamber) a diabolicwinch's face that he might be nothing, as he swag- ally silent laugh. gered out of his chair (it was characteristic of this As a much shorter man than the visitor, Mr. man, as it is of all men similarly marked, that what- Flintwinch was at the physical disadvantage of beever he did, he overdid, though it were sometimes ing thus disagreeably leered at from a height; and by only a hair-breadth), and approached to take his as he went first down the staircase, and was usually leave of Mrs. Clennam. a step or two lower than the other, this disadvan"With what will appear to you the egotism of a tage was at the time increased. He postponed looksick old woman, sir," she then said, "though really ing at Mr. Blandois again until this accidental inthrough your accidental allusion, I have been led equality was removed by their having entered the away into the subject of myself and my infirmities. late Mr. Clennam's room. But, then twisting himBeing so considerate as to visit me, I hope you will self suddenly round upon him, he found his look unbe likewise so considerate as to overlook that. Don't changed. compliment me, if you please." For he was evident- "A most admirable old house," smiled Mr. Blanly going to do it. "Mr. Flintwinch will be happy dois. "So mysterious. Do you never hear any to render you any service, and I hope your stay in haunted noises here?" this city may prove agreeable." "Noises," returned Mr. Flintwinch. "No." Mr. Blandois thanked her, and kissed his hand "Nor see any devils?" 11 162 LITTLE DORBIT. "Not," said Mr. Flintwinch, grimly screwing him- once more; and then, leisurely strolling out with self at his questioner, " not any that introduce them- him into the hall, declared it to be a charming old selves under that name and in that capacity." house indeed, and one which had so greatly pleased "Ha-ha! A portrait here, I see." e him, that he would not have missed inspecting it for (Still looking at Mr. Flintwinch, as if he were the a hundred pounds. portrait.) Throughout these singular freedoms on the part "It's a portrait, sir, as you observe." of Mr. Blandois, which involved a general alteration "May I ask the subject, Mr. Flintwinch?" in his demeanor, making it much coarser and rougher, "Mr. Clennam, deceased. Her husband." much more violent and audacious, than before, Mr. "Former owner of the remarkable watch, per- Flintwinch, whose leathern face was not liable to haps?" said the visitor. many changes, preserved its immobility intact. BeMr. Flintwinch, who had cast his eyes toward the yond now appearing, perhaps, to have been left hangportrait, twisted himself about again, and again ing a trifle too long before that friendly operation of found himself the subject of the same look and cutting down, he outwardly maintained an equable smile. "Yes, Mr. Blandois," he replied, tartly. "It composure. They had brought their survey to a was his, and his uncle's before him, and Lord knows close in the little room at the side of the hall, and who before him; and that's all I can tell you of its he stood there, eying Mr. Blandois. pedigree." "I am glad you are so well satisfied, sir 1 was his " That's a strongly marked character, Mr. Flint- calm remark. "I didn't expect it. You seem to be winch, our friend up stairs." quite in good spirits." "Yes, sir," said Jeremiah, twisting himself at the "In admirable spirits," returned Blandois. "Word visitor again, as he did during the whole of this of honor! never more refreshed in spirits. Do you dialogue, like some screw-machine that fell short of ever have presentiments, Mr. Flintwinch?" its grip; for the other never changed, and he always "I am not sure that I know what you mean by felt obliged to retreat a little. " She is a remark- the term, sir," replied that gentleman. able woman. Great fortitude — great strength of "Say in this case, Mr. Flintwinch, undefined anmind." ticipations of pleasure to come." "' They must have been very happy," said Blandois. "I can't say I am sensible of such a sensation at "Who?" demanded Mr. Flintwinch, with another present," returned Mr. Flintwinch, with the, utmost screw at him. gravity. "If I should find it coming on, I'll menMr. Blandois shook his right forefinger toward the tion it." sick-room, and his left forefinger toward the por- "Now I," said Blandois, "I, my son, have a pretrait, and then putting his arms akimbo, and strid- sentiment to-night that we shall be well acquainted. ing his legs wide apart, stood smiling down at Mr. Do you find it coming on?" Flintwinch with the advancing nose and the re- "N-no," returned Mr. Flintwinch, deliberately treating mustache. inquiring of himself. "I can't say I do." "As happy as most other married people, I sup- "I have a strong presentiment that we shall bepose," returned Mr. Flintwinch. "I can't say. I come intimately acquainted.-You have no feeling don't know. There are secrets in all families." of that sort yet?" "Secrets!" cried Mr. Blandois, quickly. " Say it "Not yet," said Mr. Flintwinch. atgainu, my son." Mr. Blandois, taking him by both shoulders again, " I say," replied Mr. Flintwinch, upon whom he rolled him about a little in his former merry way, had swelled himself so suddenly that Mr. Flint- then drew his arm through his own, and invited him winch found his face almost brushed by the dilated to come off and drink a bottle of wine like a dear chest. " I say there are secrets in all families." deep old dog as he was. " So there are," cried the other, clapping him on Without a moment's indecision, Mr. Flintwinch both shoulders, and rolling him backward and for- accepted the invitation, and they went out to the ward. "Ha-ha! you are right. So there are! Se- quarters where the traveler was lodged, through a crets? Holy Blue! There are the devil's own se- heavy rain which had rattled on the windows, roofs, crets in some families, Mr. Flintwinch!" With that, and pavements, ever since nightfall. The thunder after clapping Mr. Flintwinch on both shoulders sev- and lightning had long ago passed over, but the eral times, as if, in a friendly and humorous way, he rain was furious. On their arrival in Mr. Blandois's were rallying him on a joke he had made, he threw room, a bottle of port-wine was ordered by that galup his arms, threw back his head, hooked his hands lant gentleman; who (crushing every pretty thing together behind it, and burst into a roar of laughter. he could collect, in the soft disposition of his dainty It was in vain for Mr. Flintwinch to try another figure) coiled himself upon the window-seat, while screw at him. He had his laugh out. Mr. Flintwinch took a chair opposite to him, with "But, favor me with the candle a moment," he the table between them. Mr. Blandois proposed said, when he had done. "Let us have a look at having the largest glasses in the house, to which the husband of the remarkable lady. Hah!" hold- Mr. Flintwinch assented. The bumpers filled, Mr. ing up the light at arms-length. "A decided ex- Blandois, with a roystering gayety, clinked the top pression of face here too, though not of the same of his glass against the bottom of Mr. Flintwinch's, character. Looks as if he were saying-what is it and the bottom of his glass against the top of Mr. -Do Not Forget-does he not, Mr. Flintwinch? By Flintwinch's, and drank to the intimate acquaintance Heaven, sir, he does!" he foresaw. Mr. Flintwinch gravely pledged him, As he returned him the candle, he looked at him and drank all the wine he could get, and said noth THE END OF THE THIRD BOTTLE. 163 inug. As often as Mr. Blandois clinked glasses (which tinent by way of Calais. Nevertheless, Jeremiah was at every replenishment), Mr. Flintwinch stolidly scraped out of his cogitating face a lively convicdid his part of the clinking, and would have stolidly tion that Mr. Blandois would keep his word on this done his companion's part of the wine as well as his occasion, and would be seen again. own: being, except in the article of palate, a mere cask. In short, Mr. Blandois found that to pour portwine into the reticent Flintwinch was, not to open him but to shut him up. Moreover, he had the ap- CHAPTER XXXI. pearance of a perfect ability to go on all night; or, if occasion were, all next day, and all next night; whereas Mr. Blandois soon grew indistinctly con- ANY body may pass, any day, in the thronged scions of swaggering too fiercely and boastfully. thoroughfares of the metropolis, some meagre, He therefore terminated the entertainment at the wrinkled, yellow old man (who might be supposed end of the third bottle. to have dropped from the stars, if there were any / t BMR. FLINTWINCHI TOOK A OHAIR OPPOSITE TO HIM, WITH TIlE TABLE BETWEEN THEM. "You will draw upon us to-morrow, sir," said Mr. star in the Heavens dull enough to be- suspected of Flintwinch, with a business-like face at parting. casting off so feeble a spark), creeping along with a "My Cabbage," returned the other, taking him by scared air, as though bewildered and a little frightthe collar with both hands. " I'll draw upon you; ened by the noise and bustle. This old man is alhave no fear. Adieu, my Flintwinch. Receive at ways a little old man;.;If he were ever a big old parting;" here he gave him a southern embrace and man, he has shrunk into a little, old man; if he were kissed him soundingly on both cheeks; "the word always a little old man, he has dwindled into a less of a gentleman! By a thousand Thunders, you shall old man. His coat is of a color, and cut,, that never see me again!" was the mode anywhere, at any period. Clearly, it He did not present himself next day, though the was not made for him, or, for any individual mortal. letter of advice came duly to hand. Inquiring after Some wholesale contractor measured Fate for five him at night, Mr. Flintwinch found, with surprise, thousand coats of such quality, and Fate has lent that he had paid his bill and gone back to the Con- this old coat to this old man, as one of a long unfin 164 LITTLE DORRIT. ished line of many old men. It has always large pale and vapid little songs, long out of date, about dull metal buttons, similar to no other buttons. This Chloe, and Phyllis, and Strephon being wounded by old man wears a hat, a thumbed and napless and yet the son of Venus; and for Mrs. Plornish there was no an obdurate hat, which has never adapted itself to such music at the Opera, as the small internal flutthe shape of his poor head. His coarse shirt and his terings and chirpings wherein he would discharge coarse neckeloth have no more individuality than his himself of these ditties, like a weak, little, broken coat and hat; they have the same character of not barrel-organ, ground by a baby. On his " days out," being his-of not being any body's. Yet this old those flecks of light in his flat vista of pollard old man wears these clothes with a certain unaccustom- men, it was at once Mrs. Plornish's delight and sored air of being dressed and elaborated for the public row, when he was strong with meat, and had taken ways; as though he passed the greater part of his his full half-pennyworth of porter, to say, " Sing us time in a night-cap and gown. And so, like the coun- a song, father." Then would he give them Chloe, try mouse in the second year of a famine, come to see and if he were in pretty good spirits, Phyllis alsothe town mouse, and timidly threading his way to Strephon he had hardly been up to, since he went the town mouse's lodging through a city of cats, this into retirement-and then would Mrs. Plornish deold man passes in the streets. dare she did believe there never was such a singer Sometimes, on holidays toward evening, he will be as father, and wipe her eyes. seen to walk with a slightly increased infirmity, and If he had come from Court on these occasions, nay, his old eyes will glimmer with a moist and marshy if he had been the noble Refrigerator come home light. Then the little old man is drunk. A very triumphantly from a foreign court to be presented small measure will overset him; he may be bowled aud promoted on his last tremendous failure, Mrs. off his unsteady legs with a half-pint pot. Some Plornish could not have handed him with greater pitying acquaintance -chance acquaintance very elevation about Bleeding Heart Yard. "Here's faoften-has warmed up his weakness with a treat of ther," she would say, presenting him to a neighbor. beer, and the consequence will be the lapse of a "Father will soon be home with us for good, now. longer time than usual before he shall pass again. Ain't fatherlookingwell? Father's a sweeter singer For, the little old man is going home to the Work- than ever; you'd never have forgotten it, if you'd house; and on his good behavior they do not let him a-heard him just now." As to Mr. Plornish, he had out often (though methinks they might, considering married these articles of belief in marrying Mr. Nanthe few years he has before him to go out in, under dy's daughter, and only wondered how it was that the sun); and on his bad behavior they shut him up so gifted an old gentleman had not made a fortune. closer than ever, in a grove of two score and nineteen This he attributed, after much reflection, to his mumore old men, every one of whom smells of all the sical genius not having been scientifically developed others. in his youth. "For why," argued Mr. Plornish, Mrs. Plornish's father-a poor little reedy piping "why go a-binding music when you've got it in old gentleman, like a worn-out bird; who had been yourself? That's where it is, I consider." in what he called the music-binding business, and Old Nandy had a patron: one patron. He had a met with great misfortunes, and who had seldom patron who in a certain sumptuous way-an apolobeen able to make his way, or to see it or to pay it, getic way, as if he constantly took an admiring anor to do any thing at all with it but find it no dience to witness that he really could not help being thoroughfare-had retired of his own accord to the more free with this old fellow than they might have Work-house which was appointed by law to be the expected, on account of his simplicity and povertyGood Samaritan of his district (without the two- was mightily good to him. Old Nandy had been pence, which was bad political economy), on the set- several times to the Marshalsea College, communiflement of that execution which had carried Mr. cating with his son-in-law during his short durance Plornish to the Marshalsea College. Previous to his there; and had happily acquired to himself, and had son-in-law's difficulties coming to that head, Old by degrees and in course of time much improved the:Nandy (he was always so called in his legal Retreat, patronage of the father of that national institution. but he was Old Mr. Nandy among the Bleeding Mr. Dorrit was in the habit of receiving this old Hearts) had sat in a corner of the Plornish fireside, man, as if the old man held of him in vassalage un-:and taken his bite and sup out of the Plornish cup- der some feudal tenure. He made little treats and board. He still hoped to resume that domestic posi- teas for him, as if he came in with his homage from *tion, when Fortune should smile upon hit son-in-law; some outlying district where the tenantry were in a in the mean time, while she preserved an immovable primitive state. It seemed as if there were moments countenance, he was, and resolved to remain, one of when he could by no means have sworn but that the *these little old men in a grove of little old men with old man was an ancient retainer of.his, who had been a community of flavor. meritoriously faithful. When he mentioned him, he But, no poverty in him, and no coat on him that spoke of him casually as his old pensioner. He had never was the mode, and no Old Men's Ward for his a wonderful satisfaction in seeing him, and in comdwelling-place, could quench his daughter's admira- menting on his decayed condition after he was gone. tion. Mrs. Plornish was as proud of her father's tal- It appeared to him amazing that he could hold up ents as she could possibly have been if they had his head at all, poor creature. " In the Work-house, made him Lord Chancellor. She had as firm a be- sir, the Union; no privacy, no visitors, no station, no lief in the sweetness and propriety of his manners as respect, no specialty. Most deplorable!" she could possibly have hadl if he had been Lord It was old Nandy's birthday, and they let him out. Chamberlain. The poor little old man knew some He said nothing about its being his birthday, or they SHE APPEARS IN PUBLIC WITH A PAUPER. 165 might have kept him in; for such old men should They walked at a slow pace, and Little Dorrit not be born.' He passed along the streets as usual took him by the Iron Bridge and sat him down there to Bleeding Heart Yard, and had his dinner with his for a rest, and they looked over at the water and daughter and son-in-law, and gave them Phyllis. He talked about the shipping, and the old man menhad hardly concluded, when Little Dorrit looked in tioned what he would do if he. had'a ship full of to see how they all were. gold coming home to him (his plan was to take a "Miss Dorrit," said Mrs. Plornish. "Here's fa- noble lodging for the Plornishes and himself, at a ther! Ain't he looking nice? And such voice he's Tea Gardens, and live there all the rest of their in!" lives, attended on by the waiter) and it was a speLittle Dorrit gave him her hand, and smilingly cial birthday for the old man. They were within said she had not seen him this long time. five minutes of their destination, when, at the cor"No, they're rather hard on poor father," said ner of her own street, they came upon Fanny in her Mrs. Plornish, with a lengthening face, " and don't new bonnet bound for the same port. let him have half as much change and fresh air as "Why, good gracious me, Amy!" cried that young would benefit him. But he'll soon be home for good, lady, starting. "You never mean it!" now. Won't you, father?" "Mean what, Fanny dear?" "Yes, my dear, I hope so. In good time, please "Well! I could have believed a great deal of God." you," returned the young lady with burning indigHere Mr. Plornish delivered himself of an oration nation, "but I don't think even I could have bewhich he invariably made, word for word the same, lieved this, of even you!" on all such opportunities. It was couched in the "Fanny!" cried Little Dorrit, wounded and asfollowing terms: tonished. "John Edward Nandy. Sir. While there's a "Oh! Don't Fanny me, you mean little thing, ounce of wittles or drink of any sort.in this present don't! The idea of coming along the open streets, roof, you're fully welcome to your share on it. While in the broad light of day, with a Pauper!" (firing off there's a handful of fire or a mouthful of bed in this the last word as if it were a ball from an air-gun.) present roof, you're fully welcome to your share on ".Oh, Fanny!" it. If so be as there should be nothing in this present " I tell you not to Fanny me, for I'll not submit roof you should be as welcome to your share on it as to it! I never knew such a thing! The way in if it was something much or little. And this is what which you are resolved and determined to disgrace I mean and so I don't deceive you, and consequently us, on all occasions, is really infamous. You bad litwhich is to stand out is to entreat of you, and there- tle thing!" fore why not do it?" "Does it disgrace any body," said Little Dorrit, To this lucid address, which Mr. Plornish always very gently, "to take care of this poor old man?" delivered as if he had composed it (as no doubt he "Yes, miss," returned her sister, " and you ought had) with enormous labor, Mrs. Plornish's father pip- to know it does. And you do know it does. And ingly replied: you do it because you know it does. The principal "I thank you kindly, Thomas, and I know your pleasure of your life is to remind your family of intentions well, which is the same I thank you kind- their misfortunes. And the next great pleasure of ly for. But no, Thomas. Until such times as it's your existence is to keep low company. But, hownot to take it out of your children's mouths, which ever, if you have no sense of decency, I have. You'll take it is, and call it by what name you will it do please to allow me to go on the other side of the remain and equally deprive though may they come way, unmolested." and too soon they can not come, no Thomas, no!" With this, she bounced across to the opposite Mrs. Plornish, who had been turning her face a pavement. The old disgrace, who had been deferlittle away with a corner of her apron in her hand, entially bowing a pace or two off (for Little Dorrit brought herself back to the conversation again, by had let his arm go in her wonder, when Fanny betelling Miss Dorrit that father was going over the gan), and who had been hustled and cursed by imwater to pay his respects, unless she knew of any patient passengers for stopping the way, rejoined reason why it might not be agreeable. his companion, rather giddy, and said, " I hope nothHer answer was, "I am going straight home, and ing's wrong with your honored father, miss? I hope if he will come with me I shall be so glad to take there's nothing the matter in the honored family?" care of him — so glad," said Little Dorrit, always "No, no," returned Little Dorrit. "No, thank thoughtful of the feelings of the weak, "of his corm- you. Give me your arm again, Mr. Nandy. We pany." shall soon be there now." " There, father!" cried Mrs. Plornish. "Ain't you So, she talked to him as she had talked before, a gay young man to be going for a walk along with and they came to the Lodge and found Mr. Chivery Miss Dorrit! Let me tie your neck-handkerchief on the lock, and went in. Now, it happened that into a regular good bow, for you're a regular beau the Father of the Marshalsea was sauntering toward yourself, father, if ever there was one." the Lodge at the moment when they were coming With this filial joke his daughter smartened him out of it, entering the Prison arm in arm. As the up, and gave him a loving hug, and stood at the spectacle of their approach met his view, he displaydoor with her weak child in her arms and her strong ed the utmost agitation and despondency of mind; child tumbling down the steps, looking after her lit- and-altogether regardless of old Nandy, who, maktie old father as he toddled away with his arm un- ing his reverence, stood with his hat in his hand, der Little Dorrit's. as he always did in that gracious presence-turned 166 LITTLE DORRITi. about, and hurried in at his own door-way and up "How it is, you prevaricating little piece of the staircase. goods!" cried Fanny. "You know how it is. I Leaving the old unfortunate, whom in an evil have told you already, so don't fly in the face of hour she had taken under her protection, with a Providence by attempting to deny it!" hurried promise to return to him directly, Little "Hush! Amy," said the father, passing his pockDorrit hastened after her father, and, on the stair- et-handkerchief several times across his face, and case,. found Fanny following her, and flouncing up then grasping it convulsively in the hand that dropwith offended dignity. The three came into the ped across his knee, "I have done what I could to room almost together; and the Father sat down in keep you select here; I have done what I could to his chair, buried his face in his hands, and uttered a retain you a position here. I may have succeeded; groan. I may not. You may know it; you may not. I "Of course," said Fanny. " Very proper. Poor, give no opinion. I have endured every thing here afflicted Pa! Now, I hope you believe me, miss!" but humiliation. That I have happily been spared " What is it, father?" cried Little Dorrit, bending -until this day." over him. "Have I made you unhappy, father! Here his convulsive grasp unclosed itself, and he Not I, I hope!" put his pocket-handkerchief to his eyes again. Lit-:....'.' -:- /,'t l IIt. ~ I, "You hope, indeed! I dare say! Oh, you." — tle Dorrit, on the ground beside him, with her imFanny paused for a sufficiently strong expression- ploring hand upon his arm, watched him remorse"you Common-minded little Amy! You complete fully. Coming out of his fit of grief, he clenched prison-child!" his pocket-handkerchief once more. He stopped these angry reproaches with a wave "Humiliation I have happily been spared until of his hand, and sobbed out, raising his face, and this day. Through all my troubles there has been shaking his melancholy head at his younger daugh- that-Spirit in myself, and that-that submission to ter, "Amy, I know that you are innocent in inten- it, if I may use the term, in those about me, which tion. But you have cut me to the soul." has spared me -ha-humiliation. But this day, "Innocent in intention!" the inmplacable Fanny this minute, I have keenly felt it." struck in. "Stuff in intention! Low in intention! "Of course! How could it be otherwise?" exLowering of the family in intention!" claimed the irrepressible Fanny. "Careering and "Father!" cried Little Dorrit, pale and trembling, prancing about with a Pauper!" (air-gun again.) "I am very sorry. Pray forgive me. Tell me how But, dear father," cried Little Dorrit, "I don't it is, that I may not do it again!" justify myself for having wounded your dear heart MAGNIFICENT TOLERA TIO. 167 -no! Heaven knows I don't!" She clasped her " Oh!" As the Father glanced into the letter hands in quite an agony of distress. "I do nothing (there was a bank-note in it), he reddened a little, but beg and pray you to be comforted and overlook and patted Amy on the head afresh. "Thank you, it. But if I had not known that you were kind to Young John. Quite right. Much obliged to you the old man yourself, and took much notice of him, for your attention. No one waiting?" and were always glad to see him, I would not have "No, sir, no one waiting." come here with him, father, I would not indeed. "Thank you, John. How is your mother, Young What I have been so unhappy as to do, I have done John?" in mistake. I would not willfully bring a tear to "Thank you, sir, she's not quite as well as we your eyes, dear love!" said Little Dorrit, her heart could wish-in fact, we none of us are, except fawell-nigh broken, " for any thing the world could ther-but she's pretty well, sir." give me, or any thing it could take away." " Say we sent our remembrances, will you? Say, Fanny, with a partly angry and partly repentant kind remembrances, if you please, Young John." sob, began to cry herself, and to say-as this young " Thank you, sir, I will." And Mr. Chivery, junlady always said when she was half in a passion and ior, went his way, having spontaneously composed half out of it,half spitefulwith herself andhalf spiteful on the spot an entirely new epitaph for himself, to with every body else-that she wished she was dead. the effect that Here lay the body of John Chivery, The Father of the Marshalsea in the mean time Who, having at such a date, Beheld the idol of his took his younger daughter to his breast, and patted life, In grief and tears, And feeling unable to bear her head. the harrowing spectacle, Immediately repaired to "There, there! Say no more, Amy, say no more, the abode of his inconsolable parents, And terminamy child. I will forget it as soon as I can. I," ted his existence, By his own rash act. with hysterical cheerfulness, " I-shall soon be able "There, there, Amy!" said the Father, when Young ~to dismiss it. It is perfectly true, my dear, that I John had closed the door, "let us say no more about am always glad to see my old pensioner-as such, as it." The last few minutes had improved his spirits such-and that I do-ha-extend as much protec- remarkably, and he was quite lightsome. "Where tion and kindness to the-hum —the bruised reed — is my old pensioner all this while? We must not I trust I may so call him without impropriety-as leave him by himself any longer, or he will begin to in my circumstances I can. It is quite true that suppose he is not welcome, and that would pain me. this is the case, my dear child. At the same time, Will you fetch him, my child, or shall I?" I preserve in doing this, if I may —ha-if I may "If you wouldn't mind, father," said Little Dorrit, use the expression-Spirit. Becoming Spirit. And trying to bring her sobbing to a close. there are some things which are," he stopped to sob, "Certainly I will go, my dear. I forgot; your "irreconcilable with that, and wound that-wound eyes are rather. There! Cheer up, Amy. Don't it deeply. It is not that I have seen my good Amy be uneasy about me. I am quite myself again, my attentive, and-ha-condescending to my old pen- love, quite myself. Go to your room, Amy, and sioner-it is not that that hurts me. It is, if I am make your face look comfortable and pleasant to to close the painful subject by being explicit, that I receive Mr. Clennam.",have seen my child, my own child, my own daugh- "I would rather stay in my own room, father,".ter, coming into this College out of the public streets returned Little Dorrit, finding it more difficult than — smiling! smiling!-arm in arm with-O my God, before to regain her composure. "I would far ratha livery!" er not see Mr. Clennam." This reference to the coat of no cut and no time, " Oh, fie, fie, my dear, that's folly. Mr. Clennam is the unfortunate gentleman gasped forth, in a scarce- a very gentlemanly man-very gentlemanly. A litly audible voice, and with his clenched pocket-hand- tie reserved at times; but I will say extremely genkerchief raised in the air. His excited feelings tlemanly. I couldn't think of your not being here might have found some further painful utterance, to receive Mr. Clennam, my dear, especially this afbut for a knock at the door, which had been already ternoon. So go and freshen yourself up, Amy; go twice repeated, and to which Fanny (still wishing and freshen yourself up, like a good girl!" herself dead, and indeed now going so far as to add, Thus directed, Little Dorrit dutifully rose and buried) cried " Come in!" obeyed: only pausing for a moment as she went out "Ah, Young John!" said the Father, in an altered of the room, to give her sister a kiss of reconciliaand calmed voice. "What is it, Young John?" tion. Upon which, that young lady, feeling much "A letter for you, sir, being left in the Lodge just harassed in her mind, and having for the time worn this minute, and a message with it, I thought, hap- out the wish with which she generally relieved it, pening to be there myself, sir, I would bring it to conceived and executed the brilliant idea of wishing your room." The speaker's attention was much dis- old Nandy dead, rather than that he should come tracted by the piteous spectacle of Little Dorrit at bothering there like a disgusting, tiresome, wicked her father's feet, with her head turned away. wretch, and making mischief between two sisters. "Indeed, John? Thank you." The Father of the Marshalsea, even humming a "The letter is from Mr. Clennam, sir-it's the an- tune, and wearing his black velvet cap a little on swer —and the message was, sir, that Mr. Clennam one side, so much improved were his spirits, went also sent his compliments, and word that he would down into the yard, and found his old pensioner do himself the pleasure of calling this afternoon, standing hat in hand just within the gate, as he had hoping to see you, and likewise," attention more dis- stood all this time. " Come, Nandy!" said he, with tracted than before, "Miss Amy." great suavity. " Come up stairs, Nandy; you know 168 LITTLE DORRIT. the way; why don't you come up stairs?" He went The most striking of these was perhaps the relishthe length, on this occasion, of giving him his hand, ing manner in which he remarked on the pensioner's and saying," How are you, Nandy? Are you pretty infirmities and failings. As if he were a gracious well;?" To which that vocalist returned, "I thank Keeper, making a running commentary on the deyou, honored sir, I am all the better for seeing your cline of the harmless animal he exhibited. honor." As they went along the Yard, the Father "Not ready for more ham yet, Nandy? Why how of the Marshalsea presented him to a Collegian of slow you are! (His last teeth," he explained to the recent date. "An old acquaintance of mine, sir, an company, " are going, poor old boy.") old pensioner." And then said, " Be covered, my At another time, he said, "No shrimps, Nandy?" good Nandy; put your hat on," with great consid- and on his not instantly replying, observed, ("His eration. hearing is becoming very defective. He'll be deaf His patronage did not stop here; for he charged directly.") Maggy to get the tea ready, and instructed her to At another time, he asked him, "Do you walk buy certain tea-cakes, fresh butter, eggs, cold ham, much, Nandy, about the yard within the walls of and shrimps; to purchase which collation, he gave that place of yours?" her a bank-note for ten pounds, laying strict in- "No, sir; no. I haven't any great liking for junctions on her to be careful of the change. These that." preparations were in an advanced stage of progress, "No, to be sure," he assented. " Very natural." and his daughter Amy had come back with her Then he privately informed the circle ("Legs gowork, when Clennam presented himself. Whom he ing"). most graciously received, and besought to join their Once, he asked the pensioner, in that general clemmeal. ency which asked him any thing to keep him afloat, "Amy, my love, you know Mr. Clennam even bet- how old his younger grandchild was? ter than I have the happiness of doing. Fanny, my "John Edward," said the pensioner, slowly laying dear, you are acquainted with Mr. Clennam." Fan- down his knife and fork to consider. "How old, ny acknowledged him haughtily; the position she sir? Let me think, now." tacitly took up in all such cases being that there The Father of the Marshalsea tapped his forehead. was a vast conspiracy to insult the family by not (" Memory weak.") understanding it, or sufficiently deferring to it, and " John Edward, sir? Well, I really forget. I here was one of the conspirators. " This, Mr. Clen- couldn't say, at this minute, sir, whether it's two and nam, you must know, is an old pensioner of mine, two months, or whether it's two and five months. old Nandy, a very faithful old man." (He always It's one or the other." spoke of him as an object of great afitiquity, but he "Don't distres~ yourself by worrying your mind was two orthree years younger than himself.) "Let about. it," he returned, with infinite forbearance. me see. You know Plornish, I think? I think my (" Faculties evidently decaying-old man rusts in daughter Amy has mentioned to me that you know the life he leads!") poor Plornish?" The more of these discoveries that he persuaded "Oh yes!" said Arthur Clennam. himself he made in the pensioner, the better he ap" Well, sir, this is Mrs. Plornish's father." peared to like him; and when he got out of his chair -" Indeed? I am glad to see him." after tea, to bid the pensioner good-bye, on his inti" You would be more glad if you knew his many mating that he feared, honored sir, his time was rungood qualities, Mr. Clennam." ning out, he made himself look as erect and strong "I hope I shall come to know them, through as possible. knowing him," said Arthur, secretly pitying the "'We don't call this a shilling, Nandy, you know," bowed and submissive figure. he said, putting one in his hand. "We call it to"It is a holiday with him, and he comes to see bacco." his old friends who are always glad to see him," ob- " Honored sir, I thank you. It shall buy tobacco. served the Father of the Marshalsea. Then he add- My thanks and duty to Miss Amy and Miss Fanny. ed behind his hand, " Union, poor old fellow. Out I wish you good-night, Mr. Clennam." for the day." "And mind you don't forget us, you know, Nandy," By this time Maggy, quietly assisted by her Lit- said the Father. "You must come again, mind, tle Mother, had spread the board, and the repast whenever you have an afternoon. You must not was ready. It being hot weather and the prison come out without seeing us, or we shall be jealous. very close, the window was as wide open as it could Good-night, Nandy. Be very careful how you debe pushed. "; If Maggy will spread that newspaper scend the stairs, Nandy; they are rather uneven and on the window-sill, my dear," remarked the Father worn." With that he stood on the landing, watchcomplacently and in a half-whisper to Little Dorrit, ing the old man down; and when he came into the "my old pensioner can have his tea there, while we room again, said, with a solemn satisfaction on him, are having ours." "A melancholy sight that, Mr. Clennam, though one So, with a gulf between him and the good compa- has the consolation of knowing that he doesn't feel ny of about a foot in width, standard measure, Mrs. it himself. The poor old fellow is a dismal wreck. Plornish's father was handsomely regaled. Clen- Spirit broken and gone-pulverized-crushed out nam had never seen any thing like his magnani- of him, sir, completely!" mous protection by that other Father, he of the As Clennam had a purpose in remaining, he said Marshalsea: and was lost in the contemplation of what he could responsive to these sentiments, and its many wonders. stood at the window with their enunciator, while 1MR. TIP DISPLAYS A PROPER SPIRIT. 169 Maggy and her Little Mother washed the tea-service erations of-ha-hospitality. I object to the asserand cleared it away. He noticed that his compan- tion made by my son. I —ha-I personally repel ion stood at the window with the air of an affable it." and accessible Sovereign, and that, when any of his "Why, what is it to you, father " returned the people in the yard below looked up, his recognition son, over his shoulder. of their salutes just stopped short of a blessing. "What is it to me, sir? I have a-hum-a spirit, When Little Dorrit had her work on the table, and sir, that will not endure it. I," he took out his pockMaggy hers on the bedstead, Fanny.fell to tying her et-handkerchief again and dabbed his face. " I am bonnet as a preliminary to her departure. Arthur, outraged and insulted by it. Let me suppose the still having his purpose, still remained. At this case that I myself may at a certain time —ha-or time the door opened, without any notice, and Mr. times, have made a-hum-an appeal, and a properTip came in. He kissed Amy as she started up to ly-worded appeal, and a delicate appeal, and an urmeet him, nodded to Fanny, nodded to his father, gent appeal, to some individual for a small temporary gloomed on the visitor without further recognition, accommodation. Let me suppose that that accomand sat down. modation could have been easily extended, and was " Tip, dear," said Little Dorrit, mildly, shocked by not extended, and that that individual informed me this, " don't you see-" that he begged to be excused. Am I to be told by " Yes, I see, Amy. If you refer to the presence of my own son, that I therefore received treatment not any visitor you have here-I say, if you refer to that," due to a gentleman, and that I-ha-I submitted to answered Tip, jerking his head with emphasis toward it?" his shoulder nearest Clennam, "I see!" His daughter Amy gently tried to calm him, but "Is that all you say?" he would not on any account be calmed. He said "That's all I say. And I suppOse," added the lofty his spirit was up, and wouldn't endure this. young man, after a moment's pause, "the visitor will Was he to be told that, he wished to know again, understand me, when I say that's all I say. In short, by his own son, on his own hearth, to his own face? I suppose the visitor will understand, that he hasn't Was that humiliation to be put upon him by his own used me like a gentleman." blood? " I do not understand that," observed the obnox- "You are putting it on yourself, father, and getious personage referred to, with tranquillity. ting into all this injury of your own accord," said "No? Why, then, to make it clearer to you, sir, the young gentleman, morosely. "What Ihave made I beg to let you know, that when I address what I up my mind about has nothing to do with you. What call a properly-worded appeal, and an urgent appeal, I said had nothing to do with you. Why need you and a delicate appeal, to an individual, for a small go trying on other people's hats?" temporary accommodation, easily within his power "I reply it has every thing to do with me," return-easily within his power, mind! -and when that ed the Father. " I point out to you, sir, with indigindividual writes back word to me that he begs to nation, that-hum-the-ha-delicacy and peculiarbe excused, I consider that he doesn't treat me like ity of your father's position should strike you dumb, a gentleman." sir, if nothing else should, in laying down such —ha The Father of the Marshalsea, who had surveyed -such unnatural principles. Besides; if you are not his son in silence, no sooner heard this sentiment, filial, sir, if you discard that duty, are you at leastthan he began, in an angry voice: hum-not a Christian? Are you-ha-an Atheist? "How dare you-" But his son stopped him. And is it Christian, let me ask you, to stigmatize and "Now, don't ask me how I dare, father, because denounce an individual for begging to be excused that's bosh. As to the fact of the line of conduct I this time, when the same individual may-ha-rechoose to adopt toward the individual present, you spond with the required accommodation next time? ought to be proud of my showing a proper spirit." Is it the part of a Christian not to-hum-not to try " I should think so!" cried Fanny. him again?" He had worked himself into quite a "A proper spirit?" said the Father. "Yes, a proper religious glow and fervor. spirit; a becoming spirit. Is it come to this that my "I see precious well," said Mr. Tip, rising, "that son teaches me-me-spirit?" I shall get no sensible or fair argument here to-night, " Now, don't let us bother about it, father, or have and so the best thing I can do is to cut. Good-night, any row on the subject. I have fully made up my Amy. Don't be vexed. I am very sorry it happens mind that the individual present has. not treated me here, and you here, upon my soul I am; but I can't like a gentleman. And there's an end of it." altogether part with my spirit, even for your sake, "But there is not an end of it, sir," returned the old girl." Father. " But there shall not be an end of it. You With those words he put on his hat and went out, have make up your mind? You have made up your accompanied by Miss Fanny; who did not consider mind?" it spirited on her part to take leave of Clennam with "Yes, Ihave. What's the good of keeping on like any less opposing demonstration than a stare, imthat?" porting that she had always known him for one of "Because," returned the Father, in a great heat, the large body of conspirators. "you had no right to make up your mind to what is When they were gone, the Father of the Marshalmonstrous, to what is-ha-immoral, to what is- sea was at first inclined to sink into despondency hum-parricidal. No, Mr. Clennam, I beg, sir. Don't again, and would have done so, but that a gentleman ask me to desist; there is a-hum-a general prin- opportunely came up within a minute or two to atciple involved here, which rises even above consid- tend him to the Snuggery. It was the gentleman 170 LITTLE DORRIT. Clennam had seen on the night of his own accidental As Arthur Clennam moved to sit down by the side detention there, who had that impalpable grievance of Little Dorrit, she trembled so that she had much about the misappropriated Fund on which the Mar- ado to hold her needle. Clennam gently put his shal was supposed to batten. He presented himself hand upon her work, and said, " Dear Little Dorrit, as a deputation to escort the Father to the Chair; it let me lay it down." being an occasion on which he had promised to pre- She yielded it to him, and he put it aside. Her side over the assembled Collegians, in the enjoyment hands were then nervously clasping together, but of a little Harmony. he took one of them. " Such, you see, Mr. Clennam," said the Father, " How seldom I have seen you lately, Little Dor" are the incongruities of my position here. But a rit!" public duty! No man, I am sure, would more read- "I have been busy, sir." ily recognize a public duty than yourself." "But I heard only to-day," said Clennam, "by Clennam besought him not to delay a moment. mere accident, of your having been with those good " Amy, my dear, if you can persuade Mr. Clennam people close by me. Why not come to me, then?" to stay longer, I can leave the honors of our poor'I —I don't know. Or rather, I thought you.. apology for an establishment, with confidence in might be busy too. You generally are now, are you your hands, and perhaps you may do something to- not?" ward erasing from Mr. Clennam's'mind the-ha — He saw her trembling little form and her downuntoward and unpleasant circumstance which has cast face, and the eyes that drooped the monlent occurred since tea-time." they were raised to his-he saw them almost with Clennam assured him that it had made no impres- as much concern as tenderness. sion on his mind, and therefore required no erasure. " My child, your manner is so changed!" "My dear sir," said the Father, with a removal The trembling was now quite beyond her control. of his black cap, and a grasp of Clennam's hand, Softly withdrawing her hand, and laying it in her combining to express the safe receipt of his note other hand, she sat before him with her head bent and inclosure that afternoon, "Heaven ever bless and her whole form trembling. you!" "My own Little Dorrit," said Clennam, compasSo, at last, Clennam's purpose in remaining was sionately. attained, ahd he could speak to Little Dorrit with She burst into tears. Maggy looked round of a nobody by. Maggy counted as nobody, and she sudden, and stared for at least a minute; but did was by. not interpose. Clennam waited some little while before he spoke again. "I can not bear," he said then, " to see you weep; CHAPTER XXXII. but I hope this is a relief to an overcharged heart." M" Yes, it is, sir. Nothing but that." MORE F"ORTUNE-TELLING. Ad Well, well! I feared you would think too much MAGGY sat at her work in her great white cap, of what passed here just now. It is of no moment; with its quantity of opaque frilling hiding not the least. I amn only unfortunate to have come what profile she had (she had none to spare), and in the way. Let it go by with these tears. It is her serviceable eye brought to bear upon her occu- not worth one of them. One of them? Such an pation, on the window side of the room. What with idle thing should be repeated, with my glad consent, her flapping cap, and what with her unserviceable fifty times a day, to save you a moment's heart-ache, eye, she was quite partitioned off from her Little Little Dorrit." Mother, whose seat was opposite the window. The She had taken courage now, and answered, far tread and shuffle of feet on the pavement of the yard more in her usual manner, "You are so good! But had much diminished since the taking of the Chair; even if there was nothing else in it to be sorry for the tide of Collegians having set strongly in the di- and ashamed of, it is such a bad return to you-" rection of Harmony. Some few who had no music "Hush!" said Clennam, smiling, and touching her in-their souls, or no money in their pockets, dawdled lips with his hand. " Forgetfulness in you, who reabout; and the old spectacle of the visitor-wife and member so many and so much, would be new indeed. the depressed unseasoned prisoner still lingered in Shall I remind you that I am not, and that I never corners, as broken cobwebs and such unsightly dis- was, any thing but the friend whom you agreed to comforts draggle in corners of other places. It was trust? No. You remember it, don't you?" the quietest time the College knew, saving the night- " I try to do so, or I should have broken the promhours when the Collegians took the benefit of the ise just now, when my mistaken brother was here. act of sleep. The occasional rattle of applause upon You will consider his bringing-up in this place, and the tables of the Snuggery denoted the successful will not judge him hardly, poor fellow, I know!" termination of a morsel of Harmony; or the respon- In raising her eyes with these words, she observed sive acceptance, by the united children, of some toast his face more nearly than she had done yet, and said, or sentiment offered to them by their Father. Oc- with a quick change of tone, "You have not been casionally, a vocal strain more sonorous than the ill, Mr. Clennam?" generality informed the listener that some boastful " No." bass was in blue water, or in the hunting-field, or "Nor tried? Nor hurt?" she asked him, anxwith the reindeer, or on the mountain, or among the iously. heather; but the Marshal of the Marshalsea knew It fell to Clennam, now, to be not quite certain better, and had got him hard and fast. how to answer. He said in reply: PU BLIC DUTY. 171 "To speak the truth, I have been a little troubled, " Well!" said Clennam, abiding by the feeling that but it is over. Do I show it so plainly? I ought had fallen on him in the avenue on the night of the to have more fortitude and self-command than that. roses, the feeling that he was an older man, who had I thought I had. I must learn them of you. Who done with that tender part of life, " I found out my could teach me better?" mistake, and I thought about it a little-in short, a He never thought that she saw in him what no good deal-and got wiser. Being wiser, I counted one else could see. He never thought that in the up my years, and considered what I am, and looked whole world there were no other eyes that looked back, and looked forward, and found that I should upon him with the same light and strength as hers. soon be gray. I found that I had climbed the hill, "But it brings me to something that I wish to and passed the level ground upon the top, and was say," he continued," and therefore I will not quar- descending quickly." rel even with my own face for telling tales and be- If he had known the sharpness of the pain he ing unfaithful to me. Besides, it is a privilege and caused the patient heart, in speaking thus! While /!~i~~j iiiti itt i t iriI111M " 1! b~i -- I__ _-_/______ II /1' Ji,',/ HER HANIDS WERE THEN NERVOUSLY OLASPING TOGETHER. pleasure to confide in my Little Dorrit. Let me doing it, too, with the purpose of easing and servconfess then, that, forgetting how grave I was, and ing her. how old I was, and how the time for such things "I found that the day when any such thing would had gone by me with the many years of sameness have been graceful in me, or good in me, or hopeful and little happiness that made up my long life far or happy for me, or any one in connection with me, away, without marking it-that, forgetting all this, was gone, and would never shine again." I faucied I loved some one." Oh! If he had known, if he had known! If "Do I know her, sir?" asked Little Dorrit. he could have seen the dagger in his hand, and the "No, my child." cruel wounds it struck in the faithful bleeding "Not the lady who has been kind to me for your breast of his Little Dorrit! sake " "All that is over, and I have turned my face from "Flora. No, no. Did you think-" it. Why do I speak of this to Little Dorrit? Why "I never quite thought so," said Little Dorrit, more do I show you, my child, the space of years that to herself than him. "I did wonder at it a little." there is between us, and recall to you that I have, 172 LITTLE DORBIT. passed, by the amount of your whole life, the time ashamed to tell again to any body else, even if she that is present to you?" could remember it, he left the subject where it was. "Because you trust me, I hope. Because you However, he returned to his own subject, by first know that nothing can touch you, without touch- entreating her to see him oftener, and to remember ing me; that nothing can make you happy or un- that it was impossible to have a stronger interest in happy, but it must make me, who am so grateful to her welfare than he had, or to be more set upon proyou, the same." moting it than he was. When she answered ferHe heard the thrill in her voice, he saw her ear- vently, she well knew that, she never forgot it, he nest face, he saw her clear true eyes, he saw the touched upon his second and more delicate pointquickened bosom that would have joyfully thrown the suspicion he had formed. itself before him to receive a mortal wound directed "Little Dorrit," he said, taking her hand again, at his breast, with the dying cry, "I love him!" and and speaking lower than he had spoken yet, so that the remotest suspicion of the truth never dawned even Maggy in the small room could not hear him, upon his mind. No. He saw the devoted little "another word. I have wanted very much to say creature with her worn shoes, in her common dress, this to you; I have tried for opportunities. Don't in her jail-home; a slender child in body, a strong mind me, who, for the matter of years, might be heroine in soul; and the light of her domestic story your father or your uncle. Always think of me as made all else dark to him. quite an old man. I know that all your devotion " For those reasons assuredly, Little Dorrit, but centres in this room, and that nothing to the last for another too. So far removed, so different, and will ever tempt you away from the duties you disso much older, I am the better fitted for your friend charge here. If I were not sure of it, I should, and adviser. I mean, I am the more easily to be before now, have implored you, and implored your trusted; and any little constraint that you might father, to let me make some provision for you in a feel with another, may vanish before me. Why more suitable place. But you. may have an interest have you kept so retired from me? Tell me." -I will not say, now, though even that might be"I am better here. My place and use are here. may have, at another time, an interest in some one I am much better here," said Little Dorrit, faintly. else; an interest not incompatible with your affec"So you said that day, upon the bridge. I tion here." thought of it much afterward. Have you no secret She was very, very pale, and silently shook her you could intrust to me with hope and comfort, if head. you would?" " It may be, dear Little Dorrit." " Secret? No, I have no secret," said Little Dor- "No. No. No." She shook her head, after each rit, in some trouble. slow repetition of the word, with an air of quiet desThey had been speaking in low voices; more be- olation that he remembered long afterward. The cause it was natural to what they said, to adopt that time came when he remembered it well, long aftertone, than with any care to reserve it from Maggy ward, within those prison walls; within that very at her work. All of a sudden Maggy stared again, room. and this time spoke: "But, if it ever should be, tell me so, my dear " I say! Little Mother!" child. Intrust the truth to me, point out the object "' Yes, Maggy." of such an interest to me, and I will try with all the " If you an't got no secret of your own to tell him, zeal, and honor, and friendship, and respect that I tell him that about the Princess. She had a secret, feel for you, good Little Dorrit of my heart, to do you know." you a lasting service." "The Princess had a secret?" said Clennam, in "Oh, thank you, thank you! But, oh no, oh no, some surprise. "What Princess was that, Maggy?" oh no!" She said this, looking at him with her "Lor! How you do go and bother a gal of ten," work-worn hands folded together, and in the same said~ Maggy, " catching the poor thing up in that resigned accents as before. way. Whoever said the Princess had a secret? I / I press for no confidence now. I only ask you never said so." to repose unhesitating trust in me." " I beg your pardon. I thought you did." "Can I do less than that, when you are so good?" "No, I didn't. How could I, when it was her as "Then you will trust me fully? Will have no wanted to find it out? It was the little woman as secret unhappiness, or anxiety, concealed from me?" had the secret, and she was always a-spinning at "Almost none." her wheel. And so she says to her, why do you "And you have none now?" keep it there? And so, the tother one says to her, She shook her head. But she was very pale. no, I don't; and so, the t'other one says to her, yes, "When I lie down to-night, and my thoughts you do; and then they both goes to the cupboard, come back-as they will, for they do every night, and there it is. And she wouldn't go into the Hos-'even when I have not seen you-to this sad place, pital, and so she died. You know, Little Mother. I may believe that there is no grief beyond this Tell him that. For it was a reg'lar good secret, room, now, and its usual occupants, which preys on that was!" cried Maggy, hugging herself. Little Dorrit's mind?" Arthur looked at Little Dorrit for help to cornm- She seemed to catch at these words-that he prebend this, and was struck by seeing her so timid remembered, too, long afterward-and said, more and red. But, when she told him that it was only a brightly, "Yes, Mr. Clennam; yes, you may!" Fairy Tale she had one day made up for Maggy, and The crazy staircase, usually not slow to give nothat there was-nothing in it which she wouldn't be tice when any one was coming up or down, here "PA-ANCKS THE GY-YPSY, FORTUNE-TELLING." 173 creaked under a quick tread, and a further sound We agreed that you shouldn't take on to mind me was heard upon it, as if a little steam-engine with before people, but we didn't mean Mr. Clennam. He's more steam than it knew what to do with, were one of us. He's in it. Ain't you, Mr. Clennam?working toward the room. As it approached, which Eh, Miss Dorrit?" it did very rapidly, it labored with increased energy; The excitement of this strange creature was fast and, after knocking at the door, it sounded as if it communicating itself to Clennam. Little Dorrit, were stooping down and snorting in at the key-hole. with amazement, saw this, and observed that they Before Maggy could open the door, Mr. Pancks, exchanged quick looks. opening it from without, stood without a hat, and "I was making a remark," said Pancks, "but I with his bare head in the wildest condition, looking declare I forget what it was. Oh, I know! Capital at Clennam and Little Dorrit, over her shoulder. company here. I've been treating them all round. He had a lighted cigar in his hand, and brought -Eh, Miss Dorrit I" with him airs of ale and tobacco-smoke. " Very generous of you," she returned, noticing an" Pancks the gypsy," he observed, out of breath, other of the quick looks between the two. "fortune-telling." "Not at all," said Pancks. "Don't mention it. He stood dingily smiling, and breathing hard at.I'm coming into my property, that's the fact. I can them, with a most curious air. As if, instead of be- afford to be liberal. I think I'll give'em a treat ing his proprietor's grubber, he were the triumph- here.. Tables laid in the yard. Bread in stacks. ant proprietor of the Marshalsea, the Marshal, all Pipes in fagots. Tobacco in hay-loads. Roast-beef the turnkeys, and all the Collegians. In his great and plum-pudding for every one. Quart of double self-satisfaction he put his cigar to his lips (being stout a head. Pint of wine too, if they like it, and evidently no smoker), and took such a pull at it, the authorities give permission.-Eh, Miss Dorrit?" with his right eye shut up tight for the purpose, She was thrown into such a confusion by his manthat he underwent a convulsion of shuddering and ner, or rather by Clennam's growing understandchoking. But even in the midst of that paroxysm, ing of his manner (for she looked to him after evhe still essayed to repeat his favorite introduction ery fresh appeal and cockatoo demonstration on the of himself, "Pa-ancks the gy-ypsy, fortune-telling." part of Mr. Pancks), that she only moved her lips in " I am spending the evening with the rest of'em," answer, without forming any word. said Pancks. "I've been singing. I've been tak- "And oh, by-the-bye!" said Pancks. "You were ing a part in white sand and gray sand. I don't to live to know what was behind us on that little know any thing about it. Never mind. I'll take hand of yours. And so you shall, you shall, my darany part in any thing. It's all the same, if you're ling. —Eh, Miss Dorrit?" loud enough." He had suddenly checked himself. Where he got At first Clennam supposed him to be intoxicated. all the additional black prongs from, that now flew But, he soon perceived that though' he might be a up all over his head, like the myriads of points that little the worse (or better) for ale, the staple of his break out in the large change of a great fire-work, excitement was not brewed from malt, or distilled was a wonderful mystery; from any grain or berry. "But I shall be missed;" he came back to that; "How d'ye do, Miss Dorrit?" said Pancks. "I "and I don't want'em to miss me. Mr. Clennam, thought you wouldn't mind my running round, and you and I made a bargain. I said you should find looking in for a moment. Mr. Clennam I heard was me stick to it. You shall find me stick to it'now, here, from Mr. Dorrit. How are you,sir " sir, if you'll step out of the room a moment. Miss Clennam thanked him, and said he was glad to Dorrit, I wish you good-night. Miss Dorrit, I wish see him so gay. you good fortune." " Gay!" said Pancks. "I'm in wonderful feather, He rapidly shook her by both hands, and puffed sir. I can't stop a minute, or I shall be missed, and down stairs. Arthur followed him with such a hurI don't want'em to miss me.-Eh, Miss Dorrit?" ried step, that he had very nearly tumbled over him He seemed to have an insatiate delight in appeal- on the last landing, and rolled him down into the ing to her, and looking at her; excitedly sticking his yard. hair up at the same moment, like a dark species of "What is it, for Heaven's sake?" Arthur demandcockatoo. ed, when they burst out there both together. "I haven't been here half an hour. -I knew Mr. "Stop a moment, sir. Mr. Rugg. Let me introDorrit was in the chair, and I said,' I'll go and sup- duce him." port him!' I ought to be down in Bleeding Heart With those words he presented another man withYard by rights; but I can worry them to-morrow.- out a hat, and also with a cigar, and also surrounded Eh, Miss Dorrit?" with a halo of ale and tobacco-smoke, which man, His little black eyes sparkled electrically. His though not so excited as himself was in a state which very hair seemed to sparkle, as he roughened it. would have been akin to lunacy but for its fading He was in that highly-charged state that one might into sober method when compared with the rampanhave expected to draw sparks and snaps from him cy of Mr. Pancks. by presenting a knuckle to any part of his figure. " Mr. Clennam) Mr. Rugg," said Pancks. " Stop a "Capital company here," said Pancks.-" Eh, Miss moment. Come to the pump." Dorrit?" They adjourned to the pump. Mr. Pancks, inShe was half afraid of him, and irresolute what to stantly putting his head under the spout, requested say. He laughed, with a nod toward Clennam. Mr. Rugg to take a good strong turn at the handle. "Don't mind him, Miss Dorrit. He's one of us. Mr. Rugg complying to the letter, Mr. Pancks came 174 LITTLE DORRIT. forth snorting and blowing to some purpose, and should be married to the darling only child of a man dried himself on his handkerchief. in very easy circumstances; the third, that Henry's'" I am the clearer for that," he gasped to Clennam, debts must clearly be paid down upon the altar-railstanding astonished. "But, upon my soul, to hear ing by his father-in-law. When, to these threefold her father making speeches in that chair, knowing points of prudence, there is added the fact that Mrs. what we know, and to see her up in that room in Gowan yielded her consent the moment she knew that dress, knowing what we know, is enough to- of Mr. Meagles having yielded his, and that Mr. give me a back, Mr. Rugg —a little higher, sir- Meagles's objection to the marriage had been the sole that'll do!" obstacle in its way all along, it becomes the height Then and there, on that Marshalsea pavement, in of probability that the relic of the deceased Commisthe shades of evening, did Mr. Pancks, of all man- sioner of nothing particular turned these ideas in kind! fly over the head and shoulders of Mr. Rugg her sagacious mind. of Pentonville, General Agent, Accountant, and Re- Among her connections and acquaintances, howcoverer of Debts. Alighting on his feet, he took ever, she maintained her individual dignity, and the Clennam by the button-hole, led him behind the dignity of the blood of the Barnacles, by diligently pump, and pantingly produced from his pocket a nursing the pretense that it was a most unfortunate bundle of papers. business; that she was sadly cut up by it; that this Mr. Rugg also pantingly produced from his pocket was a perfect fascination, under which Henry labora bundle of papers. ed; that she had opposed it for a long time, but what " Stay!" said Clennam in a whisper. " You have could a mother do? and the like. She had already made a discovery." called Arthur Clennam to bear witness to this fable, Mr. Pancks answered, with an unction which there as a friend of the Meagles family; and she followed is no language to convey, "We rather think so." up the move by now impounding the family itself "Does it implicate any one?" for the same purpose. In the first interview she "How implicate, sir?" accorded to Mr. Meagles, she slided herself into the "In any suppression, or wrong dealing of any position of disconsolately but gracefully yielding to kind?" irresistible pressure. With the utmost politeness "Not a bit of it." and good-breeding, she feigned that it was she-not "' Thank God!" said Clennam to himself. "Now he-who had made the difficulty, and who at length show me." gave way; and that the sacrifice was hers-not his. "You are to understand "-snorted Pancks, fever- The same feint, with the same polite dexterity, she ishly unfolding papers, and speaking in short, high- foisted on Mrs. Meagles, as a conjurer might have pressure blasts of sentences. "Where's the Pedi- forced a card on that innocent lady; and, when her gree? Where's Schedule number four, Mr. Rugg? future daughter-in-law was presented to her by her Oh! all right! Here we are.-You are to understand son, she said, on'embracing her, " My dear, what have that we are this very day virtually complete. We you done to Henry that has bewitched him so?" at sha'n't be legally for a day or two. Call it at the the same time allowing a few tears to carry before outside a week. We've been at it, night and day, for them, in little pills,,the cosmetic powder on her nose; I don't know how long. Mr. Rugg, you know how as a delicate but touching signal that she suffered long? Never mind. Don't say. You'll only con- much inwardly, for the show of composure with fuse Ile.. You shall tell her, Mr. Clennam. Not till which she bore her misfortune. we give you leave. Where's that rough total, Mr. Among the friends of Mrs. Gowan (who piqued Rugg? Oh! Here we are! There, sir! That's herself at once on being Society, and on maintaining what you'll have to break to her. That man's your intimate and easy relations with that Power), Mrs.: Father of the Marshalsea!" Merdle occupied a front row. True, the Hampton Court Bohemians, without exception, turned up their * —-9 —-- 1 noses at Merdle as an upstart; but they turned them. down again, by falling flat on their faces to worship CHAPTER XXXIII. his wealth. In which compensating adjustment of their noses, they were pretty much like Treasury, I~IRS. MERDLE'S COMPLAINT. Bar, and Bishop, and all the rest of them. J ESIGNING herself to inevitable fate, by making To Mrs. Merdle, Mrs. Gowan repaired on a visit of t the best of those people the Miggleses, and sub- self-condolence, after having given the gracious connitting her philosophy to the draught upon it, of sent aforesaid. She drove into town for the purpose which she had foreseen the likelihood in her inter- in a one-horse carriage, irreverently called, at that view with Arthur, Mrs. Gowan handsomely resolved period of English history, a pill-box. It belonged to not to oppose her son's marriage. In her progress a job-master in a small way, who drove it himself, to, and happy arrival at, this resolution, she was pos- and who jobbed it by the day, or hour, to most of sibly influenced, not only by her maternal affections, the old ladies in Hampton Court Palace; but it was but by three politic considerations. a point of ceremony, in that encampment, that the Of these, the first may have been, that her son had whole equipage should be tacitly regarded as the never signified the smallest intention to ask her con- private property of the jobber for the time being, sent, or any mistrust of his ability to dispense with and that the job-master should betray personal it; the second, that the pension bestowed upon her knowledge of nobody but the jobber in possession. by a grateful country (and a Barnacle) would be So, the Circumlocution Barnacles, who were the freed from any little filial inroads, when her Henry largest job-masters in the universe, always pretend MRS. MERDLE'S SON AND MRS. GOWAN'S. 175 ed to know of no other job but the job immediately Mrs. Gowan, looking over her green fan when this in hand. young gentleman's name was mentioned, replied as Mrs. Merdle was at home, and was in her nest of follows: crimson and gold, with the parrot on a neighboring "My love, you know the wretched state of the stem watching her with his head on one side, as if country- those unfortunate concessions of John he took her for another splendid parrot of a larger Barnacle's! —and you therefore know the reasons species. To whom entered Mrs. Gowan, with her for my being as poor as Thingummy." favorite green fan, which softened the light on the "A Church mouse t" Mrs. Merdle suggested, with a spots of bloom. smile. "My dear soul," said Mrs. Gowan, tapping the "I was thinking of the other proverbial Church back of her friend's hand with this fan, after a little person-Job," said Mrs. Gowan. "Either will do. indifferent conversation, " you are my only comfort. It would be idle to disguise, consequently, that there That affair of Henry's that I told you of, is to take is a wide difference between the position of your son place. Now, how does it strike you? I am dying and mine. I may add, too, that Henry has talent-" to know, because you represent and express Society "Which Edmund certainly has not," said Mrs. so well." Merdle, with the greatest suavity. Mrs. Merdle reviewed the bosom which Society " —And that his talent, combined with disappointwas accustomed to review; and having ascertained ment," Mrs. Gowan went on, " has led him into a purthat show-window of Mr. Merdle's and the London suit which-ah dear me! You know, my dear. Such jewelers to be in good order, replied: being Henry's different position, the question is what "As to marriage on the part of a man, my dear, is the most inferior class of marriage to which I can Society requires that he should retrieve his fortunes reconcile myself." by marriage. Society requires that he should gain Mrs. Merdle was so much engaged with the conby marriage. Society requires that he should found templation of her arms (beautiful-formed arms, and a handsome establishment by marriage. Society the very thing for bracelets), that she omitted to does not see, otherwise, what he has to do with mar- reply for a while. Roused at length by the silence,. riage. Bird, be quiet!" she folded the arms, and with admirable presence of For the parrot on his cage above them, presiding mind looked her friend full in the face, and said inover the conference as if he were a Judge (and in- terrogatively, " Ye-es? And then?" deed he looked rather like one), had wound up the "And then, my dear," said Mrs. Gowan not quite exposition with a shriek. so sweetly as before, "I should be glad to hear what "Cases there are," said Mrs. Merdle, delicately you have to say to it." crooking the little finger of her favorite hand, and Here the parrot, who had been standing on onemaking her remarks neater by that neat action; leg since he screamed last, burst into a fit of laughter, " cases there are where a man is not young or ele- bobbed himself derisively up and down on both legs, gant, and is rich, and has a handsome establishment and finished by standing on one leg again, and pausalready. Those are of a different kind. In such ing for a reply, with his head as much awry as he cases-" could possibly twist it. Mrs. Merdle shrugged her snowy shoulders and put " Sounds mercenary, to ask what the gentleman her hand upon the jewel-stand, checking a little is to get with the lady," said Mrs. Merdle; "but cough, as though to add, "Why a man looks out for Society is perhaps a little mercenary, you know, my this sort of thing, my dear." Then the parrot shriek- dear." ed again, and she put up her glass to look at him, "From what I can make out," said Mrs. Gowan, and said, "Bird! Do be quiet!" "I believe I may say that Henry will be relieved "' But, young men," resumed Mrs. Merdle, " and by from debt-" young men you know what I mean, my love-I mean "Much in debt?" asked Mrs. Merdle through her people's sons who have the world before them-they eyeglass. must place themselves in a better position toward "Why tolerably, I should think," said Mrs. GowSociety by marriage, or Society really will not have an. any patience with their making fools of themselves. "Meaning the usual thing; I understand; just Dreadfully worldly'all this sounds," said Mrs. Mer- so," Mrs. Merdle observed in a comfortable sort of die, leaning back in her nest and putting up her way. glass again, "does it not?" "And that the father will make them an allow"But it is true," said Mrs. Gowan, with a highly ance of three hundred a year, or perhaps altogether moral air. something more. Which, in Italy-" " My dear, it is not to be disputed for a moment," " Oh! Going to Italy?" said Mrs. Merdle. returned Mrs. Merdle; " because Society has made up "For Henry to study. You need be at no loss to its mind on the subject, and there is nothing more to guess why, my dear. That dreadful Art-" be said. If we were in a more primitive state, if we True. Mrs. Merdle hastened to spare the feelings lived under roofs of leaves, and kept cows and sheep of her afflicted friend. She understood. Say no and creatures instead of banker's accounts (which more! would be delicious; my dear, I am pastoral to a de- "And that," said Mrs. Gowan, shaking her degree, by nature), well and good. But we don't live spondent head, "that's all. That," repeated. Mrs. under leaves, and keep cows and sheep and creatures. Gowan, furling her green fan for the moment and I perfectly exhaust myself sometimes, in pointing tapping her chin with it (it was on the way toibeing, out the distinction to Edmund Sparkler." a double chin; might be called a chin and a half at 176 LITTLE DO1RRIT. present), "that's all! On the death of the old peo- had accidentally made an interchange of heads with ple, I suppose there will be more to come; but how some inferior spirit. He presented himself before it may be restricted or locked up, I don't know. And the two ladies in the course of a dismal stroll through as to that, they may live forever. My dear, they are his mansion, which had no apparent object but esjust the kind of people to do it." cape from the presence of the chief butler. Now, Mrs. Merdle, who really knew her friend "I beg your pardon," he said, stopping short in Society pretty well, and who knew what Society's confusion; "I didn't know there was any body here mothers were, and what Society's daughters were, but the parrot." and what Society's matrimonial market was, and However, as Mrs. Merdle said "You can come in!" how prices ruled in it, and what scheming and coun- and as Mrs. Gowan said she was just going, and had ter-scheming took place for the high buyers, and already risen to take her leave, he came in, and stood what bargaining and huckstering went on, thought looking out at a distant window, with his hands in the depths of her capacious bosom that this was crossed under his uneasy coat-cuffs, clasping his a sufficiently good catch. Knowing, however, what wrists as if he were taking himself into custody. was expected of her, and perceiving the exact nature In this attitude he fell directly into a reverie, from of the fiction to be nursed, she took it delicately in which he was only aroused by his wife's calling to her arms, and put her required contribution of gloss him from her ottoman, when they had been for some upon it. quarter of an hour alone. "And that is all, my dear?" said she, heaving a "E Eh? Yes?" said Mr. Merdle, turning toward her. friendly sigh. "Well, well! The fault is not yours. "What is it?" You have nothing to reproach yourself with. You "What is it?" repeated Mrs. Merdle. "It is, I must exercise the strength of mind for which you are suppose, that you have not heard a word of my renowned, and make the best of it." complaint." " The girl's family have made," said Mrs. Gowan, "Your complaint, Mrs. Merdle?" said Mr. Merdle. " of course, the most strenuous endeavors to -as the "I didn't know that you were suffering from a cornlawyers say-to have and to hold Henry." plaint. What complaint?" " Of course they have, my dear," said Mrs. Merdle. "A complaint of you," said Mrs. Merdle. "I have persisted in every possible objection, and "Oh! A complaint of me," said Mr. Merdle. have worried myself morning, noon, and night, for "What is the-what have I-what may you have means to detach Henry from the connection." to complain of in me, Mrs. Merdle?" " No doubt you have, my dear," said Mrs. Merdle. In his withdrawing, abstracted, pondering way, it "And all of no use. All has broken down beneath took him some time to shape this question. As a me. Now tell me, my love. Am I justified in at last kind of faint attempt to convince himself that he yielding my most reluctant consent to Henry's mar- was the master of the house, he concluded by prerying among people not in Society; or, have I acted senting his forefinger to the parrot, who expressed with inexcusable weakness?" his opinion on that subject by instantly driving his In answer to this direct appeal, Mrs. Merdle as- bill into it. sured Mrs. Gowan (speaking as a Priestess of Society) " You were saying, Mrs. Merdle," said Mr. Merdle, that she was highly to be commended, that she was with his wounded finger in his mouth, " that you had much to be sympathized with, that she had taken a complaint against me?" the highest of parts, and had come out of the furnace "A complaint which I could scarcely show the refined. And Mrs. Gowan, who of course saw through justice of more emphatically than by having to reher own threadbare blind perfectly, and who knew peat it," said Mrs. Merdle. "I might as well have that Mrs. Merdle saw through it perfectly, and who stated it to the wall. I had far better have stated knew that Society would see through it perfectly, it to the bird. He would at least have screamed." came out of this form, notwithstanding, as she had "You don't want me to scream, Mrs. Merdle, I supgone into it, with immense complacency and gravity. pose," said Mr. Merdle, taking a chair. The conference was held at four or five o'clock in " Indeed I don't know," retorted Mrs. Merdle, "but the afternoon, when all the region of Harley Street, that you had better do that, than be so moody and Cavendish Square, was resonant of carriage-wheels distraught. One would at least know that you were and double knocks. It had reached this point when sensible of what was going on around you." Mr. Merdle came home, from his daily occupation of "A man might scream, and yet not be that, Mrs. causing the British name to be more and more re- Merdle," said Mr. Merdle, heavily. spected in all parts of the civilized globe, capable of "And might be dogged, as you are at present, the appreciation of world-wide commercial enterprise without screaming;" returned Mrs. Merdle. " That's and gigantic combinations of skill and capital. For, very true. If you wish to know the complaint I though nobody knew with the least precision what make against you, it is, in so many plain words, that Mr. Merdle's business was, except that it was to coin you really ought not to go into Society, unless you money, these were the terms in which every body can accommodate yourself to Society." Mr. Merdle, defined it on all ceremonious occasions, and which so twisting his hands into what hair he had upon it was the last new polite reading of the parable of his head that he seemed to lift himself up by it as the camel and the needle's eye to accept without in- he started out of his chair, cried: quiry. "Why, in the name of all the infernal powers, For a gentleman who had this splendid work cut Mrs. Merdle, who does more for Society than I do? out for him, Mr. Merdle looked a little common, and Do you see these premises, Mrs. Merdle? Do you rather as if, in the course of his vast transactions, he see this furniture, Mrs. Merdle? Do you look in the XMRS. MERDLE'S COMPLAINT OF MR. MERDLE. 177 glass and see yourself, Mrs. Merdle? Do you know "I have already told you. You show that you the cost of all this, and who it's all provided for? carry your business cares and projects about, inAnd yet will you tell me that I oughtn't to go into stead of leaving them in the City, or wherever else Society? I, who shower money upon it in this way? they belong to," said Mrs. Merdle. "Or seeming to. I, who might be almost said-to-to-to harness Seeming would be quite enough; I ask no more. myself to a watering-c cart full of money, and go Whereas you couldn't be more occupied with your about, saturating Society, every day of my life?" day's calculations and combinations than you ha"Pray, don't be violent, Mr. Merdle," said Mrs. bitually show yourself to be, if you were a carpenMerdle. ter." "Violent'?" said Mr. Merdle. "You are enough to "A carpenter!" repeated Mr. Merdle, checking make me desperate. You don't know half of what something like a groan. "I shouldn't so much I do to accommodate Society. You don't know any mind being a carpenter, Mrs. Merdle." thing of the sacrifices I make for it." "And my complaint is," pursued the lady, disre" I know," returned Mrs. Merdle, " that you receive garding the low remark," that it is not the tone of the best in the land. I know that you move in the Society, and that you ought to correct it, Mr. Merdle. whole Society of the country. And I believe I know If you have any doubt of my judgment, ask even Ed(indeed, not to make any ridiculous pretense about it, mund Sparkler." The door of the room had opened, I know I know) who sustains you in it, Mr. Merdle." and Mrs. Merdle now surveyed the head of her son "Mrs. Merdle," retorted that gentleman, wiping his through her glass. " Edmund, we want you here." dull red and yellow face. " I know that, as well as Mr. Sparkler, who had merely put in his head and you do. If you were not an ornament to Society, looked round the room without entering (as if he and if I was not a benefactor to Society, you and I were searching the house for that young lady with would never have come together. When I say a no nonsense about her), upon this followed up his benefactor to it, I mean a person who provides' it head with his body, and stood before them. To with all sorts of expensive things to eat and drink whom, in a few easy words adapted to his capacity, and look at. But, to tell me that I am not fit for it Mrs. Merdle stated the question at issue. after all I have done for it-after all I have done for The young gentleman, after anxiously feeling his it," repeated Mr. Merdle, with a wild emphasis that shirt-collar as if it were his pulse and he were hypmade his wife lift up her eyelids, " after all-all!- ochondriacal, observed "That he had heard it noto tell me I have no right to mix with it after all, is ticed by fellers." a pretty reward." " Edmund Sparkler has heard it noticed," said Mrs. "I say," answered Mrs. Merdle, composedly, " that Merdle, with languid triumph. " Why, no doubt evyou ought to make yourself fit for it by being more ery body has heard it noticed!" Which in truth was itegag6, and less preoccupied. There is a positive no unreasonable inference; seeing that Mr. Sparkler vulgarity in carrying your business affairs about would probably be the last person, in any assemblage with you as you do." of the human species, to receive an impression from "How do I carry them about, Mrs. Merdle?" asked any thing that passed in his presence. Mr. Merdle. "And Edmund Sparkler will tell you, I dare say," "How do you carry them about?" said Mrs. Merdle. said Mrs. Merdle, waving her favorite hand toward "Look at yourself in the glass." her husband, " how he has heard it noticed." Mr. Merdle involuntarily turned his eyes in the " I couldn't," said Mr. Sparkler, after feeling his direction of the nearest mirror, and asked, with a pulse as before, " couldn't undertake to say what led slow determination of his turbid blood to his tem- to it-'cause memory desperate loose. But being in ples, whether a man was to be called to account for company with the brother of a doosed fine gal-well his digestion? educated too-with no biggodd nonsense about her " You have a physician," said Mrs. Merdle. -at the period alluded to-" "'He does me no good," said Mr. Merdle. "There! Never mind the sister," remarked Mrs. Mrs. Merdle changed her ground. Merdle, a little impatiently. " What did the broth" Besides," said she, "your digestion is nonsense. er say?" I don't speak of your digestion.. I speak of your "Didn't say a word, ma'am," answered Mr. Sparkmanner." ler. "As silent a feller as myself. Equally hard "Mrs. Merdle," returned her husband, "I look to up for a remark." you for that. You supply manner, and I supply "Somebody said something," returned Mrs. Merdle. money." "Never mind who it was." "I don't expect you," said Mrs. Merdle, reposing ("Assure you I don't in the least," said Mr. Sparkeasily among her cushions, " to captivate people. I ler.) don't want you to take any trouble upon yourself, " But tell us what it was." or to tryto be fascinating. I simply request you to Mr. Sparkler referred to his pulse again, and put care about nothing- or to seem to care about noth- himself through some severe mental discipline being-as every body else does." fore he replied: "Do I ever say I care about any thing?" asked "Fellers referring to my Governor-expression Mr. Merdle. not my own-occasionally compliment my Governor "Say'? No! Nobody would attend to you if you in a very handsome way on being immensely rich did. But you show it." and knowing —perfect phenomenon of Buyer and "Show what? What do I show?" demanded Mr. Banker and that-but say the Shop sits heavily on Merdle, hurriedly. him. Say he carries the Shop about on his back 12 178 LITTLE DORITIT. rather-like Jew clothes-man with too much busi- applied herself to do; calling on Mr. Meagles freness." quently, with pew additions to the list, and holding " Which," said Mrs. Merdle, rising, with her float- conferences with that gentleman when he was not ing drapery about her, "is exactly my complaint. engaged (as he generally was at this period) in exEdmund, give me your arm up stairs." amining and paying the debts of his future son-inMr. Merdle, left alone to meditate on a better con- law, in the apartment of the scales and scoop. formation of himself to Society, looked out of nine One marriage guest there was, in reference to windows in succession, and appeared to see nine whose'presence Mr. Meagles felt a nearer interest wastes of space. When he had thus entertained and concern than in the attendance of the most elehimself, he went down stairs, and looked intently vated Barnacle expected; though he was far from at all the carpets on the ground-floor; and then insensible of the honor of having such company. came up stairs again, and looked intently at all the This guest was Clennam. But, Clennam had made carpets on the first-floor; as if they were gloomy a promise he held sacred, among the trees that sumdepths, in unison with his oppressed soul. Through mer night, and, in the chivalry of his heart, regardall the rooms he wandered, as he always did, like ed it as binding him to many implied obligations. the last person on earth who had any business to In forgetfulness of himself, and delicate service to approach them. Let Mrs. Merdle announce, with her on all occasions, he was never to fail; to begin all her might, that she was at Home ever so many it, he answered Mr. Meagles cheerfully, " I shall nights in a season, she could not announce more come, of course." widely and unmistakably than Mr. Merdle did that His partner, Daniel Doyce, was something of a he was never at home. stumbling-block in Mr. Meagles's way, the worthy At last he met the chief butler, the sight of which gentleman being not at all clear in his own anxious splendid retainer always finished him. Extinguish- mind but that the mingling of Daniel with official ed by this great creature, he sneaked to his dress- Barnacleism might produce some explosive combiing-room, and there remained shut up until he rode nation, even at a marriage breakfast. The national out to dinner, with Mrs. Merdle, in her own hand- offender, however, lightened him of his uneasiness some chariot. At dinner, he was envied and flat- by coming down to Twickenham to represent that tered as a being of might, was Treasuried, Barred, he begged, with the freedom of an old friend, and and Bishoped, as much as he would; and an hour as a favor to one, that he might not be invited. after midnight came home alone, and being instant- "For," said he, "as my business with this set of ly put out again in his own hall, like a rush-light, gentlemen was to do a public duty and a public by the chief butler, went sighing to bed. service, and as their business with me was to prevent it by wearing my soul out, I think we had better not eat and drink together with a show of being of one mind." Mr. Meagles was much amused by CHAPTER XXXIV. his friend's oddity; and patronized him with a more protecting air of allowance than usual, when he reA S1HOAL OF BARNACLES,. joined: "Well, well, Dan, you shall have your own M R. HENRY GOWAN and the dog were estab- crotchety way." lished frequenters. of the cottage, and the day To Mr. Henry Gowan, as the time approached, was fixed for the wedding. There was to be a con- Clennam tried to convey by all quiet and unpretendvocation of Barnacles on the occasion; in order that ing means, that he was frankly and disinterestedly that very high and very large family might shed as desirous of tendering him any friendship he would much lustre on the marriage, as so dim an event accept. Mr. Gowan treated him in return with his was capable of receiving. usual ease, and with his usual show of confidence, To have got the whole Barnacle family together, which was no confidence at all. would have been impossible for two reasons. First- "You see, Clennam," he happened to remark in the ly, because no building could have held all the course of conversation one day, when they were walkmembers and connections of that illustrious house. ing near the Cottage within a week of the marriage, Secondly, because wherever there was a square yard "I am a disappointed man. That you know already." of ground in British occupation, under the sun or " Upon my word," said Clennam, a little embarmoon, with a public post upon it, sticking to that rassed, "I scarcely know how." post was a Barnacle. No intrepid navigator could "Why," returned Gowan, "I belong to a clan, or plant a flag-staff upon any spot of earth, and take a clique, or a family, or a connection, or whatever possession of it in the British name, but to that spot you like to call it, that might have provided for me of earth, so soon as the discovery was known, the in any one of fifty ways, and that took it into its Circumlocution Office sent out a Barnacle and a dis- head not to do it at all. So here I am, a poor devil patch-box. Thus the Barnacles were all over the of an artist." world, in every direction-dispatch-boxing the com-r Clennam was beginning, "But on the other pass. hand-" when Gowan took him up. But, while the so-potent art of Prospero himself "Yes, yes, I know. I have the good fortune of would have failed in summoning the Barnacles from being beloved by a beautiful and charming girl every speck of ocean and dry land on which there whom I love with all my heart." was nothing (except mischief) to be done, and any (" Is there much of it?" Clennam thought. And thing to be pocketed, it was perfectly feasible to as- as he thought it, felt ashamed of himself.) semble a good many Barnacles. This Mrs. Gowan "And of finding a father-in-law who is a capital PASSING THE BOTTLE OF SOMOKE. 179 fellow, and a liberal, good old boy. Still, I had "And imposition," added Gowan, laughing; "we other prospects washed and combed into my child- won't leave out the imposition. I hope I may not ish head when it was washed and combed for me, break down in that; but there, my being a disapand I took them to a public school when I washed pointed man may show itself. I may not be able and combed it for myself, and I am here without to face it out bravely enough. Between you and them, and thus I am a disappointed man." me, I think there is some danger of my being just Clennam thought (and as he thought it, again enough soured not to be able to do that." felt ashamed of himself), was this notion of being "To do what?" asked Clennam. disappointed in life, an assertion of station which "To keep it up. To help myself in my turn, as the bridegroom brought into the family as his prop- the man before me helps himself in his, and pass the erty, having already carried it detrimentally into bottle of smoke. To keep up the pretense as to la-,his pursuit? And. was it a hopeful or a promising bor, and study, and patience, and being devoted to thing anywhere? my art, and giving up many solitary days to it, and "Not bitterly disappointed, I think," he said aloud. abandoning many pleasures for it, and living in it, "Hang it, no; not bitterly," laughed Gowan. and all the rest of it-in short, to pass the bottle of "My people are not worth that-though they are smoke, according to rule.";Xi' and I love it!" "What agood fellow you are, Clennam!" exclaimII "It lies fair before you now," said Arthu'r. ed the other, stopping to look at him, as if with ir"Fair as this summer river," cried the other, with repressible admiration. "What a capital fellow! enthusiasm, "iand by Jove I glow with admiration You have never been disappointed. That's easy to of it, and with ardor to run a race in it. It's the see." best of old worlds! And my calling! The best of It would have been so cruel if he had meant it, old callings, isn't it?" that Clennam firmly resolved to believe he did not "Full of interest and ambition, I conceive," said mean it. Gowan, without pausing, laid his hand upon Clen am. his shoulder, and laughingly and lightly went on: charming fellows, and I have the greatest affecrtion Wh But it is well for a man to respect his own vocafor them. Besides, it's pleasant to show them that tion, whatever it is; and to think himself bound to I can do, without them, and that they may all go to uphold it, and to claim for it the respect it deserves; the Devil. And besides again, most men are disap- is it not?" Arthur reasoned. "vAnd your vocation, pointed in life, somehow or other, and influenced by Gowan, may reallys demand this suit and service. I their disappointment. But it's a dear good world, confess I should have thought that all art did." Clennam. his shoulder, and Laughingly and, lightly went on: 180 LITTLE DORRIT. "Clennam, I don't like to dispel your generous But, all days come that are to be; and the marvisions, and I would give any money (if I had any) riage-day was to be, and it came; and with it came to live in such a rose-colored mist. But what I do all the Barnacles who were bidden to the feast. in my trade, I do to sell. What all we fellows do, There was Mr. Tite Barnacle, from the Circumlowe do to sell. If we didn't want to sell it, for the cution Office and Mews Street, Grosvenor Square, most we can get for it, we shouldn't do it. Being with the expensive Mrs. Tite Barnacle nie Stiltstalkwork, it has to be done; but it's easily enough done. ing, who made the Quarter Days so long in coming, All the rest is hocus-pocus. Now here's one of the and the three expensive Miss Tite Barnacles, doubleadvantages, or disadvantages, of knowing a disap- loaded with accomplishments and ready to go off, pointed man. You hear the truth." and yet not going off with the sharpness of flash and Whatever he had heard, and whether it deserved bang that might have been expected, but rather that name or another, it sank into Clennam's mind. hanging fire. There was Barnacle Junior, also, from It so took root there, that he began to fear Henry the Circumlocution Office, leaving the Tonnage of Gowan would always be a trouble to him, and that the country, which he was somehow supposed to take so far he had gained little or nothing from the dis- under his protection, to look after itself, and, sooth missal of Nobody, with all his inconsistencies, anx- to say, not at all impairing the efficiency of his proieties, and contradictions. He found a contest still tection by leaving it alone. There was the engagalways going on in his breast, between his promise ing young Barnacle, deriving from the sprightly side to keep Gowan in none but good aspects before the of the family, also from the Circumlocution Office, mind of Mr. Meagles, and his enforced observation gayly and agreeably helping the occasion along, and of Gowan in aspects that had no good in them. Nor treating it, in his sparkling way, as one of the official could he quite support his own conscientious nature forms and fees of the Church Department of How against misgivings that he distorted and discolored not to do it. There were three other Young Barhim, by reminding himself that he never sought nacles, from three other offices, insipid to all the those discoveries, and that he would have avoided senses, and terribly in want of seasoning, doing the them with willingness and great relief. For, he marriage as they would have "done" the Nile, Old never could forget what had been; and he knew Rome, the new singer, or Jerusalem. that he had once disliked Gowan, for no better rea- But, there was greater game than this. There was son than that he had come in his way. Lord Decimus Tite Barnacle himself, in the odor of Harassed by these thoughts, he now began to Circumlocution —with the very smell of Dispatchwish the marriage over, Gowan and his young wife Boxes upon him. Yes, there was Lord Decimus Tite gone, and himself left to fulfill his promise, and dis- Barnacle, who had risen to official heights on the charge the generous function he had accepted. This wings of one indignant idea, and that was, My Lords, last week was, in truth, an uneasy interval for the that I am yet to be told that it behooves a Minister whole house. Before Pet, or before Gowan, Mr. of this free country to set bounds to the philanthroMeagles was radiant; but, Clennam had more than py, to cramp the charity, to fetter the public spirit, once found him alone, with his view of the scales to contract the enterprise, to damp the independent and scoop much blurred, and had often seen him self-reliance, of its people. That was, in other words, look after the lovers, in the garden or elsewhere, that this great statesman was always yet to be told when he was not seen by them, with the old clouded that it behooved the Pilot of the ship to do any thing face on which Gowan had fallen like a shadow. In but prosper in the private loaf and fish trade ashore, the arrangement of the house for the great occasion, the crew being able, by dint of hard pumping, to many little reminders of the old travels of the father keep the ship above water without him. On this and mother and daughter had to be disturbed, and sublime discovery in the great art How not to do it, passed from hand to hand; and sometimes, in the Lord Decimus had long sustained the highest glory midst of these mute witnesses to the life they had of the Barnacle family; and let any ill-advised memhad together, even Pet herself would yield to la- ber of either House but try How to do it, by bringing menting and weeping. Mrs. Meagles, the blithest in a Bill to do it, that Bill was as good as dead and and busiest of mothers, went about singing and buried when Lord Decimus Tite Barnacle rose up in cheering every body; but she, honest soul, had her his place, and solemnly said, soaring into indignant flights into store-rooms, where she would cry until majesty as the Circumlocution cheering soared around her eyes were red, and would then come out, attrib- him, that he was yet to be told, My Lords, that it uting that appearance to pickled onions and pep- behooved him as the Minister of this free country, per, and singing clearer than ever. Mrs. Tickit, to set bounds to the philanthropy, to cramp the finding no balsam for a wounded mind in Buchan's charity, to fetter the public spirit, to contract the Domestic Medicine, suffered greatly from low spir- enterprise, to damp the independent self-reliance, its, and from moving recollections of Minnie's infan- of its people. The discovery of this Behooving Macy. When the latter were powerful with her, she chine was the discovery of the political perpetual usually sent up secret messages importing that she motion. It never wore out, though it was always was not in parlor condition as to her attire, and that going round and round in all the State Departments. she solicited a sight of "her child " in the kitchen; And there, with his noble friend and relative Lord there, she would bless her child's face, and bless her Decimus, was William Barnacle, who had made the child's heart, and hug her child, in a medley of tears ever-famous coalition with Tudor Stiltstalking, andl and congratulations, chopping-boards, rolling-pins, who always kept ready his own particular recipe for and pie-crust, with the tenderness of an attached old How not to do it; sometimes tapping the Speaker, servant, which is a very pretty tenderness indeed. and drawing it fresh out of him, with a " First, I will THE NUMERO US BARNAVCLES. 181 beg you, sir, to inform the House what Precedent we est notice and the most unreasonable terms, to let in have for'the course into which the honorable gen- other men; and they fetched and carried, and toadied tleman would precipitate us;" sometimes asking the and jobbed, and corrupted, and ate heaps of dirt, and honorable gentleman to favor him with his own ver- were indefatigable in the public service. And there sion of the Precedent; sometimes telling the honor- was not a list, in all the Circumlocution Office, of able gentleman that he (William Barnacle) would places that might fall vacant anywhere within half search for a Precedent; and oftentimes crushing the a century, from a lord of the Treasury to a Chinese honorable gentleman flat on the spot, by telling him consul, and up again to a governor-general of India, there was no Precedent. But, Precedent and Precip- but, as applicants for such places, the names of some itate were, under all circumstances, the well-match- or of every one of these hungry and adhesive Barnaed pair of battle-horses of this able Circumlocution- cles were down. ist. No matter that the unhappy honorable gentle- It was necessarily but a sprinkling of any class man had been trying in vain, for twenty-five years, of Barnacles that attended the marriage, for there ~to precipitate William Barnacle into this-William were not two score in all, and what is that subBarnacle still put it to the House, and (at second- tracted from Legion! But, the sprinkling was hand or so) to the country, whither he was to be a swarm in the Twickenham cottage, and filled precipitated into this. No matter that it was utter- it. A Barnacle (assisted by a Barnacle) married ly irreconcilable with the nature of things and course the happy pair, and it behooved Lord Decimus Tite of events, that the wretched honorable gentleman Barnacle himself to conduct Mrs. Meagles to breakcould possibly produce a Precedent for this-William fast. Barnacle would nevertheless thank the honorable The entertainment was not as agreeable and natgentleman for that ironical cheer, and would close ural as it might have been. Mr. Meagles, hove down with him upon that issue, and would tell him to his by his good company while he highly appreciated it, teeth that there was NO Precedent for this. It might was not himself. Mrs. Gowan was herself, and that perhaps have been objected that the William Bar- did not improve him. The fiction that it was not nacle wisdom was not high wisdom, or the earth it Mr. Meagles who had stood in the way, but that it bamboozled would never have been made, or, if made was the Family greatness, and that the Family greatin a rash mistake, would have remained blank mad. ness had made a concession, and there was now a But, Precedent and Precipitate together frightened soothing unanimity, pervaded the affair, though it all objection out of most people. was never openly expressed. Then the Barnacles And there, too, was another Barnacle, a lively one, felt that they for their parts would have done with who had leaped through twenty places in quick suc- the Meagleses, when the present patronizing occasion cession, and was always in two or three at once, and was over; and the Meagleses felt the same for their who was the much-respected inventor of an art which parts. Then Gowan asserting his rights as a disaphe practiced with great success and admiration in all pointed man who had his grudge against the famiBarnacle Governments. This was, when he was ask- ly, and who perhaps had allowed his mother to have ed a Parliamentary question on any one topic, to re- them there, as much in the hope that it might give turn an answer on any other. It had done immense them some annoyance as with any other benevolent service, and brought him into high esteem with the object, aired his pencil and his poverty ostentatiousCircumlocution Office. ly before them, and told them he hoped in time to And there too was a sprinkling of less distinguish- settle a crust of bread and cheese on his wife, and ed Parliamentary Barnacles, who had not as yet got that he begged such of them as (more fortunate than any thing snug, and were going through their pro- himself) came in for any good thing, and could buy bation to prove their worthiness. These Barnacles a picture, to please to remember the poor painter. perched upon staircases and hid in passages, waiting Then Lord Decimus, who was a wonder on his own their orders to make houses or not to make houses; Parliamentary pedestal, turned out to be the windand they did all their hearing, and ohing, and cheer- iest creature here: proposing happiness to the bride ing, and barking, under directions from the heads and bridegroom in a series of platitudes, that would of the family; and they put dummy motions on the have made the hair of any sincere disciple and bepaper in the way of other men's motions, and they liever stand on end; and trotting, with the comstalled disagreeable subjects off until late in the placency of an idiotic elephant, among howling night and late in the session, and then with virtuous labyrinths of sentences which he seemed to take for patriotism cried out that it was too late; and they high-roads, and never so much as wanted to get out went down into the country, whenever they were of. Then Mr. Tite Barnacle could not but feel that sent, and swore that Lord Decimus had revived trade there was a person in company, who would have from a swoon and commerce from a fit, and had disturbed his life-long sitting to Sir Thomas Lawdoubled the harvest of corn, quadrupled the harvest rence in full official character, if such disturbance of hay, and prevented no end of gold flying out of had been possible: while Barnacle Junior did, with the Bank. Also these Barnacles were dealt, by the indignation, communicate to two vapid young genheads of the family, like so many cards below the tlemen his relatives, that there was a feller here, court-cards, to public meetings and dinners; where look here, who had come to our Department without they bore testimony to all sorts of services on the an appointment and said he wanted to know, you part of their noble and honorable relatives, and but- know; and that, look here, if he was to break out tered the Barnacles on all sorts of toasts. And they now, as he might, you know (for you never could stood, under similar orders, at all sorts of elections; tell what an ungentlemanly Radical of that sort and they turned out of their own seats, on the short- would be up to next), and was to say. look here, 182 LITTLE DORRIT. that he wanted to know this moment, you know, establishment, Mr. Pancks had shown a sagacity that that would be Jolly; wouldn't it? nothing could baffle, and a patience and secrecy that The pleasantest part of the occasion, by far, to nothing could tire. "I little thought, sir," said Clennam, was the painfullest. When Mr. and Mrs. Pancks, " when you and I crossed Smithfield that Meagles at last hung about Pet, in the room with night, and I told you what sort of a Collector I was, the two pictures (where the company were not), be- that this would come of it. I little thought, sir, fore going with her to the threshold which she when I told you you were not of the Clennams of could never recross to be the old Pet and the old Cornwall, that I was ever going to tell you who delight, nothing could be more natural and simple were of the Dorrits of Dorsetshire." He then went than the three were. Gowan himself was touched, on to detail, How, having that name recorded in his and answered Mr. Meagles's "Oh, Gowan, take care note-book, he was first attracted by the name alone. of her, take care of her!" with an earnest " Don't be How, having often found two exactly similar names, so broken-hearted, sir. By Heaven I will!" even belonging to the same place, to involve no And so, with last sobs and last loving words, and traceable consanguinity, near or distant, he did not a last look to Clennam of confidence in his promise, at first give much heed to this; except in the way Pet fell back in the carriage, and her husband waved of speculation as to what a surprising change would his hand, and they were away for Dover. Though be made in the condition of a little seamstress, if not until the faithful Mrs. Tickit, in her silk gown she could be shown to have any interest in so large and jet black curls, had rushed out from some hid- a property. How he rather supposed himself to ing-place, and thrown both her shoes after the car- have pursued the idea into its next degree, because riage; an apparition which occasioned great sur- there was something uncommon in the quiet little prise to the distinguished company at the windows. seamstress, which pleased him and provoked his The said company being now relieved from fur- curiosity. How he had felt his way inch by inch, ther attendance, and the chief Barnacles being rath- and " Moled it out, sir" (that was Mr. Pancks's exer hurried (for they had it in hand just then to send pression), grain by grain. How, in the beginning a mail or two, which was in danger of going straight of the labor described by this new verb, and to rento its destination, beating about the seas like the der which the more expressive Mr. Pancks shut his Flying Dutchman, and to arrange with complexity eyes in pronouncing it and shook his hair over them, for the stoppage of a good deal of important busi- he had alternated. from sudden lights and hopes to ness otherwise in peril of being done), went their sudden darkness and no hopes, and back again, and several ways; with all affability conveying to Mr. back again. How he had made acquaintances in and Mrs. Meagles, that general assurance that what the Prison, expressly that he might come and go they had been doing there, they had been doing at there as all other comers and goers did; and how a sacrifice for Mr. and Mrs. Meagles's good, which his first ray of light was unconsciously given him by they always conveyed to Mr. John Bull in their of- Mr. Dorrit himself, and by his son: to both of whom ficial condescension to that most unfortunate crea- he easily became known; with both of whom he ture. talked much, casually ("but always Moleing, you'll A miserable blank remained in the house, and in observe," said Mr. Pancks); and from whom he dethe hearts of the father and mother and Clennam. rived, without being at all suspected, two or three Mr. Meagles called only one remembrance to his aid, little points of family history which, as he began to that really did him good.. hold clues of his own, suggested others. How it " It's very gratifying, Arthur," he said, "after all, had at length become plain to Mr. Pancks, that he to look back upon."; had made a real discovery of the heir-at-law to a " The past?" said Clennam. great fortune, and that his discovery had but to be "Yes —but I mean the company." ripened to legal fullness and perfection. How he It had made him much more low and unhappy had, thereupon, sworn his landlord, Mr. Rugg, to seat the time, but now it really did him good. "It's crecy in a solemn manner, and taken him into Molevery gratifying," he said, often repeating the re- ing partnership. How they had employed John mark in the course of the evening. " Such high Chivery as their sole clerk and agent, seeing to company!" whom he was devoted. And how, until the present hour, when authorities mighty in the Bank and learned in the law declared their successful labors CHAPTER XXXV. ended, they had confided in no other human being. "So if the whole thing had broken down, sir," WHA T WAS BEHIND MR. PAND.S ON LITTL DOR- concluded Pauncks, "at the very last, say the day before the other day when I showed you our papers ]T was at this time, that Mr. Pancks, in discharge in the Prison yard, or say that very day, nobody but of his compact with Clennam, revealed to him ourselves would have been cruelly disappointed, or the whole of his gypsy story, and told him Little a penny the worse." Dorrit's fortune. Her father was heir-at-law to a Clennam, who had been almost incessantly shakgreat estate that had long lain unknown of, un- ing hands with him throughout the narrative, was claimed, and accumulating. His right was now reminded by this to say, in an amazement which clear, nothing interposed in his way, the Marshalsea even the preparation he had had for the main disgates stood open, the Marshalsea walls were down, a closure scarcely smoothed down, " My dear Mr. few flourishes of his pen and he was extremely rich. Pancks, this must have cost you a great sum of In his tracking out of.the claim to its complete money." ARTHUR AUTHORIZED TO TELL HER. 183 "Pretty well, sir," said the triumphant Pancks. knocked up the house and made his way in, very "No trifie, though we did it as cheap as it could be early in the morning; and without once sitting done. And the outlay was a difficulty, let me tell down or standing still, had delivered himself of the you." whole of his details (illustrated with a variety of " A difficulty!" repeated Clennam. "But the dif- documents) at the bedside. He now said he would ficulties you have so wonderfully conquered in the " go and look up Mr. Rugg," from whom his excited whole business!" shaking his hand again. state of mind appeared to require another back; and "I'1l tell you how I did it," said the delighted bundling up his papers, and exchanging one more Pancks, putting his hair into a condition as elevated hearty shake of the hand with Clennam, he went at as himself. "First, I spent all I had of my own. full speed down stairs, and steamed off. That wasn't much." Clennam, of course, resolved to go direct to Mr. "I am sorry for it," said Clennam; "not that it Casby's. He dressed and got out so quickly, that matters now, though. Then, what did you do?" he found himself at the corner of the patriarchal " Then," answered Paucks, " I borrowed a sum of street nearly an hour before her time; but he was my proprietor." not sorry to have the opportunity of calming him" Of Mr. Casby?" said Clennam. "He's a fine old self with a leisurely walk. fellow." When he returned to the street, and had knocked "Noble old boy; an't he?" said Mr. Pancks, enter- at the bright brass knocker, he was informed that ing on a series of the driest of snorts. " Generous she had come, and was shown up stairs to Flora's old buck. Confiding old boy. Philanthropic old breakfast-room. Little Dorrit was not there herbuck. Benevolent old boy! Twenty per cent. I en- self, but Flora was, and testified the greatest amazegaged to pay him, sir. But we never do business ment at seeing him. for less at our shop." "Good gracious, Arthur-Doyce and Clennam!" Arthur felt an awkward consciousness of having, cried that lady, " who would have ever thought of in his exultant condition, been a little premature. seeing such a sight as this and pray excuse a wrap"I said to that-boiling-over old Christian,"' Mr. per for upon my word I really never and a faded Pancks pursued, appearing greatly to relish this de- check too which is worse but our little friend is scriptive epithet, "that I had got a little project on making me a, not that I need mind mentioning it hand; a hopeful one; I told him a hopeful one; to you for you must know that there are such things which wanted a certain small capital. I proposed a skirt, and having arranged that a trying on should to him to lend me the money on my note. Which take place after breakfast is the reason though I he did, at twenty: sticking the twenty on in a busi- wish not so badly starched." ness-like way, and putting it into the note, to look "I ought to make an apology," said Arthur, "for like a part of the principal. If I had broken down so early and abrupt a visit; but you will excuse it after that, I should have been his grubber for the when I tell you the cause." next seven years at half wages and double grind. "In times forever fled Arthur," returned Mrs. But he's a perfect Patriarch; and it would do a man Finching, "pray excuse me Doyce and Clennam ingood to serve him on such terms-on any terms." finitely more correct and though unquestionably disArthur for his life could not have said with confi- tant still'tis distance lends enchantment to the dence whether Pancks really thought so or not. view, at least I don't mean that and if I did I sup"When that was gone, sir," resumed Pancks, pose it would depend considerably on the nature of "and it did go, though I dribbled it out like so the view, but I'm running on again and you put it much blood, I had taken Mr. Rugg into the secret. all out of my head." I proposed to borrow of Mr. Rugg (or of Miss Rugg; She glanced at him tenderly, and resumed: it's the same thing; she made a little money by a " In times forever fled I was going to say it would speculation in the Common Pleas once). He lent it have sounded strange indeed for Arthur Clennamat ten, and thought that pretty high. But Mr. Doyce and Clennam naturally quite different-to Rugg's a red-haired man, sir, and gets his hair cut. make apologies for coming here at any time, but And as to the crown of his hat, it's high. And as to that is past and what is past can never be recalled the brim of his hat, it's narrow. And there's no more except in his own case as poor Mr. F. said when he benevolence bubbling out of him, than out of a nine- was in spirits Cucumber and therefore never ate it." pin.1" She was making the tea when Arthur came in, "Your own recompense for all this, Mr. Paneks," and now hastily finished that operation. said Clennam, " ought to be a large one." "Papa," she said, all mystery and whisper, as she "I don't mistrust getting it, sir," said Paucks. "I shut down the tea-pot lid, "is sitting prosingly have made no bargain. I owed you one on that breaking his new-laid egg in the back parlor over score; now, I have paid it. Money out of pocket the City article exactly like the Woodpecker Tapmade good, time fairly allowed for, and Mr. Rugg's ping and need never know that you are here, and bill settled, a thousand pounds would be a fortune our little friend you are well aware may be fully to me. That matter I place in your hands. I au- trusted when she comes down from cutting out on thorize you, now, to break all this to the family in the large table overhead." any way you think best. Miss Amy Dorrit will be Arthur then told her, in the fewest words, that it with Mrs. Finching this morning. The sooner done was their little friend he came to see; and what he the better. Can't be done too soon." had.to announce to their little friend. At which This conversation took place in Clennam's bed- astounding intelligence, Flora clasped her hands, room, while he was yet in bed. For Mr. Pancks had fell into a tremble, and shed tears of sympathy and 184 LITTLE DORIRIT. pleasure, like the good-natured creature she really wealthy. Bravest and best of children, I thank was. Heaven that you are rewarded!" "For gracious sake let me get out of the way As he kissed her, she turned her head toward his first," said Flora, putting her hands to her ears, and shoulder, and raised her arm toward his neck; cried moving toward the door, "or I know I shall go off out "Father! Father! Father!" and swooned away. dead and screaming and make every body worse, and Upon which, Flora returned to take care of her, the dear little thing only this morning looking so and hovered about her on a sofa, intermingling nice and neat and good and yet so poor and now a kind offices and incoherent scraps of conversation fortune is she really and deserves it too! and might in a manner so confoundlig, that whether she pressI mention it to Mr. F.'s aunt Arthur not Doyce and ed the Marshalsea to take a spoonful of unclaimed Clennam for this once or if objectionable not on any dividends, for it would do her good; or whether she account." congratulated Little Dorrit's father on coming into Arthur nodded his free permission, since Flora possession of a hundred thousand smelling-bottles; shut out all verbal communication. Flora nodded or whether she explained that she put seventy-five in return to thank him, and hurried out of the room. thousand drops of spirits of lavender on fifty thouLittle Dorrit's step was already on the stairs, and sand pounds of lump sugar, and that she entreated in another moment she was at the door. Do what Little Dorrit to take that gentle restorative; or he would to compose his face, he could not convey whether she bathed the foreheads of Doyce and so much of an ordinary expression into it, but that Clennam in vinegar, and gave the late Mr. F. more the moment she saw it she dropped her work, and air; no one with any sense of responsibility could cried, "Mr. Clennam! What's the matter " have undertaken to decide. A tributary stream of "Nothing, nothing. That is, no misfortune has confusion, moreover, poured in from an adjoining happened. I have come to tell you something, but bedroom, where Mr. F.'s Aunt appeared, from the it is a piece of great good-fortune." sound of her voice, to be in a horizontal posture, "Good-fortune?" awaiting her breakfast; and from which bower that " Wonderful fortune!" inexorable lady snapped off short taunts, whenever They stood in a window, and her eyes, full of she could get a hearing, as, "Don't believe it's his light, were fixed upon his face. He put an arm doing!" and "He needn't take no credit to himself about her, seeing her likely to sink down. She put for it!" and "It'll be long enough, I expect, afore a hand upon that arm, partly to test upon it, and he'll give up any of his own money!" all designed partly so to preserve their relative positions as that to disparage Clennamn's share in the discovery, and her intent look at him should be shaken by no change to relieve those inveterate feelings with which Mr. of attitude in either of them. Her lips seemed to re- F.'s Aunt regarded him. peat " Wonderful fortune?" He repeated it again, But, Little Dorrit's solicitude to get to her father, aloud. and to carry the joyful tidings to him, and not to " Dear Little Dorrit! Your father." leave him in his jail a moment with this happiness The ice of the pale face broke at the word, and in store for him and still unknown to him, did more little lights and shoots of expression passed all over for her speedy restoration than all the skill and atit. They were all expressions of pain. Her breath tention on earth could have done. "Come with me was faint and hurried. Her heart beat fast. He to my dear father. Pray come and tell my dear fawould have clasped the little figure closer, but he ther!" were the first words she said. Her father, saw that the eyes appealed to him not to be moved. her father. She spoke of nothing but him, thought "Your father can be free within this week. He of nothing but him. Kneeling down and pouring does not know it; we must go to him from here, to out her thankfulness with uplifted hands, her thanks tell him of it. Your father will be free within a few were for her father. days. Your father will be free within a few hours. Flora's tenderness was quite overcome by this, Remember we must go to him, from here, to tell him and she launched out among the cups and saucers of it!" into a wonderful flow of tears and speech. That brought her back. Her eyes were closing, "I declare," she sobbed, "I never was so cut up but they opened again. since your mamma and my papa not Doyce and " This is not all the good-fortune. This is not all Clennam for this once but give the precious little the wonderful good-fortune, my dear Little Dorrit. thing a cup of tea and make her put it to her lips Shall I tell you more?" at least pray Arthur do, not even Mr. F.'s last illHer lips shaped "Yes." ness for that was of another kind and gout is not a "Your father will be no beggar when he is free. child's affection though very painful for all parties He will want for nothing. Shall I tell you more? and Mr. F. a martyr with his leg upon a rest and Remember! He knows nothing of it; we must go the wine-trade in itself inflammatory for they will to him, from here, to tell him of it." do it more or less among themselves and who can She seemed to entreat him for a little time. He wonder, it seems like a dream I am sure to think of held her in his arm, and, after a pause, bent down nothing at all this morning and now Mines of monhis ear to listen. ey is it really, but you must you know my darling "Did you ask me to go on?" love because you never will be strong enough to "Yes." tell him all about it upon tea-spoons, mightn't it be "He will be a rich man. He is a rich man. A even best to try the directions of my own medical great sum of money is waiting to be paid over to man for though the flavor is any thing but agreeahim as his inheritance; you are all henceforth very ble still I force myself to do it as a prescription and JOYFUL INTELLIGENCE. 185 find the benefit, you'd rather not why no my dear "You have been made so happy, my dear?" I'd rather not but still I do it as a duty, every body "By Mr. Clennam, father. He brought me such will congratulate you some in earnest and s6me joyful and wonderful intelligence about you! If not and many will congratulate you with all their he had not, with his great kindness and gentleness, hearts but none more so I do assure you than from prepared me for it, father-prepared me for it, fathe bottom of my own I do myself though sensible ther-I think I could not have borne it." of blundering and being stupid, and will be judged Her agitation was exceedingly great, and the tears by Arthur not Doyce and Clennam for this once so rolled down her face. He put his hand suddenly to good-bye darling and God bless you and may you his heart, and looked at Clennam. be very happy and excuse the liberty, vowing that "Compose yourself, sir," said Clennam, " and take the dress shall never be finished by any body else a little time to think. To think of the brightest but shall be laid by for a keepsake just as it is and and most fortunate accidents of life. We have all called Little Dorrit though why that strangest of heard of great surprises of joy. They are not at anl denominations at any time I never did myself and end, sir. They are rare, but not at an end." now I never shall!" " Mr. Clennam? Not at an end? Not at an end Thus Flora, in taking leave of her favorite. Lit- for-" He touched himself upon the breast, instead1 tie Dorrit thanked her, and embraced her, over and of saying "me." over again; and finally came out of the house with."No," returned Clennam. Clennam, and took coach for the Marshalsea. "What surprise," he asked, keeping his left hand It was a strangely unreal ride through the old over his heart, and there stopping in his speech, squalid streets, with a sensation of being raised while with his right hand he put his glasses exactout of them into an airy world of wealth and grand- ly level on the table: "what such surprise can be eur. When Arthur told her that she would soon in store for me?" ride in her own carriage through very different "Let me answer with another question. Tell scenes, when all the familiar experiences would me, Mr. Dorrit, what surprise would be the most have vanished away, she looked frightened. But, unlooked for and the most acceptable to you. Do when he substituted her father for herself, and told not be afraid to imagine it, or to say what it would her how he would ride in his carriage, and how great be." and grand he would be, her tears of joy and innocent He looked steadfastly at Clennam, and, so looking pride fell fast. Seeing that the happiness her mind at him, seemed to change into a very old haggard could realize was all shining upon him, Arthur kept man. The sun was bright upon the wall beyond that single figure before her; and so they rode bright- the'window, and on the spikes at top, He slowly ly through the poor streets in the prison neighbor- stretched out the hand that had been upon his hood, to carry him the great news. heart, and pointed at the wall. When Mr. Chivery, who was on duty, admitted " It is down," said Clennam. "Gone!" them into the Lodge, he saw something in their He remained in the same attitude, looking steadfaces which filled him with astonishment. He fastly at him. stood looking after them, when they hurried into "And in its place," said Clennam, slowly and disthe prison, as though he perceived that they had tinctly, " are the means to possess and enjoy the utcome back accompanied by a ghost apiece. Two most that they have so long shut out. Mr. Dorrit, or three Collegians whom they passed, looked after there is not the smallest doubt that within a few them too, and presently joining Mr. Chivery, formed days you will be free, and highly prosperous. I a little group on the Lodge steps, in the midst of congratulate you with all my soul on this change which there spontaneously originated a whisper of fortune, and on the happy future into which you that the Father was going to get his discharge. are soon to carry the treasure you have been blest Within a few minutes, it was heard in the remotest with here-the best of all the riches you can have room in the College. elsewhere-the treasure at your side." Little Dorrit opened the door from without, and With those words, he pressed his hand and rethey both entered. He was sitting in his old gray leased it; and his daughter, laying her face against gown, and his old black cap, in the sunlight by the his, encircled him in the hour of his prosperity with window, reading his newspaper. His glasses were her arms, as she had in the long years of his adversiin his hand, and he had just looked round; sur- ty encircled him with her love and toil and truth; prised at first, no doubt, by her step upon the stairs, and poured out her full heart in gratitude, hope, not expecting her until night; surprised again, by joy, blissful ecstasy, and all for him. seeing Arthur Clennam in her company. As they "I shall see him, as I never saw him yet. I shall came in, the same unwonted look in both of them see my dear love, with the dark cloud cleared away. which had already caught attention in the yard be- I shall see him, as my poor mother saw him long low, struck him. He did not rise or speak, but laid ago. Oh, my dear, my dear! Oh, father, father! down his glasses and his newspaper on the table be- Oh, thank God, thank God!" side him, and looked at them with his mouth a little He yielded himself to her kisses and caresses, but open, and his lips trembling. When Arthur put out did not return them, except that he put an arm his hand, he touched it, but not with his usual state; about her. Neither did he say one word. His and then he turned to his daughter, who had sat steadfast look was now divided between her and down close beside him with her hands upon his Clennam, and he began to shake as if he were very shoulder, and looked attentively in her face. cold. Explaining to Little Dorrit that he would "Father! I have been made so happy this morning!" run to the coffee-house for a bottle of wine, Arthur 186 LITTLE DORRIT. fetched it with all the haste he could use. While a duty to them, and to ourselves, from this moment, it was being brought from the cellar to the bar, a not to let them-hum-not to let them do any thing." number of excited people asked him what had hap- This was the first intimation he had ever given, pened; when he hurriedly informed them that Mr. that he was privy to the fact that they did someDorrit had succeeded to a fortune. thing for a livelihood. On coming back with the wine in his hand, he He was still jogging about the room, with the found that she had placed her father in his easy- purse clutched in his hand, when a great cheering chair, and had loosened his shirt and neck-cloth. arose in the yard. "The news has spread already," They filled a tumbler with wine, and held it to his said Clennam, looking down from the window. lips. When he had swallowed a little, he took the "Will you show yourself to them, Mr. Dorrit? glass himself and emptied it. Soon after that, he They are very earnest, and they evidently wish it." leaned back in his chair and cried, with his hand- "I-hum-ha-I confess I could have desired, kerchief before his face. Amy my dear," he said, jogging about in a more. After this had lasted a while, Clennam thought feverish flutter than before, "to have made some it a good season for diverting his attention from the change in my dress first, and to have bought amain surprise, by relating its details. Slowly, there- hum-a watch and chain. But if it must be done fore, and in a quiet tone of voice, he explained them as it is, it-ha-it must be done. Fasten the colas he best could, and enlarged on the nature of lar of my shirt, my dear. Mr. Clennam, would you Pancks's service. oblige me-hum-with a blue neckeloth you will " He shall be-had-he shall be handsomely recom- find in that drawer at your elbow? Button my coat pensed, sir," said the Father, starting up and moving across at the chest, my love. It looks-ha-it looks hurriedly about the room. "Assure yourself, Mr. broader, buttoned." Clennam, that every body concerned shall be-ha —- With his trembling hand he pushed his gray hair shall be nobly rewarded. No one, my dear sir, shall up, and then, taking Clennam and his daughter for say that he has an unsatisfied claim against me. I supporters, appeared at the window leaning on an shall repay the-hum —the advances I have had arm of each. The Collegians cheered him very from you, sir, with peculiar pleasure. I beg to be heartily, and he kissed his hand to them with great informed at your early convenience, what advances urbanity and protection. When he withdrew into you have made my son." the room again, he said "Poor creatures!" in a tone He had no purpose in going about the room, but of much pity for their miserable condition. he was not still a moment. Little Dorrit was deeply anxious that he should "Every body," he said, " shall be remembered. I lie dlown to compose himself. On Arthur's speaking will not go away from here in any body's debt. All to her of his going to inform Pancks that he might the people who have been-ha-well-behavedtoward now appear as soon as he would, and pursue the myself and my family, shall be rewarded. Chivery joyful business to its close, she entreated him in a shall be rewarded. Young John shall be rewarded. whisper to stay with her until her father should be I particularly wish, and intend, to act munificently, quite calm and at rest. He needed no second enMr. Clennam." treaty; and she prepared her father's bed, and beg"' Will you allow me," said Arthur, laying his purse ged him to lie down. For another half hour or on the table, "to supply any present contingencies, more he would be persuaded to do nothing but go Mr. Dorrit? I thought it best to bring a sum of about the room, discussing with himself the probamoney for the purpose." bilities for and against the Marshal's allowing the " Thank you, sir, thank you. I accept with read- whole of the prisoners to go to the windows of the iness, at the present moment, what I could not an official residence which commanded the street, to hour ago have conscientiously taken. I am obliged see himself and family depart forever in a carriage to you for the temporary accommodation. Exceed- -which, he said, he thought would be a Sight for ingly temporary, but well-timed-well-timed. His them. But, gradually, he began to droop and tire, hand had closed upon the money, and he carried it and at last stretched himself upon the bed. about with him. "Be so kind, sir, as to add the She took her faithful place beside him, fanning amount to those former advances to which I have him and cooling his forehead; and he seemed to be already referred; being careful, if you please, not falling asleep (always with the money in his hand), to omit advances made to my son. A mere verbal when he unexpectedly sat up and said: statement of the gross amount is all I shall-ha- "Mr. Clennam, I beg your pardon. Am I to unall I shall require." derstand, my dear sir, that I cold-ha- could pass His eye fell upon his daughter at this point, and he through the Lodge at this moment, and-hum-take stopped for a moment to kiss her, and to pat her head. a walk?" "It will be necessary to find a milliner, my love, "I think not, Mr. Dorrit," was the -unwilling reand to make a speedy and complete change in your ply. "There are certain forms to be completed; very plain dress.. Something must be done with and although your detention here is now in itself a Maggy too, who at present is-ha-barely respect- form, I fear it is one that for a little longer has to be able, barely respectable. And your sister, Amy, and observed too." your brother. And my brother, your uncle — poor At this he shed tears again. soul, I trust this will rouse him-messengers must "It is but a few hours, sir," Clennam cheerfully be dispatched to fetch them. They must be inform- urged upon him. ed of this. We must break it to them cautiously, "A few hours, sir," he returned in a sudden pasbut they must be informed directly. We owe it as sion. "You talk very easily of hours, sir! How LITTLE DORRIT'S THO UGHTS. 187 long do you suppose, sir, that an hour is to a man "And are you not?" who is choking for want of air?" "It seems to me hard," said Little Dorrit, " that It was his last demonstration for that time; as, he should have lost so many years and suffered so after shedding some more tears and querulously com- much, and at last pay all the debts as well. It plaining that he couldn't breathe, he slowly fell into seems to me hard that he should pay in life and a slumber. Clennam had abundant occupation for money both." his thoughts, as he sat in the quiet room watching "My dear child-" Clennam was beginning. the father on his bed, and the daughter fanning his "Yes, I know I am wrong," she pleaded timidly, face. "don't think any worse of me; it has grown up Little Dorrit had been thinking too. After softly with me here." putting his'.gray hair aside, and touching his fore- The prison, which could spoil so many things, had head with her lips, she looked toward Arthur, who tainted Little Dorrit's mind no more than this. Encame nearer to her, and pursued in a low whisper gendered as the confusion was, in compassion for the the subject of her thoughts. poor prisoner, her father, it was the first speck ClenKlie~~~~~~~ / t' 7 i', i'i l~"ti'"'/'t CLENNAM ROSE SOFTLY, OPENED AND CLOSED THE DOOR WITHOUT A SOUND. "Mr. Clennam, will he pay all his debts before he nam had ever seen, it was the last speck Clennaln leaves here?" ever saw, of the prison atmosphere upon her. " No doubt. All." He thought this, and forbore to say another word. "All the debts for which he has been imprisoned With the thought, her purity and goodness came here, all my life and longer?" before him in their brightest light. The little spot "No doubt." made them the more beautiful. There was something of uncertainty and remon- Worn out with her own emotions, and yielding to strauce in her look; something that was not all sat- the silence of the room, her hand slowly slackened isfaction. He wondered to detect it, and said: and failed in its fanning movement, and her head." You are glad that he should do so?" dropped down on the pillow at her father's side. "Are you?" asked Little Dorrit, wistfully. Clennam rose softly, opened and closed the door "Am I? Most heartily glad!" without a sound, and passed from the prison, carry" Then I know I ought to be." ing the quiet with him into the turbulent streets. 188 LITTLE DORRIT. CHAPTER XXXVI. sum of twenty-four pounds nine shillings and eightpence, being the amount of principal and interest THE MARSHALSEA BECOMES AN ORPHAN. computed at the rate of five per cent. per annum, in A ND now the day arrived when Mr. Dorrit and which their client believed himself to be indebted to his family were to leave the prison forever, and Mr. Clennam. In making this communication and the stones of its much-trodden pavement were to remittance, Messrs. Peddle and Pool were further inknow them no more. structed by their client to remind Mr. Clennam, that The interval had been short, but he had greatly the favor of the advance now repaid (including gatecomplained of its length, and had been imperious fees) had not been asked of him, and to inform him with Mr. Rugg, touching the delay. He had been that it would not have been accepted if it had been high with Mr. Rugg, and had threatened to employ openly proffered in his name. With which they resome one else. He had requested Mr. Rugg not to quested a stamped receipt, and remained his obedient presume upon the place in which he found him, but servants. A great deal of business had likewise to to do his duty, sir, and to do it with promptitude. be done, within the so-soon-to-be-orphaned MarshalHe had told Mr. Rugg that he knew what lawyers sea, by Mr. Dorrit so long its father, chiefly arising and agents were, and that he would not submit to out of applications made to him by Collegians for imposition. On that gentleman's humbly represent- small sums of money. To these' he responded with ing that he exerted himself to the utmost, Miss Fan- the greatest liberality, and with no lack of formalny was very short with him; desiring to know what ity; always first writing to appoint a time at which less he could do, when he had been told a dozen the applicant might wait upon him in his room, and times that money was no object, and expressing her then receiving him in the midst of a vast accumulasuspicion that he forgot whom he talked to. tion of documents, and accompanying his donation Toward the Marshal, who was a Marshal of many (for he said in every such case, "It is a donation, years' standing, and with whom he had never had not a loan ") with a great deal of good counsel: to any previous difference, Mr. Dorrit comported him- the effect that he, the expiring Father of the Marself with severity. That officer, on personally ten- shalsea, hoped to be long remembered, as an examdering his congratulations, offered the free use of ple that a man might preserve his own and the gentwo rooms in his house for Mr. Dorrit's occupation eral respect even there. until his departure. Mr. Dorrit thanked him at the The Collegians were not envious. Besides that moment, and replied that he would think of it; but they had a personal and traditional regard for a the Marshal was no sooner gone than he sat down Collegian of so many years' standing, the event was and wrote him a cutting note, in which he remarked creditable to the College, and made it famous in the that he had never on any former occasion had the newspapers. Perhaps more of them thought, too, honor of receiving his congratulations (which was than were quite aware of it, that the thing might in true, though indeed there had not been any thing the lottery of chances have happened to themselves, particular to congratulate him upon), and that he or that something of the sort might yet happen to begged, on behalf of himself and family, to repudiate themselves, some day or other. They took it very the Marshal's offer, with all those thanks which its well. A few were low at the thought of being left disinterested character and its perfect independence behind, and being left poor; but even these did not of all worldly considerations demanded. grudge the family their brilliant reverse. There Although his brother showed so dim a glimmering might have been much more envy in politer places. of interest in their altered fortunes, that it was very It seems probable that mediocrity of fortune would doubtful whether he understood them, Mr. Dorrit have been disposed to be less magnanimous than the caused him to be measured for new raiment by the Collegians, who lived from hand to mouth-from the hosiers, tailors, hatters, and boot-makers whom he pawnbroker's hand to the day's dinner. called in for himself; and ordered that his old They got up an address to him, which they preclothes should be taken from him and burned. Miss sented in a neat frame and glass (though it was not Fanny and Mr. Tip required no direction in making afterward displayed in the family mansion or prean appearance of great fashion and elegance; and served among the family papers); and to which he the three passed this interval together at the best returned a gracious answer. In that document he hotel in the neighborhood-though truly as Miss assured them, in a Royal manner, that he received Fanny said, the best was very indifferent. In con- the profession of their attachment with a full connection with that establishment, Mr. Tip hired a viction of its sincerity; and again generally exhortcabriolet, horse, and groom, a very neat turnout, ed them to follow his example-which, at least in so which was usually to be observed for two or three far as coining into a great property was concerned, hours at a time, gracing the Borough High Street, there is no doubt they would have gladly imitated. outside the Marshalsea court-yard. A modest little He took the same occasion of inviting them to a hired chariot and pair was'also frequently to be comprehensive entertainment, to be given to the seen there; in alighting from and entering which whole College in the yard, and at which he signified vehicles, Miss Fanny fluttered the Marshal's daugh- he would have the honor of taking a parting glass ters by the display of inaccessible bonnets. to the health and happiness of all those he was about A great deal of business was transacted in this to leave behind. short period. Among other items, Messrs. Peddle He did not in person dine at this public repast (it and Pool, solicitors of Monument Yard, were in- took place at two in the afternoon, and his dinners structed by their client Edward Dorrit, Esquire, to now came in from the hotel at six), but his son was address a letter to Mr. Arthur Clennam, inclosing the so good as to take the head of the principal table, LEA YVIG THE COLLEGE. 189 and to be very free and engaging. He himself went one. Your position as my brother is a very fine one. about among the company, and took notice of indi- And I know that it belongs to your conscientious viduals, and saw that the viands were of the quality nature, to try to become worthy of it, my dear Fredhe had ordered, and that all were served. On the erick, and to try to adorn it. To be no discredit to whole, he was like a baron of the olden time, in a it, but to adorn it." rare good humor. At the conclusion of the repast, "William," said the other, weakly, and with a he pledged his guests in a bumper of old Madeira; sigh, "I will do any thing you wish, my brother, and told them. that he hoped they had enjoyed provided it lies in my power. Pray be so kind as to themselves, and what was more, that they would en- recollect what a limited power mine is. What would joy themselves for the rest of the evening; that he you wish me to do to-day, brother? Say what it is, wished them well; and that he bade them welcome. only say what it is." His health being drunk with acclamations, he was "My dearest Frederick, nothing. It is not worth not so baronial after all but that in trying to return troubling so good a heart as yours with." thanks he broke down, in the manner of a mere serf " Pray trouble it," returned the other. " It finds with a heart in his breast, and wept before them all, it no trouble, William, to do any thing it can for After this great success, which he supposed to be a you." failure, he gave them " Mr. Chivery and his brother William passed his hand across his eyes, and omurofficers;" whom he had beforehand presented with mured with august satisfaction, " Blessings on your ten pounds each, and who were all in attendance. attachment, my poor dear fellow!" Then he said Mr. Chivery spoke to the toast, saying, what you aloud, "Well, my dear Frederick, if you will only undertake to lock up, lock up; but remember that try, as we walk out, to show that you are alive to you are, in the words of the fettered African, a man the occasion-that you think about it-" and a brother ever. The list of toasts disposed of, "What would you advise me to think about it?" Mr. Dorrit urbanely went through the motions of returned his submissive brother. playing a game at skittles with the Collegian who " Oh! my dear Frederick, how can I answer you? was the next oldest inhabitant to himself; and left I can only say what, in leaving these good people, I the tenantry to their diversions. think myself." But, all these occurrences preceded the final day. "That's it!" cried his brother. " That will help And now the day arrived when he and his family me." were to leave the prison forever, and when the stones " I find that I think, my dear Frederick, and with of its much-trodden pavement were to know them mixed emotions in which a softened compassion preno more. dominates, What will they do without me?" Noon was the hour appointed for the departure. "True,'" returned his brother. " Yes, yes, yes, yes. As it approached, there was not a Collegian within- I'll think that as we go. What will they do without doors, nor a turnkey absent. The latter class of mybrother? Poorthings! What willtheydowithgentlemen appeared in their Sunday clothes, and the out him?" greater part of the Collegians were brightened up as Twelve o'clock having just struck, and the carmuch as circumstances allowed. Two or three flags riage being reported ready in the outer court-yard, were even displayed, and the children put on odds the brothers proceeded down stairs arm in arm. Edand ends of ribbon. Mr. Dorrit himself, at this try- ward Dorrit, Esquire (once Tip), and his sister Faniug time, preserved a serious but graceful dignity. ny followed, also arm in arm; Mr. Plornish and MagMuch of his attention was given to his brother, as to gy, to whom had been intrusted the removal of such whose bearing on the great occasion he felt anxious. of the family effects as were considered worth re"My dear Frederick," said he, "if you will give moving, followed, bearing bundles and burdens to be me your arm, we will pass among our friends to- packed in a cart. gether. I think it is right that we should go out In the yard, were the Collegians ana turnkeys. arm in arm, my dear Frederick." In the yard, were Mr. Pancks and Mr. Rugg, come to "Hah!" said Frederick. " Yes, yes, yes, yes." see the last touch given to their work. In the yard, "And if, my dear Frederick-if you could, with- was Young John making a new epitaph for himself, out putting any great constraint upon yourself, on the occasion of his dying of a broken heart. In throw a little (pray excuse me, Frederick), a little the yard, was the Patriarchal Casby, looking so trepolish into your usual demeanor-" mendously benevolent that many enthusiastic Col"William, William," said the other, shaking his legians grasped him fervently by the hand, and the head, " it's for you to do all that. I don't know how. wives and female relatives of many more Collegians All forgotten, forgotten!" kissed his hand, nothing doubting th'at he had done "But, my dear fellow," returned William, "for it all. In the yard, was the usual chorus of people that very reason, if for no other, you must positively proper to such a place. In the yard, was the man try to rouse yourself. What you have forgotten you with the shadowy grievance respecting the Fund must now begin to recall, my dear Frederick. Your which the Marshal embezzled, who had got up at position " five in the morning to complete the copying of a "Eh?" said Frederick. perfectly unintelligible history of that transaction, "Your position, my dear Frederick." which he had committed to Mr. Dorrit's care as a "Mine?" He looked first at his own figure, and document of the last importance, calculated to stun then at his brother's, and then, drawing a long the Government and effect the Marshal's downfall. breath, cried, "Hah, to be sure! Yes, yes, yes." In the yard, was the insolvent whose utmost energies "Your position, my dear, Frederick, is now a fine were always set on getting into debt, who broke into 190 LITTLE DORRIT. prison with as much pains as other men have broken gate. Mr. Dorrit, yielding to the vast speculation out of it, and who was always being cleared and corm- how the poor creatures were to get on without him, plimented; while the insolvent at his elbow-a mere was great, and sad, but not absorbed. He patted little, sniveling, striving tradesman, half dead of children on the head like Sir Roger de Coverley goanxious efforts to keep out of debt-found it a hard ing to church, he spoke to people in the background matter, indeed, to get a Commissioner to release him by their Christian names, he condescended to all with much reproof and reproach. In the yard, was present, and seemed for their consolation to walk the man of many children and many burdens, whose encircled by the legend in golden characters, "Be failure astonished every body; in the yard, was the comforted, my people! Bear it!" man of no children and large resources, whose failure At last three honest cheers announced that he had astonished nobody. There, were the people who passed the gate, and that the Marshalsea was an orwere always going out to-morrow, and always put- phan. Before they had ceased to ring in the echoes ting it off; there, were the people who had come in of the prison walls, the family had got into their yesterday, and who were much more jealous and re- carriage, and the attendant had the steps in his sentful of this freak of fortune than the seasoned hand. _ —-~ THROUGH THESE SPECTATORS THE LITTLE PROOESSION, HEADED BY THE TWO BROTHERS, MOYED SLOWLY TO THE GATE. birds. There, were some who, in pure meanness of Then, and not before, "Good Gracious!" cried Miss spirit, cringed and bowed before the enriched Colle- Fanny all at once, "where's Amy?" gian and his family; there, were others who did so Her father had thought she was with her sister. really because their eyes, accustomed to the gloom Her sister had thought she was "somewhere or of their imprisonment and poverty, could not sup- other.". They had all trusted to finding her, as they port the light of such bright sunshine. There, were had always done, quietly in the right place at the many whose shillings had gone into his pocket to right moment. This going away was perhaps the buy him meat and drink; but none who were now very first action of their joint lives that they had obtrusively Hail fellow well met! with him, on the got through without her. strength of that assistance. It was rather to be re- A minute might have been consumed in the ascermarked of the caged birds, that they were a little taining of these points, when Miss Fanny, who, from shy of the bird about to be so grandly free, and that her seat in the carriage, commanded the long narthey had a tendency to withdraw themnselves toward row passage leading to the Lodge, flushed indigthe bars, and seem a little fluttered as he passed. nantly. Through these spectators, the little procession, "Now I do say, Pa," cried she, "that this is disheaded by the two brothers, moved slowly to the graceful!" AMY AND HER DRESS. 191 "What is disgraceful, Fanny?" " She has been forgotten," he said, in a tone of' I do say," she repeated, " this is perfectly infa- pity not free from reproach. " I ran up to heiroom mous! Really almost enough, even at such a time (which Mr. Chivery showed me), and found the door as this, to make one wish one was dead! Here is open, and that she had fainted on the floor, dear that child Amy, in her ugly old shabby dress, which child. She appeared to have gone to change her she was so obstinate about, Pa, which I over and dress, and to have sunk down overpowered. It may over again begged and prayed her to change, and have been the cheering, or it may have happened which she over and over again objected to, and sooner. Take care of this poor cold hand, Miss Dorpromised to change to-day, saying she wished to rit. Don't let it fall." wear it as long as ever she remained in there with "Thank you, sir," returned Miss Dorrit, bursting you-which was absolutely romantic nonsense of into tears. " I believe I know what to do, if you'll the lowest kind-here is that child Amy disgracing give me leave. Dear Amy, open your eyes, that's a us to the last moment and at the last moment, by love! Oh, Amy, Amy, I really am so vexed and being carried out in that dress after all. And by ashamed! Do rouse yourself, darling! Oh, why are that Mr. Clennam too!" they not driving on? Pray, Pa, do drive on!" The offense was proved, as she delivered the in- The attendant, getting between Clennam and the dictment. Clennam appeared at the carriage door, carriage door, with a sharp "By your leave, sir!" bearing the little insensible figure in his arms. bundled up the steps, and they drove away. 192 LITTLE DORRIT. BOOK THE SECOND.-RICHES. CHAPTER I. lower journey had yielded to barrenness and desolation. A craggy track, up which the mules in single file scrambled and turned from block to block, as IN the autumn of the year, Darkness and Night though they were ascending the broken staircase of were creeping up to the highest ridges of the a gigantic ruin, was their way now. No trees were Alps. to be seen, nor any vegetable growth, save a poor It was vintage-time in the valleys on the Swiss brown scrubby moss, freezing in the chinks of rock. side of the Pass of the Great St. Bernard, and along Blackened skeleton arms of wood by the wvayside the banks of the Lake of Geneva. The air there was pointed upward to the convent, as if the ghosts of charged with the scent of gathered grapes. Bas- former travelers overwhelmed by the snow, haunted kets, troughs, and tubs of grapes, stood in the dim the scene of their distress. Icicle-hung caves and village door-ways, stopped the steep and narrow vil- cellars built for refuges from sudden storms, were lage streets, and had been carrying all day along the like so many whispers of the perils of the place; roads and lanes. Grapes, spilled and crushed under never-resting wreaths and mazes of mist wandered foot, lay about everywhere. The child carried in a about, hunted by a moaning wind; and snow, the sling by the laden peasant-wonman toiling home, was besetting danger of the mountain, against which all quieted with picked-up grapes; the idiot sunning his its defenses were taken, drifted sharply down. big golitre under the eaves of the wooden chAlet by The file of mules, jaded by their day's work, turnthe way to the water-fall, sat munching grapes; the ed and wound slowly up the steep ascent;. the forebreath of the cows and goats was redolent of leaves most led by a guide on foot, in his broad-brimmed and stalks of grapes; the company in every little hat and round jacket, carrying a mountain staff or cabaret were eating, drinking, talking grapes. A two upon his shoulder, with whom another guide pity that no ripe touch of this generous abundance conversed. There was no speaking among the string could be given to the thin, hard, stony wine, which of riders. The sharp cold, the fatigue of the jourafter all was made from the grapes! ney, and a new sensation of a catching in the breath, The air had been warm and transparent through partly as if they had just emerged from very clear the whole of the bright day. Shining metal spires crisp water, and partly as if they had been sobbing, and church-roofs, distant and rarely seen, had spark- kept them silent. led in the view; and the snowy mountain tops had At length, a light on the summit of the rocky been so clear that unaccustomed eyes, canceling the staircase gleamed through the snow and mist. The intervening country, and slighting their rugged guides called to the mules, the mules pricked up their height for something fabulous, would have measured drooping heads, the travelers' tongues were loosened, them as within a few hours' easy reach. Mountain and in a sudden burst of slipping, climbing, jingling, peaks of great celebrity in the valleys, whence no clinking, and talking, they arrived at the convent trace of their existence was visible sometimes for door. months together, had been since morning plain and Other mules had arrived not long before, some near in the blue sky. And now, when it was dark with peasant-riders and some with goods, and had below, though they seemed solemnly to recede, like trodden the snow about the door into a pool of mud. spectres who were going to vanish, as the red dye of Riding-saddles and bridles, pack-saddles and strings the sunset faded out of them and left them coldly of bells, mules and men, lanterns, torches, sacks, provwhite, they were yet distinctly defined in their lone- ender, barrels, cheeses, kegs of honey andbutter, straw liness, above the mists and shadows. bundles and packages of many shapes, were crowdSeen from those solitudes, and from the Pass of ed confusedly together in this thawed quagmire, and the Great St. Bernard, which was one of them, the about the steps. Up here in the clouds, every thing ascending Night came up the mountain like a rising was seen through cloud, and seemed dissolving into water. When it at last rose to the walls of the con- cloud,. The breath of the men was cloud, the breath vent of the Great St. Bernard, it was as if that weath- of the mules was cloud, the lights were encircled by er-beaten structure were another Ark, and floated cloud, speakers close at hand were not seen for cloud, away upon the shadowy waves. though their voices and all other sounds were surDarkness, outstripping some visitors on mules, had prisingly clear. Of the cloudy line of mules hastily risen thus to the rough convent walls, when those tied to rings in the wall, one would bite another, or travelers were yet climbing the mountain. As the kick another, and then the whole mist would be disheat of the glowing day, when they had stopped to turbed: with men diving into it, and cries of men drink at the streams of melted ice and snow, was and beasts coming out of it, and no by-stander dischanged to the searching cold of the frosty rarefied cerning what was wrong. In the midst of this, the night air at a great height, so the fresh beauty of the great stable of the convent, occupying the basement THE INSINUATING TRAVELER. 193 story, and entered by the basement door, outside party of three, made advances toward conversation. which all the disorder was, poured forth its contri- Throwing out his lines for the Chief of the important bution of cloud, as if the whole rugged edifice were tribe, while addressing himself to his own companfilled with nothing else, and would collapse as soon ions, he remarked, in a tone of voice which included as it had emptied itself, leaving the snow to fall upon all the company if they chose to be included, that it the bare mountain summit. had been a long day, and that he felt for the ladies. While all this noise and hurry were rife among the That he feared one of the young ladies was not a living travelers, there, too, silently assembled in a strong or accustomed traveler, and had been overgrated house, half a dozen paces removed, with the fatigued two or three hours ago. That he had obsame cloud infolding them, and the same snow-flakes served, from his station in the rear, that she sat her drifting in upon them, were the dead travelers found mule as if she were exhausted. That he had, twice upon the mountain. The mother, storm -belated or thrice afterward, done himself the honor of inquirmany winters ago, still standing in the corner with ing of one of the guides, when he fell behind, how her baby at her breast; the man who had frozen the young lady did. That he had been enchanted to with his arm raised to his mouth in fear or hunger, learn that she had recovered her spirits, and that it still pressing it with his dry lips after years and had been but a passing discomfort. That he trustyears. An awful company, mysteriously come to- ed (by this time he had secured the'eyes of the Chief, gether! A wild destiny for that mother to have fore- and addressed him) he might be permitted to express seen, " Surrounded by so many and such companions his hope that she was now none the worse, and that upon whom I never looked, and never shall look, I she would not regret having made the journey. and my child will dwell together inseparable, on the " My daughter, I am obliged to you, sir," returned Great St. Bernard, outlasting generations who will the Chief, "is quite restored, and has been greatly come to see us, antl will never know our name, or interested." one word of our story but the end." "New to mountains, perhaps?" said the insinuaThe living travelers thought little or nothing of ting traveler. the dead just then. They thought much more of "New to-ha-to mountains," said the Chief. alighting at the convent door, and warming them- "But you are familiar with them, sir?" the insinselves at the convent fire. Disengaged from the tur- uating traveler assumed. moil, which was already calming down as the crowd "I am-hum-tolerably familiar. Not of late of mules began to be bestowed in the stable, they years. Not of late years," replied the Chief, with a hurried shivering up the steps and into the build- flourish of his hand. ing. There was a smell within, coming up from the The insinuating traveler, acknowledging the flourfloor of tethered beasts, like the smell of a menagerie ish with an inclination of his head, passed from the of wild animals. There were strong arched galleries Chief to the second young lady, who had not yet within, huge stone piers, great staircases, and thick been referred to, otherwise than as one of the ladies walls pierced with small sunken windows - fortifi- in whose behalf he felt so sensitive an interest. cations against the mountain storms, as if they had He hoped she was not incommoded by the fatigues been human enemies. There were gloomy vaulted of the day. sleeping-rooms within, intensely cold, but clean and "Incommoded, certainly," returned the young lady, hospitably prepared for guests. Finally, there was "but not tired." a parlor for guests to sit in and to sup in, where a The insinuating traveler complimented her on table was already laid, and where a blazing fire shone the justice of the distinction. It was what he had red and high. meant to say. Every lady must doubtless be incomIn this room, after having had their quarters for moded by having to do with that proverbially unacthe night allotted to them by two young Fathers, the commodating animal, the mule. travelers presently drew round the hearth. They "We have had, of course," said the young lady, were in three parties; of whom the first, as the most who was rather reserved and haughty," to leave the numerous and important, was the slowest, and had carriages and fourgon at Martigny. And the imposbeen overtaken by one of the others on the way up. sibility of bringing any thing that one wants to this It consisted of an elderly lady, two gray-haired gen- inaccessible place, and the necessity of leaving every tlemen, two young ladies, and their brother. These comfort behind, is not convenient." were attended (not to mention four guides), by a "A savage place, indeed," said the insinuating courier, two footmen, and two waiting-maids: which traveler. strong body of inconvenience was accommodated The elderly lady, who was a model of accurate elsewhere under the same roof. The party that had dressing, and whose manner was perfect, considered overtaken them, and followed in their'train, consist- as a piece of machinery, here interposed a remark in ed of only three members: one lady and two gentle- a low soft voice. men. The third party, which had ascended from the "But, like other inconvenient places," she obvalley on the Italian side of the Pass, and had arrived served, " it must be seen. As a place much spoken first, were four in number: a plethoric, hungry, and of, it is necessary to see it." silent German tutor in spectacles, on a tour with "Oh! I have not the least objection to seeing it, three young men, his pupils, all plethoric, hungry, I assure you, Mrs. General," returned the other, careand silent, and all in spectacles. lessly. These three groups sat round the fire eying each "You, madam," said the insinuating traveler, other dryly, and waiting for supper. Only one "have visited this spot before?" among them, one of the gentlemen belonging to the "Yes," returned Mrs. General. " I have been here 13 194 LITTLE DORRIT. before. Let me recommend you, my dear," to the having had the honor of making that gentleman's former young lady, " to shade your face from the hot acquaintance at the hotel at Geneva, where we and wood, after exposure to the mountain air and snow. much good company met some time ago, and having You too, my dear," to the other and younger lady, had the honor of exchanging company and converwho immediately did so; while the former merely sation with that gentleman on several subsequent said, " Thank you, Mrs. General, I am perfectly com- excursions, I can hear nothing-no, not even from fortable, and prefer remaining as I am." one of your appearance and station, sir-detrimental The brother, who had left his chair to open a to that gentleman." piano that stood in the room, and who had whistled "You are in no danger, sir, of hearing any such into it and shut it up again, now came strolling back thing from me. In remarking that your friend has to the fire with his glass in his eye. He was dressed shown impatience, I say no such thing. I make that in the very fullest and completest traveling trim. remark, because it is not to be doubted that my son, The world seemed hardly large enough to yield him being by birth and by-ha-by education a-hum an amount of travel proportionate to his equipment. -a gentleman, would have readily adapted himself "These fellows are an immense time with sup- to any obligingly-expressed wish on the subject of per," he drawled. " I wonder what they'll give us! the fire being equally accessible to the whole of the Has any body any idea?" present circle. Which, in principle, I-ha-for all "Not roast man, I believe," replied the voice of are-hum-equal on these occasions-I consider the second gentleman of the party of three. right." "I suppose not. What d'ye mean?" he inquired. "Good!" was the reply. "And there it ends! I " That, as you are not to be served for the general am your son's obedient servant. I beg your son to supper, perhaps you will do us the favor of not cook- receive the assurance of my profound consideration. ing yourself at the general fire," returned the other. And now, sir, I may admit, frei:y admit, that my The young gentleman, who was standing in an friend is sometimes of a sarcastic temper." easy attitude on the hearth, cocking his glass at the "The lady is your friend's wife, sir?" company, with his back to the blaze and his coat "The lady is my friend's wife, sir." tucked under his arms, something as if he were of "She is very handsome." the poultry species and were trussed for roasting, "Sir, she is peerless. They are still in the first lost countenance at this reply; he seemed about to year of their marriage. They are still partly on a demand further explanation, when it was discovered marriage, and partly on an artistic tour." -through all eyes turning on the speaker-that "Your friend is an artist, sir?" the lady with him, who was young and beautiful, The gentleman replied by kissing the fingers of had not heard what had passed, through having his right hand, and wafting the kiss the length of fainted with her head upon his shoulder. his arm toward Heaven. As who should say, I "I think," said the gentleman in a subdued tone, devote him to the celestial Powers as an immortal "I had best carry her straight to her room. Will artist! you call to some one to bring a light?" addressing "But he is a man of family," he added. "His his companion, "and to show the way? In this connections are of the best. He is more than an strange rambling place-I don't know that I could artist: he is highly connected. He may, in effect, find it." have repudiated his connections, proudly, impa"-Pray let me call my maid," cried the taller of tiently, sarcastically (I make the concession of both the young ladies. words); but he has them. Sparks that have been " Pray let me put this water to her lips," said the struck out during our intercourse have shown me shorter, who had not spoken yet. this." Each doing what she suggested, there was no "Well! I hope," said the lofty gentleman, with want of assistance. Indeed, when the two maids the air of finally disposing of the subject, "that the came in (escorted by the courier, lest any one should lady's indisposition may be only temporary." strike them dumb by addressing a foreign language "Sir, I hope so." to them on the road), there was a prospect of too "Mere fatigue, I dare say." much assistanice. Seeing this, and saying as much "Not altogether mere fatigue, sir, for her mule in a few words to the slighter and younger of the stumbled to-day, and she fell from the saddle. She two ladies, the gentleman put his wife's arm over fell lightly, and was up again without assistance, his shoulder, lifted her up, and carried her away. and rode from us laughing; but she complained toHis friend,being left alone with the other visit- ward evening of a slight bruise in the side. She ors, walked slowly up and down the room, without spoke of it more than once, as we followed your coming to the fire again, pulling his black mustache party up the mountain." in a contemplative manner, as if he felt himself com- The head of the large retinue, who was gracious mitted to the late retort. While the subject of it but not familiar, appeared by this time to think that was breathing injury in a corner, the Chief loftily he had condescended more than enough. He said addressed this gentleman. no more, and there was silence for some quarter of "Your friend, sir," said he, " is-ha- is a little ir- an hour until supper appeared. patient; and, in his impatience, is not perhaps fully With the supper, came one of the young Fathers sensible of what he owes to-hum-to-but we will (there seemed to be no old Fathers) to take the head waive that, we will waive that. Your friend is a of the table. It was like the supper of an ordinary little impatient, sir." Swiss hotel, and good red wine grown by the con"It may be so, sir," returned the other. " But vent in more genial air was not wanting. The art S UPPER- TABLE TALK. 195 ist traveler calmly came and took his place at table The artist traveler struck in again, before an anwhen the rest sat down, with no apparent sense swer could be given. upon him of his late skirmish with the completely- "Don't you know," he coldly inquired across the dressed traveler. table of his companion, " that none but smugglers " Pray," he inquired of the host, over his soup, come this way in the winter or can have any possible "ihas your convent many of its famous dogs now?" business this way?" "Monsieur, it has three." " Holy blue! No; never heard of it." " I saw three in the gallery below. Doubtless "So it is, I believe. And as they know the signs the three in question." of the weather tolerably well, they don't give much The host, a slender, bright-eyed, dark young man employment to the dogs-who have consequently of polite manners, whose garment was a black gown died out rather —though this house of entertainwith strips of white crossed over it like braces, and ment is conveniently situated for themselves. Their who no more resembled the conventional breed of young families, I am told, they usually leave at St. Bernard monks than he resembled the conven- home. But it's a grand idea!" cried the artist travtional breed of St. Bernard dogs, replied, doubtless eler, unexpectedly rising into a tone of enthusiasm. those were the three in question. "It's a sublime idea. It's the finest idea in the "And I think," said the artist traveler, "I have world, and brings tears into a man's eyes, by Jupiseen one of them before." ter!" He then went on eating his veal with great It was possible. He was a dog sufficiently well composure. known. Monsieur might have easily seen him in There was enough of mocking inconsistency at the the valley or somewhere on the lake, when he (the bottom of this speech to make it rather discordant, dog) had gone down with one of the order to solicit though the manner was refined and the person wellaid for the convent. favored, and though the depreciatory part of it was "Which is done in its regular season of the year, so skillfully thrown off, as to be very difficult for one I think." not perfectly acquainted with the English language Monsieur was right. to understand, or even understanding, to take offense "And never without the dog. The dog is very at: so simple and dispassionate was its tone. After important." finishing his veal in the midst of silence, the speaker Again Monsieur was right. The dog was very again addressed his friend. important. People were justly interested in the " Look," said he,'in -his former tone, " at this gendog. As one of the dogs celebrated everywhere, tleman our host, not yet in the prime of life, who in Ma'amselle would observe. so graceful a way and with such courtly urbanity Ma'amselle was a little slow to observe it, as and modesty presides over us! Manners fit for a though she were not yet well accustomed to the crown! Dine with the Lord Mayor of London (if French tongue. Mrs. General, however, observed it you can get an invitation) and observe the contrast. for her. This dear fellow, with the finest-cut face I ever saw, "Ask him if he has saved many lives?" said, in a face in perfect drawing, leaves some laborious life his native English, the young man who had been and comes up here I don't know how many feet put out of countenance. above the level of the sea, for no other purpose on The host needed no translation of the question. earth (except enjoying himself, I hope, in a capital He promptly replied in French, "No. Not this refectory) than to keep an hotel for idle poor devils one." like you and me, and leave the bill to our consciences! "Why not?" the same gentleman asked. Why, isn't it a beautiful sacrifice? What do we "Pardon," returned the host, composedly, "give want more to touch us? Because rescued people of him the opportunity and he will do it without doubt. interesting appearance are not, for eight or nine For example, I am well convinced," smiling sedately, months out of-every twelve, holding on here round as he cut up the dish of veal to be handed round, on the necks of the most sagacious of dogs carrying the young man who had been put out of countenance, wooden bottles, shall we disparage the place? No! "that if you, Monsieur, would give him the oppor- Bless the place. It's a great place, a glorious place!" tunity, he would hasten with great ardor to fulfill The chest of the gray-haired gentleman who was his duty.". the Chief of the important party, had swelled as if The artist traveler laughed, The insinuating with a protest against his being numbered among traveler (who evinced a provident anxiety to get his poor devils. No sooner had the artist traveler ceased full share of the supper), wiping some drops of wine speaking than he himself spoke with great dignity, from his mustache with a piece of bread, joined the as having it incumbent on him to take the, lead in conversation. most places, and having deserted that duty for a lit" It is becoming late in the year, my Father," said tie while. lie, " for tourist-travelers, is it not?"7 He weightily communicated his opinion to their "Yes, it is late. Yet two or three weeks, at most, host, that his life must be a very dreary life here in and we shall be left to the winter snows." the winter. "And then," said the insinuating traveler, "forthe The host allowed to Monsieur that it was a little scratching dogs and the buried children, according monotonous. The air was difficult to breathe, for a to the pictures!" length of time consecutively. The cold was very "'Pardon," said the host, not quite understanding severe. One needed youth and strength to bear the allusion. "How, then the scratching dogs and it. However, having them and the blessing of the buried children according to the pictures;?" Heaven 196 LITTLE DORRIT. Yes, that was very good. " But the confinement," by an iron grate, and she thought as she went along said the gray-haired gentleman. that the place was something like a prison. The There were many days, even in bad weather, when arched door of the lady's room, or cell, was not quite it was possible to walk about outside. It was the shut. After knocking at it two or three times withcustom to beat a little track, and take exercise there. out receiving an answer, she pushed it gently open, "But the space," urged the gray-haired gentle- and looked in. man. " So small. So-ha —very limited." The lady lay with closed eyes on the outside of Monsieur would recall to himself that there were the bed, protected from the cold by the blankets and the refuges to visit, and that tracks had to be made wrappers with which she had been covered when she to them also. revived from her fainting fit. A dull light placed in Monsieur still urged, on the other hand, that the the deep recess of the window made little impression space was so-ha-hum-so very contracted. More on the arched room. The visitor timidly stepped to than that. It was always the same, always the the bed, and said, in a soft whisper, "Are you betsame. ter?" With a deprecating smile, the host gently raised The lady had fallen into a slumber, and the whisand gently lowered his shoulders. That was true, per was too low to awake her. Her visitor, standing he remarked, but permit him to say that almost all quite still, looked at her attentively. objects had their various points of view. Monsieur "She is very pretty," she said to herself. " I never and he did not see this poor life of his from the same saw so beautiful a face. Oh how unlike me!" point of view. Monsieur was not so used to confine- It was a curious thing to say, but it had some hidclment.? den meaning, for it filled her eyes with tears. " I-ha-yes, very true," said the gray-haired gen- " I know I must be right. I know he spoke of her tleman. He seemed to receive quite a shock from that evening. I could very easily be wrong on any the force of the argument. other subject, but not on this, not on this!" Monsieur, as an English traveler surrounded by With a quiet and tender hand she put aside a:all means of traveling pleasantly; doubtless possess- straying fold of the sleeper's hair, and then touched ing fortune, carriages, servants- the hand that lay outside the covering. "Perfectly, perfectly. Without doubt," said the "I like to look at her," she breathed to herself. gentleman. "I like to see what has affected him so much." Monsieur could not easily place himself in the She had not withdrawn her hand, when the sleeper position of a person who had not the power to choose, opened her eyes, and started. I will go here to-morrow, or there next day; I will "Pray don't be alarmed. I am only one of the pass these barriers, I will enlarge those bounds. travelers from down stairs. I came to ask if you Monsieur could not realize, perhaps, how the mind were better, and if I could do any thing for you." accommodated itself in such things to the force of "I think you have already been so kind as to send necessity. your servants to my assistance?" "It is true," said Monsieur. " We will —ha —not "No, not I; that was my sister. Are you better?" pursue the subject. You are-hum-quite accurate, "Much better. It is only a slight bruise, and has I have no doubt. We will say no more." been well looked to, and is almost easy now. It The supper having come to a close, he drew his made me giddy and faint in a moment. It had hurt chair away as he spoke, and moved back to his me before; but at last it overpowered me all at former place by the fire. As it was very cold at the once." greater part of the table, the other guests also re- "May I stay with you until some one comes? sumed their former seats by the fire, designing to Would you like it?" toast themselves well before going to bed. The host, "I should like it, for it is lonely here; but I am when they rose from table, bowed to all present, afraid you will feel the cold too much." wished them good-night, and withdrew. But first'I don't mind cold. I am not delicate, if I look the insinuating traveler had asked him if they could so." She quickly moved one of the two rough chairs have some wine made hot; and as he had answer- to the bedside, and sat down. The other as quickly ed yes, and had presently afterward sent it in, that moved a part of some traveling wrapper from herself, traveler, seated in the centre of the group, and in and drew it over her, so that her arm, in keeping it the full heat of the fire, was soon engaged in serving about her, rested on her shoulder. it out to the rest. "You have so much the air of a kind nurse," said At this time, the younger of the two young ladies, the lady, smiling on her, " that you seem as if you who had been silently attentive in her dark corner had come to me from home." (the fire-light was the chief light in the sombre room, " I am very glad of it." the lamp being smoky and dull) to what had been "I was dreaming of home when I woke just now. said of the absent lady, glided out. She was at a Of my old home, I mean, before I was married." loss which way to turn, when she had softly closed "And before you were so far away from it." the door; but, after a little hesitation among the " I have been much farther away from it than this; sounding passages and the many ways, came to a but then I took the best part of it with me, and missroom in a corner of the main gallery where the serv- ed nothing. I felt solitary as I dropped asleep here, ants were at their supper. From these she obtained and, missing it a little, wandered back to it." a lamp, and a direction to the lady's room. There was a sorrowfully affectionate and regretful It was up the great staircase on the story above. sound in her voice, which made her visitor refrain Here and there, the bare white walls were broken from looking at her for the moment. SHE DELIVERS A NOTE. 197 "It is a curious chance which at last brings us only say this to you-are a little proud, a little prejtogether, under this covering in which you have udiced." wrapped me," said the visitor, after a pause; "for "You shall take it back again," said the other; do you know, I think I have been looking for you "and then my husband is sure not to see it. He some time." might see it and speak of it, otherwise, by some ac"Looking for me?" cident. Will you put it in your bosom again, to be "I believe I have a little note here, which I was certain?" to give to you whenever I found you. This is it. She did so with great care. Her small, slight Unless I greatly mistake, it is addressed to you. Is hand was still upon the letter, when they heard it not?" some one in the gallery outside. The lady took it, and said yes, and read it. Her "I promised," said the visitor, rising, "that I visitor watched her as she did so. It was very short. would write to him after seeing you (I could hardly 7.4 i~~~~~; AS HE KISSED I HI AND, WITH MES BEST IMANNER AND HIS DAINTIEST SMILE, THE YOUNG LADY DREW A LITTLE NEARER TO HER FATHER. She flushed a little as she put her lips to her visitor's fail to see you, sooner or later), and tell him if you cheek, and pressed her hand. were well and happy. I had better say you were "The dear young friend to whom he presents me, well and happy." may be a comfort to me at some time, he says. She "Yes, yes, yes! Say I was very well and very is truly a comfort to me, the first time I see her." happy. And that I thanked him affectionately, and "Perhaps you don't,'"' said the visitor, hesitating would never forget him." -"perhaps you don't know my story'? Perhaps he " I shall see you in the morning. After that we never told you my story'?" are sure to meet again before very long. Good" No." night!" "Oh no, why should he! I have scarcely the " Good-night. Thank you, thank you. Goodright to tell it myself at present, because I have night, my dear!" been entreated not to do so. There is not much in Both of them were hurried and fluttered as they it, but it might account to you for my asking you exchanged this parting, and as the visitor came out not to say any thing about the letter here. You saw at the door. She had expected to meet the lady's my family with me, perhaps? Some of them-I husband approaching it; but the person in the gal 198 LITTLE DORRIT. lery was not he: it was the traveler who had wiped go. They are in a devil of a hurry. One would the wine-drops from his mustache with the piece of think the night would be long enough, in this freezbread. When he heard the step behind him, he turn- ing silence and solitude, if one went to bed two hours ed round-for he was walking away in the dark. hence!" His politeness, which was extreme, would not al- Throwing back his head in emptying his glass, he low of the young lady's lighting herself down stairs, cast his eyes upon the travelers' book, which lay on or going down alone. He took her lamp, held it so the piano, open, with pens and ink beside it, as if the as to throw the best light on the stone steps, and fol- night's names had been registered when he was ablowed her all the way to the supper-room. She went sent. Taking it in his hand, he read. these entries: down, not easily hiding how much she was inclined William Dorrit, Esquire to shrink and tremble; for the appearance of this Frederick Dorrit, Esquire had sat in her quiet corner before supper, imagining Miss Dorrit France to Italy. what he would have been in the scenes and places Miss Amy Dorrit within her experience, until he inspired her with an Mrs. General aversion that made hiim little less than terrific. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gowan. From France to He followed her down with his smiling politeness,. Italy. followed her in, and resumed his seat in the best To which he added, in a small, complicated hand, place on the hearth. There, with the wood fire, ending with a long lean flourish, not unlike a lasso which was beginlning to burn low, rising and falling thrown at all the rest of the names:' upon him in the dark room, he sat with his legs Blandois. Paris. From France to Italy. thrust out to warm, drinking the hot wine down to And then, with his nose coming down over his innsthe lees, with a monstrous shadow imitating him on tache, and his mustache going up under his nose, rethe wall and ceiling. paired to his allotted cell. The tired company had broken up, and all the rest were gone to bed except the young lady's father, who dozed in his chair by the fire. The traveler had been at the pains of going a long way up stairs to CHAPTER II. his sleeping-room, to fetch his pocket-flask of brandy. He told them so, as he poured its contents into what was left of the wine, and drank with a new IT is indispensable to present the accomplished relish. I lady, who was of sufficient importance in the " May I ask, sir, if you are on your way to Italy " suite of the Dorrit family to have a line to herself They gray-haired gentleman had roused himself, in the travelers' book. and was preparing to withdraw. He answered in Mrs. General was the daughter of a clerical dignithe affirmative. tary in a cathedral town, where she had led t-he fash"I also!" said the traveler. " I shall hope to have ion until she was as near forty-five as a single lady the honor of offering my compliments in fairer scenes, can be. A stiff commissariat-officer of sixty, famous and under softer circumstances, than on this dismal as a martinet, had then become enamored of the mountain." gravity with which she drove the proprieties fourThe gentleman bowed, distantly enough, and said in - hand through the cathedral - town society,'and he was obliged to him. had solicited to be taken beside her on the box of " We poor gentlemen, sir," said the traveler, pull- the cool coach of ceremony to which that team was ing his mustache dry with his hand, for he had dip- harnessed. His proposal of marriage being acceptped it in the wine and brandy; " we poor gentlemen ed by the lady, the commissary took his seat behind do not travel like princes, but the courtesies and the proprieties with great decorum, and Mrs. Genergraces of life are precious to us. To your health, al drove until the commissary died. In the course sir!" of their united journey, they ran over several peo"Sir, I thank you." ple who came in the way of the proprieties; but al"To the health of your distinguished family-of ways in a high style, and with composure. the fair ladies, your daughters!" The commissary having been buried with all the "Sir, I thank you again. I wish you good-night. decorations suitable to the service (the whole team My dear, are our —ha-our people in attendance?" of proprieties were harnessed to his hearse, and they "They are close by, father." all had feathers and black velvet housings, with his "Permit me!" said the traveler, rising and holding coat of arms in the corner), Mrs. General began to the door open, as the gentleman crossed the room to- inquire what quantity of dust and ashes was deposward it with his arm drawn through his daughter's. ited at the bankers'. It then transpired that the " Good repose! i4o the pleasure of seeing you once commissary had so far stolen a march on Mrs. Genmore! To to-morrow!" eral as to have bought himself an annuity some As he kissed his hand, with his best manner and years before his marriage, and to have reserved his daintiest smile, the young lady drew a little that circumstance, in mentioning, at the period of nearer to her father, and passed him with a dread of his proposal, that his income was derived from the touching him. interest of his money.- Mrs. General consequently "Humph!" said the insinuating traveler, whose found her means so much diminished, that, but for manner shrunk, and whose voice dropped when he the perfect regulation of her mind, she might have was left alone. " If they all go to bed, why I must felt disposed to question the accuracy of that por MRS. GENERAL. 199 tion of the late service which had declared that the to see Mrs. General. In whom he found a lady of a commissary could take nothing away with him. quality superior to his highest expectations. In this state of affairs it occurred to Mrs. General, "Might I be excused," said Mr. Dorrit, " if I inthat she might " form the mind," and, eke the man- quired-ha —what remune-" ners, of some young lady of distinction. Or, that "Why, indeed," returned Mrs. General, stopping she might harness the proprieties to the carriage of the word, "it is a subject on which I prefer to some rich young heiress or widow, and become at avoid entering. I have never entered on it with once the driver and guard of such vehicle through my friends here; and I can not overcome the delithe social mazes. Mrs. General's communication of cacy, Mr. Dorrit, with which I have always regardthis idea to her clerical and commissariat connec- ed it. I am not, as I hope you are aware, a governtion was so warmly applauded that, but for the ess-" lady's undoubted merit, it might have appeared as "Oh dear no!" said Mr. Dorrit. "Pray, madam, though they wanted to get rid of her. Testimoni- do not imagine for a moment that I think so." He als representing Mrs. General as a prodigy of piety, really blushed to be suspected of it. learning, virtue, and gentility, were lavishly con- Mrs. General gravely inclined her head. "I can tributed from influential quarters; and one vener- not, therefore, put a price upon services which it is able archdeacon even shed tears in recording his a pleasure to me to render if I can render them spontestimony to her perfections (described to him by taneously, but which I could not render in mere persons on whom he could rely), though he had return for any consideration. Neither do I know never had the honor and moral gratification of set- how, or where, to find a case parallel to my own. ting eyes on Mrs. General in all his life. It is peculiar." Thus delegated on her mission, as it were by No doubt. But how then (Mr. Dorrit not unnatChurch and State, Mrs. General, who had always urally hinted) could the subject be approachedcl occupied high ground, felt in a condition to keep "I can not object," said Mrs. General-" though it, and began by putting herself up at a very high even that is disagreeable to me-to Mr. Dorrit's infigure. An interval of some duration elapsed, in quiring, in confidence, of my friends here, what which there was no bid for Mrs. General. At length amount they may have been accustomedat quara county-widower, with a daughter of fourteen, open- terly intervals, to pay to my credit at my bankers'." ed negotiations with the lady; and as it was a part Mr. Dorrit bowed his acknowledgments. either of the native dignity or of the artificial poli- "Permit me to add," said Mrs. General, "that becy of Mrs. General (but certainly one or the other), yond this, I can never resume the topic. Also that to comport herself as if she were much more sought I can accept no second or inferior position. If the than seeking, the widower pursued Mrs. General un- honor were proposed to me of becoming known to til he prevailed upon her to form his daughter's Mr. Dorrit's family — I think two daughters were mind and manners. mentioned?-" The execution of this trust occupied Mrs. General "Two daughters." about seven years, in the course of which time she "I could only accept it on terms of perfect equalmade the tour of Europe, and saw most of that ex- ity, as a companion, protector, Mentor, and friend." tensive miscellany of objects which it is essential Mr. Dorrit, in spite of his sense of his importance, that all persons of polite cultivation should see felt as if it would be quite a kindness in her to acwith other people's eyes, and never with their own. cept it on any conditions. He almost said as much. When her charge was at length formed, the mar- - "I think," repeated Mrs. General, " two daughters riage, not only of the young lady, but likewise of were mentioned?" her father the widower, was resolved on. The wid-' Two daughters," said Mr. Dorrit again. ower then finding Mrs. General both inconvenient " It would therefore." said Mrs. General, "be necand expensive, became of a sudden almost as much essary to add a third more to the payment (whatevaffected by her merits as the archdeacon had been, er its amount may prove to be), which my friends and circulated such praises of her surpassing worth, here have been accustomed to make to my bankers." in all quarters where he thought an opportunity Mr. Dorrit lost no time in referring the delicate might arise of transferring the blessing to some- question to the county-widower, and, finding that he body else, that Mrs. General was a name more hon- had been accustomed to pay three hundred pounds a orable than ever. year to the credit of Mrs. General, arrived, without The phienix was to let, on this elevated perch, any severe strain on his arithmetic, at the concluwhen Mr. Dorrit, who had lately succeeded to his sion that he himself must pay four. Mrs. General property, mentioned to his bankers that he wished being au article of that lustrous surface which sugto discover a lady, well bred, accomplished, well gests that it is worth any money, he made a formal connected, well accustomed to good society, who proposal to be allowed to have the honor and pleaswas qualified at once to complete the education of ure of regarding her as a member of his family. his daughters, and to be their matron or chaperon. Mrs. General conceded that high privilege, and here Mr. Dorrit's bankers, as the bankers of the county- she was. widower, instantly said, "Mrs. General." In person, Mrs. General, including her skirts, which Pursuing the light so fortunately hit upon, and had much to do with it, was of a dignified and imfinding the concurrent testimony of the whole of posing appearance; ample, rustling, gravely volumiMrs. General's acquaintance to be of the pathetic nous; always upright behind the proprieties. She nature already recorded, Mr. Dorrit took the trouble might have been taken-had been taken-to the of going down to the county of the county-widower, top of the Alps and the bottom of Herculaneum, 200 LITTLE DORRIT. without disarranging a fold in her dress, or displa- brought out, tied to the rings in the wall, and laden; cing a pin. If her countenance and hair had rather strings of bells were buckled on, burdens were ada floury appearance, as though from living in some justed, the voices of drivers and riders sounded mutranscendently genteel Mill, it was rather because sically. Some of the earliest had even already reshe was a chalky creation altogether, than because sumed their journey; and, both on the level summit she mended her complexion with violet powder, or by the dark water near the convent, and on the had turned gray. If her eyes had no expression, it downward way of yesterday's ascent, little moving was probably because they had nothing to express. figures of men and mules, reduced to miniatures by If she had few wrinkles, it was because her mind the immensity around, went with.a clear tinkling had never traced its name or any other inscription of bells and a pleasant harmony of tongues. on her face. A cool, waxy, blown-out woman, who In the supper-room of last night, a new fire piled had never lighted well. upon the feathery ashes of the old one, shone upon Mrs. General had no opinions. Her way of form- a homely breakfast of loaves, butter, and milk. It ing a mind was to prevent it from forming opinions. also shone on the courier of the Dorrit family, makShe had a little circular set of mental grooves or ing tea for his party from a supply he had brought rails, on which she started little trains of other peo- up with him, together with several other small ple's opinions, which never overtook one another, stores which were chiefly laid in for the use of the and never got anywhere. Even her propriety could strong body of inconvenience. Mr. Gowan, and not dispute that there was impropriety in the world; Blandois of Paris, had already breakfasted, and were but Mrs. General's way of getting rid of it was to walking up and down by the lake, smoking their put it out of sight, and make believe that there was cigars. no such thing. This was another of her ways of "Gowan, eh?" muttered Tip, otherwise Edward forming a mind-to cram all articles of difficulty Dorrit, Esquire, turning over the leaves of the book, into cupboards, lock them up, and say they had no when the courier had left them to breakfast. " Then existence. It was the easiest way, and, beyond all Gowan is the name of a puppy, that's all I have got comparison, the properest. to say! If it was worth my while, I'd pull his nose. Mrs. General was not to be told of any thing But it isn't worth my while-fortunately for him. shocking. Accidents, miseries, and offenses, were How's his wife, Amy'? I suppose you know. You never to be mentioned before her. Passion was to generally know things of that sort." go to sleep in the presence of Mrs. General, and " She is better, Edward. But they are not going blood was to change to milk and water. The little to-day." that was left in the world, when all these deductions "Oh! They are not going to-day! Fortunatewere made, it was Mrs. General's province to varnish. ly for that fellow too," said Tip, " or he and I might In that formation process of hers, she dipped the have come into collision." smallest of brushes into the largest of pots, and var- "It is thought better here that she should lie nished the surface of every object that came under quiet to-day, and not be fatigued and shaken by the consideration. The more cracked it was, the more ride down until to-morrow." Mrs. General varnished it. " With all my heart. But you talk as if you had There was varnish in Mrs. General's voice, varnish been nursing her. You haven't been relapsing into in Mrs. General's touch, an atmosphere of varnish (Mrs. General is not here) into old habits, have you, round Mrs. General's figure. Mrs. General's dreams Amy'?" ought to have been varnished-if she had any-ly- He asked her the question with a sly glance of ing asleep in the arms of the good St. Bernard, with observation at Miss Falny, and at his father too. the feathery snow falling on his housetop. "I have only been in to ask her if I could do any thing for her, Tip," said Little Dorrit. " "You needn't call me Tip, Amy child," returned that young gentleman with a frown; " because that's CHAPTER III. an old habit, and one you may as well lay aside." "I didn't mean to say so, Edward dear. I forgot. ON THE nROAD. It was so natural once, that it seemed at the moment THE bright morning sun dazzled the eyes, the the right word." snow had ceased, the mists had vanished, the " Oh yes!" Miss Fanny struck in. " Natural, and mountain air was so clear and light that the new right word, and once, and all the rest of it! Nonsensation of breathing it was like the having entered sense, you little thing! I know perfectly well why on a new existence. To help the delusion, the sol- you have been taking such an interest in this Mrs. id ground itself seemed gone, and the mountain, a Gowan. You can't blind me." shining waste of immense white heaps and masses, " I will not try to, Fanny. Don't be angry." to be a region of cloud floating between the blue sky "Oh! angry!" returned that young lady with a above and the earth far below. flounce. " I have no patience" (which indeed was Some dark specks in the snow, like knots upon the truth). a little thread, beginning at the convent door and " Pray, Fanny," said Mr. Dorrit, raising his eyewinding away down the descent in broken lengths brows, "what do you mean? Explain yourself." which were not yet pieced together, showed where " Oh! Never mind, Pa," replied Miss Fanny, " it's the Brethren were at work in several places clearing no great matter. Amy will understand me. She the track. Already the snow had begun to be foot- knew, or knew of, this Mrs. Gowan before yesterday, thawed again about the door. Mules'were busily and she may as well admit that she did." HER SISTER FANNY, AND GREAT POSITION. 201 "My child," said Mr. Dorrit, turning to his young- never wanted him. I always showed him, for one, er daughter, "has your sister-any-ha-authority that I could have dispensed with his company with for this curious statement?" the greatest pleasure. He then commits that gross "However meek we are," Miss Fanny struck in outrage upon our feelings, which he never could or before she could answer, "we don't go creeping into would have committed but for the delight he took people's rooms on the tops of cold mountains, and in exposing us; and then we are to be demeaned for sitting perishing in the frost with people, unless we the service of his friends! Why, I don't wonder at know something about them beforehand. It's not this Mr. Gowan's conduct toward you. What else very hard to divine whose friend Mrs. Gowan is." was to be expected when he was enjoying our past "Whose friend?" inquired her father. misfortunes-gloating over them at the moment?"'Pa, I am sorry to say," returned Miss Fanny, "Father-Edward-no indeed!" pleaded Little who had by this time succeeded in goading herself Dorrit. "Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Gowan had ever into a state of much ill-usage and grievance, which I heard our name. They were, and they are, quite she was often at great pains to do: " that' I believe ignorant of our history." her to be a friend of that very objectionable and "So much the worse," retorted Fanny, determined unpleasant person, who, with a total absence of all not to admit any thing in extenuation, "for then delicacy, which our experience might have led us you have no excuse. If they had known about us, to expect from him, insulted us and outraged our you might have felt yourself called upon to concilifeelings in so public and willful a manner, on an oc- ate them. That would have been a weak and ridiccasion to which it is understood among us, that we ulous mistake, but I can respect a mistake, whereas will not more pointedly allude." I can't respect a willful and deliberate abasing of "Amy, my child," said Mr. Dorrit, tempering a those who should be nearest and dearest to us. No. bland severity with a dignified affection, " is this the I can't respect that. I can do nothing but denounce case?" that." Little Dorrit mildly answered, yes, it was. "I never offend you willfully, Fanny," said Little "Yes, it is!" cried Miss Fanny. " Of course! I Dorrit, " though you are so hard with me." said so! And now, Pa, I do declare once for all," "Then you should be more careful, Amy," returnthis young lady was in the habit of declaring the ed her sister. " If you do such things by accident, same thing once' for all every day of her life, and you should be more careful. If I happened to have even several times in a day, "that this is shameful! been born in a peculiar place, and under peculiar I do declare once for all that it ought to be put a circumstances that blunted my knowledge of prostop to. Is it not enough that we have gone through priety, I fancy I should think myself bound to conwhat is only known to ourselves, but are we to have sider at every step,'Am I going, ignorantly, to comit thrown in our faces, perseveringly and system- promise any near and dear relations?' That is what atically, by the very person who should spare our I fancy I should do, if it was my case." feelings most? Are we to be exposed to this un- Mr. Dorrit now interposed, at once to stop these natural conduct every moment of our lives? Are painful subjects by his authority, and to point their we never to be permitted to forget? I say again, it moral by his wisdom. is absolutely infamous!" "My dear," said he to his younger daughter, "I " Well, Amy," observed her brother, shaking his beg you to-ha-to say no more. Your sister Fanhead, "you know I stand by you whenever I can, ny expresses herself strongly, but not without conand on most occasions. But I must say, that upon siderable reason.' You have now a-hum-a great my soul I do consider it rather an unaccountable position to support. That great position is not ocmode of showing your sisterly affection, that you cupied by yourself alone, but by-ha-by me, andshould back up a man who treated me in the most ha hum-by us. Us. Now, it is incumbent upon ungentlemanly way in which one man can treat an- all people in an exalted position, but it is particuother. And who," he added convincingly, "must be larly so on this family, for reasons which I-haa low-minded thief, you know, or he never could will not dwell upon, to make themselves respected. have conducted himself as he did." To be vigilant in making themselves respected. De"And see," said Miss Fanny, " see what is involv- pendents, to respect us, must be —ha-kept at a dised in this! Can we ever hope to be respected by tance and-hum-kept down. Down. Therefore, our servants? Never. Here are our two women, your not exposing yourself to the remarks of our atand Pa's valet, and a footman, and a courier, and all tendants, by appearing to have at any time dispensed sorts of dependents, and yet in the midst of these, with their services and performed them for yourself, we are to have one of ourselves rushing about with is-ha-highly important." tumblers of cold water, like a menial! Why, a po- "Why, who can doubt it?" cried Miss Fanny. liceman," said Miss Fanny, " if a beggar had a fit in "It's the essence of every thing!" the street, could but go plunging about with tum- "Fanny," returned her father, grandiloquently, blers, as this very Amy did in this very room before "give me leave, my dear. We then come to-haour very eyes last night!" to Mr. Clennam. I am free to say that I do not, Amy, "I don't so much mind that, once in a way," re- share your sister's sentiments-that is to say altomarked Mr. Edward; "but your Clennam, as he gether-hum-altogether-in reference to Mr. Clenthinks proper to call himself, is another thing." nam. I am content to regard that individual in the "He is a part of the same thing," returned Miss light of-ha-generally- a well-behaved person. Fanny, "anad of a piece with all the rest. He ob- Hum. A well-behaved person. Nor will I inquire truded himself upon us in the first instance. We whether Mr. Clennam did, at any time, obtrude him 202' LITTLE DORRIT. self on —ha —my society. He knew my society to be ed in the snow, than he had in the fire-light over-hum-sought, and his plea might be that he re- night. But, as both her father and her sister regarded me in the light of a public character. But ceived his homage with some favor, she refrained there were circumstances attending my-ha-slight from expressing any distrust of him, lest it should knowledge of Mr. Clennam (it was very slight), prove to be a new blemish derived from her prison which," here Mr. Dorrit became extremely grave birth. and impressive, "would render it highly indelicate Nevertheless, as they wound down the rugged way in Mr. Clennam to-ha-to seek to renew communi- while the convent was yet in sight, she more than cation with me or with any member of my family once looked round, and descried Mr. Blandois, backunder existing circumstances. If Mr. Clennam has ed by the convent smoke which rose straight and sufficient delicacy to perceive the impropriety of any high from the chimneys in a golden film, always such attempt, I am bound as a responsible gentle- standing on one jutting point looking down after man to-ha-defer to that delicacy on his part. If, them. Long after he was a mere black stick in the on the other hand, Mr. Clennam has not that deli- snow, she felt as though she could yet see that smile cacy, I can not for a moment-ha-hold any corre- of his, that high nose, and those eyes that were too spondence with so-hum-coarse a mind. In either near it. And even after that, when the convent was /1 /~/////~i ~~~ _f..~-; —~"~' ALWAYS STANDING ON ONE JUTTING POINT LOOKING DOWN AFTER THEM. case, it would appear that Mr. Clennam is put alto- gone and some light morning clouds veiled the pass gether out of the question, and that we have nothing below it, the ghastly skeleton arms by the way-side to do with him or he with us. Ha-Mrs. General!" seemed to be all pointing up at him. The entrance of the lady whom he announced, to More treacherous than snow, perhaps colder at take her place at the breakfast-table, terminated the heart, and harder to melt, Blandois of Paris by dediscussion. Shortly afterward,the courier announced grees passed out of her mind, as they came down that the valet, and the footman, and the two maids, into the softer regions. Again the sun was warm, and the four guides, and the fourteen mules, were in again the streams descending from glaciers and readiness; so the breakfast party went out to the snowy caverns were refreshing to drink at, again convent door to join the cavalcade. they came among the pine-trees, the rocky rivulets, Mr. Gowan stood aloof with his cigar and pencil, the verdant heights and dales, the wooden chalets but Mr. Blandois was on the spot to pay his respects and rough zigzag fences, of Swiss country. Someto the ladies. When he gallantly pulled off his times, the way so widened that she and her father slouched hat to Little Dorrit, she thought he had could ride abreast. And then to look at him, handeven a more sinister look, standing swart and cloak- somely clothed in his furs and broadcloths, rich, free, THE HOTEL AT MARTIGNY. 203 numerously served and attended, his eyes roving far rit had not bargained for. Two strange travelers away among the glories of the landscape, no misera- embellished one of his rooms. ble screen before them to darken his sight and cast The Innkeeper, hat in hand in the yard, swore to its shadow on him, was enough. the courier that he was blighted, that he was desoiHer uncle was so far rescued from that shadow of lated, that he was profoundly afflicted, that he was old, that he wore the clothes they gave him, and per- the most miserable and unfortunate of beasts, that formed some ablutions as a sacrifice to the family he had the head of a wooden pig. He ought never credit, and went where he was taken, with a certain to have made the concession, he said, but the very patient animal enjoyment, which seemed to express genteel lady had so passionately prayed him for the that the air and change did him good. In all other accommodation of that room to dine in, only for a respects, save one, he shone with no light but such little half-hour, that he had been vanquished. The as was reflected from his brother. His brother's little half-hour was expired, the lady and gentleman greatness, wealth, freedom, and grandeur, pleased were taking their little dessert and half-cup of coffte, him without any -reference to himself. Silent and the note was paid, the horses were ordered, they retiring, he had no use for speech when he could would depart immediately; but, owing to an unhear his brother speak; no desire to be waited on, so happy destiny and the curse of Heaven, they were that the servants devoted themselves to his brother. not yet gone. The only noticeable change he originated in himself Nothing could exceed Mr. Dorrit's indignation, as was an alteration in his manner to his younger niece. he turned at the foot of the staircase on hearing Every day it refined more and more into a marked these apologies. He felt that the family dignity respect, very rarely shown by age to youth, and still was struck at, by an assassin's hand. He had a more rarely susceptible, one would have said, of the sense of his dignity, which was of the most exquifitness with which he invested it. On those occa- site nature. He could detect a design upon it when sions when Miss Fanny did declare, once for all, he nobody else had any perception of the fact. His would take the next opportunity of baring his gray life was made an agony by the number of fine scalhead before his younger niece, and of helping her to pels that he felt to be incessantly engaged in disalight, or handing:her to the carriage, or showing secting his dignity. her any other attention, with the profoundest defer- " Is it possible, sir," said Mr. Dorrit, reddening exence. Yet it never appeared misplaced or forced, cessively, "that you have-ha-had the audlacity to being always heartily simple, spontaneous, and gen- place one of my rooms at the disposition of any othnine. Neither would he ever consent, even at his er person?" brother's request, to be helped to any place before Thousands of pardons! It was the host's proher, or to take precedence of her in any thing. So found misfortune to have been overcome by that jealous was he of her being respected, that on this too genteel lady. He besought Monseigneur not to very journey down from the Great St. Bernard, he enrage himself. He threw himself on Monseigneur took sudden and violent umbrage at the footman's for clemency. If Monseigneur would have the disbeing remiss to hold her stirrup, though standing tinguished goodness to occupy the other salon esnear when she dismounted; and unspeakably aston- pecially reserved for him, for but five minutes, all ished the whole retinue by charging at him on a would go well. hard-headed mule, riding him into a corner, and "No, sir," said Mr. Dorrit. "I will not occupy threatening to trample him to death. any salon. I will leave your house without eating They were a goodly company, and the Innkeepers or drinking, or setting foot in it. How do you dare all but worshiped them. Wherever they went, their to act like this'? Who am I that you-ha-sepaimportance preceded them in the person of the cou- rate me from other gentlemen?" rier riding before, to see that the rooms of state were Alas! The host called all the universe to witness ready. He was the herald of the family procession. that Monseigneur yras the most amiable of the whole The great traveling-carriage came.next: containing, body of nobility; the most important, the most estiinside, Mr. Dorrit, Miss Dorrit, Miss Amy Dorrit, and mable, the most honored. If. he separated MonseiMrs. General; outside, some of the retainers, and (in gneur from others, it was only because he was more fine weather) Edward Dorrit, Esquire, for whom the distinguished, more cherished, more generous, more box was reserved. Then came the chariot contain- renowned. inlug Frederick Dorrit, Esquire, and an empty place "Don't tell me so, sir," returned Mr. Dorrit, in a occupied by Edward Dorrit, Esquire, in wet weather. mighty heat. " You have affronted me. You have Then came the fourgon, with the rest of the retain- heaped insults upon me. How dare you? Explain ers, the heavy baggage, and as much as it could car- yourself." ry of the mud and dust which the other vehicles left Ah, just Heaven, then, how could the host explaiin behind. himself when he had nothing more to explain; when These equipages adorned the yard of the hotel he had only to apologize, and confide'himself to the at Martigny, on the return of the family from their so well-known magnanimity of Monseigneur! mountain excursion. Other vehicles were' there, "I tell you, sir," said Mr. Dorrit, panting:with anmuch company being on the road, from the patched ger, " that you separate mne-ha-from other gentleItalian Vettura —like the body of a swing from an men; that you make distinctions between me and English fair put upon a wooden tray on wheels, and other gentlemen of fortune and station. I demand having another wooden tray without wheels put of you, why? I wish to know on-ha-what auatop of it-to the trim English carriage. But there thority, on whose authority. Reply, sir. Explain. was another adornment of the hotel which Mr. Dor- Answer why." 204 LITTLE DORRIT. Permit the landlord humbly to submit to Mon- "No," said the other, " I know it isn't. I admit sieur the Courier then, that Monseigneur, ordinarily it. Still, let you and I try to make it all right, and so gracious, enraged himself without cause. There avoid Row. The fault is not this chap's at all, but was no why. Monsieur the Courier would repre- my mother's. Being a remarkably fine woman with sent to Monseigneur, that he deceived' himself in no bigodd nonsense about her-well educated, toosuspecting that there was any why, but the why his she was too many for this chap. Regularly pocketdevoted servant had already had the honor to pre- ed him." sent to him. The very genteel lady- "If that's the case —" Edward Dorrit, Esquire, "Silence!" cried Mr. Dorrit. "Hold your tongue! began. I will hear no more of the very genteel lady; I will "Assure you'pon my soul'tis the case. Consehear no more of you. Look at this family-my fam- quently," said the other gentleman, retiring on his ily-a family more genteel than any lady. You have main position, " why Row?" treated this family with disrespect; you have been "Edmund," said the lady from the door-way, "I insolent to this family. I'll ruin you. Ha-send hope you have explained, or are -explaining, to the for the horses, pack the carriages, I'll not set foot in satisfaction of this gentleman and his family, that this man's house again!" the civil landlord is not to blame?" No one had interfered in the dispute, which was "Assure you, ma'am," returned Edmund, " perfectbeyond the French colloquial powers of Edward ly paralyzing myself with trying it on." He then Dorrit, Esquire, and scarcely within the province looked steadfastly at Edward Dorrit, Esquire, for of the ladies. Miss Fanny, however, now supported some seconds, and suddenly added, in a burst of conher father with great bitterness; declaring, in her fidence, " Old feller! Is it all right?" native tongue, that it was quite clear there was "I don't know, after all," said the lady, gracefully something special in this man's impertinence; and advancing a step or two toward Mr. Dorrit, "but that she considered it important that he should be, that I had better say myself, at once, that I assured by some means, forced to give up his authority for this good man I took all the consequences on myself making distinctions between that family and other of occupying one of a stranger's suite of rooms durwealthy families. What the reasons of his presump- ing his absence, for just as much (or as little) time tion could be, she was at a loss to imagine; but rea- as I could dine in. I had no idea the rightful owner sons he must have, and they ought to be torn from would come back so soon, nor had I any idea that he him. had come back, or I should have hastened to make All the guides, mule-drivers, and idlers in the restoration of my ill-gotten chamber, and to have yard, had made themselves parties to the angry con- offered my explanation and apology. I trust, in ference, and were much impressed by the courier's saying this-" now bestirring himself to get the carriages out. For a moment the lady, with a glass at her eye, With the aid of some dozen people to each wheel, stood transfixed and speechless before the two Miss this was done at a great cost of noise; and then the Dorrits. At the same moment, Miss Fanny, in the loading was proceeded with, pending the arrival of foreground of a grand pictorial composition, formed the horses from the post-house. by the family, the family equipages, and the family But, the very genteel lady's English chariot being servants, held her sister tight under one arm to dealready horsed and at the inn door, the landlord had tain her on the spot, and with the other arm fanned slipped up stairs to represent his hard case. This herself with a distinguished air, and negligently surwas notified to the yard by his now coming down veyed the lady from head to foot. the staircase in attendance on the gentleman and The lady, recovering herself quickly-for it was the lady, and by his pointing out the offended majes- Mrs. Merdle, and she was not easily dashed went ty of Mr. Dorrit to them with a significant motion of on to add that she trusted, in saying this, she apolhis hand. ogized for her boldness, and restored this well-be"Beg your pardon," said the gentleman, detaching haved landlord to the favor that was so very valuhimself from the lady, and coming forward. "I am able to him. Mr. Dorrit, on the altar of whose diga man of few words, and a bad hand at an explana- nity all this was incense, made a gracious reply; tion — but lady here is extremely anxious that there and said that his people should-ha-countermand should be no Row. Lady-a mother of mine, in point his horses, and he would-hum-overlook what he of fact'-wishes me to say that she hopes no Row." had at first supposed to be (an affront, but now reMr. Dorrit, still panting under his injury, saluted garded as an honor. Upon this, the bosom bent to the gentleman, and saluted the lady, in a distant, him; and its owner, with a wonderful command of final, and invincible manner. feature, addressed a winning smile of adieu to the "No, but really -here, old feller; you!" This two sisters, as young ladies of fortune in whose fawas the gentleman's way of appealing to Edward vor she was much prepossessed, and whom she had Dorrit, Esquire, on whom he pounced as a great and never had the gratification of seeing before. providential relief. "Let you and I try to make Not so, however, Mr. Sparkler. This gentleman,. this all right. Lady so very much wishes no Row." becoming transfixed at the same moment as his ladyEdward Dorrit, Esquire, led a little apart by the mother, could not by any means unfix himself again, button, assumed a diplomatic expression of coun- but stood stiffly staring at the whole composition tenance in replying, Why you must confess, that with Miss Fanny in the foreground. On his mothwhen you bespeak a lot of rooms beforehand and er's saying," "Edmund, we are quite ready; will you they belong to you, it's not pleasant to find other give me your arm?" he seemed, by the motion of his people in'em." lips, to reply with some remark comprehending the HER SURRO UNDING UNREALITIES. 205 form of words in which his shining talents found as she went through its vacant places all day long. the most frequent utterance, but he relaxed no mus- The gorges of the Simplon, its enormous depths cle. So fixed was his figure, that it would have and thundering water-falls, the wonderful road, the been matter of some difficulty to bend him suffi- points of danger where a loose wheel or a faltering ciently to get him in the carriage door, if he had horse would have been destruction, the descent into not received the timely assistance of a maternal pull Italy, the opening of that beautiful land, as the rugfrom within. He was no sooner within, than the ged mountain chasm widened and let them out from pad of the little window in the back of the chariot a gloomy and dark imprisonment all a dreamdisappeared, and his eye usurped its place. There it only the old mean Marshalsea a reality. Nay, even remained as long as so small an object was discerni- the old mean Marshalsea was shaken to its foundable, and probably much longer, staring (as though tions, when she pictured it without her father. She something inexpressibly surprising should happen to could scarcely believe that the prisoners were still a codfish) like an ill-executed eye in a large locket. lingering in the close yard, that the mean rooms This encounter was so highly agreeable to Miss were still every one tenanted, and that the turnkey Fanny, and gave her so much to think of with tri- still stood in the Lodge letting people in and out, umph afterward, that it softened her asperities ex- all just as she well knew it to be. ceedingly. When the procession was again in mo- With a remembrance of her father's old life in tion next day, she occupied her place in it with a prison hanging about her like the burden of a sornew gayety; and showed such a flow of spirits in- rowful tune, Little Dorrit would wake from a dream deed, that Mrs. General looked rather surprised. of her birthplace into a whole day's dream. The Little Dorrit was glad to be found no fault with, painted room in which she awoke, often a humbled and to see that Fanny was pleased; but her part in state-chamber in a dilapidated palace, would begin the procession was, a musing part, and a quiet one. it; with its wild red autumnal vine-leaves overSitting opposite her father in the traveling-carriage, hanging the glass, its orange-trees on the cracked and recalling the old Marshalsea room, her present white terrace outside the window, a group of monks existence was a dream. All that she saw was new and peasants in the little street below, misery and and wonderful, but it was not real; it seemed to her magnificence wrestling with each other upon every as if those visions of mountains and picturesque rood of ground in the prospect, no matter how widely countries might melt away at any moment, and the diversified, and misery throwing magnificence with carriage, turning some abrupt corner, bring it with the strength of fate. To this would succeed a laba jolt at the old Marshalsea gate. yrinth of bare passages and pillared galleries, with To have no work to do was strange, but not half the family procession already preparing in the q uadso strange as having glided into a corner where rangle below, through the carriages and luggage beshe had no one to think for, nothing to plan and ing brought together by the servants for the day's contrive, no cares of others to load herself with. journey. Then, breakfast in another painted chainStrange as that was, it was far stranger yet to find ber, damp-stained and of desolate proportions; and a space between herself and her father, where oth- then the departure, which, to her timidity and sense ers occupied themselves in taking care of him, and of not being grand enough for her place in the cerwhere she was never expected to be. At first, this emonies, was always an uneasy thing. For, then was so much more unlike her old experience than the courier (who himself would have been a foreign even the mountains themselves, that she had been gentleman of high mark in the Marshalsea) would unable to resign herself to it, and had tried to re- present himself to report that all was ready; and tain her old place about him. But he had spoken then her father's valet would pompously induct him to her alone, and had said that people-ha-people into his traveling-cloak; and then Fanny's maid, in an exalted position, my dear, must scrupulously and her own maid (who was a weight on Little exct respect from their dependents; and that for Dorrit's mind —absolutely made her cry at first, her, his daughter, Miss Amy Dorrit, of the sole re- she knew so little what to do with her), would be maining branch of the Dorrits of Dorsetshire, to be in attendance; and then her brother's man would known to —hum-to occupy herself in fulfilling the complete his master's equipment; and then her fafunctions of-ha hum-a valet, would be incompat- ther would give his arm to Mrs. General, and her ible with that respect. Therefore, my dear, he-ha uncle would give his to her, and, escorted by the -he laid his parental injunctions upon her, to re- landlord and Inn servants, they would swoop down member that she was a lady, who had now to con- stairs. There, a crowd would be collected to see duct herself with - hum - a proper pride, and to them enter their carriages, which, amidst much bowpreserve the rank of a lady; and consequently he ing, and begging, and prancing, and lashing, and requested her to abstain from doing what would clattering, they would do; and so they would be occasion-ha —unpleasant and derogatory remarks. driven madly through the narrow unsavory streets, She had obeyed without a murmur. Thus it had and jerked out at the town gate. been brought about that she now sat in her corner Among the day's unrealities would be, roads where of the luxurious carriage with her little patient the bright red vines were looped and garlanded tohands folded before her, quite displaced even from gether on trees for many miles; woods of olives; the last point of the old standing-ground in life on white villages and towns on hill-sides, lovely withwhich her feet had lingered. out, but frightful in their dirt and poverty within; It was from this position that all she saw appear- crosses by the way deep blue lakes with fairy isled unreal; the more surprising the scenes, the more ands, and clustering'boats with awnings of bright they resembled the unreality of her own inner life colors and sails of beautiful forms; vast piles of 206 LITTLE DORRIT. building moldering to dust; hanging-gardens where from the attendance of that oppressive maid, who the weeds had grown so strong that their stems, like was her mistress, and a very hard one-and would wedges driven home, had split the arch and rent the be taken all over the strange city. Social people wall; stone-terraced lanes, with the lizards running in other gondolas began to ask each other who the into and out of every chink; beggars of all sorts little solitary girl was whom they passed, sitting in everywhere; pitiful, picturesque, hungry, merry: her boat with folded hands, looking so pensively children beggars and aged beggars. Often at post- and wonderingly about her. Never thinking that ing-houses, and other halting-places, these miserable it would be worth any body's while to notice her or creatures would appear to her the only realities of her doings, Little Dorrit, in her quiet, scared, lost the day; and many a time, when the money she had manner, went about the city none the less. brought to give them was all given away, she would But, her favorite station was the balcony of her sit with her folded hands, thoughtfully looking after own room, overhanging the canal, with other balsome diminutive girl leading her gray father, as if conies below, and none above. It was of massive the sight reminded her of something in the days stone darkened by ages, built in a wild fancy which that were gone. came from the East to that collection of wild fanAgain, there would be places where they staid the cies; and Little Dorrit was little indeed, leaning on week together, in splendid rooms, had banquets ev- the broad-cushionedle ledge, and looking over. As she ery day, rode out among heaps of wonders, walked liked no place of an evening half so well, she soon through miles of palaces, and rested in dark corners began to be watched for, and many eyes in passing of great churches; where there were winking lamps gondolas were raised, and many people said, There of gold and silver among pillars and arches, kneel- was the little figure of the English girl who was aling figures dotted about at confessionals and on the ways alone. pavements; where there was the mist and scent of Such people were not realities to the little figure incense; where there were pictures, fantastic im- of the English girl; such people were all unknown ages, gaudy altars, great heights and distances, all to her. She would watch the sunset, in its long low softly lighted through stained glass, and the mass- lines of purple and red, and its burning flush high ive curtains that hung in the door-ways. From up into the sky: so glowing on the buildings, and these cities they would go on again, by the roads so lightening their structure, that it made them look of vines and olives, through squalid villages where as if their strong walls were transparent, and they there was not a hovel without a gap in its filthy shone from within. She would watch those glories walls, not a window with a whole inch of glass or expire; and then, after looking at the black gondopaper; where there seemed to be nothing to sup- las underneath, taking guests to music and dancing, port life, nothing to eat, nothing to make, nothing would raise her eyes to the shining stars. Was there to grow, nothing to hope, nothing to do but to die. no party of her own, in other times, on which the Again they would come to whole towns of pal- stars had shone? To think of that old gate now! aces, whose proper inmates were -all banished, and She would think of that old gate, and of herself which were all changed into barracks: troops of sitting at it in the dead of the night, pillowing Magidle soldiers leaning out of the state - windows, gy's head; and of other places and of other scenes where their accoutrements hung drying on the associated with those different times. And then she marble architecture, and showing to the mind like would lean upon her balcony, and look over at the hosts of rats who were (happily) eating away the water, as though they all lay underneath it. When props of the edifices that supported them, and must she got to that, she would musingly watch its runsoon, with them, be smashed on the heads of the ning, as if, in the general vision, it might run dry, other swarms of soldiers, and the swarms of priests, and show her the prison again, and herself, and the and the swarms of spies, who were all the ill-look- old room, and the old inmates, and the old visitors: ing population left to be ruined, in the streets be- all lasting realities that had never changed. low. Through such scenes, the family procession moved on to Venice. And here it dispersed for a time, as they were to live in Venice some few months, in a CHAPTER IV. palace (itself six times as big as the whole Marshalsea) on the Grand Canal. A LETTER FROM LITTLE DORRIT. sea) on the Grand Canal. In this crowning unreality, where all the streets 1EAR MR. CLENNAM,-I write to you from my were paved with water, and where the death-like, own room at Venice, thinking you will be glad stillness of the days and nights was broken by no to hear from me. But I know you can not be so sound but the softened ringing of church-bells, the glad to hear from me, as I am to write to you; for rippling of the current, and the cry of the gondo- every thing about you is as you have been accusliers turning the corners of the flowing streets, Lit- tomed to see it, and you miss nothing-unless it tie Dorrit, quite lost by her task being done, sat should be me, which can only be for a very little down to muse. The family began a gay life, went while together and very seldom-while every thing here and there, and turned night into day; but, she in my life is so strange, and I miss so much. was timid ofjoining in their gayeties, and only asked When we were in Switzerland, which appears to leave to be left alone. have been years ago, though it was only weeks, I Sometimes she would step into one of the gondo- met young Mrs. Gowan, who was on a mountain exlas that were always kept in waiting, moored to cursion like ourselves. She told me she was very painted posts at the door-when she could escape well and very happy. She sent you the message, by A GLIMPSE OF THE HEART. 207 me, that she thanked you affectionately, and would planning, thinking, and trying go in old directions, never forget you. She was quite confiding with me, and I begin to feel careful again about the expenses and I loved her almost as soon as I spoke to her. of the day, and about my dear father, and-about my But there is nothing singular in that; who could work; and then I remember with a start that there help loving so beautiful and winning a creature? I are no such cares left, and that in itself is so new could not wonder at any one loving her. No, in- and improbable that it sets me wandering again. I deed. should not have the courage to mention this to any It will not make you uneasy on Mrs. Gowan's ac- one but you. count, I hope-for I remember that you said you had It is the same with all these new countries and the interest of a true friend in her-if I tell you that wonderful sights. They are very beautiful, and they I wish she could have married some one better suited astonish me, but I am not collected enough-not fato her. Mr. Gowan seems fond of her, and of course miliar enough with myself, if you can quite undershe is very fond of him, but I thought he was not stand what I mean-to have all the pleasure in them earnest enough-I don't mean in that respect-I that I might have. What I knew before them, mean in any thing. I could not keep it out of my blends with them, too, so curiously. For instance, mind that if I was Mrs. Gowan (what a change that when we were among the mountains, I often felt (I would be, and how I must alter to become like her!) hesitate to tell such an idle thing, dear Mr. Clennam, I should feel that I was rather lonely and lost, for even to you), as if the Marshalsea must be behind the want of some one who was steadfast and firm in that great rock; or as if Mrs. Clennam's room where purpose. I even thought she felt this want a little,. I have worked so many days, and where I first saw almost without knowing it. But mind you are not you, must be just beyond that snow. Do you remade uneasy by this, for she was "very well and member one night when I came with Maggy to your very happy." And she looked most beautiful. lodging in Covent Garden? That room I have oftI expect to meet her again before long, and indeed en and often fancied I have seen before me, travhave been expecting for some days past to see her eling along for miles by the side of our carriage, here. I will ever be as good a friend to her as I can when I have looked out of the carriage window affor your sake. Dear Mr. Clennam, I dare say you ter dark. We were shuit out that night, and sat at think little of having been a friend to me when I the iron gate, and walkled about till morning. I had made no other (not that I have any other now, often look up at the stars, even from the balcony of for I have no new friends), but I think much of it, this room, and believe that I am in the street again, and I never can forget it. shut out with Maggy. It is the same with people I wish I knew-but it is best for no one to write that I left in England. to me-how Mr. and Mrs. Plornish prosper in the When I go about here in a gondola, I surprise mybusiness which my dear father bought for them, and self looking into other gondolas as if I hoped to see that old Mr. Nandy lives happily with them and his them. It would overcome me with joy to see them, two grandchildren, and sings all his songs over and but I don't think it would surprise me much, at first. over again. I can not quite keep back the tears In my fanciful times, I fancy that they might be from my eyes when I think of my poor Maggy, and anywhere; and I almost expect to see their dear of the blank she must have felt at first, however faces on the bridges or the quays. kind they all are to her, without her Little Mother. Another difficulty that I have will seem very Will you go and tell her, as a strict secret, with my strange to you. It must seem very strange to any love, that she never can have regretted our separa- one but me, and does even to me; I often feel the tion more than I have regretted it? And will you old sad pity for-I need not write the word-for tell them all that I have thought of them every day, him. Changed as he is, and inexpressibly blessed and and that my heart is faithful to them everywhere? thankfll as I always am to know it, the old sorrowOh, if you could know how faithful, you would al- ful feeling of compassion comes upon me sometimes most pity me for being so far away and being so with such strength, that I want to put my arms grand! round his neck, tell him how I love him, and cry a You will be glad, I am sure, to know that my dear little on his breast. I should be glad after that, and father is very well in health, and that all these proud and happy. But I know that I must not do changes are highly beneficial to him, and that he is this; that he would not like it, that Fanny would very different indeed from what he used to be when be angry, that Mrs. General would be amazed; and you used to see him. There is an improvement in so I quiet myself. Yet in doing so, I struggle with my uncle too, I think, though he never complained the feeling that I have come to be at a distance of old, and never exults now. Fanny is very grace- from him; and that even in the midst of all the ful, quick, and clever. It is natural to her to be a servants and attendants, he is deserted, and in want lady; she has adapted herself to our new fortunes of me. with wonderful ease. This reminds me that I have Dear Mr. Clennam, I have written a great deal not been able to do so, and that I sometimes almost about myself, but I must write a little more still, or despair of ever being able to do so. I find that I what I wanted most of all to say in this weak letter can not learn. Mrs. General is always with us, and would be left out of it. In all these foolish thoughts we speak French and speak Italian, and she takes of mine, which I have been so hardy as to confess to pains to form us in many ways. When I say we you, because I know you will understand me if any speak French and Italian, I mean they do. As for body can, and will make more allowance for me than me, I am so slow that I scarcely get on at all. As any body else would if you can not-in all these soon as I begin to plan, and think, and try, all my thoughts, there is one thought scarcely ever-never '208 LITTLE DORRIT. -out of my memory, and that is that I hope you was quite a walk, by mysterious staircases and corsometimes, in a quiet moment, have a thought for ridors, from Mrs. General's apartment —hoodwinked me. I must tell you that as to this, I have felt, ever by a narrow side street with a low gloomy bridge in since I have been away, an anxiety which I am very it, and dungeon-like opposite tenements, their walls very anxious to relieve. I have been afraid that you besmeared with a thousand downward stains and may think of me in a new light, or a new character. streaks, as if every crazy aperture in them had been Don't do that, I could not bear that-it would make weeping tears of rust into the Adriatic for centuries me more unhappy than you can suppose. It would -to Mr. Dorrit's apartment: with a whole English break my heart to believe that you thought of me house-front of window, a prospect of beautiful churchin any way that would make me stranger to you, domes rising into the blue sky sheer out of the wathan I was when you were so good to me. What I ter which reflected them; and a hushed murmur of have to pray and entreat of you is, that you will the Grand Canal laving the door-ways below, where never think of me as the daughter of a rich person; - his gondolas and gondoliers attended his pleasure, that you will never think of me as dressing any bet- drowsily swinging in a little forest of piles. tear, or living any better, than when you first knew Mr. Dorrit, in a resplendent dressing-gown and me. That you will remember me only as the little cap-the dormant grub that had so long bided its shabby girl you protected with so much tenderness, time among the collegians had burst into a rare butfrom whose threadbare dress you have kept away terfly-rose to receive Mrs. General. A chair to Mrs. the rain, and whose wet feet you have dried at your General. An easier chair, sir; what are you doing, fire. That you will think of me (when you think -what are you about, what do you mean? Now of me at all), and of my true affection and devoted leave us! gratitude, always without change, as of "Mrs. General," said Mr. Dorrit, "I took the libYour poor child, erty-" LITTLE DORRIT. "By no means," Mrs. General interposed. "I was P.S.-Particularly remember that you are not to quite at your disposition. I had had my coffee." be uneasy about Mrs. Gowan. Her words were, "I took the liberty," said Mr. Dorrit again, with "' Very well and very happyJ' And she looked most the magnificent placidity of one who was above corbeautiful. rection, " to solicit the favor of a little private conversation with you, because I feel rather worried respecting my-ha-my younger daughter. You CHAPTER V. will have observed a great difference of temperament, madam, between my two daughters?" Said Mrs. General in response, crossing her gloved HE family had been a month or two at Venice, hands (she was never without gloves, and they when Mr. Dorrit, who was much among Counts never creased and always fitted), " There is a great and Marquises, and had but scant leisure, set an difference." hour of one day apart, beforehand, for the purpose " May I ask to be favored with your view of it?" of holding some conference with Mrs. General. said Mr. Dorrit, with a deference not incompatible The time he had reserved in his mind arriving, he with majestic serenity. sent Mr. Tinkler, his valet, to Mrs. General's apart- "Fanny," returned Mrs. General, "has force of ment (which would have absorbed about a third of character and self-reliance. Amy, none.2' the area of the Marshalsea), to present his compli- None Oh, Mrs. General, ask the Marshalsea ments to that lady, and represent him as desiring stones and bars. Oh, Mrs. General, ask the milliner the favor of an interview. It being that period of who taught her to work, and the dancing-master the forenoon when the various members of the fam- who taught her sister to dance. Oh, Mrs. General, ily had coffee in their own chambers, some couple Mrs. General, ask me, her father, what I owe to her; of hours before assembling at breakfast in a faded and hear my testimony touching the life of this hall which had once been sumptuous, but was now slighted little creature, from her childhood up! the prey of watery vapors and a settled melancholy, No such adjuration entered Mr. Dorrit's head. Mrs. General was accessible to the valet. That en- He looked at Mrs. General, seated in her usual erect voy found her on a little square of carpet, so ex- attitude on her coach-box behind the proprieties, tremely diminutive in reference to the size of her and he said in a thoughtful manner, "True, madam." stone and marble floor, that she looked as if she "I would not," said Mrs. General, "be understood might have had it spread for the trying on of a to say, observe, that there is nothing to improve in ready-made pair of shoes; or as if she had come into Fanny. But there is material there-perhaps, inpossession of the enchanted piece of carpet, bought deed, a little too much." for forty purses by one of the three princes in the " Will you be kind enough, madam," said Mr. Arabian Nights, and had that moment been trans- Dorrit, "to be-ha-more explicit? I do not quite ported on it, at a wish, into a palatial saloon with understand my elder daughter's having-hum-too which it had no connection. much material. What material?" Mrs. General, replying to the envoy, as she set "Fanny," returned Mrs. General, " at present down her empty coffee-cup, that she was willing at forms too many opinions. Perfect breeding forms once to proceed to Mr. Dorrit's apartment, and spare none, and is never demonstrative." him the trouble of coming to her (which, in his gal- Lest he himself should be found deficient in perlantry, he had proposed), the envoy threw open the feet breeding, Mr. Dorrit hastened to reply, " Undoor, and escorted Mrs. General to the presence. It questionably, madam, you are right." Mrs. General HER F-ATHER MUST SPEAK TO HER. 209 returned, in her emotionless and expressionless man- the head of-ha-of a considerable community. You ner, "I believe so." are right in supposing that I am not unaccustomed "But you are aware, my dear madam," said Mr. to-an influential position." Dorrit, " that my daughters had the misfortune to "I am happy," returned Mrs. General, "to be so lose their lamented mother when they were very corroborated. I would therefore the more confidentyoung; and that, in consequence of my not having ly recommend, that Mr. Dorrit should speak to Amy been until lately the recognized heir to my property, himself, and make his observations and wishes known they have lived with me as a comparatively poor, to her. Being his favorite besides, and no doubt atthough always proud, gentleman, in-ha hum-re- tached to him, she is all the more likely to yield to tirement!" his influence." "I do not," said. Mrs. General, "lose sight of the "I had anticipated your suggestion, madam," said circumstance." Mr. Dorrit, "but-ha-was not sure that I might"Madam," pursued Mr. Dorrit, "of my daughter hum-not encroach on —" Fanny, under her present guidance and with such " On my province, Mr. Dorrit?" said Mrs. General, an example constantly before her —" graciously. "Do not mention it." (Mrs. General shut her eyes.) "Then, with' your leave, madam," resumed Mr. "_-I have no misgivings. There is adaptability Dorrit, ringing his little bell to summon his valet, of character in Fanny. But my younger daughter, "I will send for her at once." Mrs. General, rather worries and vexes my thoughts.' Does Mr. Dorrit wish me to remain?" I must inform you that she has always been my "Perhaps, if you have no other engagement, you favorite." would not object for a minute or two-" " There is no accounting," said Mrs. General, " for "Not at all." these partialities." So, Tinkler the valet was instructed to find Miss " Ha -- no," assented Mr. Dorrit. "No. Now, Amy's maid, and to request that subordinate to inmadam, I am troubled by noticing that Amy is not, form Miss Amy that Mr. Dorrit wished to see her in so to speak, one of ourselves. She does not care his own room. In delivering this charge to Tinkler, to go about with us; she is lost in the society we Mr. Dorrit looked severely at him, and also kept a have here; our tastes are evidently not her tastes. jealous eye upon him until he went out at the door, Which," said Mr. Dorrit, summing up with judicial mistrusting that he might have something in his gravity, "is to say, in other words, that there is mind prejudicial to the family dignity; that he something wrong in-ha-Amy." might have even got wind of some Collegiate joke "May we incline to the supposition," said Mrs. before he came into the service, and might be deriGeneral, with a little touch of varnish, "that some- sively reviving its remembrance at the present mothing is referable to the novelty of the position?" ment. If Tinkler had happened to smile, however "Excuse me, madam," observed Mr. Dorrit, rather faintly and innocently, nothing would have perquickly. " The daughter of a gentleman, though- suaded Mr. Dorrit, to the hour of his death, but that ha-himself at one time comparatively far from af- this was the case. As Tinkler happened, however, fluent —comparatively-and herself reared in-hum very fortunately for himself, to be of a serious and -retirement, need not of necessity find this position composed countenance, he escaped the secret danger so very novel." that threatened him. And as on his return —when " True," said Mrs. General, "true." Mr. Dorrit eyed him again —he announced Miss Amy " Therefore, madam," said Mr. Dorrit, "I took the as if she had come to a funeral, he left a vague imliberty" (he laid an emphasis on the phrase and re- pression on Mr. Dorrit's mind that he was a wellpeated it, as though he stipulated, with urbane firm- conducted young fellow, who had been brought ness, that he must not be contradicted again), "I up in the study of his Catechism, by a widowed took the liberty of requesting this interview, in or- mother. der that I might mention the topic to you, and in- "Amy," said Mr. Dorrit, " you have just now been quire how you would advise me?" the subject of some conversation between myself and "Mr. Dorrit," returned Mrs. General, "I have con- Mrs. General. We agree that you scarcely seem at versed with Amy several times since we have been home here. Ha-how is this?" residing here, on the general subject of the forma- A pause. tion of a demeanor. She has expressed herself to me " I think, father, I require a little time." as wondering exceedingly at Venice. I have men- "Papa is a preferable mode of address," observed tioned to her that it is better not to wonder. I have Mrs. General. "Father is rather vulgar, my dear. pointed out to her that the celebrated Mr. Eustace, The word Papa, besides, gives a pretty form to the the classical tourist, did not think much of it; and lips. Papa, potatoes, poultry, prunes, and prism, are that he compared the Rialto, greatly to its disad- all very good words for the lips: especially prunes vantage, with Westminster and Blackfriars bridges. and prism. You will find it serviceable, in the forI need not add, after what you have said, that I have mation of a demeanor, if you sometimes say to yournot yet found my arguments successful. You do me self in company-on entering a room, for instancethe honor to ask me what I advise. It always ap- Papa, potatoes, poultry, prunes and prism, prunes pears to me (if this should prove to be a baseless as- and prism." sumption, I shall be pardoned), that Mr. Dorrit has " Pray, my child," said Mr. Dorrit, "attend to the been accustomed to exercise influence over the minds -hum-precepts of Mrs. General." of others." Poor Little Dorrit, with a rather forlorn glance at "Hum-madam," said Mr. Dorrit, "I have been at that eminent varnisher, promised to try. 14 210 LITTLE DORBIT. " You say, Amy," pursued Mr. Dorrit, " that you Not for herself. She might feel a little wounded, think you require time. Time for what?" but her care was not for herself. Her thoughts still Another pause. turned, as they always had turned, to him. A faint " To become accustomed to the novelty of my life, misgiving, which had hung about her since their was all I meant," said Little Dorrit, with her loving accession to fortune, that even now she could never eyes upon her father; whom she had very nearly see him as he used to be before the prison days, had addressed as poultry, if not prunes and prism too, gradually begun to assume form in her mind. She in her desire to submit herself to Mrs. General and felt that, in what he had just now said to her, and in please him. his whole bearing toward her, there was the wellMr. Dorrit frowned, and looked any thing but known shadow of the Marshalsea wall. It took a pleased. "Amy," he returned, "it appears to me, I new shape, but it was the old sad. shadow. She bemust say, that you have had abundance of time for gan with sorrowful unwillingness to acknowledge to that. Ha-you surprise me. You disappoint me. herself, that she was not strong enough to keep off Fanny has conquered any such little difficulties, and the fear that no space in the life of man could over-hum-why not you?" come that quarter of a century behind the prison "I hope I shall do better soon," said Little Dorrit. bars. She had no blame to bestow upon him, there"I hope so," returned her father. " I-ha-I most fore: nothing to reproach him with, no emotions in devoutly hope so, Amy. I sent for you, in order that her faithful heart but great compassion and unboundI might say —hum-impressively say, in the presence ed tenderness. of Mrs. General, to whom we are all so much indebt- This is why it was, that, even as he sat before her ed for obligingly being present among us, on-bha- on his sofa, in the brilliant light of a bright Italian on this or any other occasion," Mrs. General shut her day, the wonderful city without and the splendors eyes, "that I-ha hum-am not pleased with you. of an old palace within, she saw him at the moment You make Mrs. General's a thankless task. You- in the long-familiar gloom of his Marshalsea lodging, ha-embarrass me very much. You have always and wished to take her seat beside him, and comfort (as I have informed Mrs. General) been my favorite him, and be again full of confidence with him, and' child; I have always made you a-hum-a friend of usefulness to him. If he divined what was in her and companion; in return, I beg-I ha-I do beg, thoughts, his own were not in tune with it. After that you accommodate yourself better to- hum- some uneasy moving in his seat,he got up, and walkcircumstances, and dutifully do what becomes your ed about, looking very-much dissatisfied. -your station." "Is there any thing else you wish to say to me, Mr. Dorrit was even a little more fragmentary dear father?" than usual; being excited on the subject, and anx- "No, no. Nothing else." ions to make himself particularly emphatic. "I am sorry you have not been pleased with me, "I do beg," he repeated, "that this may be attend- dear. I hope you will not think of me with dised to, and that you will seriously take pains and try pleasure now. I am going to try, more than ever, to conduct yourself in a manner both becoming your to adapt myself as you wish to what surrounds me position as —ha-Miss Amy Dorrit, and satisfactory -for indeed I have tried all along, though I have to myself and Mrs. General." failed, I know." That lady shut her eyes again, on being again re- "Amy," he returned, turning short upon her. ferred to; then, slowly opening them, and rising, "You-ha —habitually hurt me." added these words: " Hurt you, father! I!" " If Miss Amy Dorrit will direct her own attention " There is a-hum-a topic," said Mr. Dorrit, lookto, and will accept of my poor assistance in, the for- ing all about the ceiling of the room, and never mation of a surface, Mr. Dorrit will have no further at the attentive, uncomplainingly shocked face, "a cause of anxiety. May I take this opportunity of painful topic, a series of bvents which I wish-haremarking, as an instance in point, that it is scarcely altogether to obliterate. This is understood by your delicate to look at vagrants with the attention which sister, who has already remonstrated with you in my I have seen bestowed upon them by a very dear young presence; it is understood by your brother; it is unfriend of mine? They should not be looked at. derstood by-ha hum-by every one of delicacy and Nothing disagreeable should ever be looked at. sensitiveness, except yourself-ha-I am sorry to Apart from such a habit standing in the way of that say, except yourself. You, Amy-hum-you alone graceful equanimity of surface which is so express- and only you-constantly revive the topic, though ive of good-breeding, it hardly seems compatible not in words." with refinement of mind. A truly refined mind will She laid her hand on his arm. She did nothing seem to be ignorant of the existence of any thing that more. She gently touched him. The trembling is not perfectly proper, placid, and pleasant." Hav- hand may have said, with some expression, " Think ing delivered this exalted sentiment, Mrs. General of me, think how I have worked, think of my many made a sweeping obeisance, and retired with an ex- cares!" But, she said not a syllable herself. pression of mouth indicative of'Prunes and Prism. There was a reproach in the touch so addressed Little Dorrit, whether speaking or silent, had pre- to him that she had not foreseen, or she would have served her quiet earnestness and her loving look. It withheld her hand. He began to justify himself; had not been clouded, except for a passing moment, in a heated, stumbling, angry manner, which made until now. But now that she was left alone with nothing of it. him, the fingers of her lightly-folded hands were agi- "I was there all those years. I was-ha-unitated, and there was repressed emotion in her face. versally acknowledged as the head of the place. I SHE HABITUALLY IURTS HER FATHER. 211 -hum-I caused you to be respected there, Amy. I while, looked down at her. Her head drooped, and -— ha hum-I gave my family a position there. I he could not see her face; but her touch was tender deserve a return. I claim a return. I say, sweep it and quiet, and in the expression of her dejected figoff the face of the earth and begin afresh. Is that ure there was no blame-nothing but love. He bemuch? I askl,is that much?" gan to whimper, just as he had done that night in He did not at once look at her, as he rambled on the prison when she afterward sat at his bedside till in this way; but gesticulated at, and appealed to, morning; exclaimed that he was a poor ruin and a the empty air. poor wretch in the midst of his wealth; and clasped "I have suffered. Probably I know how much I her in his arms. " Hush, hush, my own dear! Kiss have suffered, better than any one-ha-I say than me!" was all she said to him. His tears were soon any one! If I can put that aside, if I can eradicate dried, much sooner than on the former occasion: and the marks of what I have endured, and can emerge he was presently afterward very high with his valet, before the world a-ha-gentleman unspoiled, un- as a way of righting himself for having shed any. spotted-is it a great deal to expect-I say again, is With one remarkable exception, to be recorded in it a great deal to expect-that my children should its place, this was the only time, in his life of free-hum-do the same, and sweep that accursed expe- dom and fortune, when he spoke to his daughter Amy rience off the face of the earth?" of the old days. In spite of his flustered state, he made all these ex- But, now, the breakfast-hour arrived; and with clamations in a carefully suppressed voice, lest the it Miss Fanny from her apartment, and Mr. Edward valet should overhear any thing. from his apartment. Both these young persons of "Accordingly, they do it. Your sister does it. distinction were something the worse for late hours. Your brother does it. You alone, my favorite child, As to Miss Fanny, she had become the victim of an whom I made the friend and companion of my life insatiate mania for what she called "going into sowhen you were a mere-hum-baby, do not do it. ciety;" and would have gone into it head foremost You alone say you can't do it. I provide you with fifty times between sunset and sunrise, if so many valuable assistance to do it. I attach an accom- opportunities had been at her disposal. As to Mr. plished and highly-bred lady-ha-Mrs. General, to Edward, he, too, had a large acquaintance, and was you, for the purpose of doing it. Is it surprising generally engaged (for the most part, in dicing cirthat I should be displeased? Is it necessary that I cles, or others of a kindred nature), during the greatshould defend myself for expressing my displeasure? er part of every night. For, this gentleman, when No!" his fortunes changed, had stood at the great advanNotwithstanding which, he continued to defend tage of being already prepared for the highest assohimself without any abatement of his flushed mood. ciates, and having little to learn: so much was he in"I am careful to appeal to that lady for confirma- debted to the happy accidents which had made him tion, before I express any displeasure at all. I - acquainted with horse-dealing and billiard-marking. hum-I necessarily make that appeal within limit- At breakfast, Mr. Frederick Dorrit likewise aped bounds, or I-ha-should render legible, by that peared. As the old gentleman inhabited the highlady, what I desire to be blotted out. Am I selfish? est story of the palace, where he might have pracDo I complain for my own sake? No. No. Prin- ticed pistol-shooting without much chance of discipally for-ha hum —your sake, Amy." covery by the other inmates, his younger niece had This last consideration plainly appeared, from his taken courage to propose the restoration to him of manner of pursuing it, to have just that instant come his clarionet: which Mr. Dorrit had ordered to be into his head. confiscated, but which she had ventured to preserve. "I said I was hurt. So I am. So I-ha-am de- Notwithstanding some objections from Miss Fanny, termined to be, whatever is advanced to the contra- that it was a low instrument, and that she detested ry. I am hurt, that my daughter, seated in the- the sound of it, the concession had been made. But, hum —lap of fortune, should mope and retire, and it was then discovered that he had had enough of proclaim herself unequal to her destiny. I am hurt it, and never played it, now that it was no longer his that she should —ha-systematically reproduce what means of getting bread. He had insensibly acquired the rest of us blot out; and seem-hum-I had al- a new habit of shuffling into the picture-galleries, most said positively anxious-to announce to wealthy always with his twisted paper of snuff in his hand and distinguished society, that she was born and bred (much to the indignation of Miss Fanny, who had in-ha hum-a place that I, myself, decline to name. proposed the purchase of a gold box for him that the But there is no inconsistency-ha-not the least, in family might not be discredited, which he had absomy feeling hurt, and yet complaining principally for lutely refused to carry when it was bought); and of your sake, Amy. I do; I say again, I do. It is for passing hours and hours before the portraits of reyour sake, that I wish you, under the auspices of nowned Venetians. It was never made out what Mrs. General, to form a-hum-a surface. It is for his dazed eyes saw in them: whether he had an inyour sake, that I wish you to have a-ha-truly re- terest in them merely as pictures, or whether he confined mind, and (in the striking words of Mrs. Gen- fusedly identified them with a glory that was de-:eral) to be ignorant of every thing that is not per- parted, like the strength of his own mind. But he iectly proper, placid, and pleasant." paid his court to them with great exactness, and He had been running down by jerks, during his clearly derived pleasure from the pursuit. After the last speech, like a sort of ill-adjusted alarum. The first few days, Little Dorrit happened one morning touch was still upon his arm. He fell silent; and to assist at these attentions. It so evidently heightafter looking about the ceiling again, for a little ened his gratification that she often accompanied 212 LITTLE DORRIT. him afterward, and the greatest delight of which the men who were handing the dishes round, as a courtold man had shown himself susceptible since his ruin, eous intimation that their services could be tempoarose out of these excursions, when he would carry rarily dispensed with. a chair about for her from picture to picture, and Those menials having obeyed the mandate, Edstand behind it, in spite of all her remonstrances, ward Dorrit, Esquire, proceeded. silently presenting her to the noble Venetians. "Perhaps it's a matter of policy to let you all It fell out that at this family breakfast he referred know that these Gowans-in whose favor, or at least to their having seen in a gallery, on the previous day, the gentleman's, I can't be supposed to be much prethe lady and gentleman whom they had encountered possessedmyself-are known to people of importance, on the Great St. Bernard. " I forget the name," said if that makes any difference." he. "1 dare say you remember them, William I "That, I would say," observed the fair varnisher, dare say you do, Edward?" " makes the greatest difference. The connection in " I remember'em well enough," said the latter. question, being really people of importance and con"I should think so," observed Miss Fanny, with a sideration —" toss of her head, and a glance at her sister. " But "As to that," said Edward Dorrit, Esquire, "I'll they would not have been recalled to our remem- give you the means of judging for yourself. You are brance, I suspect, if Uncle hadn't tumbled over the acquainted, perhaps, with the famous name of Mersubject." dle?" "My dear, what a curious phrase," said Mrs. Gen- "The great Merdle!" exclaimed Mrs. General. eral. "Would not inadvertently lighted upon, or "The Merdle," said Edward Dorrit, Esquire. "They accidentally referred to, be better?" are known to him. Mrs. Gowan —I mean the dow* "Thank you very much, Mrs. General," returned ager-my polite friend's mother-is intimate with the young lady, " no, I think not. On the whole, I Mrs. Merdle, and I know these two to be on their prefer my own expression." visiting-list." This was always Miss Fanny's way of receiving a "C If so, a more undeniable guarantee could not be suggestion from Mrs. General. But she always stored given," said Mrs. General to Mr. Dorrit, raising her it up in her mind, and adopted it at another time. gloves and bowing her head, as if she was doing "I should have mentioned our having met Mr. homage to some visible graven image. -and Mrs. Gowan, Fanny," said Little Dorrit, " even "I beg to ask my son, from motives of-ha —curiif Uncle had not. I have scarcely seen you since, osity," Mr. Dorrit observed, with a decided change in you know. I meant to have spoken of it at break- his manner, "how he becomes possessed of this-hum fast; because I should like to pay a visit to Mrs. -timely information?" Gowan, and to become better acquainted with her, "It's not a long story, sir," returned Edward Dorif Papa and Mrs. General do not object." rit, Esquire, "and you shall have it out of hand. To "Well Amy," said Fanny, " I am sure I am glad begin with, Mrs. Merdle is the lady you had the parto find you, at last, expressing a wish to become bet- ley with, at what's-his-name place." ter acquainted with any body in Venice. Though "Martigny," interposed Miss Fanny, with an air whether Mr. and Mrs. Gowan -are desirable acquaint- of infinite languor..ances, remains to be determined." "Martigny," assented her brother, with a slight "Mrs. Gowan I spoke of, dear." nod and a slight wink; in acknowledgment of which "No doubt," said Fanny. "But you can't sepa- Miss Fanny looked surprised, and laughed and red-,rate her from her husband, I believe, without an Act dened..of Parliament." "How can that be, Edward?" said Mr. Dorrit. " Do you think, Papa," inquired Little Dorrit, with "You informed me that the name of the gentleman diffidence and hesitation, "there is any objection to with whom you conferred was-ha-Sparkler. Inmy making this visit?" deed, you showed me his card. Hum. Sparkler." " Really," he replied, " I —ha-what is Mrs. Gen- "No doubt of it, father; but it doesn't follow that eral's view?" his mother's name must be the same. Mrs. Merdle Mrs. General's view was, that not having the hon- was married before, and he is her son. She is in or of any acquaintance with the lady and gentleman Rome now; where probably we shall know more of -referred to, she was not a position to varnish the her, as you decide to winter there. Sparkler is just present article. She could only remark, as a gen- come here. I passed last evening in company with eral principle observed in the varnishing trade, that Sparkler. Sparkler is a very good fellow on the much depended on the quarter from which the' lady whole, though rather a bore on one subject, in conunder consideration was accredited, to a family so sequence of being tremendously smitten with a cerconspicuously niched in the social temple as the fam- tain young lady." Here Edward Dorrit, Esquire, ily of Dorrit. eyed Miss Fanny through his glass across the table. At this remark the face of Mr. Dorrit gloomed "We happened last night to compare notes about considerably. He was about (connecting the ac- our travels, and I had the information I have given crediting with an obtrusive person of the name of you from Sparkler himself." Here he ceased; conClennam, whom he imperfectly remembered in some tinning to eye Miss Fanny through his glass, with a former state of existence) to black-ball the name of face much twisted, and not ornamentally so, in part Gowan finally, when Edward Dorrit, Esquire, came by the action of keeping his glass in his eye, and in into the conversation, with his glass in his eye, and Iart by the great subtlety of his smile. the preliminary remark of "I say-you there! Go "Under these circumstances," said Mr. Dorrit, "I out, will you!" Which was addressed to a couple of believe I express the sentiments of-ha-Mrs. Gen JAN A USPICIO US OMEN. 213 eral, no less than my own, when I say that there is If he had made a proclamation in an unknown no objection, but-ha hum-quite the contrary-to tongue, and given up the ghost immediately afteryour gratifying your desire, Amy. I trust I may- ward, he could not have astounded his audience ha-hail-this desire," said Mr. Dorrit, in an encour- more. The paper fell from Mr. Dorrit's hand, and aging and forgiving manner, " as an auspicious omen. he sat petrified, with a fig half-way to his mouth. It is quite right to know these people. It is a very "Brother!" said the old man, conveying a surproper thing. Mr. Merdle's is a name of-ha-world- prising energy into his trembling voice, "I protest wide repute. Mr. Merdle's undertakings are immense. against it! I love you; you know I love you dearThey bring him in such vast sums of money, that ly. In these many years, I have never been untrue they are regarded as-hum-national benefits. Mr. to you in a single thought. Weak as I am, I would at Merdle is the man of this time. The name of Merdle any time have struck any man who spoke ill of you. is the name of the age. Pray do every thing on my But, brother, brother, brother, I protest against it!" behalf that is civil to Mr. and Mrs. Gowan, for we It was extraordinary to see of what a burst of will-ha-we will certainly notice them." earnestness such a decrepit man was capable. His kIjiiii p! ii../ I I I.. AS HIS HAND WENT UP ABOVE HIS lEAI) AND CAME DOWN ON THE TABLE, IT MAIGHT HAYE BEEN A BLAOKSMITH'S. This magnificent accordance of Mr. Dorrit's rec- eyes became bright, his gray hair rose on his head, ognition settled the matter. It was not observed markings of purpose on his brow and face which had that Uncle had pushed away his plate, and forgotten faded from them for five-and-twenty years, started his breakfast; but he was not much observed at any out again, and there was an energy in his hand that time, except by Little Dorrit. The servants were re- made its action nervous once more. called, and the meal proceeded to its conclusion. Mrs. "My dear Frederick!" exclaimed Mr. Dorrit, faintGeneral rose and left the table. Little Dorrit rose ly. "What is wrong? What is the matter?" and left the table. When Edward and Fanny re- "How dare you," said the old man, turning round mained whispering together across it, and when Mr. on Fanny, " how dare you do it? Have you no memDorrit remained eating figs and reading a French ory? Have you no heart?" newspaper, Uncle suddenly fixed the attention of all " Uncle!" cried Fanny, afrighted and bursting three, by rising out of his chair, striking his hand upon into tears, " why do you attack me in this cruel manthe table, and saying, "Brother, I protest against it!" ner? What have I done?" 214 LITTLE DORRIT. "Done?" returned the old man, pointing to her wrong in him somewhere, or he never could have so sister's place, " where's your affectionate, invaluable attacked Me, of all the people in the world." friend?~ Where's your devoted guardian? Where's " Fanny," returned Mr. Dorrit, in a deeply fraternal your more than mother'? How dare you set up su- tone, "you know, with his innumerable good points, periorities against all these characters combined in what a-hum-Wreck your uncle is; and I entreat your sister? For shame, you false girl, for shame!" you by the fondness that I have for him, and by the "I love Amy," cried Miss Fanny, sobbing and fidelity that you know I have always shown him, to weeping, "as well as I love my life-better than I -ha-to draw your own conclusions, and to spare love my life. I don't deserve to be so treated. I my brotherly feelings." am as grateful to Amy, and as fond of Amy, as it's This ended the scene; Edward Dorrit, Esquire, possible for any human being to be. I wish I was saying nothing throughout, but looking, to the last, dead. I never was so wickedly wronged. And only perplexed and doubtful. Miss Fanny awakened because I am anxious for the family credit." much affectionate uneasiness in her sister's mind " To the winds with the family credit!" cried the that day, by passing the greater part of it in violent old man, with great scorn and indignation. " Broth- fits of embracing her, and in alternately giving her er, I protest against pride. I protest against ingrati- brooches, and wishing herself dead. tude. I protest against any one of us here who have known what we have known, and have seen what we have seen, setting up any pretension that puts Amy at a moment's disadvantage, or to the cost of a mo- CHAPTER VI. ment's pain. We may know that it's a base preten-. SOMETHING RIGHT SOMEWHERE. sion by its having that effect. It ought to bring a judgment on us. Brother, I protest against it,in the mO be in the halting state of Mr. Henry Gowan; sight of God!" to have left one of two Powers in disgust, to As his hand went up above his head and came want the necessary qualifications for finding promodown on the table, it might have been a black- tion with another, and to be loitering moodily about smith's. After a few moments' silence, it had re- on neutral ground, cursing both; is to be in a situalaxed into its usual weak condition. He went round tion unwholesome for the mind, which time is not to his brother with his ordinary shuffling step, put likely to improve. The worst class of sum worked the hand on his shoulder, and said, in a softened voice, in the every-day world, is ciphered by the diseased " William, my dear, I felt obliged to say it; forgive arithmeticians who are always in the rule of Subme, for I felt obliged to say it!" and then went, in traction as to the merits and successes of others, and his bowed way, out of the palace hall, just as he never in Addition as to their own. might have gone out of the Marshalsea room. The habit, too, of seeking some sort of recompense All this time Fanny had been sobbing and crying, in the discontented boast of being disappointed, is a and still continued to do so. Edward, beyond open- habit fraught with degeneracy. X certain idle careing his mouth in amazement, had not opened his lips, lessness and recklessness of consistency soon comes and had done nothing but stare. Mr. Dorrit also had of it. To bring deserving things down by setting been utterly discomfited, and quite unable to assert undeserving things up, is one of its perverted dehimself in any way. Fanny was now the first to lights; and there is no playing fast and loose with speak. the truth, in any game, without growing the worse "I never, never, never, was so used!" she sobbed. for it. "There never was any thing so harsh and unjustifi- In his expressed opinions of all performances in able, so disgracefully violent and cruel! Dear, kind, the art of painting that were completely destitute quiet little Amy, too, what would she feel if she could of merit, Gowan was the most liberal fellow on earth. know that she had been innocently the means of ex- He would declare such a man to have more power in posing me to such treatment! But I'll never tell his little finger (provided he had none), than such her! No, good darling, I'll never tell her!" another had (provided he had much) in his whole This helped Mr. Dorrit to break the silence. mind and body. If the objection were taken that " My dear," said he, " I —ha-approve of your res- the thing commended was trash, he would reply, on olution. It will be-ha hum-much better not to behalf of his art, " My good fellowwhat do we all speak of this to Amy. It might-hum-it might turn out but trash? I turn out nothing else, and I distress her. Ha. No doubt it would distress her make you a present of the confession." greatly. It is considerate and right to avoid doing To make a vaunt of being poor was another of so. We will-ha-keep this to ourselves." the incidents of his splenetic state, though this may "But the cruelty of Uncle!" cried Miss Fanny. have had the design in it of showing that he ought "Oh, I never can forgive the wanton cruelty of to be rich; just as he would publicly laud and decry Uncle!" the Barnacles, lest it should be forgotten that he be"My dear!" said Mr. Dorrit, recovering his tone, longed to the family. Howbeit, these two subjects though he remained unusually pale, " I must request were very often on his lips; and he managed them you not to say so. You must remember that your so well, that he might have praised himself by the uncle is-ha-not what he formerly was. You must month together, and not have made himself out half remember that your uncle's state requires-hum — so important a man as he did by his light disparagegreat forbearance from us, great forbearance." ment of his claims on any body's consideration. "I am sure," cried Fanny, piteously, "it is only Out of this same airy talk of his, it always soon charitable to suppose that there must be something came to be understood, wherever he and his wife VENETIA N BLINDS. 21.5 went, that he had married against the wishes of his if he had given her any tangible personal cause to exalted relations, and had had much ado to prevail regard him with aversion, he would have had no on them to countenance her. He never made the compunction whatever in flinging him out of the representation, on the contrary seemed to laugh the highest window in Venice, into the deepest water idea to scorn; but it did happen that, with all his of the city. pains to depreciate himself, he was always in the Little Dorrit would have been glad to make her superior position. From the days of their honey- visit to Mrs. Gowan, alone; but, as Fanny, who had moon, Minnie Gowan felt sensible of being usually not yet recovered from her uncle's protest, though regarded as the wife of a man who had made a de- it was four-and-twenty hours of age, pressingly ofscent in marrying her, but whose chivalrous love for fered her company, the two sisters stepped together her had canceled that inequality. into one of the gondolas under Mr. Dorrit's window, To Venice they had been accompanied by Mon- and, with the courier in attendance, were taken in sieur Blandois of Paris, and at Venice Monsieur high state to Mrs. Gowan's lodging. In truth, their Blandois of Paris was very much in the society state was rather too high for the lodging, which was, of Gowan. When they had first met this gallant as Fanny complained, "fearfully out of the way," gentleman at Geneva, Gowan had been undecided and which took them through a complexity of narwhether to kick him or encourage him; and had row streets of water, which the same lady disparremained, for about four-and-twenty hours, so tron- aged as "mere ditches." bled to settle the point to his satisfaction, that he had The house, on a little desert island, looked as if thought of tossing up a five-franc piece on the terms, it had broken away from somewhere else, and had " Tails, kick; heads, encourage," and abiding by'the floated by chance into its present anchorage, in comvoice of the oracle. It chanced, however, that his puny with a vine almost as much in want of trainwife expressed a dislike to the engaging Blandois, lug as the poor wretches who were lying under its and that the balance of feeling in the hotel was leaves. The features of the surrounding picture against him. Upon that, Gowan resolved to en- were, a church with hoarding and scaffolding about courage him. it, which had been under supposititious repair so Why this perversity, if it were not in a generous long that the means of repair looked a hundred fit?-which it was not. Why should Gowan, very years old, and had themselves fallen into decay; a much the superior of Blandois of Paris, and very quantity of washed linen, spread to dry in the sun; well able to pull that prepossessing gentleman to a number of houses at odds with one another, and pieces, and find out the stuff he was made of, take grotesquely out of the perpendicular, like rotten up with such a man? In the first place, he opposed pre-Adamite cheeses cut into fantastic shapes and the first separate wish he observed in his wife, be- filll of mites; and a feverish bewilderment of wincause her father had paid his debts, and it was de- dows, with their lattice-blinds all hanging askew, sirable to take an early opportunity of asserting his and something draggled and dirty dangling out of independence. In the second place, he opposed the most of them. prevalent feeling, because, with many capacities of On the first floor of the house was a Bank-a surbeing otherwise, he was an ill-conditioned man. He prising experience for any gentleman of commercial found a pleasure in declaring that a courtier with pursuits bringing laws for all mankind from a Britthe refined manners of Blandois ought to rise to the ish city - where two spare clerks, like dried dragreatest distinction in any polished country. He goons, in green velvet caps adorned with golden found a pleasure in setting up Blandois as the type tassels, stood, bearded, behind a small counter in a of elegance, and making him a satire upon others small room, containing no other visible objects than who piqued themselves on personal graces. He se- an empty iron safe, with the door open, a jug of wariously protested that the bow of Blandois was per- ter, and a papering of garlands of roses; but who, on feet, that the address of Blandois was irresistible, lawful requisition, by merely dipping their hands out and that the picturesque ease of Blandois would be of sight, could produce exhaustless mounds of fivecheaply purchased (if it were not a gift, and un- franc pieces. Below the Bank was a suite of three purchasable), for a hundred thousand francs. That or four rooms with barred windows, which had the exaggeration in the manner of the man, which has appearance of a jail for criminal rats. Above the been noticed as appertaining to him and to every Bank was Mrs. Gowan's residence. such man, whatever his original breeding, as cer- Notwithstanding that its walls were blotched, as tainly as the sun belongs to this system, was accept- if missionary maps were bursting out of them to able to Gowan as a caricature, which he found it a impart geographical knowledge; notwithstanding humorous resource to have at hand for the ridicul- that its weird furniture was forlornly faded and ing of numbers of people who necessarily did more musty, and that the prevailing Venetian odor of or less of what Blandois overdid. Thus he had taken bilge-water and an ebb tide on a weedy shore was up with him; and thus, negligently strengthening very strong; the place was better within than it these inclinations with habit, and idly deriving some promised. The door was opened by a smiling man amusement from his talk, he had glided into a way like a reformed assassin-a temporary servantof having him for a companion. This, though he who ushered them into the room where Mrs. Gowsupposed him to live by his wits at play-tables and an sat: with the announcement that two beautiful the like; though he suspected him to be a coward, English ladies were come to see the mistress. while he himself was daring and courageous; though Mrs. Gowan, who was engaged in needle-work, put he thoroughly knew him to be disliked by Minnie; her work aside in a covered basket, and rose, a little and though he cared so little for him, after all, that hurriedly. Miss Fanny was excessively courteous 216 LITTLE DORRIT. to her, and said the usual nothings with the skill of Henry the favor to come in," said she. " I knew he a veteran. would be pleased!" " Papa was extremely sorry," proceeded Fanny, The first object that confronted Little Dorrit, en" to be engaged to-day (he is so much engaged here, tering first, was Blandois of Paris in a great cloak our acquaintance being so wretchedly large!); and and a furtive slouched hat, standing on a throneparticularly requested me to bring his card for Mr. platform in a corner, as he had stood on the Great Gowan. That I may be sure to acquit myself of a St. Bernard, when the warning arms seemed to be commission which he impressed upon me at least a all pointing up at him. She recoiled from this figdozen times, allow me to relieve my conscience by ure, as it smiled at her. placing it on the table at once." " Don't be alarmed," said Gowan, coming from his Which she did, with veteran ease. easel behind the door. " It's only Blandois. He is "We have been," said Fanny, " charmed to under- doing duty as a model to-day. I am making a study stand that you know the Merdles. We hope it may of him. It saves me money to turn him to some be another means of bringing us together." use. We poor painters have none to spare." "They are friends," said Mrs. Gowan, "of Mr. Blandois of Paris pulled off his slouched hat, Gowan's family. I have notyet had the pleasure and saluted the ladies without coming out of his of a personal introduction to Mrs. Merdle, but I sup- corner. pose I shall be presented to her at Rome." "A thousand pardons!" said he. "But the Pro" Indeed?" returned Fanny, with an appearance fessor here is so inexorable with me, that I am afraid of amiably quenching her own superiority. " I to stir." think you'll like her." 5 "Don't stir, then," said Gowan, coolly, as the sis"' You know her very well?" ters approached the easel. "Let the ladies at least " Why, you see," said Fanny, with a frank action see the original of the daub, that they may know of her pretty shoulders, "in London one knows ev- what it's meant for. There he stands, you see. A ery one. We met her on our way here, and, to say bravo waiting for his prey; a distinguished noble the truth, papa was at first rather cross with her for waiting to save his country, the common enemy taking one of the rooms that our people had ordered waiting to do somebody a bad turn, an angelic for us. However, of course that soon blew over, and messenger waiting to do somebody a good turnwe were all good fiiends again." whatever you think he looks most like!" Although the visit had, as yet, given Little Dorrit " Say, Professore Mio, a poor gentleman waiting to no opportunity of conversing with Mrs. Gowan, there do homage to elegance and beauty," remarked Blanwas a, silent understanding between them, which did dois. as well. She looked at Mrs. Gowan with keen and "Or say, Cattivo Soggetto Mio," returned Gowan, unabated interest; the sound of her voice was thrill- touching the painted face with his brush in the part ing to her; nothing that was near her, or about her, where the real face had moved, " a murderer after or at all concerned her, escaped Little Dorrit. She the fact. Show that white hand of yours, Blan-' was quicker to perceive the slightest matter here, dois. Put it outside the cloak. Keep it still." than in any other case-but one. Blandois's hand was unsteady; but he laughed, " You have been quite well," she now said, " since and that would naturally shake it. that night l" "He waq formerly in some scuffle with another "Quite, my dear. And you?" murderer, or with a victim, you observe," said Gow"Oh! I am always well," said Little Dorrit, tim- an, putting in the markings of the hand with a quick, idly. " I-yes, thank you." impatient, unskillful touch, " and these are the toThere was no reason for her faltering and break- kens of it. Outside the cloak, manll!-Corpo di San ing off, other than that Mrs. Gowan had touched her Marco, what are you thinking of?" hand in speaking to her, and their looks had met. Blandois of Paris shook wnith a laugh again, so Something thomcghtfiully apprehensive in the large, that his hand shook more; now he raised it to twist soft eyes, had checked Little Dorrit in an instant, his mustache, which had a damp appearance; and " You don't know that you are a favorite of my now he stood in the required position, with a little husband's,and that I am almost bound to be jealous new swagger. of you?" said Mrs. Gowan. His face was so directed in reference to the spot Little Dorrit, blushing, shook her head. where Little Dorrit stood by the easel, that through"He will tell you, if he tells you what he tells me, out he looked at her. Once attracted by his peculthat you are quieter, and quicker of resource, than iar eyes, she could not remove her own, and they any one he ever saw." had looked at each other all the time. She trern"He speaks far too well of me," said Little Dor- bled now; Gowan, feeling it, and supposing her to rit. be alarmed by the large dog beside him, whose head "I doubt that; but I don't at all doubt that I she caressed in her hand, and who had just returned must tell him you are here. I should never be for- a low growl, glanced at her to say, "He won't hurt given, if I were to let you-and Miss Dorrit-go, you, Miss Dorrit." without doing so. May I? You can excuse the "I am not afraid of him," she returned, in the disorder and discomfort of a painter's studio?" same breath; "but will you look at him?" The inquiries were addressed to Miss Fanny, who In a moment Gowan had thrown down his brush, graciously replied that she would be beyond any and seized the dog with both hands by the collar. thing interested and enchanted. Mrs. Gowan went "Blandois! How can you be such a fool as to proto a door, looked in beyond it, and came back. "Do voke him! By Heaven, and the other place too, he'll MR. SPARKLER IIN LOVE. 217 tear you to bits! Lie down! Lion! Do you hear was with people as with ships, that, in too shallow my voice, you rebel!" and rocky waters, their anchors had no hold, and The great dog, regardless of being half choked by they drifted anywhere. his collar, was obdurately pulling with his dead He attended them down the staircase, jocosely weight against his master, resolved to get across apologizing for the poor quarters to which such poor the room. He had been crouching for a spring, at fellows as himself were limited, and remarking that the moment when his master caught him. when the high and mighty Barnacles, his relatives, "Lion! Lion!" He was up on his hind legs, and who would be dreadfully ashamed of them, presented it was a wrestle between master and dog. "Get him with better, he would live in better to oblige back! Down, Lion! Get out of his sight, Blan- them. At the water's edge they were saluted by dois! What devil have you conjured into the dog?" Blandois, who looked white enough after his late "I have done nothing to him." adventure, but who made very light of it notwith"Get out of his sight, or I can't hold the wild standing-laughing at the mention of Lion. beast! Get out of the room! By my soul, he'll Leaving the two together, under the scrap of vine kill you!" upon the causeway, Gowan idly scattering the leaves The dog, with a ferocious bark, made one other from it into the water, and Blandois lighting a cigarstruggle, as Blandois vanished; then, in the mo- ette, the sisters were paddled away in state as they ment of the dog's submission, the master, little less had come. They had not glided on for many minangry than the dog, felled him with a blow on the utes, when Little Dorrit became aware that Fanny head, and standing over him, struck him many times was more showy in manner than the occasion apseverely with the heel of his boot, so that his mouth peared to require, and, looking about for the cause, was presently bloody. through the window and through the open door, saw " Now get you into that corner and lie down," another gondola evidently in waiting on them. said Gowan, " or I'll take you out and shoot you." As this gondola attended their progress in various Lion did as he was ordered, and lay down, licking artful ways; sometimes shooting on ahead, and stophis mouth and chest. Lion's master stopped for a ping to let them pass; sometimes, when the way was moment to take breath, and then, recovering his broad enough, skimming along side by side with usual coolness of manner, turned to speak to his them; and sometimes following close astern; and as frightened wife and her visitors. Probably the Fanny gradually made no disguise that she was playwhole occurrence had not occupied two minutes. ing off graces upon somebody within it, of whom she "Come, come, Minnie! You know he is always at the same time feigned to be unconscious; Little good-humored and tractable. Blandois llmust have Dorrit at length asked who it was? irritated him-made faces at him. The dog has his To which Fanny made the short answer, "That likings and dislikings, and Blandois is no great fa- gaby." vorite of his; but I am sure you'll give him a char- "Who?" said Little Dorrit. acter, Minnie, for never having been like this be- "My dear child," returned Fanny (in a tone sugfore." gesting that before her uncle's protest, she might Minnie was too much disturbed to say any thing have said, You little fool, instead), " how slow you connected in reply; Little Dorrit was already occu- are! Young Sparkler." pied in soothing her; Fanny, who had cried out twice She lowered the window on her side, and, leaning or thrice, held Gowan's arm for protection; Lion, back and resting her elbow on it negligently, fanned deeply ashamed of having caused them this alarm, herself with a rich Spanish fan of black and gold. came trailing himself along the ground, to the feet The attendant gondola, having skimmed forward of his mistress. again, with some swift trace of an eye in the win"You furious brute," said Gowan, striking him dow, Fanny laughed coquettishly, and said, "Did with his foot again. "You shall do penance for you ever see such a fool, my love?" this." And he struck him again, and yet again. "Do you think he means to follow you all the " Oh, pray don't punish him any more," cried Lit- way?" asked Little Dorrit. tile Dorrit. "Don't hurt him. See how gentle he "My precious child," returned Fanny, "I can't is!" At her entreaty, Gowan spared him; and he possibly answer for what an idiot in a state of desdeserved her intercession, for truly he was as sub- peration may do, but I should think it highly probamissive, and as sorry, and as wretched as a dog could ble. It's not such an enormous distance. All Ven'ice be. would scarcely be that, I imagine, if he's dying for a It was not easy to recover this shock -and make glimpse of me." the visit unrestrained, even though Fanny had not "And is he?" asked Little Dorrit, in perfect simbeen, under the best of circumstances, the least trifle plicity. in the way. In such further communication as pass- "Well, my love, that really is an awkward quesed among them before the sisters took their depart- tion for me to answer," said the sister. "I believe ure, Little Dorrit fancied it was revealed to her that he is. You had better ask Edward. He tells EdMr. Gowan treated his wife, even in his very fond- ward he is, I believe. I understand he makes a perness, too much like a beautiful child. He seemed so feet spectacle of himself at the Casino, and that sort unsuspicious of the depths of feeling which she knew of places, by going on about me. But you had betmust lie below that surface, that she doubted if there ter ask Edward, if you want to know." could be any such depths in himself. She wondered "I wonder he doesn't call," said Little Dorrit, after whether his want of earnestness might be the natural thinking a moment. result of his want of such qualities, and whether it "My dear Amy, your wonder will soon cease, if I; 218 LITTLE DORRIT. am rightly informed. I should not be at all surprised maid, before her eyes, things from my dress-maker's if he called to-day. The creature has only been wait- ten times as handsome and expensive as she once ing to get his courage up, I suspect." gave me from hers!" "Will you see him?" Little Dorrit was silent: sensible that she was not " Indeed, my darling," said Fanny, " that's just as to be heard on any question affecting the family digit may happen. Here he is again. Look at him. nity; and unwilling to lose to no purpose her sister's Oh, you simpleton!" newly and unexpectedly restored favor. She could Mr. Sparkler had, undeniably; a weak appearance; not concur, but she was silent. Fanny well knew with his eye in the window like a knot in the glass, what she was thinking of; so well, that she soon and no reason on earth for stopping his bark sudden- asked her. ly, except the real reason. Her reply was, "Do you mean to encourage Mr. "When you asked me if I will see him, my dear," Sparkler, Fanny?" said Fanny, almost as well composed in the graceful "Encourage him, my dear?" said her sister, smilindifference of her attitude as Mrs. Merdle herself, ing contemptuously, "that depends upon what you "what do you mean?" call encourage. No, I don't mean to encourage him. "I mean," said Little Dorrit-" I think I rather But I'll make a slave of him." mean what do you mean, dear Fanny?" Little Dorrit glanced seriously and doubtfully in Fanny laughed again, in a manner at once conde- her face, but Fanny was not to be so brought to a scending, arch, and affable; and said, putting her check. She furled her fan of black and gold, and arm round her sister in a playfully affectionate way: used it to tap her sister's nose; with the air of a " Now tell me, my little pet. When we saw that proud beauty and a great spirit, who toyed with and woman at Martigny, how did you think she carried playfully instructed a homely companion. it off? Did you see what she decided on in a mo- I shall make him fetch and carry, my dear, and I ment?," shall make him subject to me. And if I don't make "'No, Fanny." his mother subject to me, too, it shall not be my " Then I'll tell you, Amy. She settled with her- fault." self, now I'll never refer to that meeting under such "Do you think-dear Fanny, don't be offended, different circumstances, and I'll never pretend to we are so comfortable together now-that you can have any idea that these are the same girls. That's quite see the end of that course?" her way out of a difficulty. What did I tell you, "I can't say I have so much as looked for it yet, when we came away from Harley Street that time? my dear," answered Fanny, with supreme indifferShe is as insolent and false as any woman in the ence; " all in good time. Such are my intentions. world. But in the first capacity, my love, she may And really they have taken me so long to develop, find people who can match her." that here we are at home. And young Sparkler at A significant turn of the Spanish fan toward Fan- the door, inquiring who is within. By the merest ny's bosom, indicated with great expression where accident, of course!" one of these people was to be found. In effect, the swain was standing up in his gondo" Not only that," pursued Fanny, "but she gives la, card-case in hand, affecting to put the question to the same charge to Young Sparkler; and doesn't let a servant. This conjunction of circumstances led to him come after me until she has got it thoroughly his immediately afterward presenting himself beinto his most ridiculous of all ridiculous noddles (for fore the young ladies in a posture, which in ancient one really can't call it a H]ead), that he is to pretend times would not have been considered one of favorto have been first struck with me in that Inn Yard." able augury for his suit; since the gondoliers of the "Why?" asled Little Dorrit. young ladies, having been put to some inconvenience "Why? Good gracious, my love!" (again very by the chase, so neatly brought their own boat in much in the tone of You stupid little creature) " how the gentlest collision with the bark of Mr. Sparkler, can you ask? Don't you see that I may have become as to tip that gentleman over like a large species of a rather desirable match. for a noodle? And don't nine-pin, and cause him to exhibit the soles of his you see that she puts the deception upon us, and shoes to the object of his dearest wishes: while the makes a pretense, while she shifts it from her own nobler portions of his anatomy struggled at the botshoulders (very good shoulders they are too, I must tom of his boat, in the arms of one of his men. say)," observed Miss Fanny, glancing complacently However, as Miss Fanny called out with much at herself, " of considering our feelings?" concern, Was the gentleman hurt? Mr. Sparkler rose " But we can always go back to the plain truth." more restored than might have been expected, and "Yes, but if you please we won't," retorted Fanny. stammered for himself with blushes, " Not at all so." "No; I am not going to have that done, Amy. The Miss Fanny had no recollection of having ever seen pretext is none of mine; it's hers, and she shall have him before, and was passing on, with a distant inclienough of it." nation of her head, when he announced himself by In the triumphant exultation of her feelings, Miss name. Even then, she was in a difficulty from being Fanny, using her Spanish fan with one hand, squeezed unable to call it to mind, until he explained that he her sister's wrist with the other, as if she were crush- had had the honor of seeing her at Martigny. Then ing Mrs. Merdle. she remembered him, and hoped his lady-mother was "No," repeated Fanny. " She shall find me go her well. way. She took it, and I'll follow it. And, with the "Thank you," stammered Mr. Sparkler, "she's unblessing of fate and fortune, I'll go on improving commonly well-at least, poorly." that woman's acquaintance until I have given her "In Venice?" said Miss Fanny. BRIGHINESS OX MR. SPARKLER. 5219 "In Rome," Mr. Sparkler answered. "I am here now thrice charming, very becomingly dressed in her by myself, myself. I came to call upon Mr. Edward most suitable colors, and with an air of negligence Dorrit myself. Indeed, upon Mr. Dorrit likewise. In upon her that doubled Mr. Sparkler's fetters, and rivfact, upon the family." eted them. Turning graciously to the attendants, Miss Fanny "I hear you are acquainted, Mr. Sparkler," said inquired whether her papa or brother was within? his host, at dinner, " with-ha-Mr. Gowan. Mr. The reply being that they were both within, Mr. Henry Gowan " Sparkler humbly offered his arm. Miss Fanny ac- "Perfectly, sir," returned Mr. Sparkler. "His cepting it, was squired up the great staircase by Mr. mother and my mother are cronies, in fact." Sparkler, who, if he still believed (which there is not "If I had thought of it, Amy," said Mr. Dorrit, any reason to doubt) that she had no nonsense about wich a patronage as magnificent as that of Lord Deher, rather deceived himself. cimus himself, " you should have dispatched a note to Arrived in a moldering reception-room, where the them, asking them to dine to-day. Some of our peofaded hangings, of a sad sea-greenhad worn and ple could have —ha-fetched them, and taken them withered until they looked as if they might have home. We could have spared a-hum-gondola for claimed kindred with the waifs of sea-weed drifting that purpose. I am sorry to have forgotten this. under the windows, or clinging to the walls and Pray remind me of them to-morrow." weeping for their imprisoned relations, Miss Fanny Little Dorrit was not without doubts how Mr. dispatched emissaries for her father and brother. Henry Gowan might take their patronage; but, she Pending whose appearance, she showed to great ad- promised not to fail in the reminder. vantage on a sofa, completing Mr. Sparkler's conquest " Pray, does Mr. Henry Gowan paint-ha-Porwith some remarks upon Dante-known to that gen- traits'?" inquired Mr. Dorrit. tleman as an eccentric man in the nature of an Old Mr. Sparkler opined that he painted any thing if File, who used to put leaves round his head, and sit he could get the job. upon a stool for some unaccountable purpose, outside "He has no particular walk?" said Mr. Dorrit. the cathedral at Florence. Mr. Sparkler, stimulated by Love to brilliancy, reMr. Dorrit welcomed the visitor with the highest plied that for a particular walk, a man ought to have urbanity, and most courtly manners. He inquired a particular pair of shoes: as, for example, shooting, particularly after Mrs. Merdle. He inquired partic- shooting-shoes; cricket, cricket-shoes. Whereas, he ularly after Mr. Merdle. Mr. Sparkler said, or rath- believed that Henry Gowan had no particular pair er twitched out of himself in small pieces by the of shoes. shirt-collar, that Mrs. Merdle, having completely used " No speciality?'" said Mr. Dorrit. up her place in the country, and also her house at This being a very long word for Mr. Sparkler, and Brighton, and being, of course, unable, don't you see, his mind being exhausted by his late effort, he reto remain in London when there wasn't a soul there, plied, "No, thank you. I seldom take it." and not feeling herself this year quite up to visiting " Well!" said Mr. Dorrit, "it would be very agreeabout at people's places, had resolved to have a touch able to me, to present a gentleman so connected, with at Rome, where a woman like herself, with a prover- some-ha-Testimonial of my desire to further his bially fine appearance and with no nonsense about interests, and develop the-hum-germs of his genher, couldn't fail to be a great acquisition. As to ius. I think I must engage Mr. Gowan to paint my Mr. Merdle, he was so much wanted by the men in picture. If the result should be —ha-mutually satthe City and the rest of those places, and was such a isfactory, I might afterward engage him to try his doosed extraordinary phenomenon in Buying and hand upon my family." Banking and that, that Mr. Sparkler doubted if the The exquisitely bold and original thought premonetary system of the country would be able to sented itself to Mr. Sparkler, that there was an openspare him: though that his work was occasionally ing here for saying there were some of the family one too many for him, and that he would be all the (emphasizing " some " in a marked manner) to whom better for a temporary shy at an entirely new scene no painter could render justice. But, for want of a and climate, Mr. Sparkler did not conceal. As to form of words in which to express the idea, it rehimself, Mr. Sparkler conveyed to the Dorrit family turned to the skies. that he was going on rather particular business, This was the more to be regretted as Miss Fanny wherever they were going. greatly applauded the notion of the portrait; and This immense conversational achievement requir- urged her papa to act upon it. She surmised, she ed time, but was effected. Being effected, Mr. Dorrit said, that Mr. Gowan had lost better and higher opexpressed his hope that Mr. Sparkler would shortly portunies by marrying his pretty wife; and Love in dine with them. Mr. Sparkler received the idea so a cottage, painting pictures for dinner, was so dekindly, that Mr. Dorrit asked what he was going to lightfully interesting, that she begged her papa to do that day, for instance? As he was going to do give him the commission, whether he could paint a nothing that day (his usual occupation, and one for likeness or not; though indeed both she and Amy which he was particularly qualified), he was secured knew he could, from having seen a speaking likeness without postponement; being further bound over to on his easel that day, and having had the opportuniaccompany the ladies to the Opera in the evening. ty of comparing it with the original. These remarks At dinner-time Mr. Sparkler rose out of the sea, made Mr. Sparkler (as perhaps they were intended like Venus's son taking after his mother, and made to do) nearly distracted; for while on the one hand a splendid appearance ascending the great staircase. they expressed Miss Fanny's susceptibility to the If Fanny had been charming in the morning, she was tender passion, she herself showed such an innocent 220 LITTLE DOJRIIT. unconsciousness of his admiration, that his eyes gog- but, on the brink of the quay they all came together. gled in his head with jealousy of an unknown rival. She started again to find Blandois close to her, handDescending into the sea again after dinner, and ing Fanny into the boat. ascending out of it at the Opera staircase, preceded "Gowan has had a loss," he said, "since he was by one of their gondoliers, like an attendant Mer- made happy to-day by a visit from fair ladies." man, with a great linen lantern, they entered their "A loss " repeated Fanny, relinquished by the bebox, and Mr. Sparkler entered on an evening of ago- reaved Sparkler, and taking her seat. ny. The theatre being dark, and the box light, sev " A loss," said Blandois. "His dog, Lion." eral visitors lounged in during the representation; Little Dorrit's hand was in his, as he spoke. in whom Fanny was so interested, and in conversa- " He is dead," said Blandois. tion with whom she fell into such charning atti- "Dead?"echoedLittleDorrit. "That nobledog'?"9 tudes, as she had little confidences with them, and "Faith, dear ladies!" said Blandois, smiling and little disputes concerning the identity of people in shrugging his shoulders, " somebody has poisoned cdistanllt boxes, that the wretched Sparkler hated all that noble dog' He is as dead as the Doges!" WIj ON THE BRINI OF THE QUAY THEY ALL AWME TOUElHEl. mankind. But he had two consolations at the close CHAPTER VII. of the performance. She gave him her fan to hold while she adjusted her cloak, and it was his bless- MOSTLY, PRUNES AND PRISM. ed privilege to give her his arm down stairs again. jRS.GENERAL, always on her coach-box keep These crumbs of encouragement, Mr. Sparkler 1Linlg the proprieties well together, took pains to thought, would just keep him going; and it is not form a surface on her very dear young friend, and impossible that Miss Dorrit thought so too. Mrs. Gelneral's very clear young friend tried hard to The Merman with his light was ready at the box receive it. Hard as she had tried in her laborious door, and other Mermen with other lights were ready life to attain many ends, she had never tried harder at many of the doors. The Dorrit Merman held his than she did now, to be varnished by Mrs. General. lantern low, to show the steps, and Mr. Sparkler pat It made her anxious and ill at ease to be operated on another heavy set of fetters over his former set, upon lby that smoothing hand, it is true; but she subas he watched her radiant feet twinkling down the mitted herself to the family want in its greatness as stairs beside him. Among the loiterers here, was she had submulitted herself to the family want in its Blandois of Paris. He spoke, and moved forward littleness, and yielded to her own inclinations in this beside Falnny. thing no more than she had yielded to her hunger Little Dorrit was in front, with her brother and itself, in the days when she had saved her dinner Mrs. General (Mr. Dorrit had remained at home); that her father might have his supper. MRS. GENERAL'S DESIGNS. 221 One comfort that she had under the Ordeal by "Because she freezes them into it?" interrupted General was more sustaining to her, and made her Fanny. "I don't mean that; quite different from more grateful, than to. a less devoted and affection- that. Come! Has it never struck youn, Amy, that ate spirit, not habituated to her struggles and sacri- Pa is monstrously polite to Mrs. General?" fices, might appear quite reasonable; and, indeed, it Amy, murmuring " No," looked quite confounded. may often be observed in life, that spirits like Little " No; I dare say not. But he is," said Fanny. " He Dorrit do not appear to reason half as carefully as is, Amy. And remember my words. Mrs. General the folks who get the better of them. The contin- has designs on Pa!" ued kindness of her sister was this comfort to Little "Dear Fanny, do you think it possible that Mrs. Dorrit. It was nothing to her that the kindness took Ceneral has designs on any one?" the form of tolerant patronage; she was used to that. "Do I think it possible?" retorted Fanny. " My It was nothing to her that it kept her in a tributary love, I know it. I tell you she has designs on Pa. position, and showed her in attendance on the flam. And more than that, I tell you, Pa considers her ing car in which Miss Fanny sat on an elevated seat, such a wonder, such a paragon of accomplishment, exacting homage; she sought no better place. Al- and such an acquisition to our family, that he is ways admiring Fanny's beauty, and grace, and read- ready to get himself into a state of perfect infatua-' iness, and not now asking herself how much of her tion with her at any moment. And that opens a disposition to be strongly attached to Fanny was pretty picture of things, I hope! Think of me with due to her own heart, and how much to Fanny's, Mrs. General for a mamma,!" she gave her all the sisterly fondness her great heart Little Dorrit did not reply, "Think of me with contained. Mrs. General for a mamma;" but she looked anxThe wholesale amount of PruLnes and Prism which ious, and seriously inquired what had led Fanny to Mrs. General infused into the family life, combined these conclusions. with the perpetual plunges made by Fanny into so- "Lord, my darling," said Fanny, tartly. "You ciety, left but a very small residue of any natural de- might as well ask me how I know when a man is posit at the bottom of the mixture. This rendered struck with myself! But, of course, I do know. confidences with Fanny doubly precious to Little Dor- It happens pretty often; but I always know it. I rit, and heightened the relief they afforded her. know this, in much the same way, I suppose. At all " Amy," said Fanny to her, one night when they events, I know it." were alone, after a day so tiring that Little Dorrit "You never heard Papa say any thing?" was quite worn out, though Fanny would have taken "Say any thing?" repeated Fanny. " My dearest, another dip into society with the greatest pleasure darling child, what necessity has he had, yet awhile, in life, " am going to put something into your lit- to say any thing?" tie head. You won't guess what it is, I suspect." " And you have never heard Mrs. General say any "I don't think that's likely, dear," said Little thing?" Dorrit. "My goodness me, Amy," returned Fanny, "is she "Come, I'll give you a clue, child," said Fanny. the sort of woman to say any thing? Isn't it per"Mrs. General." feetly plain and clear that she has nothing to do, at Prunes and Prism, in a thousand combinations, present, but to hold herself upright, keep her aggrahaving been wearily in the ascendant all day-every vating gloves on, and go sweeping about? Say any thing having been surface and varnish, and show thing! If she had the ace of trumps in her hand, at without substance-Little Dorrit looked as if she whist) she wouldn't say any thing, child. It would had hoped that Mrs. General was safely tucked up come out when she played it." in bed for some hours. "At least, you may be mistaken, Fanny. Now "Nolv, can you guess, Amy?" said Fanny. may you not.?" " No, dear. Unless I have done any thing," said "Oh yes, I may be," said Fanny, "but I am not. Little Dorrit, rather alarmed, and memning any thing However, I am glad you can contemplate such an escalculated to crack varnish and ruffle surface. cape, my dear, and I am glad that you can take this Fanny was so very much amused by the misgiv. for the present with sufficient coolness to think of ing, that she took up her favorite fan (being then such a chance. It makes me hope that you may be seated at her dressing-table with her armory of cru- able to bear the connection. I should not be able to el instruments about her, most of them reeking from bear it, and I should not try. I'd marry young Sparkthe heart of Sparkler), and tapped her sister frequent- ler first." ly on the nose with it, laughing all the time. " Oh, you would never marry him, Fanny, under "Oh, our Amy, our Amy!" said Fanny. "What any circumstances." a timid little goose our Amy is! But this is noth- "Upon my word, my dear," rejoined that young ing to laugh at. Ok the contrary, I am very cross, lady, with exceeding indifference, " I wouldn't posmy dear." itively answver even for that. There's no knowing "As it is not with me, Fanny, I don't mind," re- what might happen. Especially as I should have turned her sister, smiling. many opportunities, afterward, of treating that wom"Ah! But I do mind," said Fanny, "and so will an, his mother, in her own style. Which I most you, Pet, when I enlighten you. Amy, has it never decidedly should not be slow to avail myself of, struck you that somebody is monstrously polite to Amy." Mrs. General?" No more passed between the sisters then; but "Every body is polite to Mrs. General," said Little what had passed gave the two subjects of Mrs. GenDorrit. "Because —" eral and Mr. Sparkler great prominence in Little 222 LITTLE DORRIT. Dorrit's mind, and thenceforth she thought very neither, except that I thought I was serving my much of both, friend." Mrs. General, having long ago formed her own sur- "By putting an upstart's hire in his Irocket?" face to such perfection, that it hid whatever was be- said Gowan, frowning. "Do you mean that? Tell low it (if any thing), no observation was to be made your other friend to get his head painted for the in that quarter. Mr. Dorrit was undeniably very po- sign of some public-house, and to get it done by a lite to her, and had a high opinion of her; but, Fan- sign-painter. Who am I, and who is he?" ny, impetuous at most times, might easily be wrong " Professore," returned the ambassador, "and who for all that. Whereas, the Sparkler question was on is Blandois?" the different footing that any one could see what was Without appearing at all interested in the latter going on there, and Little Dorrit saw it, and pondered question, Gowan angrily whistled Mr. Dorrit away. on it, with many doubts and wonderings. But, next day, he resumed the subject by saying The devotion of Mr. Sparkler was only to be in his off-hand manner, and with a slighting laugh, equaled by the caprice and cruelty of his enslaver. "Well, Blandois, when shall we go to this Maecenas Sometimes she would prefer him to such distinction ofyours? We journeymen must take jobs when we of notice, that he would chuckle aloud with joy; can get them. When shall we go and look after next day, or next hour, she would overlook him so this job?" completely, and drop him into such an abyss of ob- "When you will," said the injured Blandois, "as scurity, that he would groan under a weak pretense you please. What have I to do with it? What is of coughing. The constancy of his attendance never it to me?" touched Fanny: though he was so inseparable from "I can tell you what it is to me," said Gowan. Edward, that when that gentleman wished for a "Bread and cheese. One must eat! So come along, change of society he was under the irksome neces- my Blandois." sity of gliding out like a conspirator, in disguised Mr. Dorrit received them in the presence of his boats and by secret doors and back ways; though daughters and of Mr. Sparkler, who happened, by he was so solicitous to know how Mr. Dorrit was, some surprising accident, to be calling there. "How that he called every other day to inquire, as if Mr. are you, Sparkler?" said Gowan, carelessly. "When Dorrit were the prey of an intermittent fever; though you have to live by your mother-wit, old boy, I hope he was so constantly being paddled up and down be- you may get on better than I do." fore the principal windows, that he might have been Mr. Dorrit then mentioned his proposal. "Sir," supposed to have made a wager for a large stake to said Gowan, laughing, after receiving it gracefully be paddled a thousand miles in a thousand hours; enough, " I am new to the trade, and not expert at though whenever the gondola of his mistress left its mysteries. I believe I ought to look at you in the gate the gondola of Mr. Sparkler shot out from various lights, tell you you are a capital subject, and some watery ambush and gave chase, as if she were consider when I shall be sufficiently disengaged to a fair smuggler and he a custom-house officer. It devote myself with the necessary enthusiasm to the was probably owing to this fortification of the nat- fine picture I mean to make of you. I assure you,".ural strength of his constitution with so much ex- and he laughed again, "I feel quite a traitor in the posure to the air, and the salt sea, that Mr. Sparkler camp of those dear, gifted, good, noble fello xs, my did not pine outwardly; but, whatever the cause, brother artists, by not doing the hocus-pocus better. he was so far from having any prospect of moving But I have not been brought up to it, and it's too his mistress by a languishing state of health, that late to learn it. Now, the fact is, I am a very bad he grew bluffer every day, and that peculiarity in painter, but not much worse than the generality. his appearance of seeming rather a swelled boy than If you are going to throw away a hundred guineas a young man became developed to an extraordinary or so, I am as poor as a poor relation of great peojple degree of ruddy puffiness. usually is, and I shall be very much obliged to you, Blandois calling to pay his respects, Mr. Dorrit if you'll throw them away upon me. I'11 do the received him with affability as the friend of Mr. best I can for the money; and if the best should be Gowan, and mentioned to him his idea of commis- bad, why even then, you may probably have a bad sioning Mr. Gowan to transmit him to posterity. picture with a small name to it, instead of a bad Blandois highly extolling it, it occurred to Mr. Dor- picture with a large name to it." rit that it might be agreeable to Blandois to com- This tone, though not what he had expected, on municate to his friend the great opportunity reserved the whole suited Mr. Dorrit remarkably well. It for him. Blandois accepted the commission with showed that the gentleman, highly connected, and his own free elegance of manner, and swore he would not a mere workman, would be under an obligation discharge it before he was an hour older. On his to him. He expressed his satisfaction in placing imparting the news to Gowan, that master gave Mr. himself in Mr. Gowan's hands) and trusted that he Dorrit to the Devil with great liberality some round would have the pleasure, in their characters as dozen of times (for he resented patronage almost as private gentlemen, of improving his acquaintance. much as he resented the want of it), and was in "You are very good," said Gowan. "I have not dined to quarrel with his friend for bringing him forsworn society since I joined the brotherhood of the message. the brush (the most delightful fellows on the face of "It may be a defect in my mental vision, Blan- the earth), and am glad enough to smell the old fine dois," said he, " but may I die if I see what you have gunpowder now and then, though it did blow me to do with this." into mid-air and my present calling. You'll not "Death of my life," replied Blandois, "nor I think, Mr. Dorrit, and here he laughed again, in thQ THE DOG-KILLER. 223 easiest way, "that I am lapsing into the freemason- in it, which they both knew to be different from ry of the craft-for it's not so; upon my life I can't his bearing toward others. The difference was too help betraying it wherever I go, though, by Jupiter, minute in its expression to be perceived by others, I love and honor the craft with all my might-if I but they knew it to be there. A mere trick of his propose a stipulation as to time and place?" evil eyes, a mere turn of his smooth white hand, a Ha! Mr. Dorrit could erect no-hum-suspicion mere hair-breadth of addition to the fall of his nose of that kind, on Mr. Gowan's frankness. and the rise of the mustache in the most frequent "Again, you are very good," said Gowan. "Mr. movement of his face, conveyed to both of them Dorrit, I hear you are going to Rome. I am going equally a swagger personal to themselves. It was to Rome, having friends there. Let me begin to do as if he had said, "I have a secret power in this you the injustice I have conspired to do you, there quarter. I know what I know." -not here. We shall all be hurried during the rest This had never been felt by them both in so great of our stay here; and though there's not a poorer a degree, and never by each so perfectly to the man with whole elbows, in Venice, than myself, I knowledge of the other, as on a day when he came have not quite got all the Amateur out of me yet- to Mr. Dorrit's to take his leave before quitting compromising the trade again, you see!-and can't Venice. Mrs. Gowan was herself there for the same fall on to order, in a hurry, for the mere sake of the purpose, and he came upon the two together; the sixpences." rest of the family being out. The two had not been These remarks were not less favorably received together five minutes, and the peculiar manner seemby Mr. Dorrit than their predecessors. They were ed to convey to them, "You were going to talk the prelude to the first reception of Mr. and Mrs. about me. Hah! Behold me here to prevent it!" Gowan at dinner, and they skillfully placed Gowan "Gowan is coming here?" said Blandois, with his on his usual ground in the new family. smile. His wife, too, they placed on her usual ground. Mrs. Gowan replied he was not coming. Miss Fanny understood, with particular distinctness, "Not coming!" said Blandois. "Permit your dethat Mrs. Gowan's good looks had cost her husband voted servant, when you leave here, to escort you very dear; that there had been a great disturbance home." about her in the Barnacle family; and that the " Thank you; I am not going home." Dowager Mrs. Gowan, nearly heart-broken, had reso- "Not going home!" said Blandois. " Then I am lutely set her face against the marriage until over- forlorn." powered by her maternal feelings. Mrs. General That he might be; but he was not so forlorn as likewise clearly understood that the attachment had to roam away and leave them together. He sat enoccasioned much family grief and dissension. Of tertaining them with his finest compliments, and his honest Mr. Meagles no mention was made; except choicest conversation; but, he conveyed to them, all that it was natural enough that a person of that sort the time, " No, no, no, dear ladies. Behold me here should wish to raise his daughter out of his own ob- expressly to prevent it!" scurity, and that no one could blame him for trying He conveyed it to them with so much meaning, his best to do so. and he had such a diabolical persistency in him, that Little Dorrit's interest in the fair subject of this at length Mrs. Gowan rose to depart. On his offering easily accepted belief was too earnest and watchful his hand to Mrs. Gowan to lead her down the stairto fail in accurate observation. She could see that case, she retained Little Dorrit's hand in hers, with it had its part in throwing upon Mrs. Gowan the a cautions pressure, and said, "No, thank you. But touch of shadow under which she lived, and she if you will please to see if my boatman is there, I even had an instinctive knowledge that there was shall be obliged to you." not the least- truth in it. But, it had an influence It left him no choice but to go down before them. in placing obstacles in the way of her association As he did so, hat in hand, Mrs. Gowan whispered, with Mrs. Gowan, by making the Prunes and Prism "He killed the dog." school excessively polite to her, but not very inti- "Does Mr. Gowan know it?" Little Dorrit whismate with her; and Little Dorrit, as an enforced pered. sizar of that college, was obliged to submit herself " No one knows it. Don't look toward me; look humbly to its ordinances. toward him. He will turn his face in a moment. Nevertheless, there was a sympathetic understand- No one knows it, but I am sure he did. You are?" ing already established between the two, which "I-I think so," Little Dorrit answered. would have carried them over greater difficulties, "Henry likes him, and will not think ill of him; and made a friendship out of a more restricted in- he is so generous and open himself. But you and I tercourse. As though accidents were determined to feel sure that we think of him as he deserves. He be favorable to it, they had a new assurance of con- argued with Henry that the dog had been already geniality in the aversion which each perceived that poisoned when he changed so, and sprung at him. the other felt toward Blandois of Paris; an aversion Henry believes it, but we do not. I see he is listenamounting to the repugnance and horror of a natural ing, but can't hear. Good-bye, my love! Goodantipathy toward an odious creature of the reptile bye!" kind. The last words were spoken aloud, as the vigilant And there was a passive congeniality between Blandois stopped, turned his head, and looked at them, besides this active one. To both of them, them from the bottom of the staircase. Assuredly Blandois behaved in exactly the same manner; and he did look then, though he looked his politest, as if to both of them his manner had uniformly something any real philanthropist could have desired no better 224 LITTLE DORRIT. employment than to lash a great stone to his neck, churches and picture - galleries, much in the old, and drop him into the water flowing beyond the dreary, prison-yard manner. They were usually godark arched gate-way in which he stood. No such ing away again to-morrow or next week, and rarely benefactor to mankind being on the spot, he handed knew their own minds, and seldom did what they Mrs. Gowan to her boat, and stood there until it had said they would do, or went where they said they shot out of the narrow view; when he handed him- would go: in all this again, very like the prison self into his own boat and followed. debtors. They paid high for poor accommodation, Little Dorrit had sometimes thought, and now and disparaged a place while they pretended to like thought again as she retraced her steps up the stair- it: which was exactly the Marshalsea custom. They case, that he had made his way too easily into her were envied when they went away, by people left befather's house. But, so many and such varieties hind feigning not to want to go: and that again was of people did the same, through Mr. Dorrit's partici- the Marshalsea habit invariably. A certain set of pation in his elder daughter's society mania, that words and phrases, as much belonging to tourists as THE VIGILANT BLANDOIS STOPPED, TURNED HIS HEAD, AND LOOKED AT THEM 1'1ROM THE BOTTOM OF TIlE STAIIOASE. it was hardly an exceptional case. A perfect fury the College and the Snuggery belonged to the jail, for making acquaintances on whom to impress their was always in their mouths. They had precisely riches and importance, had.seized the House of the same incapacity for settling down to any thing, Dorrit. as the prisoners used to have; they rather deterioIt appeared on the whole, to Little Dorrit herself, rated one another, as the prisoners used to do; and that this same society in which they lived, greatly they wore untidy dresses, and fell into a slouching resembled a superior sort of Marshalsea. Numbers way of life: still, always like the people in the Marof people seemed to come abroad, pretty much as shalsea. people had come into the prison; through debt, The period of the family's stay at Venice came, in through idleness, relationship, curiosity, and general its course, to an end, and they moved, with their retunfitness for getting on at home. They were brought inue, to Rome. Through a repetition of the former into these foreign towns in the custody of couriers Italian scenes, growing more dirty and more hagand local followers, just as the debtors had been gard as they went on, and bringing them at length brought into the prison. They prowled about the to where the very air was diseased, they passed to PARTNERSHIP OBLIGATIONS. 225 their destination. A fine residence had been taken gaging manner. "Mr. Merdle." observed Fanny, as for them on the Corso, and there they took up their a means of dismissing Mr. Sparkler into the backabode, in a city where every thing seemed to be try- ground, " is quite a theme of Papa's,:you must know, ing to stand still forever on the ruins of something Mrs. Merdle." else-except the water, which, following the eternal "I have been —ha-disappointed, madam," said laws, tumbled and rolled from its glorious multitude Mr. Dorrit, "to understand from Mr. Sparkler that of fountains. there is no great-hum-probability of Mr. Merdle's Here, it seemed to Little Dorrit that a change. coming abroad." came over the Marshalsea spirit of their society, and " Why, indeed," said Mrs. Merdle, " he is so much that Prunes and Prism got the upper hand. Every engaged, and in such request, that I fear not. He body was walking about St. Peter's and the Vatican has not been able to get abroad for years. You, on somebody else's cork legs, and straining every Miss Dorrit, I believe, have been almost continually visible object through somebody else's sieve. No- abroad for a long time." ~ body said what any thing was, but every body said "Oh dear, yes," drawled Fanny, with the greatest what the Mrs. Generals, Mr. Eustace, or somebody else hardihood. - "An immense number of years." said it was. The whole body of travelers seemed to "So I should have inferred,'" said Mrs.. Merdle. be a collection of voluntary human sacrifices, bound "Exactly," said Fanny. hand. and foot, and delivered over to Mr. Eustace "I trust, however," resumed Mr.- Dorrit, "that if I and his attendants, to have the entrails of their in- have not the- hum-great advantage of becoming tellects arranged according to the taste of that sa- known to Mr. Merdle on this side.of the Alps or cred priesthood. Through the rugged remains of Mediterranean, I shall have that honor on returning: temples and tombs and palaces and senate-halls and to England.' It; is an honor I partioularly desire theatres and amphitheatres of ancient days, hosts of and shall particularly esteem." tongue-tied and blindfolded moderns were carefully "Mr. Merdle," said Mrs. Merdle, who had been feeling their way, incessantly repeating Prunes and looking admiringly at Fanny through.her eyeglass, Prism, in the endeavor to se their lips according to " will esteem iti I am sure, no less." the received forms. Mrs. General was in her pure Little: Dorrit, still habitually thoughtful and soilelement. Nobody had an opinion. There was a tary, though no longer alone,.at first supposed this formation of surface going on around her on an to be mere Prunes and Prism. But, as her father, amazing scale, and it had not a flaw of courage or when they had been to.a brilliant reception at Mrs. honest free speech in it. Merdle's, harped, at their own family breakfast-taAnother modification of Prunes and Prism insinu- ble, on his wish to.know Mr, Merdle, with the conated -itself on Little Dorrit's notice, very shortly af- tingent view of benefiting by the advice of that ter their arrival. They received an early visit from wonderful man in the disposal of his fortune,. she Mrs. Merdle, who led that extensive department of began to think it had a real meaning, and to enterlife in the.Eternal City that winter; and the skill- tain a curiosity on her own part, to) see the shining ful manner in which she and Fanny fenced with one light of the time. another on the occasion, almost made her quiet sis-. ter wink, like the glittering of small-swords. "So delighted," said Mrs. Merdle, "to resume an CHAPTER VIII. acquaintance so inauspiciously begun at Martigny." "At Martigny, of course," said Fanny. " Charmed, THE.OWAGR MRS. GOWN. IS REMINED THAT IT I am sure!" NEVER DOES. " I understand," said Mrs. Merdle, "from my son -THILE the waters of Venicee and the ruins of Edmund Sparkler, that he has already improved that V V Rome were sunning themselves for the pleaschance-occasion. He has returned quite transported ure of the Dorrit family, and were daily being with Venice." sketched out of all earthly proportion, lineament, "'Indeed?" returned the careless Fanny. "Was and likeness, by traveling: pencils innumerable, the he there long?" firm of Doyce and Clennam hammered away in "I might refer that question to Mr. Dorrit," said Bleeding Heart Yard, and the vigorous clink of Mrs. Merdle, turning the bosom toward that gentle- iron upon iron was heard there through the workman; "Edmund having been so much indebted to ing hours. him for rendering his stay agreeable." The younger partner had, by this time, brought "Oh, pray don't speak of it," returned Fanny. " I the business into sound trim; and the elder, left believe Papa had the pleasure of inviting Mrl Spark- free to follow his own ingenious' devices, had done ~ler twice or thrice-but it was nothing. We had much to enhance the character of the factory. As so many people about us, and kept such open house, an ingenious man, he had necessarily to encounter that if he had that pleasure, it was less' than noth- every discouragement that the ruling powers for a ing." length of time had been able by any means to put "Except, my dear," said Mr. Dorrit, "except-ha in the way of this class of culprits;. but that was -as it afforded me unusual gratification to-hum- only reasonable self-defense in the powers, since show by any means, however slight and worthless, How to do it must obviously'be regarded as the the-ha, hum-high estimation in which, in-ha- natural and mortal enemy.of How not to do it. In common with the rest of the world, I hold so dis- this was to be found the basis of the wise system, tinglished and princely a character: as Mr. Merdle's." by tooth and nail upheld by the Circumlocution OfThe bosom received this tribute in its most en- flee,, of warning, every ingenious British subject to 15 226 LITTLE DORRIT. be ingenious at his peril: of harassing him, obstruct- simple, that it was not easy to mistake him. Thei-e ing him, inviting robbers (by making his remedy was something almost ludicrous in the complete iruncertain, difficult, and expensive) to plunder him, reconcilability of a vague conventional notion that and at the best of confiscating his property after a he must be a visionary man, with the precise, sagashort term of enjoyment, as though invention were cious traveling of his eye and thumb over the plans, on a par with felony. The system had uniformly their patient stoppages at particular points, their found great favor with the Barnacles, and that was careful returns to other points whence little chanonly reasonable, too; for one who worthily invents nels of explanation had to be traced up, and his must be in earnest, and the Barnacles abhorred and steady manner of making every thing good and dreaded nothing half so much. That again was every thing sound, at each important stage, before very reasonable; since in a country suffering under taking his hearer on a line's breadth farther. His the affliction of a great amount of earnestness, there dismissal of himself from his description, was hardmight, in an exceeding short space of time, be not a ly less remarkable. He never said, I discovered this single Barnacle left sticking to a post. adaptation or invented that combination; but showDaniel Doyce faced his condition with its pains ed the whole thing as if the Divine Artificer had and penalties attached to it, and soberly worked on made it, and he had happened to find it. So modfor the work's sake. Clennam, cheering him with a est he was about it, such a pleasant touch of respect hearty co-operation, was a moral support to him, be- was mingled with his quiet admiration of it, and so sides doing good service in his business relation. calmly convinced he was that it was established on The concern prospered, and the partners were fast irrefragable laws. friends. Not only that evening, but for several succeeding But Daniel could not forget the old design of so evenings, Clennam was quite charmed by this invesmany years. It was not in reason to be expected tigation. The more he pursued it, and the oftener that he should; if he could have lightly; forgotten he glanced at the gray head bending over it, and it, he could-never have conceived it, or had the pa- the shrewd eye kindling with pleasure in it and tience and perseverance to work it -out. So Clen- love of it-instrument for probing his heart though nam thought, when he sometimes observed him of it had been made for twelve long years-the less he an evening looking over the models and drawings, could reconcile it to his younger energy to let it go and consoling himself by muttering with a sigh as without one effort more. At length he said, he put them away again, that the thing was as true " Doyce, it came to this at last-that the business as it ever was. was to be sunk with Heaven knows how many more To show no sympathy with so much endeavor, wrecks, or begun all over again?" and so much disappointment, would have been to "Yes," returned Doyce, "that's what the noblefail in what Clennam regarded as among the im- men and gentlemen made of it after a dozen years." plied obligations of his partnership. A revival of, "And pretty fellows, too!" said Clennam, bitterly. the passing interest in the subject which had been "The usual thing!" observed Doyce. "I must by chance awakened at the door of the Cirlcumlocu- not make a martyr of myself, when I am one of so tion Office, originated in this feeling. He asked his large a company." partner to explain the invention to him; " having a "Relinquish it, or begin it all over again?" mused lenient consideration," he stipulated, "for my being Clennam. no workman, Doyce." "That was exactly the long and the short of it," "No workman?" said Doyce. "You would have said Doyce. been a thorough workman if you had given your- "Then, my friend," cried Clennam, starting up, self to it. You have as good a head for understand- and taking his work- oughened hand, "it shall be ing such things as I have met with." begun all over again!" "A totally uneducated one, I am sorry to add," Doyce looked alarmed, and replied, in a hurrysaid Clennam. for him, "No, no. Better put it by. Far better put "I don't know that," returned Doyce, "and I it by. It willbe heard ofone day. I can put it by. wouldn't have you say that. No man of sense who You forget, my good Clennam: I have put it by. It's has been generally improved, and has improved him- all at an end." self, can be called quite uneducated as to any thing. "Yes, Doyce," returned Clennam, " at an end as I don't particularly favor mysteries. I would as far as your efforts and rebuffs are concerned, I adsoon, on a fair and clear explanation, be judged by mit, but not as far as mine are. I am younger than one class of man as another, provided he had the you: I have only once set foot in that precious ofqualification I have named." fie, and I am fresh game for them. Come! I'll try "At all events," said Clennam-" this sounds as them. You shall do exactly as you have been doif we were exchanging compliments, but we know ing since we have been together. I will add (as I we are not-I shall have the advantage of as plain easily can) to what I have been doing, the attempt an explanation as can be given." to get public justice done to you; and, unless I -" Well!" said Daniel, in his steady, even way, " I'll have some success to report, you shall hear no more try to make it so." of it." He had the power, often to be found in union with Daniel Doyce was still reluctant to consent, and such a character, of explaining what he himself per- again and again urged that they had better put it ceived and meant, with the direct force and distinct- by. But it was natural that he should gradually ness with which it struck his own mind, His man- allow himself to be overpersuaded by Clennam, and nher of demonstration was so orderly and neat and should yield. Yield he did. So Arthur resumed ARTHUR CLENNAM'S MEDITAT IONS. 227 the long.and hopeless labor of striving to make way he had this additional task-such a task had many with the Circumlocution Office. and many a serviceable man died of before his day The waiting-rooms of that Department soon be- -Arthur Clennam led a life of slight variety. Reggan to be familiar with his presence, and he was ular visits to his mother's dull sick-room, and visits generally ushered into them by its janitors much as scarcely less regular to Mr. Meagles at Twickenham, a pickpocket might be shown into a police-office; were its only changes during many months. the principal difference being that the object of the He sadly and sorely missed Little Dorrit. He had latter class of public business is to keep the pick- been prepared to miss her very much, but not so pocket, while the Circumlocution object was to get much. He knew to the full extent only through exrid of Clennam. However, he was resolved to stick perience, what a large place in his life was left blank to the Great Department; and so the work of form- when her familiar little figure went out of it. He filling, corresponding, minuting, memorandum-mak- felt, too, that he must relinquish the hope of its reing, signing, countersigning, counter-countersigning turn, understanding the family character sufficiently backward and forward, and referring sideways, cross- well to be assured that he and she were divided by wise, and zigzag, recommenced. a broad ground of separation. The old interest he Here arises a feature of the Circumlocution Office, had had in her, and her old trusting reliance on him, not previously mentioned in the present record. were tinged with melancholy in his mind: so soon When that admirable Department got into trouble, had change stolen over them, and so soon had they and was, by some infuriated member of Parliament, glided into the past with other secret tendernesses. whom the smaller Barnacles almost suspected of la- When he received her letter he was greatly moved, boring under diabolic possession, attacked, on the but did not the less sensibly feel that she was far merits of no individual case, but as an Institution divided from him by more than distance. It helped wholly abominable and Bedlamite; then the noble him to a clearer and keener perception of the place or right honorable Barnacle who represented it in assigned him by the family. He saw that he was the House, would smite that member and cleave cherished in her grateful remembrance secretly, and him asunder, with a statement of the quantity of that they resented him with the jail and the rest of business (for the prevention of business) done by its belongings. the Circumlocution Office. Then would that noble Through all these meditations which every day or right honorable Barnacle hold in his hand a pa- of his life crowded about her, he thought of her othper containing a few figures, to which, with the per- erwise in the old way. She was his innocent friend, mission of the House, he would entreat its attention. his delicate child, his dear Little Dorrit. This very Then would the inferior Barnacles exclaim, obey- change of circumstances fitted curiously in with the ing orders, " Hear, hear, hear!" and "Read!" Then habit, begun on the night when the roses floated would the noble or right honorable Barnacle per- away, of considering himself as a much older man ceive, sir, from this little document, which he than his years really made him. He regarded her thought might carry conviction even to the per- from a point of view which in its remoteness, tender versest mind (Derisive laughter and cheering from as it was, he little thought would have been unthe Barnacle fry) that within the short compass of speakable agony to her. He speculated about her the last financial half-year, this much-maligned De- future destiny, and about the husband she might partment (Cheers) had written and received fifteen have, with an affection for her which would have thousand letters (Loud cheers), twenty-four thou- drained her heart of its dearest drop of hope, and sand minutes (Louder cheers), and thirty-two thou- broken it. sand five hundred and seventeen memoranda (Ve- Every thing about him tended to confirm him in hement cheering). Nay, an ingenious gentleman the custom of looking on himself as an elderly man, connected with the Department, and himself a val- from whom such aspirations as he had combated in nable public servant, had' done him the favor to the case of Minnie Gowan (though that was not so make a curious calculation of the amount of sta- long ago either, reckoning by months and seasons), tionery consumed in it during the same period. It were finally departed. His relations with her father formed a part of this same short document; and he and mother were like those on which a widower sonderived from it the remarkable fact, that the sheets in-law might have stood. If the twin sister, who of foolscap paper it had devoted to the public serv- was dead, had lived to pass away in the bloom of ice would pave the footways on both sides of Oxford womanhood, and he had been her husband, the naStreet from end to end, and leave nearly a quarter ture of his intercourse with Mr. and Mrs. Meagles of a mile to spare for the park (Immense cheering would probably have been just what it was. This and laughter); while of tape-red tape-it had imperceptibly helped to render habitual the impresused enough to stretch, in graceful festoons, from sion within him, that he had done with, and dis-. Hyde Park Corner to the General Post - Office. missed, that part of life. Then, amidst a burst of official exultation, would He invariably heard of Minnie from them, as tellthe noble or right honorable Barnacle sit down, ing them in her letters how happy she was, and how leaving the mutilated fragments of the Member on she loved her husband; but inseparable from that the field. No one, after that exemplary demolition subject, he invariably saw the old cloud on Mr. of him, would have the hardihood to hint that the Meagles's face. Mr. Meagles had never been quite more the Circumlocution Office did, the less was so radiant since the marriage as before. He had done, and that the greatest blessing it could confer never quite recovered the separation from Pet. He on an unhappy public would be to do nothing. was the same good-humored, open creature; but as With sufficient occupation on his hands, now that if his face, from being much turned toward the pie 228 LITTLE DORRIT. tures of his two children which could show him only little heightened in color, " who does expect every one look, unconsciously adopted a characteristic from thing?" them, it always had now, through all its changes of " Oh, nobody, nobody!" said Mrs. Gowan. " I was expression, a look of loss in it. going to say-but you put me out. You interruptOne wintry Saturday when Clennam was at the ing Papa, what was I going to say?" cottage, the Dowager Mrs. Gowan drove up, in the Dropping her large green fan, she looked musingHampton Court equipage which pretended to be the ly at Mr. Meagles while she thought about it; a perexclusive equipage of so many individual proprie- formance not tending to the cooling of that gentletors. She descended, in her shady ambuscade of man's rather heated spirits. green fan, to favor Mr. and Mrs. Meagles with a call. " Ah! Yes, to be sure!" said Mrs. Gowan. "Yon "And how do you both do, Papa and Mamma must remember that my poor fellow has always been Meagles?" said she, encouraging her humble con- accustomed to expectations. They may have been nections. "And when did you last hear from or realized, or they may not have been realized-" about my poor fellow?" " Let us say, then, may not have been realized," My poor fellow was her son; and this mode of observed Mr. Meagles: speaking of him politely kept alive, without any of- The Dowager for a moment gave him an angry fense in the world, the pretense that he had fallen a look; but tossed it off with her head and her fan, and victim to the Meagles's wiles. pursued the tenor of her way in her former manner. "And the dear pretty one?" said Mrs. Gowan. "It makes no difference. My poor fellow has been "Have you later news of her than I have?" accustomed to that sort of thing, and of course you Which also delicately implied that her son had knew it, and were prepared for the consequences. I been captured by mere beauty, and under its fasci- myself always clearly foresaw the consequences, and nation had foregone all sorts of worldly advantages. am not surprised. And you must not be surprised. " I am sure," said Mrs. Gowan, without straining In fact, can't be surprised. Must have been prepared her attention on the answers she received, "it's an for it." unspeakable comfort to know they continue happy. Mr. Meagles looked at his wife, and at Clennam; My poor fellow is of such a restless disposition, and bit his lip; and coughed. has been so used to roving about, and to being in- "And now here's my poor fellow," Mrs. Gowan purconstant and popular among all manner of people, sued, " receiving notice that he is to hold himself in that it's the greatest comfort in life. I suppose expectation of a baby, and all the expenses attendthey're as poor as mice, Papa Meagles?" ant on such an addition to his family! Poor Henry! Mr. Meagles, fidgety under the question, replied, But it can't be helped now: it's too late to help it "I hope not, ma'am. I hope they will manage their now. Only don't talk of anticipating means, Papa little income." Meagles, as a discovery; because that would be too " Oh! my dearest Meagles!" returned that lady, much." tapping him on the armn with the green fan and then "Too much, ma'am?" said Mr. Meagles, as seeking adroitly interposing it between a yawn and the com- an explanation. pany, " how can you, as a man of the world and one "There, there!" said Mrs. Gowan, putting him in of the most'bsiness-like of human beings-for you his inferior place with an expressive action of her know you are business-like, and a great deal too hand. "Too much for my poor fellow's mother to much for us who are not —" bear at this time of day. They are fast married, and (Which went to the former purpose, by making Mr. can't be unmarried. There, there! I know that! Meagles ofit to be an artfill schemer.) You needn't tell me that, Papa Meagles. I know it " -How can you talk about their managing their very well. What was it I said just now? That it little means? My poor dear fellow! The idea of was a great comfort they continued happy. It is to his managing hundreds! And the sweet pretty be hoped they will still continue happy. It is to be creature too. The notion of her managing! Papa hoped Pretty One will do every thing she can to Meagles! Don't!" make my poor fellow happy, and keep him content"Well, ma'am," said Mr. Meagles, gravely, "I am ed. Papa and Mamma Meagles, we had better say sorry to admit, then, that Henry certainly does an- no more about it. We never did look at this subticipate his means." ject from the same side, and we never shall. There, "My dear good man-I use no ceremony with you, there! Now I am good." because we are a kind of relations; -positively, Truly, having by this time said every thing she Mamma Meagles," exclaimed Mrs. Gowan, cheerfully, could say in maintenance of her wonderfully mythas if the absurd coincidence then flashed upon her ical position, and in admonition to Mr. Meagles that for the first time, "a kind of relations! My dear he must not expect to bear his honors of alliance too good man, in this world none of us can have every cheaply, Mrs. Gowan was disposed to forego the rest. thing our own way." If Mr. Meagles had submitted to a glance of entreaty This again went to the former point, and showed from Mrs. Meagles, and an expressive gesture from Mr. Meagles with all good-breeding that, so far, he Clennam, he would have left her in the undisturbed had been brilliantly successful in his deep designs. enjoyment of this state of mind. But Pet was the Mrs. Gowan thought the hit so good a one, that she darling and pride of his heart; and if he could ever dwelt upon it; repeating "Not every thing. No, no; have championed her more devotedly, or loved her in this world we must not expect every thing, Papa better, than in the days when she was the sunlight Meagles." of his house, it would have been now, when, in its "And may I ask, ma'am," retorted Mr. Meagles, a daily grace and delight, she was lost to it. MRS. GO WAN'S.MATERNAL COMMISERAT1ON. 229 "Mrs. Gowan, ma'am," said Mr. Meagles, " I have " Why, good Lord, ma'am!" Mr. Meagles broke out, been a plain man all my life. If I was to try-nIo "that's as much as to state-" matter whether on myself, on somebody else, or both "Now, Papa Meagles, Papa Meagles," said Mrs. -any genteel mystifications, I should probably not Gowan, who became extremely deliberate and presucceed in them." possessing in manner whenever that gentleman be"Papa Meagles," returned the Dowager, with an came at all warm, " perhaps, to prevent confusion, I affable smile, but with the bloom on her cheeks stand- had better speak for myself than trouble your kindinug out a little more vividly than usual, as the neigh- ness to speak for me. It's as much as to state, you boring surface became paler, " probably not." begin. If you please, I will finish the sentence. It " Therefore, my good madam," said Mr. Meagles, is as much as to state-not that I wish to press it, at great pains to restrain himself, "I hope I may, or even recall it, for it is of no use now, and my only without offense, ask to have no such mystifications wish is to make the best of existing circumstancesplayed off upon me." that from the first to the last I always objected to "Mamma Meagles," observed Mrs. Gowan, "your this match of yours, and at a very late period yieldgood man is incomprehensible." ed a most unwilling consent to it." Her turning to that worthy lady was an artifice to " Mother!" cried Mr. Meagles. "Do you hear this? bring her into the discussion, quarrel with her, and Arthur! Do you hear this?" vanquish her. Mr. Meagles interposed to prevent " The room being of a convenient size," said Mrs. that consummation. Gowan, looking about as she fanned herself, " and "Mother," said he, "you are inexpert, my dear, quite charmingly adapted in all respects to converand it is not a fair match. Let me beg of you to re- sation, I should imagine that I am audible in any main quiet. Come, Mrs. Gowan, come! Let us try part of it." to be sensible; let us try to be good-natured; let us Some moments passed in silence, before Mr. Mentry to be fair. Don't you pity Henry, and I won't gles could hold himself in his chair with sufficient pity Pet. And don't be one-sided, my dear madam; security to prevent his breaking out of it at the next it's not considerate, it's not kind. Don't let us say word he spoke. At last he said: "Ma'am, I am very that we hope Pet will make Henry happy, or even unwilling to revive them, but I must remind you that we hope Henry will make Pet happy" (Mr. what my opinions and my course were, all along, on Meagles himself did not look happy as he spoke the that unfortunate subject." words), " but let us hope they will make each other " Oh, my dear sir!" said Mrs. Gowan, smiling andl happy." shaking her head with accusatory intelligence, "' they " Yes, sure, and there leave it, father," said Mrs. were well understood by me, I assure you." Meagles the kind-hearted and comfortable. "I never, ma'am," said Mr. Meagles, "knew un"Why, mother, no," returned Mr. Meagles, "not happiness before that time, I never knew anxiety exactly there. I can't quite leave it there; I must before that time. It was a time of such distress to say just half a dozen words more. Mrs. Gowan, I me, that-" That Mr. Meagles really could say no hope I am not oversensitive. I believe I don't look more about it, in short, but passed his handkerchief it." before his face. "Indeed you do not," said Mrs. Gowan, shaking "I understood the whole affair," said Mrs. Gowan, her head and the great green fan together, for em- composedlylooking over her fan. I'As you have apphasis. pealed to Mr. Clennam, I may appeal to Mr. Clennam, " Thank you, ma'am; that's well. Notwithstand- too. He knows whether I did or not." ing which, I feel a little-I don't want to use a strong "I am very unwilling," said Clennam, looked to word-now shall I say hurt?"' asked Mr. Meagles at by all parties, " to take any share in this discussion, once with frankness and moderation, and with a con- more especially because I wish to preserve the best ciliatory appeal in his tone. understanding and the clearest relations with Mr. " Say what you like," answered Mrs. Gowan. " It Henry Gowan. I have very strong reasons indeed is perfectly indifferent to me." for entertaining that wish. Mrs. Gowan attributed "No, no, don't say that," urged Mr. Meagles, " be- certain views of furthering the marriage to my friend cause that's not responding amiably. I feel a little here, in conversation with me before it took place; hurt, when I hear references made to consequences and I endeavored to undeceive her. I represented having been foreseen, and to its being too late now, that I knew him (as I did and do), to be strenuously and so forth." opposed to it, both in opinion and action." "_Do you, Papa Meagles?" said Mrs. Gowan. ".I "You see?" said Mrs. Gowan, turning the palms of am not surprised." her hands toward Mr. Meagles, as if she were Justice " Well, ma'am," reasoned Mr. Meagles, "I was in herself, representing to him that he had better conhopes you would have been at least surprised, be- fess, for he had not a leg to stand on. " You see? cause to hurt me willfully on so tender a subject is Very good! Now, Papa and Mamma Meagles both!" surely not generous." here she rose; " allow me to take the liberty of put"I am not responsible," said Mrs. Gowan, "for ting an end to this rather formidable controversy. your conscience, you know." I will not say another word upon its merits. I will Poor Mr. Meagles looked aghast with astonishment. only say that it is an additional proof of what one "If I am unluckily obliged to carry a cap about knows from all experience; that this kind of thing with me which is yours and fits you," pursued Mrs. never answers-as my poor fellow himself would say, Gowan, "don't blame ime for its pattern, Papa Mea- that it never pays-in one word, that it never does." gles, I beg!" Mr. Meagles asked, What kind of thing? 230: LITTLE DORRIT. " It is in vain," said Mrs. Gowan, "for people to face that he would support Mr. Meagles in his presattempt to get on together who have such extreme- ent inclinings. ly different antecedents; who are jumbled against "So we are very much disposed, are Mother and each other in this accidental, matrimonial sort of I," said Mr. Meagles, "to pack up bag and baggage way; and who can not look at the untoward circum- and go among the Allongers and Marshongers once stance which has shaken them together, in the same more. I mean, we are very much disposed to be off, light. It never does." strike right through France into Italy, and see our Mr. Meagles was beginning. "Permit me to say, Pet." ma'am —" "And I don't think," replied Arthur, touched by " No, don't!" returned Mrs. Gowan. "Why should the motherly anticipation in the bright face of Mrs. you? It is an ascertained fact. It never does. I Meagles (she must have been very like her daughter, will therefore, if you please, go my way, leaving you once), "that you could do better. And if you ask me to yours. I shall at all times be happy to receive for my advice, it is that you set off to-morrow." my poor fellow's pretty wife, and I shall always make "Is it really, though?" said Mr. Meagles. "Motha point of being on the most affectionate terms with er, this is being backed in an idea?" her. But as to these terms, semi-family and semi- Mother, with a look which thanked Clennam in a stranger, semi-goring and semi-boring, they form a manner very agreeable to him, answered that it was state of things quite amusing in its impracticability. indeed. I assure you it never does." "The fact is, besides, Arthur," said Mr. Meagles, The Dowager here made a smiling obeisance, rath- the old cloud coming over his face, "that my soner to the room than any one in it, and therewith took in-law is already in debt again, and that I suppose a final farewell ofkapa and Mamma Meagles. Clen- I must clear him again. It may be as well, even nam stepped forward to hand her to the Pill-Box, on this account, that I should step over there, and which was at the service of all the Pills in Hamp- look him up in a friendly way..Then again, here's ton Court Palace; and she got into that vehicle with Mother foolishly anxious (and yet naturally too) distinguished serenity, and was driven away. about Pet's state of health, and that she should not Thenceforth the Dowager, with a light and care- be left to feel lonesome at the present time. It's unless humor, often recounted to her particular ac- deniably a long way off, Arthur, and a strange place quaintance how, after a hard trial, she had found for the poor love under all the circumstances. Let it impossible to know those people who belonged her be as well cared for as any lady in that land, to Henry's wife, and who had made that desperate still it is a long way off. Just as Home is Home set to catch him. Whether she had come to the con- though it's never so Homely, why you see," said elusion beforehand, that to get rid of them would Mr. Meagles, adding a new version to the proverb, give her favorite pretense a better air, might save "' Rome is Rome, though it's never so Romely." her some occasional inconvenience, and could risk "All perfectly true," observed Arthur, "and all no loss (the pretty creature being fast married, and sufficient reasons for going." her father devoted to her), was best known to her- " I am glad you think so; it decides me. Mother, self. Though this history has its opinion on that my dear, you may get ready. We have lost our pleaspoint too, and decidedly in the affirmative. ant interpreter (she spoke three foreign languages beautifully, Arthur; you have heard her many a time), and you must pull me through it, Mother, as w'ell as you can. I require a deal of pulling through, CHAPTER IX. Arthur," said Mr. Meagles, shaking his head, " a deal of pulling through. I stick at every thing beyond APPEARANCE AND DISAPPEARANCE. a noun-substantive —and I stick at him, if he's at "A RTHUR, my dear boy," said Mr. Meagles, on all a tight one." the evening of the following day, "Mother and "Now I think of it," returned Clennam, " there's I have been talking this over, and we don't feel com- Cavalletto. He shall go with you if you like. I fortable in remaining as we are. That elegant con- could not afford to lose him, but you will bring him nection of ours-that dear lady who was here yes- safe back." terday —" "Well! I am much obliged to you, my boy," said "I understand," said Arthur. Mr. Meagles, turning it over, "but I think not. No, "Even that affable and condescending ornament I think I'll be pulled through by Mother. Cavalto society," pursued Mr. Meagles, "may misrepresent looro (I stick at his very name to start with, and it us, we are afraid. We could bear a great deal, Ar- sounds like the chorus to a comic song), is so necesthur, for her sake; but we think we would rather sary to you, that I don't like the thought of taking not bear that, if it was all the same to her." him away. More than that, there's no saying when "Good," said Arthur. " Go on." we may come home again; and it would never do to "You see," proceeded Mr. Meagles, "it might put take him away for an indefinite time. The cottage us wrong with our son-in-law, it might even put us is not what it was. It only holds two little people wrong with our daughter, and it might lead to a less than it ever did, Pet, and her poor unfortunate great deal of domestic trouble. You see, don't you?" maid Tattycoram; but it seems empty now. Once "Yes, indeed," returned Arthur, "there is much out of it, there's no knowing when we may come reason in what you say." He had glanced at Mrs. back to it. No, Arthur, I'll be pulled through by Meagles, who was always on the good and sensible Mother." side; and a petition had shone out of her honest They would do best by themselves perhaps, after THE GIRL AND THE STRANGE MAN. 231 all, Clennam thought; therefore did not press his nor what a person would term correctly, dozing. I proposal. was more what a person would strictly call watching "If you would come down and stay here for a with my eyes closed." change, when it wouldn't trouble you," Mr. Meagles Without entering upon any inquiry into this curesumed, " I should be glad to think-and so would rious abnormal condition, Clennam said, "Exactly. Mother too, I know-that you were brightening up Well?" the old place with a bit of life it was used to when it " Well, sir," proceeded Mrs. Tickit, "I was thinkwas full, and that the Babies on the wall there, had' ing of one thing and thinking of another. Just as a kind eye upon them sometimes. You so belong to you yourself might. Just as any body might." the spot, and to them, Arthur, and we should every "Precisely so," said Clennam. " Well?" one of us have been so happy if it had fallen out- "And when I do think of one thing and do think but, let us see -how's the weather for traveling, of another," pursued Mrs. Tickit, " I hardly need to now?" Mr. Meagles broke off, cleared his throat, tell you, Mr. Clennam, that I think of the family. and got up to look out of window. Because, dear me! a person's thoughts," Mrs. Tickit They agreed that the weather was of high prom- said this with an argumentative and philosophic air, ise; and Clennam kept the talk in that safe direc- "however they may stray, will go more or less on tion until it had become easy again, when he gently what is uppermost in their minds. They will do diverted it to Henry Gowan, and his quick sense and it, sir, and a person can't prevent them." agreeable qualities when he was delicately dealt Arthur subscribed to this discovery with a nod. with; he likewise dwelt on the indisputable affec- " You find it so yourself, sir, I'll be bold to say," tion he entertained for his wife. Clennam did not said Mrs. Tickit, " and we all find it so. It an't fail of his effect upon good Mr. Meagles, whom these our stations in life that changes us, Mr. Clennam; commendations greatly cheered; and who took Moth- thoughts is free!-As I was saying, I was thinking er to witness that the single and cordial desire of his of one thing and thinking of another, and thinking heart in reference to their daughter's husband, was very much of the family. Not of the family in the harmoniously to exchange friendship for friendship, present times only, but in the past times too. For and confidence for confidence. Within a few hours when a person does begin thinking of one thing and the cottage furniture began to be wrapped up for thinking of another, in that manner as it's getting preservation in the family absence-or, as Mr. Mea- dark, what I say is that all times seem to be present, gles expressed it, the house began to put its hair in and a person must get out of that state and consider papers-and within a few days Father and Mother before they can say which is which." were gone, Mrs. Tickit and Dr. Buchan were posted, He nodded again; afraid to utter a word, lest it as of yore, behind the parlor blind, and Arthur's sol- should present any new opening to Mrs. Tickit's conitary feet were rustling among the dry fallen leaves versational powers. in the garden-walks. " In consequence of which," said Mrs. Tickit, As he had a liking for the spot, he seldom let a "when I quivered my eyes and saw her actual form week pass without paying it a visit. Sometimes, and figure looking in at the gate, I let them close lie went down alone from Saturday to Monday; again without so much as starting; for that actual sometimes, his partner accompanied him; sometimes, form and figure came so pat to the time when it behe merely strolled for an hour or two about thp house longed to the house as much as mine or your own, and garden, saw that all was right, and returned to that I never thought at the moment of its having London again. At all times and under all circum- gone away. But, sir, when I quivered my eyes again stances Mrs. Tickit, with her dark row of curls and and saw that it wasn't there, then it all flooded upon Dr. Buchan, sat in the parlor window, looking out for me with a fright, and I jumped up." the family return. "You ran out directly?" said Clennam. On one of his visits Mrs. Tickit received him with "I ran out," assented Mrs. Tickit, " as fast as ever the words, "I have something to tell you, Mr. Clen- my feet could carry me; and if you'll credit it, Mr. nam, that will surprise you." So surprising was the Clennam, there wasn't in the whole shining Heavens, something in question, that it actually brought Mrs. no, not so much as a finger of that young woman." Tickit out of the parlor window and produced her in Passing over the absence from the firmament of the garden-walk, when Clennam went'in at the gate this novel constellation, Arthur inquired of Mrs. on its being opened for him. Tickit if she herself went beyond the gate? "' What is it, Mrs. Tickit?" said he. " Went to and fro, and high and low," said Mrs. " Sir," returned that faithful housekeeper, having Tickit, "and saw no sign of her." taken him into the parlor and closed the door; " if He then asked Mrs. Tickit how long a space of time ever I saw the led away and deluded child in my she supposed there might have been between the two life, I saw her identically in the dusk of yesterday sets of ocular quiverings she had experienced? Mrs. evening." Tickit, though minutely circumstantial in her reply, "You don't mean Tatty-" had no settled opinion between five seconds and ten "Coram, yes, I do!" quoth Mrs. Tickit, clearing minutes. She was so plainly at sea on this part of the disclosure at a leap. the case, and had so clearly been startled out of "Where?" slumber, that Clennam was much disposed to regard "Mr. Clennam," returned Mrs. Tickit, "I was a the appearance as a dream. Without hurting Mrs. little heavy in my eyes, being that I was waiting Tickit's feelings with that infidel solution of her -longer than customary for my cup of tea which was mystery, he took it away from the cottage with him; then preparing by Mary Jane. I was not sleeping, and probably would have retained it ever afterward, 232 LITTLE DORRIT. if a circumstance had not soon happened to change'to'beg or steal, it was a deserted place and looked his opinion. on a deserted scene. He was passing at night-fall along the Strand, Such was the hour when Clennam stopped at the and the lamp-lighter was going on before him, under corner, observing the girl and the strange man as whose hand the street-lamps, blurred by the foggy they went down the street. The man's footsteps air, burst out one after another, like so many blaz- were so noisy on the echoing stones that he was uning sunflowers coming into full blow all at once- willing to add the sound of his own. But, when when a stoppage on the pavement, caused by a train they had passed the turning and were in the darkof coal-wagons toiling up from the wharfs at the ness of the dark corner leading to the terrace, he river-side, brought him to a stand-still. He had made after them with such indifferent appearance been walking quickly, and going with some current of being a casual passenger on his way, as he could of thought, and the sudden check given to both oper- assume. ations caused him to look freshly about him, as peo- When he rounded the dark corner, they were walkple under such circumstances usually do. ing along the terrace, toward a figure which was Immediately, he saw in advance-a few people in- conling toward them. If he had seen it by itself, tervening, but still so near to him that he could have under such conditions of gas-lamp, mist, and distouched them by stretching out his arn —Tattyco- tance, he might not have known it at first sight; ram and a strange man of a remarkable appearance: but with the figure of the girl to prompt him, he at a swaggering man, with a high nose, and a black once recognized Miss Wade. mustache as false in its color as his eyes were false He stopped at the corner, seeming to look back in their expression, who wore his heavy cloak with expectantly up the street, as if he had made an apthe air of a foreigner. His dress and general appear- pointment with some one to meet him there; but he ance were those of a man on travel, and he seemed kept a careful eye on the three. When they came to have very recently joined the girl. In bending together, the man took off his hat, and made Miss down (being much taller than she was), listening to Wade a bow. The girl appeared to say a few words whatever she said to him, he looked over his shoul- as though she presented him, or accounted for his der with the suspicious glance of one who was not being late, or early, or what not; and then fell a unused to be mistrustful that his footsteps might be pace or so behind, by herself. Miss Wade and the dogged. It was then that Clennam saw his face; as man then began to walk up and down; the man havhis eyes lowered on the people behind him in the ag- ing the appearance of being extremely courteous and gregate, without particularly resting upon Clennam's complimentary in manner; Miss Wade having the face or any other. appearance of being extremely haughty. He had scarcely turned his head about again, and When they came down to the corner and turned, it was still bent down, listening to the girl, when the she was saying, " If I pinch myself for it, sir, that is stoppage ceased, and the obstructed stream of peo- my business. Confine yourself to yours, and ask me ple flowed on. Still bending his head and listening no question." to the girl, he went on at her side, and Clennam fol- By Heaven, ma'am!" he replied, making her anlowed them, resolved to play this unexpected play other bow. " It was my profound respect for the out, and see where they went. strength of your character, and my admiration of He had hardly made the determination (though he your beiuty." was not long about it), when he was again as sud- "I want neither the one nor the other from any denly brought up as he had been by the stoppage. one," said she, "and certainly not from you of all They turned short into the Adelphi, the girl evi- creatures. Go on with your report." dently leading, and went straight on, as if they "Am I pardoned?" he asked, with an air of halfwere going to the Terrace which overhangs the abashed gallantry. river. "You are paid," she' said, "and that is all you There is always, to this day, a sudden pause in want." that place to the roar of the great thoroughfare. Whether the girl hung behind because she was The many sounds become so deadened that the not to'hear the business, or as already knowing change is like putting cotton in the ears, or having enough *about it, Clennam could not determine. the head thickly muffled. At that time the contrast They turned, and she turned. She looked away at was far greater; there being no small steamboats on the river, as she walked with her hands folded bethe river, no landing-places but slippery wooden fore her; and that was all he could make of her stairs and foot-causeways, no railroad on the oppo- without showing his face. There happened, by good site bank, no hanging bridge or fish-market near at fortune, to be a lounger really waiting for some one; hand, no traffic on the nearest bridge of stone, noth- and he sometimes looked over the railing at the ing moving on the stream but watermen's wher- water, and sometimes came to the dark corner and ries and coal-lighters. Long and broad black tiers looked up the street, rendering Arthur less conspicuof the latter, moored fast in the mud as if they were ous. never to move again, made the shore funereal and si- When Miss Wade and the man came back again, lent after dark; and kept what little water-move- she was saying, "You must wait until to-morrow." ment there was, far out toward mid-stream. At any "A thousand pardons!" he returned. "My faith! hour later than sunset, and not least at that hour Then it's not convenient to-night?" when most of the people who have any thing to eat " No. I tell you I must get it before I can give it at home are going home to eat it, and when most of to you." those who have nothing have hardly yet slunk out She stopped in the roadway, as if to put an end to CO VENT GARDEN. 233 the conference. He of course stopped too. And the went out at the farther end of the terrace, looking girl stopped. cautiously about him. He rightly judged that, at "It's a little inconvenient," said the man. "A lit- first at all events, they would go in a contrary directle. But, Holy Blue! that's nothing, in such a serv- tion from their late companion. He soon saw them ice. I am without money to-night by chance. I have in a neighboring by-street, which was not a thorougha good banker in this city, but I would not wish fare, evidently allowing time for the man to get well to draw upon the house until the time when I shall out of their way. They walked leisurely arm in arm draw for a round sum." - down one side of the street, and returned on the op"Harriet," said Miss Wade, "arrange with himn- posite side. When they came back to the street corthis gentleman here-for sending him some money ner, they changed their pace for the pace of people to -morrow." She said it with a slur of the word with an object and a distance before them, and walkgentleman which was more contemptuous than any ed steadily away. Clennam, no less steadily, kept emphasis, and walked slowly on. them in sight. The man bent his head again, and the girl spoke They crossed the Strand, and passed through Covto him as they both followed her. Clennam ven- ent Garden (under the windows of his old lodging tured to look at the girl as they moved away. He where dear Little Dorrit had come that night) and WHIEN THEY CAME TO(iETIHE, TlHE MAN TOOK OFF HIS HAT. could note that her rich black eyes were fastened slanted away north-east, until they passed the great upon the man with a scrutinizing expression, and building whence Tattycoram derived her name, and that she kept at a little distance from him, as they turned into the Gray's Inn Road. Clennam was quite walked side by side to the farther end of the terrace. at home here, in right of Flora, not to mention the A loud and altered clank upon the pavement warn- Patriarch and Pancks, and kept them in view with ed him, before he could discern what was passing ease. He was beginning to wonder where they might there, that the man was coming back alone. Clen- be going next, when that wonder was lost in the nam lounged into the road, toward the railing; and greater wonder with which he saw them turn into the man passed at a quick swing, with the end of the Patriarchal street. That wonder was in its turn his cloak thrown over his shoulder, singing a scrap swallowed up in the greater wonder with which he of a French song. saw them stop at the Patriarchal door. A low donThe whole vista had no one in it now but himself. ble knock at the bright brass knocker, a gleam -of The lounger had lounged out of view, and Miss Wade light into the road from the opened door, a brief and Tattycoram were gone. More than ever bent on pause for inquiry and answer,;and the door was shut, seeing what became of them, and on having some and they were housed. information to give his good friend Mr. Meagles, he - After looking at the surrounding objects for assur 2'34 LITTLE DORRIT. ance that he was not in an odd dream, and after pa- to the crust, here solemnly handed the crust to Flora, cing a little while before the house, Arthur knocked who ate it for her as a matter of business. Mr. F.'s at the door. It was opened by the usual maid-serv- Aunt then moistened her ten fingers in slow succesant, and she showed him up at once, with her usual sion at her lips, and wiped them in exactly the same alacrity, to Flora's sitting-room. order on the white handkerchiefi then took the othThere was no one with Flora but Mr. F.'s Aunt, er piece of toast, and fell to work upon it. While which respectable gentlewoman, basking in a balmy pursuing this routine, she looked at Clennam with atmosphere of tea and toast, was ensconced in an an expression of such intense severity that he felt easy-chair by the fireside, with a little table at her obliged to look at her in return, against his personal elbow, and a clean white handkerchief spread over inclinations. her lap on which two pieces of toast at that moment "She is in Italy, with all her family, Flora," he awaited consumption. Bendingover a steaming yves- said, when the dread lady was occupied again. sel of tea, and looking through the steam, and breath- "In Italy is she really?" said Flora, "with the ing forth the steam, like a malignant Chinese en- grapes and figs growing everywhere and lava neckchantress engaged in the performance of unholy laces and bracelets too that land of poetry with burnrites, Mr. F.'s Aunt put down her great tea.-cup and ing mountains picturesque beyond belief though if exclaimed, "Drat him, if he an't come back again!" the organ-boys come away from the neighborhood It would seem from the foregoing exclamation not to be scorched nobody can wonder being so that this uncompromising relative of the lamented young and bringing their white mice with them Mr. F., measuring time by the acuteness of her sen- most humane, and is she really in that favored land sations and not by the clock, supposed Clennam to with nothing but blue about her and dying gladiahave lately gone away; whereas at least a quarter tors and Belvederas though Mr. F. himself did not of a year had elapsed since he had had the temerity believe for his objection when in spirits was that the to present himself before her. images could not be true there being no medium be"My goodness, Arthur!" cried Flora, rising to give tween expensive quantities of linen badly got up him a cordial reception, "Doyce and Clennam what and all in creases and none whatever, which certaina start and a surprise for though not far from the ly does not seem probable though perhaps in consemachinery and foundry business and surely might quence of the extremes of rich and poor which may be taken sometimes if at no other time about midday account for it." when a glass of sherry and a humble sandwich of' Arthur tried to edge a word in, but Flora hurried whatever cold meat in the larder might not come on again. amiss nor taste the worse for being friendly for you "Venice Preserved too," said she, "I think you know you buy it somewhere and wherever bought a have been there is it well or ill preserved for people profit must be made or they would never keep the differ so and Macaroni if they really eat it like the place it stands to reason without a motive still nev- conjurers why not cut it shorter, you are acquainted er seen and learned now not to be expected, for as Arthur-dear Doyce and Clennam at least not dear Mr. F. himself said if seeing is believing not seeing is and most assuredly not Doyce for I have not the believing too and when you don't see you may fully pleasure but pray excuse me-acquainted I believe believe you're not remembered not that I expect you with Mantua what has it got to do with MantuaArthur Doyce and Clennam to remember me why making for I never have been able to conceive?" should I for the days are gone but bring another tea- "I believe there is no connection, Flora, between cup here directly and tell her fresh toast and pray the two," Arthur was beginning, when she caught sit near the fire." him up again. Arthur was in the greatest anxiety to explain the "Upon your word no isn't there I never did but object of his visit; but Was put off for the moment, that's like me I run away with an idea and having in spite of himself, by what he understood of the re- none to spare I keep it, alas there was a time dear proachful purport of these words, and by the genuine Arthur that is to say decidedly not dear nor Arthur pleasure she testified in seeing him. neither but you understand me when one bright idea "And now pray tell me something all you know," gilded the what's-his-name horizon of et cetera but said Flora, drawing her chair near to his, "about the it is darkly clouded now and all is over." good dear quiet little thing and all the changes of Arthur's increasing wish to speak of something her fortunes carriage people now no doubt and horses very different was by this time so plainly written without number most romantic, a coat of arms of on his face, that Flora stopped in a tender look, and course and wild beasts on their hind legs showing it asked him what it was? as if it was a copy they had done with mouths from "I have the greatest desire, Flora, to speak to ear to ear good gracious, and has she her health which some one who is now in this house-with Mr. Casby is the first consideration after all for what is wealth no doubt. Some one whom I saw come in, and who, without it Mr. F. himself so often saying when his in a misguided and deplorable way, has deserted the twinges came that sixpence a day and find yourself house of a friend of mine." and no gout so much preferable, not that he could "Papa sees so many and such odd people," said have lived on any thing like it being the last man or Flora, rising, "that I shouldn't venture to go down that the precious little thing though far too famil- for any one but you Arthur but for you I would iar an expression now had any tendency of that sort willingly go down in a diving-bell much more a much too slight and small but looked so fragile bless dining -room and will come back directly if you'll her!" mind and at the same time not mind Mr. F.'s Aunt Mr. F.'s Aunt, who had eaten a piece of toast down while I'm gone." NOT TO BE BREATHED TO THE PATRIARCH. 235 With those words and a parting glance, Flora "I had hoped, sir," said Clennam, doing so, and bustled out, leaving Clennam under dreadful appre- looking round with a face of blank disappointment, hensions of his terrible charge.'" not to find you alone." The first variation which manifested itself in Mr. "Ah, indeed?" said the Patriarch, sweetly. "Ah, F.'s Aunt's demeanor when she had finished her piece indeed?" of toast, was a loud and prolonged sniff. Finding "I told you so you know papa," cried Flora. it impossible to avoid construing this demonstration "Ah, to be sure!" returned the Patriarch. "Yes, into a defiance of himself, its gloomy significance just so. Ah, to be sure!" being unmistakable, Clennam looked plaintively at "Pray, sir," demanded Clennam, anxiously, "is the excellent though prejudiced lady from whom it Miss Wade gone?" emanated, in the hope that she might be disarmed "Miss?- Oh, you call her Wade," returned by a meek submission. Mr. Casby. " Highly proper." "None of your eyes at me," said Mr. F.'s Aunt, Arthur quickly returned, " What do you call her?" shivering with hostility. "Take that." "Wade," said Mr. Cakby. " Oh, always Wade." "That" was the crust of the piece of toast. Clen- After looking at the philanthropic visage, and nam accepted the boon with a look of gratitude, and the long silky white hair for a few seconds, during.. held it in his hand under the pressure of a little em- which Mr. Casby twirled his thumbs, and smiled at barrassment, which was not relieved when Mr. F.'s the fire as if he were benevolently wishing it to burn Aunt, elevating her voice into a cry of considerable him that he might forgive it, Arthur began: power, exclaimed, "He has a proud stomach, this "I beg your pardon, Mr. Casby —-" chap! He's too proud a chap to eat it!" and, com- "Not so, not so," said the Patriarch, " not so." ing out of her chair, shook her venerable fist so very "-But, Miss Wade had an attendant with herclose to his nose as to tickle the surface. But for a young woman brought up by friends of mine, over the timely return of Flora, to find him in this diffi- whom her influence is not considered very salutary, cult situation, further consequences might have en- and to whom I should, be glad to have the opporsued. Flora, without the least discomposure or sur- tunity of giving the assurance that she has not yet prise, but congratulating the old lady in an approv- forfeited the interest of those protectors." ing manner on being " very lively to-night," handed " Really, really I" returned the Patriarch. her back to her chair. "V ill you therefore be so good as to give me the "He has a proud stomach, this chap," said Mr. address of Miss Wade?" F.'s relation, on being reseated. " Give him a meal "Dear, dear, dear!" said the Patriarch, " how very of chaff!" unfortunate! If you had only sent in to me when " Oh! I don't think he would like that, aunt," re- they were here! I observed the young woman, Mr. turned Flora. Clennam. A fine full- colored young woman, Mr. " Give him a meal of chaff, I tell you," said Mr. Clennam, with very dark hair and very dark eyes. F.'s Aunt, glaring round Flora on her enemy. " It's If I mistake not, if I mistake not?" the only thing for a proud stomach. Let him eat it up Arthur assented, and said once more with aew exevery morsel. Drat him, give him a meal of chaff!" pression, " If you will be so good as to give me the Under a general pretense of helping him to this address." refreshment, Flora got him out on the staircase; "Dear, dear, dear!" exclaimed the Patriarch in Mr. F.'s Aunt even then constantly reiterating, with sweet regret. " Tut, tut, tut! what a pity, what a inexpressible bitterness, that he was " a chap," and pity! I have no address, sir. Miss Wade mostly had " a proud stomach," and over and over again in- lives abroad, Mr. Clennam.- She has done so for sisting on that equine provision being made for him some years, and she is (if I may say so of a fellow-: which she had already so strongly prescribed. creature and a lady) fitful and uncertain to a fault, "Such an inconvenient staircase and so many cor- Mr. Clennam. I may not see her again for a long, ner stairs Arthur," whispered Flora, " would you ob- long time. I may never see her again. What a ject to putting your arm round me under my pele- pity, what a pity!" rine?" Clennam saw, now, that he had as much hope of With a sense of going down stairs in a highly ri- getting assistance out of the Portrait as out of the diculous manner, Clennam descended in the required Patriarch; but he said nevertheless: attitude, and only released his fair burden at the "Mr. Casby, could you, for the satisfaction of the dining-room door; indeed, even there she was rath- friends I have mentioned, and under any obligation er difficult to get rid of, remaining in his embrace of secrecy that you may consider it your duty to imto murmur, "Arthur, for mercy's sake don't breathe pose, give me any information at all touching Miss it to papa!" Wade? I have seen her abroad, and I have seen She accompanied Arthur into the room, where the her at home, but I know nothing of her. Could you Patriarch sat alone, with his list shoes on the fender, give me any account of her whatever?" twirling his thumbs as if he had never left off. The'" None," returned the Patriarch, shaking his big youthful Patriarch, aged ten, looked out of his pic- head with his utmost benevolence. "None at all. ture-frame above him, with no calmer air than he. Dear, dear, dear! What a real pity that she staid Both smooth heads were alik6 beaming, blundering, so short a time, and you delayed! As confidential and bumpy. agency business, agency business, I have occasional"Mr. Clennam, I am glad to see you. I hope you ly paid this lady money; but what satisfaction is it are well, sir, I hope you are well. Please to sit to you, sir, to know that?" down, please to sit down." - " Truly none at all," said Clennam. 236 LITTLE DORRIT. "Truly," assented the Patriarch, with a shining do without it. Sometimes she's proud and won't face as he philanthropically smiled at the fire, "none touch it for a length of time; sometimes she's so at all, sir. You hit the wise answer, Mr. Clennamn. poor, that she must have it. She writhes under her Truly, none at all, sir." life. A woman more angry, passionate, reckless His turning of his smooth thumbs over one an- and revengful never lived. She came for money, toother as he sat there, was so typical to Clennam of night. Said she had peculiar occasion for it." the way in which he would make the subject re- "I think," observed Clennam, musing, "I by volve if it were pursued, never showing any new chance know what occasion — I mean into whose part of it nor allowing it to make the smallest ad- pocket the money is to go." vance, that it did much to help to convince him of "Indeed?" said Pancks. "If it's a compact, I'd his labor having been in vain. He might have taken recommend that party to be exact in it. I wouldn't any time to think about it, for Mr. Casby, well accus- trust myself to that woman, young and handsome as tomed to get on anywhere by leaving every thing to she is, if I had wronged her; no, not for twice my his bumps and his white hail knew his strength to proprietor's money! Unless," Pancks added as a lie in silence. So there Casby sat, twirling and twirl- saving clause, " I had a lingering illness on me, and ing, and making his polished head and forehead look wanted to get it over." largely benevolent in every knob. Arthur, hurriedly reviewing his own observation With this spectacle before him, Arthur had risen of her, found it to tally pretty nearly with Mr. to go, when from the inner Dock where the good Pancks's view. ship Panec7cs was hove down when out in no cruis- "The wonder is to me," pursued Pancks, " that ing-ground, the noise was heard of that steamer la- she has never done for my proprietor, as the only boring toward them. It struck Arthur that the person connected with her story she can lay hold of. noise began demonstratively far off, as though Mr. Mentioning that, I may tell you, between ourselves, Pancks sought to impress on any one who might that I am sometimes tempted to do for him myself." happen to think about it, that he was working on Arthur started and said, " Dear me, Pancks, don't from out of hearing. say that!" Mr. Pancks and he shook hands, and the former "Understand me," said Pancks, extending five brought his employer a letter or two to sign. Mr. cropped coaly finger-nails on Arthur's arm; " I don't Pancks in shaking hands merely scratched his eye- mean, cut his throat. But by all that's precious, if brow with his left forefinger and snorted once, but he goes too far, I'll cut his hair!" Clennam, who understood him better now than of Having exhibited himself in the new light of old, comprehended that he had almost done for the enunciating this tremendous threat, Mr. Pancks, evening and wished to say a word to him outside. with a countenance of grave import, snorted several Therefore, when he had taken his leave of Mr. Casby, times and steamed away. and (which was a more difficult process) of Flora, he sauntered in the neighborhood on Mr. Pancks's line of road.. He had waited but a short time when Mr. Pancks CHAPTER X. appeared. Mr. Paucks shakes hands again with anznt ~ ~ THE DREAMS OF MRS. FLINTWINCH THICKEN. other expressive snort, and taking off his hat to put his hair up, Arthur thought he received his cue to THE shady waiting-rooms of the Circumlocution speak to him as one who knew pretty well what Office, where he passed a good deal of time in had just now passed. -Therefore he said, without company with various troublesome convicts who any preface: were under sentence to be broken alive on that "I suppose they were really gone, Pancks?" wheel, had afforded Arthur Clennam ample leisure, "Yes," replied Pancks. " They were really gone." in three or four successive days, to exhaust the sub".Does he know where to find that lady?" ject of his late glimpse of Miss Wade and Tatty" Can't say. I should think so." coram. He had been able to make no more of it and Mr. Pancks did not? No, Mr. Pancks did not. no less of it, and in this unsatisfactory condition he Did Mr. Pancks know any thing about her? was fain to leave it. 1" I expect," rejoined that worthy, " I know as much During this space he had not been to his mother's about her as she knows about herself. She is some- dismal old house. One of his customary evenings body's child-any body's-nobody's. Put her in a for repairing thither now coming round, he left his room in London here with any six people old enough dwelling and his partner at nearly nine o'clock, and to be her parents, and her parents may be there for slowly walked in the direction of that grim home of any thing she knows. They may be in any house his youth. she sees, they may be in any church-yard she passes, It always affected his imagination as wrathful, she may run against'em in any street, she may make mysterious, and sad;. and his imagination was sufflichance acquaintances of'em at any time; and never ciently impressible to see the whole neighborhood knowit. Sheknowsnothing about'em. She knows under some dark tinge of its dark shadow. As he nothing about any relative whatever. Never did. went along, upon a dreary night, the dim streets by Never will." which he went seemed all depositories of oppressive "Mr. Casby could enlighten her, perhaps?" secrets. The deserted counting-houses, with their "Maybe," said Pancks. "I expect so, but don't secrets of books and papers locked up in c~hests and know. He has long had money (not overmuch as I safes; the banking-houses, with their secrets of make out) in trust to dole out to her when she can't strong rooms and wells, the keys of which were in a THE STRANGER. 237 very few secret pockets and a very few secret breasts; Ruminating on this strange chance and strange the secrets of all the dispersed grinders in the vast glimpse, he turned into the court-yard. As he lookmill, among whom there were doubtless plunderers, ed, by mere habit, toward the feebly lighted winforgers, and trust-betrayers of many sorts, whom the dows of his mother's room, his eyes encountered the light of any day that dawned might reveal; he figure he had just lost, standing against the iron could have fancied that these things, in hiding, im- railings of the little waste inclosure looking up at parted a heaviness to the air. The shadow thicken- those windows, and laughing to himself. Some of ing and thickening as he approached its source, he the many vagrant cats who were always prowling thought of the secrets of the lonely church-vaults, about there by night, and who had taken fright at where the people who had hoarded and secreted in him, appeared to have stopped when he had stopped, iron coffers were in their turn similarly hoarded, not and were looking at him with eyes by no means unyet at rest from. doing harm; and then of the secrets like his own from tops of walls and porches, and of the river, as it rolled its turbid tide between two other. safe points of pause. He had only halted for frowning wildernesses of secrets, extending thick a moment to entertain himself thus; he immediately and dense for many miles, and warding off the free went forward, throwing the end of his cloak off his air and the free country swept by winds and wings shoulder as he went, ascended the unevenly sunken" of birds. steps, and knocked a sounding knock at the door. The shadow still darkening as he drew near the Clennam's surprise was not so absorbing but that house, the melancholy room which his father had he took his resolution without any incertitude. He once occupied, haunted by the appealing face he had went up to the door too, and ascended the steps too. himself seen fade away with him when there was His friend looked at him with a braggart air, and no other watcher by the bed, arose before his mind. sang to himself: Its close air was secret. The gloom, and must, and "Who passes by this road so late? dust of the whole tenement, were secret. At the.Compagnon de la Majolaine; heart of it his mother presided, inflexible of face, in- Who passes by this road so late? domitable of will, firmly holding all the secrets of Always gay her own and his father's life, and austerely opposing After which he knocked again. herself, front to front, to the great final secret of all "You are impatient, sir," said Arthur. life. "I am,' sir. Death of my life, sir," returned the He had turned into the narrow and steep street stranger, "it's my character to be impatient!" from which the court or inclosure wherein the house The sound of Mistress Affery cautiously chaining stood opened, when another footstep turned into it the door before she opened it, caused them both to behind him, and so close upon his own that he was look that way. Affery opened it a very little, with a jostled to the wall. As his mind was teeming with flaring candle in her hands, and asked who was that, these thoughts, the encounter took him all togeth- at that time of night with that knock? "Why er unprepared, so that the other passenger had had Arthur!" she added with astonishment, seeing him time to say,'boisterously, "Pardon! Not my fault!" first. "Not you, sure? Ah, Lord save us! No," and to pass on before the instant had elapsed which she cried out, seeing the other. " Him again!" was requisite to his recovery of the realities about "It's true! Himl again, dear Mrs. Flintwinch," him. cried the stranger. "Open the door, and let me When that moment had flashed away, he saw that take my dear friend Jeremiah to my arms! Open the man striding on before him was the man who the door, and let me hasten myself to embrace my had been so much in his mind during the last few Flintwinch!" days. It was no casual resemblance, helped out by "He's not at home," said Affery. the force of the impression the man made upon him. "Fetch him!" cried the stranger. "Fetch my It was the man; the man he had followed in com- Flintwinch! Tell him that it is his old Blandois, pany with the girl, and whom he had overheard who comes from arriving in England; tell him that talking to Miss Wade. it is his little boy who is here, his cabbage, his wellThe street was a sharp descent and was crooked beloved! Open the door, beautiful Mrs. Flintwinch, too, and the man (who although not drunk had the and in the mean time let me pass up stairs, to preair of being flushed with some strong drink) went sent my compliments-homage of Blandois-to my down it so fast that Clennam. lost him as he looked, lady! My lady lives always? It is well. Open at him. With no defined intention of following him, then!" but with an impulse to keep the figure in view a lit- To Arthur's increased surprise, Mistress Affery, tle longer, Cleunnam quickened his pace to pass the stretching her eyes wide at himself, as if in warning twist in the street which hid him from his sight. that this was not a gentleman for him to interfere On turning it he saw the man no more. with, drew back the chain, and opened the door. Standing now, close to the gate-way of his moth- The stranger, without any ceremony, walked into er's house, he looked down the street: but it was the hall, leaving Arthur to follow him. empty. There was no projecting shadow large "Dispatch then! Achieve then! Bring my enough to obscure the man; there was no turning Flintwinch! Announce me to my lady!" cried the near that he could have taken; nor had there been stranger, clanking about the stone floor. any audible sound of the opening and closing of a "Pray tell me, Affery," said Arthur, aloud and door. Nevertheless, he concluded that the man sternly, as he surveyed him from head to foot with must have had a key in his hand, and must have indignation; "who is this gentleman?" opened one of the many house doors and gone in. "Pray tell me, Afiery," the stranger repeated in 238 LITTLE DORRIT. his turn, "who — ha, ha, ha! who is this gentle- him the assurance that he should be presently heard man?" at any length he would. Arthur did not fail to obThe voice of Mrs. Clennam opportunely called serve this though the difference between the presfrom her chamber above, "Affery, let them both ent occasion and the former was not within his pow-.come up. Arthur, come straight to me!" er of observation. "Arthur?" exclaimed Blandois, taking off his hat "Madame," said Blandois, "do me the honor to at arms-length, and bringing his heels together present me to Monsieur, your son. It appears to me, from a great stride in making him a flourishing bow. madame, that Monsieur, your son, is disposed to com-' The son of my lady? I am the all-devoted of the plain of me. He is not polite." son of my lady!" "Sir," said Arthur, striking in expeditiously, Arthur looked at him again in no more flattering "whoever you are, and however you come to be manner than before, and, turning on his heel without here, if I were the master of this house I would lose acknowledgment, went up stairs. The visitor fol- no time in placing you on the outside of it." ~ ~ ll l "PRAY TELL ME, AFFERY,' SAID ARTHUR, " WHO IS THIS GENTLEMAN s.. lowed him up stairs. Mistress Affery took the key "But you are not," said his mother, without lookfrom behind the door, and deftly slipped out to fetch ing at him. "Unfortunately for the gratification of her lord. your unreasonable temper, you are not the master, A by-stander, informed of the previous appearance Arthur." of Monsieur Blandois in that room, would have ob- "I make no claim to be, mother. If I object to served a difference in Mrs. Clennam's present recep- this person's manner of conducting himself here, and tion of him. Her face was not one to betray it; and object to it so much, that if I had any authority here her suppressedmanner, and her set voice, were equal- I certainly would not suffer him to remain a minute, ly under her control. It wholly consisted in her I object on your account." never taking her eyes off his face from the moment "In the case of objection being necessary," she of his entrance, and in her twice or thrice, when he returned, "I could object for myself. And of course was becoming noisy, swaying herself a very little I should." forwardin the chair in which she sat upright, with The subject oftheirdispute,whohad seatedhimself, her hands immovable upon its elbows; as if she gave laughed aloud, and rapped his legs with his hands. BETTER ACQ UAINTED. 239 "You have no right," said Mrs. Clennam, always "Why, no, sir." retorted Mr. Flintwinch. "Not intent on Blandois, however directly she addressed unusually. Hadn't youbetterbe seated? You have her son, " to spealk to the prejudice of any gentleman been calling for some more of that port, sir, I guess?" (least of all a gentleman from another country), be- "Ah! Little joker! Little pig!" cried the visitor. cause he does not conform to your standard, or "Ha, ha, ha, ha!" And throwing Mr. Flintwinch square his behavior by your rules. It is possible away, as a closing piece of raillery, he sat down that the gentleman may, on similar grounds, object again. to you." The amazement, suspicion, resentment, and shame, " I hope so," returned Arthur. with which Arthur looked on at all this, struck him "The gentleman," pursued Mrs. Clennam, "on a dumb. Mr. Flintwinch, who had spun backward former occasion brought a letter of recommendation some two or three yards under the impetus last to us from highly esteemed and responsible corre- given to him, brought himself up with a face comspondents. I am perfectly unacquainted with the pletely unchanged in its stolidity except as it was gentleman's object in coming here at present. I am affected by shortness of breath, and looked hard at entirely ignorant of it, and can not be supposed like- Arthur. Not a whit less reticent and wooden was ly to be able to form the remotest guess at its na- Mr. Flintwinch outwardly, than in the usual course ture;" her habitual frown became stronger, as she of things: the only perceptible difference in him bevery slowly and weightily emphasized those words; ing that the knot of cravat which was generally un"but, when the gentleman proceeds to explain his der his ear, had worked round to the back of his object, as I shall beg him to have the goodness to head; where it formed an ornamental appendage, do to myself and Flintwinch, when Flintwinch re- not unlike a bag-wig, and gave him something of a turns, it will prove, no doubt, to be one more or less courtly appearance. in the usual way of our business, which it will be As Mrs. Clennam never moved her eyes from Blanboth our business and our pleasure to advance. It dois (on whom they had some effect, as a steady look can be nothing else." has on a lower sort of dog), so Jeremiah never re"We shall see, madame!" said the man of business. moved his from Arthur. It was as if they had tac"We shall see," she assented. "The gentleman itly agreed to take their different provinces. Thus, is acquainted with Flintwinch; and when the gen- in the ensuing silence, Jeremiah stood scraping his tleman was in London last, I remember to have chin and looking at Arthur, as though he were tryheard that he and Flintwinch had some entertain- ing to screw his thoughts out of him with an instrument or good-fellowship together. I am not in the ment. way of knowing much that passes outside this room, After a little, the visitor, as if he felt the silence - and the jingle of little worldly things beyond it does irksome,.rose, and impatiently put himself with his not much interest me; but I remember to have heard back to the sacred fire which had burned through that." so many years. Thereupon Mrs. Clennam said, mov" Right, madame. It is true." He laughed again, ing one of her hands for the first time, and moving and whistled the burden of the tune he had sung at it very slightly with an action of dismissal: the door. " Please to leave us to our business, Arthur." "Therefore, Arthur," said his mother, " the gentle- "Mother, I do so with reluctance." man comes here as an acquaintance, and no stranger; "Never mind with what," she returned, "or with and it is much to be regretted that your unreasona- what not. Please to leave us. Come back at any ble temper should have found offense in him. I re- other time when you may consider it a duty to bury gret it. I say so to the gentleman. You will not half an hour wearily here. Good-night." say so, I know; therefore I say it for myself and She held up her muffled fingers that he might Flintwinch; since with us two the gentleman's busi- touch them with his, according to their usual cuisness lies." tom, and he stood over her wheeled chair to touch The key of the door below was now heard in the her face with his lips. He thought, then, that her lock, and the door was heard to open and close. In cheek was more strained than usual, and that it was due sequence Mr. Flintwinch appeared; on whose colder. As he followed the direction of her eyes, in entrance the visitor rose from his chair laughing rising again, toward Mr. Flintwinch's good friend, aloud, and folded him in a close embrace. Mr. Blandois, Mr. Blandois snapped his finger and "How goes it, my cherished friend?" said he. thumb with one loud contemptuous snap. I"How goes the world, my Flintwinch? Rose-col- " I leave your-your business acquaintance in my ored? So much the better, so much the better! Ah, mother's room, Mr. Flintwinch," said Clennam, "with but you look charming! Ah, but you look young a great deal of surprise and a great deal of unwilland fresh as the flowers of Spring! Ah, good little ingness." boy! Brave child, brave child!" The person referred to snapped his finger and While heaping these compliments on Mr. Flint- thumb again. winch, he rolled him about with a hand on each of " Good-night, mother." his shoulders, until the staggerings of that gentle- "Good-night." man, who under the circumstances was drier and "I had a friend once, my good comrade Flintmore twisted than ever, were like those of a teeto- winch," said Blandois, standing astride before the tum nearly spent. fire, and so evidently saying it to arrest Clennam's "I had a presentiment, last time, that we should retreating steps, that he lingered near the door; "I be better and more intimately acquainted. Is it had a friend once, who had heard so much of the coming on you, Flintwinch? Is it yet coming on?" dark side of this city and its ways, that he wouldn't 240 LITTLE DORRIT. have confided himself alone by night with two peo- and happy home, even if she had not told me so with ple who had an interest in getting him under the great love for it. ground-my faith! not even in a respectable house Well, it is a rather bare lodging up a rather dark like this-unless he was bodily too strong for them. common staircase, and it is nearly all a large dull Bah! What a poltroon, my Flintwinch! Eh?" room, where Mr. Gowan paints. The windows are'A cur, sir." blocked up where any one could look out, and the "Agreed! A cur. But he wouldn't have done it, walls have been all drawn over with chalk and my Flintwinch, unless he had known them to have charcoal by others who have lived there beforethe will to silence him, without the power. He oh, I should think, for years! There is a curtain wouldn't have drunk from a glass of water, under more dust-colored than red, which divides it, and such circumstances-not even in a respectable house the part behind the curtain makes the private sitlike this, my Flintwinch —unless he had seen one of ting-room. When I first saw her there she was them drink first, and swallow too!" alone, and her work had fallen out of her hand, and Disdaining to speak, and indeed not very well she was looking up at the sky shining through the able, for he was half choking, Clennam only glanced tops of the windows. Pray do not be uneasy when at the visitor as he passed out. The visitor saluted I tell you, but it was not quite so airy, nor so bright, him with another parting snap, and his nose came nor so cheerful, nor so happy and youthful altogethdown over his mustache and his mustache went up er as I should have liked it to be. under his nose, in an ominous and ugly smile. On account of Mr. Gowan painting Papa's picture "For Heaven's sake, Affery," whispered Clennam, (which I am not quite convinced I should have as she opened the door for him in the dark hall, and known from the likeness if I had not seen him dohe groped his way to the sight of the night-sky, ing it), I have had more opportunities of being with " what is going on here?" her since then, than I might have had without this Her own appearance was sufficiently ghastly, fortunate chance. She is very much alone. Very standing in the dark with her apron thrown over much alone indeed. her head, and speaking behind it in a low, deadened Shall I tell you about the second time I saw her? voice. I went one day, when it happened that I could run " Don't ask me any thing, Arthur. I've been in a round by myself, at four or five o'clock in the afterdream for ever so long. Go away!" noon. She was then dining alone, and her solitary He- went out, and she shut the door upon him. dinner had been brought in from somewhere, over a He looked up at the windows of his mother's room, kind of brazier with a fire in it, and she had no comand the dim light, leadened by the yellow blinds, pany or prospect of company, that I could see, but seemed to say a response after Affery, and to mutter, the old man who had brought it. He was telling " Don't ask me any thing. Go away!" her a long story (of robbers outside the walls being taken up by a stone statue of a Saint), to entertain her-as he said to me when I came out, "because he had a daughter of his own, though she was not so pretty." CHAPTER XI. I ought now to mention Mr. Gowan, before I say what little more I have to say about her. He must A LETTER FROM LITTLE DORRIT. admire her beauty, and he must be proud of her, for EAR MR. CLENNAM,-As I said in my last that every body praises it, and he must be fond of her, it was best for nobody to write to me, and as my and I do not doubt that he is-but in his way.. You sending you another little letter can therefore give know his way, and if it appears as careless and disyou no. other trouble than the trouble of reading it contented in your eyes as it does in mine, I am not (perhaps you may not find leisure for even that, wrong in thinking that it might be better suited to though I hope you will some day), I am now going her. If it does not seem so to you, I am quite sure to devote an hour to writing to you again. This I am wholly mistaken; for your unchanged poor time, I write from Rome. child confides in your knowledge and goodness We left Venice before Mr. and Mrs. Gowan did, more than she could ever tell you, if she was to but they were not so long upon the road as we try. But don't be frightened,I am not going to try. were, and did not travel by the same way, and so Owing (as I think, if you think so too) to Mr. when we arrived we found them in a lodging here, Gowan's unsettled and dissatisfied way, he applies in a place called the Via Gregoriana. I dare say. himself to his profession very little. He does nothyou know it. ing steadily or patiently; but equally takes things Now, I am going to tell you all I can about them, up and throws them down, and does them, or leaves because I know that is what you most want to hear. them undone, without caring about them. When I Theirs is not a very comfortable lodging, but per- have heard him talking to Papa during the sittings haps I thought it less so when I first saw it than for the picture, I have sat wondering whether it you would have done, because you have been in could be that he has no belief in any body else, bemany countries and have seen many different cus- cause he has no belief in himself. Is it so? I wontoms. Of course it is a far, far better place-mill- der what you will say when you come to this! I ions of times-than any I have ever been used to know how you will look, and I can almost hear the until lately; and I fancy I don't look at it with my voice in which you would tell me on the Iron Bridge. own eyes, but with hers. For it would be easy to Mr. Gowan goes out a good deal among what is see that she has always been brought up in a tender considered the best company here-though he does ANOTHER- GLIMPSE OF THE HEART. 241 not look as if he enjoyed it or liked it when he is he will never wear out its affection. You know the with it-and she sometimes accompanies him, but truth of this, as you know every thing, far far better lately she has gone out very little. I think I have than I; but I can not help telling you what a nature noticed that they have an inconsistent way of speak- she shows, and that you can never think too well of ing about her, as if she had made some great self-in- her. terested success in marrying Mr. Gowan, though, at I have not yet called her by her name in this letthe same time, the very same people would not have ter, but we are such friends now that I do so when dreamed of taking him for themselves or their daugh- we are quietly together, and she speaks to me by my ters. Then he goes into the country besides, to think name-I mean, not my Christian name, but the name about making sketches; and in all places where there you gave me. When she began to call me Amy, I are visitors, he has a large acquaintance and is very told her my short story, and that you had always well known. Besides all this, he has a friend who called me Little Dorrit. I told her that the name is much in his society both at home and away from was much dearer to me than any other, and so she home, though he treats this friend very coolly and calls me Little Dorrit too. is very uncertain in his behavior to him. I am Perhaps you have not heard from her father or j IV WHEN I FIRST SAW HER THERE SHE WAS ALONE, AND HER WORE HAD FALLEN OUT OF HER HAND. quite sure (because she has told me so), that she mother yet, and may not know that she has a baby does not like this friend. He is so revolting to me, son. He was born only two days ago, and just a too, that his being away from here, at present, is week after they came. It has made them very hapquite a relief to my mind. How much more to py. However, I must tell you, as I am to tell you hefs! all, that I fancy they are under a constraint with Mr. But what I particularly want you to know, and Gowan, and that they feel as if his mocking way with why I have resolved to tell you so much even while them was sometimes a slight given to their love for I am afraid it may make you a little uncomfortable her. it was but yesterday when I was there, that I without occasion, is this. She is so true and so de- saw Mr. Meagles change color, and get up and go out, voted, and knows so completely that all her love as if he was afraid that he might say so, unless he and duty are his forever, that you may be certain prevented himself by that means. Yet I am sure she will love him, admire him, praise him, and con- they are both so considerate, good-humored, and reaceal all his faults, until she dies. I believe she con- sonable, that he might spare them. It is hard in him ceals them, and always will conceal them, even from not to think of them a little more. herself. She has given him a heart that can never I stopped at the last full-stop to read all this over. be taken back; and however much he may try it, It looked at first as if I was taking on myself to un16 242 LITTLE D ORRIT. derstand and explain so much, that I was half in- ways dreamed of myself as a child learning to do dined not to send it. But when I had thought it needle-work. I have often dreamed of myself as over a little, I felt more hopeful of your knowing at back there, seeing faces in the yard little known, and once that I had only been watchful for you, and had which I should have thought I had quite forgotten; only noticed what I think I have noticed because I but, as often as not, I have been abroad here-in was quickened by your interest in it. Indeed, you Switzerland, or France, or Italy —somewhere where may be sure that is the truth. we have been-yet always as that little child. I And now I have done with the subject in the pres- have dreamed of going down to Mrs. General, with the ent letter, and have little left to say. patches on my clothes in which I can first remember We are all quite well, and Fanny improves every myself. I have over and over again dreamed of takday. You can hardly think how kind she is to me, ing my place at dinner at Venice when we have had a and what pains she takes with me. She has a lover, large company, in the mourning for my poor mother who has followed her, first all the way from Switzer- which I wore when I was eight years old, and wore land, and then all the way from Venice, and who has long after it was threadbare and would mend no more. just confided to me that he means to follow her ev- It has been a great distress to me to think how irerywhere. I was much confused by his speaking to reconcilable the company would consider it with my me about it, but he would. I did not know what to father's wealth, and how I should displease and dissay, but at last I told him that I thought he had bet- grace him and Fanny and Edward by so plainly dister not. For Fanny (but I did not tell him this) is closing what they wished to keep secret. But I have much too spirited and clever to suit him. Still, he not grown out of the little child in thinking of it; said he would, all the same. I have no lover, of and at the self-same moment I have dreamed that I course. have sat with the heart-ache at table, calculating the If you should ever get so far as this in this long expenses of the dinner, and quite distracting myself letter, you will perhaps say, Surely Little Dorrit will with thinking how they were ever to be made good. not leave off without telling me something about her I have never dreamed of the change in our fortunes travels, and surely it is time she did. I think it is itself; I have never dreamed of your coming back indeed, but I don't know what to tell you. Since with me that memorable morning to break it; I we left Venice we have been in a great many won- have never even dreamed of you. derful places, Genoa and Florence among them, and Dear Mr. Clennam, it is possible that I have thought have seen so many wonderfiul sights, that I am al- of you-and others-so much by day, that I have no most giddy when I think what a crowd they make. thoughts left to wander round you by night. For I But you could tell me so much more about them than must now confess to you that I suffer from home-sickI can tell you, that why should I tire you with my ness-that I long so ardently and earnestly for home, accounts and descriptions? as sometimes, when no one sees me, to pine for it. I Dear Mr. Clennam, as I had the courage to tell you can not bear to turn my face farther away from it. what the familiar difficulties in my traveling mind My heart is a little lightened when we turn toward were before, I will not be a coward now. One of my it, even for a few miles; and with the knowledge that frequent thoughts is this: Old as these cities are, we are soon to turn away again. So dearly do I love their age itself is hardly so curious, to my reflections, the scene of my poverty and your kindness. Oh so as that they should have been in their places all dearly, oh so dearly! through those days when I did not even know of the Heaven knows when your poor child will see Enexistence of more than two or three of them, and gland again. We are all fond of the life here (except when I scarcely knew of any thing outside our old me), and there are no plans for our return. My dear walls. There is something melancholy in it, and I father talks of a visit to London late in this next don't know why. When we went to see the famous spring, on some affairs connected with the propleaning tower at Pisa, it was a bright sunny day, and erty, but I have no hope that he will bring me with it and the buildings near it looked so old, and the him. earth and sky looked so young, and its shadow on I have tried to get on a little better under Mrs. the ground was so soft and retired! I could not at General's instruction, and I hope I am not quite so first think how beautiful it was, or how curious, but dull as I used to be. I have begun to speak and unI thought, " Oh how many times when the shadow derstand, almost easily, the hard languages I told you of the wall was falling on our room, and when that about. I did not remember, at the moment when I weary tread of feet was going up and down the yard wrote last, that you know them both; but I remem-Oh how many times this place was just as quiet bered it afterward, and it helped me on. God bless and lovely as it is to-day!" It quite overpowered you, dear Mr. Clennam. Do not forget me. My heart was so full, that tears burst out of Your ever grateful and affectionate my eyes, though I did what I could to restrain them. LITTLE DonnRRIT. And I have the same feeling often-often. P.S.-Particularly remember that Minie Gowan Do you know that since the change in our for- deserves the best remembrance in which you can tunes, though I appear to myself to have dreamed hold her. You can not think too generously or too more than before, I have always dreamed of myself highly of her. I forgot Mr. Pancks last time. Please, as very young indeed? I am not very old, you may if you should see him, give him your Little Dorrit's say. No, but that is not what I mean. I have al- kind regard. He was very good to Little D. MORE OF THE MIGHTY MERDLE. 243 CHAPTER XII. set forth the table for his own dignity. If the guests chose to partake of whot was served, he saw no obIN WHICH A GEAT PATIOTIC CONERENCE I jection; but it was served for the maintenance of his IHOLDEN..rank. As he stood by the sideboard, he seemed to THE famous -name of Merdle became, every day, announce, " I have accepted office to look at this more famous in the land. Nobody knew that which is now before me, and to look at nothing less the Merdle of such high renown had ever done any than this." If he missed the presiding bosom, it good to any one, alive or dead, or to any earthly was as a part of his own state of which he was, from thing; nobody knew that he had any capacity or ut- unavoidable circumstances, temporarily deprived. terance of any sort in him, which had ever thrown, for Just as he might have missed a centre-piece, or a any creature, the feeblest farthing-candle ray of light choice wine-cooler, which had been sent to the Bankon any path of duty or diversion, pain or pleasure, er's. -toil or rest, fact or fancy, among the multiplicity of Mr. Merdle issued invitations for a Barnacle dinpaths in the labyrinth trodden by the sons of Adam; ner. Lord Decimus was to be there, Mr. Tite Barnobody had the smallest reason for supposing the nacle was to be there, the pleasant young Barnacle clay of which this object of worship was made, to be was to be there; and the Chorus of Parliamentary other than the commonest clay, with as clogged a Barnacles who went about the provinces when the wick smouldering inside of it as ever kept an image House was up, warbling the praises of their Chief, of humanity from tumbling to pieces. All people were to be represented there. It was understood to knew (or thought they knew) that he had made him- be a great occasion. Mr. Merdle was going to take self immensely rich; and, for that reason alone, pros- up the Barnacles. Some delicate little negotiations trated themselves before him, more degradedly and had occurred between him and the noble Decimursless excusably than the darkest savage creeps out of the young Barnacle of engaging manners acting as his hole in the ground to propitiate, in some log or negotiator-and Mr. Merdle had decided to cast the reptile, the Deity of his benighted soul. weight of his great probity and great riches into the Nay, the high-priests of this worship had the man Barnacle scale. Jobbery was suspected by the malibefore them as a protest against their meanness. cious; perhaps because it was indisputable that if The multitude worshiped on trust-though always the adherence of the immortal Enemy of Mankind distinctly knowing why-but the officiators at the could have been secured by a job, the Barnacles altar had the man habitually in their view. They would have jobbed him-for the good of the counsat at his feasts, and he sat at theirs. There was a try, for the good of the country. spectre always attendant on him, saying to these Mrs. Merdle had written to this magnificent spouse high-priests, " Are such the signs you trust, and love of hers, whom it was heresy to regard as any thing to honor; this head, these eyes, this mode of speech, less than all the British Merchants since the- days of the tone and manner of this man? You are the le- Whittington rolled into one, and gilded three feet vers of the Circumlocution Office, and the rulers of deep all over-had written to this spouse of hers, men. When half a dozen of you fall out by the ears, several letters from Rome, in quick succession, urit seems that mother earth can give birth to no oth- ging upon him with importunity that now or never er rulers. Does your qualification lie in the superi- was the time to provide for Edmund Sparkler. Mrs. or knowledge of men, which accepts, courts, and puffs Merdle had shown him that the case of Edmund was this man? Or, if you are competent to judge aright urgent, and that infinite advantages might result the signs I never fail to show you when he appears from his having some good thing directly. In the among you, is your superior honesty your qualifica- grammar of Mrs. Merdle's verbs on this momentous tion?" Two rather ugly questions these, always go- subject, there was only one Mood, the Imperative; ing about town with Mr. Merdle; and there was a and that Mood had only one Tense, the Present. Mrs. tacit agreement that they must be stifled. Merdle's verbs were so pressingly presented to Mr. In Mrs. Merdle's absence abroad, Mr. Merdle still Merdle to conjugate, that his sluggish blood and his kept the great house open, for the passage through long coat-cuffs became quite agitated. it of a stream of visitors. A few of these took. affa- In which state of agitation, Mr. Merdle, evasively ble possession of the establishment. Three or four rolling his eyes round the Chief Butler's shoes withladies of distinction and liveliness used to say to one out raising them to the index of that stupendous another, "Let us dine at our dear Merdle's next creature's thoughts, had signified to him his intenThursday. Whom shall we have?" Our dear Mer- tion of giving a special dinner: not a very large dile would then receive his instructions; and would dinner, but a very special dinner. The Chief Butler sit heavily among the company at table and wander had signified, in return, that he had no objection to lumpishly about his drawing-room afterward, only look on at the most expensive thing in that way that remarkable for appearing to have nothing to do with could be done: and the day of the dinner was now the entertainment beyond being in its way. come. The Chief Butler, the Avenging Spirit of this great Mr. Merdle stood in one of his drawing-rooms, with man's life, relaxed nothing of his severity. He look- his back to the fire, waiting for the arrival of his imed on at these dinners when the bosom was not there, portant guests. He seldom or never took the liberty as he looked on at other dinners when the bosom was of standing with his back to his fire, unless he was there; and his eye was a basilisk to Mr. Merdle. He quite alone. In the presence of the Chief Butler, he was a hard man, and would never bate an ounce of could not have done such a deed. He would have plate or a bottle of wine. He would not allow a din- clasped himself by the wrists in that constabulary ner to be given, unless it was up to his mark. He manner of his, and have paced up and down the 244 LITTLE DORRIT. hearth-rug, or gone creeping about among the rich the Captain is severe upon us. Nevertheless, I think objects of furniture, if his oppressive retainer had I could put in evidence an admission of the Capappeared in the room at that very moment. The sly tain's," said Bar, with a little jocose roll of his head; shadows which seemed to dart out of hiding when for, in his legal current of speech, he always assumed the fire rose, and to dart back into it when the fire the air of rallying himself with the best grace in the fell, were sufficient witnesses of his making himself world: "an admission of the Captain's that law, in so easy. They were even more than sufficient, if his the gross, is at least intended to be impartial. For, uncomfortable glances at them might be taken to what says the Captain, if I quote him correctly — mean any thing. and if not," with a light-comedy touch of his double Mr. Merdle's right hand was filled with the even- eyeglass on his companion's shoulder, "my learned ing paper, and the evening paper was full of Mr. friend will set me right: Merdle. His wonderful enterprise, his wonderfiul' Since laws were made for every degree, wealth, his wonderful Bank, were the fattening food To curb vice in others as well as in me, of the evening paper that night. The wonderful I wonder we ha'u't better company Bank, of which he was the chief projector, establish- Upon Tyburn Tree 1" er, and manager, was the latest of the many Merdle These words brought them to the drawing-room, wonders. So modest was Mr. Merdle withal, in the where Mr. Merdle stood before the fire. So immensemidst of these splendid achievements, that he looked ly astounded was Mr. Merdle by the entrance of Bar far more like a man in possession of his house under with such a reference in his mouth, that Bar explaina distraint, than a Commercial Colossus bestriding ed himself to have been quoting Gay. "Assuredly his own hearth-rug, while the little ships were sail- not one of our Westminster Hall authorities," said ing in to dinner. he, "but still no despicable one to a man possessing Behold the vessels coming into port! The enga- the largely-practical Mr. Merdle's knowledge of the ging young Barnacle was the first arrival; but Bar world." overtook him on the staircase. Bar, strengthened Mr. Merdle looked as if he thought he would say as usual with his double eyeglass and his little jury something, but subsequently looked as if he thought droop, was overjoyed to see the engaging young he wouldn't. The interval afforded time for Bishop Barnacle; and opined that we were going to sit in to be announced. Banco, as we lawyers call it, to take a special argu- Bishop came in with meekness, and yet with a ment? strong and rapid step, as if he wanted to get his a"Indeed," said the sprightly young Barnacle, seven-league dress-shoes on, and go round the world whose name was Ferdinand: " how so?" to see that every body was in a satisfactory state. " Nay," smiled Bar. " If you don't know, how can Bishop had no idea that there was any thing signifiI know? You are in the innermost sanctuary of the cant in the occasion. That was the most remarkable temple; I am one of the admiring concourse on the trait in his demeanor. He was crisp, fresh, cheerful, plain without." affable, bland; but so surprisingly innocent. Bar could be light in hand, or heavy in hand, ac- Bar slided up to prefer his politest inquiries in cording to the customer he had to deal with. With reference to the health of Mrs. Bishop. Mrs. Bishop Ferdinand Barnacle he was gossamer. Bar was like- had been a little unfortunate in the article of tak-wise always modest and self-depreciatory-in his ing cold at a Confirmation, but otherwise was well. way. Bar was a man of great variety; but one lead- Young Mr. Bishop was also well. He was down, ing thread ran through the woof of all his patterns. with his young wife and little family, at his Cure Every man with whom he had to do was in his eyes of Souls. a juryman; and he must get that juryman over, if The representatives of the Barnacle Chorus drophe could. ped in next, and Mr. Merdle's physician dropped in " Our illustrious host and friend," said Bar; "our next. Bar, who had a bit of one eye and a bit of his shining mercantile star;-going into politics?" double eyeglass for every one who came in at the " Going? He has been in Parliament some time, door, no matter with whom he was conversing oi1 you know," returned the engaging young Barnacle. what he was talking about, got among them all by "True," said Bar, with his light-comedy laugh for some skillful means, without being seen to get at special jurymen: which was a very different thing them, and touched each individual gentleman of the from his low-comedy laugh for comic tradesmen on jury on his own individual favorite spot. With common juries: "he has been in Parliament for some some of the Chorus, he laughed about the sleepy time. Yet hitherto our star has been a vacillating member who had gone out into the lobby the other and wavering star? Humph?" night, and voted the wrong way: with others, he An average witness would have been seduced by deplored that innovating spirit in the time which the Humph? into an affirmative answer. But Fer- could not even be prevented from taking an unnatdinand Barnacle looked knowingly at Bar as they ural interest in the public service and the public strolled up stairs, and gave him no answer at all. money: with the physician he had a word to say "Just so, just so," said Bar, nodding his head, for about the general health; he had also a little inforhe was not to be put off in that way, " and therefore mation to ask him for, concerning a professional man, I spoke of our sitting in Banco, to take a special ar- of unquestioned erudition and polished mannersgument-meaning this to be a high and solemn oc- but those credentials in their highest development casion, when, as Captain Macheath says,' The Judges he believed were the possession of other professors are met: a terrible show!' We lawyers are suffi- of the healing art (jury droop)-whom he had hapciently liberal, you see, to quote the Captain, though pened to have in the witness-box the day before yes DINNER AAT MR. ]M ERDLE'S. 245 terday, and from whom he had elicited in cross-ex- uted? Lord Decimus could not undertake to proamination that he claimed to be one of the expo- pound any theory about it. This might have stopped nents of this new mode of treatment which appear- another man; but, Bar sticking to him fresh as ever, ed to Bar to-eh!-well, Bar thought so; Bar had said, " As to pears, now." thought, and hoped, Physician would tell him so. Long after Bar got made Attorney-General, this Without presuming to decide where doctors disa- was told of him as a master-stroke. Lord Decimus greed, it did appear to Bar, viewing it as a question had a reminiscence about a pear-tree, formally growof common sense and not of so-called legal penetra- ing in a garden near the back of his dame's house at tion, that this new system was-might he, in the Eton, upon which pear-tree the only joke of his life presence of so great an authority —say, Humbug? perennially bloomed. It was a joke of a compact Ah! Fortified by such encouragement, he could and portable nature, turning on the difference beventure to say Humbug; and now Bar's mind was tween Eton pears and Parliamentary pairs; but it relieved. was a joke, a refined relish of which would seem to Mr. Tite Barnacle, who, like Dr. Johnson's cele- have appeared to Lord Decimus impossible to be brated acquaintance, had only one idea in his head, had, without a thorough and intimate acquaintance anmd that was a wrong one, had appeared by this with the tree. Therefore, the story at first had no time. This eminent gentleman and Mr. Merdle, seat- idea of such a tree, sir, then gradually found it in ed diverse ways and with ruminating aspects, on a winter, carried it through the changing seasons, saw yellow ottoman in the light of the fire, holding no it bud, saw it blossom, saw it bear fruit, saw the verbal communication with each other, bore a strong fruit ripen, in short, cultivated the tree in that dilgeneral resemblance to the two cows in the Cuyp igent and minute manner before it got out of the picture over against them. bedroom window to steal the fruit, that many thanks But now, Lord Decimus arrived. The Chief But- had been offered up by belated listeners for the tree's ler, who up to this time had limited himself to a having been planted and grafted prior to Lord Debranch of his usual function by looking at the com- cimus's time. Bar's interest in apples was so overpany as they entered (and that, with more of defi- topped by the rapt suspense in which he pursued ance than favor), put himself so far out of his way the changes in these pears, from the moment when as to come up stairs with him and announce him. Lord Decimus solemnly opened with " Your menLord Decimus being an overpowering peer, a bash- tioning pears recalls to my remembrance a pearful young member of the Lower House, who was the tree," down to the rich conclusion, " And so we pass, last fish but one caught by the Barnacles, and who through the various changes of life, from Eton pears had been invited on this occasion to commemorate to Parliamentary pairs," that he had to go down his capture, shut his eyes when his Lordship came stairs with Lord Decimus, and even then to be seatin. ed next to him at table, in order that he might hear Lord Decimus nevertheless was glad to see the the anecdote out. By that time, Bar felt that he had Member. He was also glad to see Mr. Merdle, glad secured the Foreman, and might go to dinner with a to see Bishop, glad to see Bar, glad to see Physician, good appetite. glad to see Tite Barnacle, glad to see Chorus, glad to It was a dinner to provoke an appetite, though he see Ferdinand his private secretary. Lord Decimus, had not had one. The rarest dishes, sumptuously though one of the greatest of the earth, was not re- cooked and sumptuously served; the choicest fruits; markable for ingratiatory manners, and Ferdinand the most exquisite wines; marvels of workmanship had coached him up to the point of noticing all the in gold and silver, china and glass; innumerable fellows he might find there, and saying he was glad things delicious to the senses of taste, smell, and to see them. When he had achieved this rush of sight, were insinuated into its composition. Oh, vivacity and condescension, his Lordship composed what a wonderful man this Merdle, what a great himself into the picture after Cuyp, and made a third man, what a master-man, how blessedly and enviacow in the group. bly endowed-in one word, what a rich man! Bar, who felt that he had got all the rest of the He took his usual poor eighteen-pennyworth of jury and must now lay hold of the Foreman, soon food, in his usual indigestive way, and had as little came sliding up, double eyeglass in hand. Bar ten- to say for himself as ever a wonderful man had. dered the weather, as a subject neatly aloof from of- Fortunately Lord Decimus was one of those subficial reserve, for the Foreman's consideration. Bar limities who have no occasion to be talked to, for said that he was told (as every body always is told, they can be at any time sufficiently occupied with though who tells them, and why, will forever remain the contemplation of their own greatness. This ena mystery) that there was to be no wall-fruit this abled the bashful young member to keep his eyes year. Lord Decimus had not heard any thing amiss open long enough at a time to see his dinner. But, of his peaches, but rather believed, if his people were whenever Lord Decimus spoke, he shut them again. correct, he was to have no apples. No apples? Bar The agreeable young Barnacle, and Bar, were the was lost in astonishment and concern. It would talkers of the party. Bishop would have been exhave been all one to him, in reality, if there had not ceedingly agreeable also, but that his innocence been a pippin on the surface of the earth, but his stood in his way. He was so soon leftibehind. show of interest in this apple question was positive- When there was any little hint of any thing being ly painful Now, to what, Lord Decimus-for we in the wind, he got lost directly. Worldly affairs troublesome lawyers loved to gather information, were too much for him; he couldn't make them out and could never tell how useful it might prove to at all. us-to what, Lord Decimus, was this to be attrib- This was observable when Bar said, incidentally, 246 LITTLE DORRIT. that he was happy to have heard that we were soon nacle threw off the phrase sportively, as who should to have the advantage of enlisting on the good side, say, We know all about these forms of speech, but the sound and plain sagacity-not demonstrative or we must keep it up, we must keep the game alive; ostentatious, but thoroughly sound and practical — "no end of trouble, and has put us into innumeraof our friend Mr. Sparkler. ble fixes." Ferdinand Barnacle laughed, and said oh yes, he "Fixes?" repeated Lord Decimus, with a majestic believed so. A vote was a vote, and always accept- pausing and pondering on the word that made the able. bashful member shut his eyes quite tight. "Fixes?" Bar was sorry to miss our good friend Mr. Spark- "A very perplexing business indeed," observed ler to-day, Mr. Merdle. Mr. Tite Barnacle, with an air of grave resentment. "He is away with Mrs. Merdle," returned that " What," said Lord Decimus, "was the character gentleman, slowly coming out of a long abstraction, of his business; what was the nature of these-ain the course of which he had been fitting a table- fixes, Ferdinand?" spoon up his sleeve. "It is not indispensable for " Oh, it's a good story, as a story," returned that him to be on the spot." gentleman; " as good a thing of its kind, as need be. "The magic name of Merdle," said Bar, with the This Mr. Dorrit (his name is Dorrit) had incurred a jury droop, "no doubt will suffice for all." responsibility to us, ages before the fairy came out "Why-yes —I believe so," assented Mr. Merdle, of the Bank and gave him his fortune, under a bond putting the spoon aside, and clumsily hiding each he had signed for the performance of a contract of his hands in the coat-cuff of the other hand. " I which was not at all performed. He was a partner believe the people in my interest down there will not in a house in some large way-spirits, or buttons, or make any difficulty." wine, or blacking, or oatmeal, or woolen, or pork, or "Model people!" said Bar. hooks-and-eyes, or iron, or treacle, or shoes, or some" I am glad you approve of them," said Mr. Merdle. thing or other that was wanted for troops, or sea" And the people of those other two places, now," men, or somebody-and the house burst, and we bepursued Bar, with a bright twinkle in his keen eye, ing among the creditors, detainers were lodged on as it slightly turned in the direction of his magnifi- the part of the Crown in a scientific manner, and all cent neighbor; "we lawyers are always curious, al- the rest of it. When the fairy had appeared and he ways inquisitive, always picking up odds and ends wanted to pay us off, Egad we had got into such an for our patch-work minds, since there is no knowing exemplary state of checking and counter-checking, when and where they may fit into some corner;-the signing and counter-signing, that it was six months people of those other two places, now? Do they before we knew how to take the money, or how to yield so laudably to the vast and cumulative influ- give a receipt for it. It was a triumph of public ence of such enterprise and such renown; do those business," said this handsome young Barnacle, laughlittle rills become absorbed so quietly and easily, ing heartily. "You never saw such a lot of forms and, as it were by the influence of natural laws, so in your life.'Why,' the attorney said to me one beautifully, in the swoop of the majestic stream as day,' if I wanted this office to give me two or three it flows upon its wondrous way enriching the sur- thousand pounds instead of take it, I couldn't have rounding lands; that their course is perfectly to be more trouble about it.''You are right, old fellow,' calculated, and distinctly to be predicated?" I told him,' and in future you'll know that we have Mr. Merdle, a little troubled by Bar's eloquence, something to do here."' The pleasant young Barlooked fitfully about the nearest salt-cellar for some nacle finished by once more laughing heartily. He moments, and then said, hesitating: was a very easy, pleasant fellow indeed, and his "They are perfectly aware, sir, of their duty to manners were exceedingly winning. Society. They will return any body I send to them Mr. Tite Barnacle's view of the business was of a for that purpose." less airy character. He took it ill that Mr. Dorrit "Cheering to know," said Bar. "Cheering to had troubled the Department by wanting to pay the know." money, and considered it a grossly informal thing The three places in question were three little rot-P to do after so many years. But, Mr. Tite Barnacle ten holes in this Island, containing three little igno- was a buttoned-up man, and consequently a weighty rant, drunken, guzzling, dirty, out-of-the-way constit- one. All buttoned-up men are weighty. All butuencies, that had reeled into Mr. Merdle's pocket. toned-up men are believed in. Whether or no the Ferdinand Barnacle laughed in his easy way, and reserved and never-exercised power of unbuttoning, airily said they were a nice set of fellows. Bishop, fascinates mankind; whether or no wisdom is supmentally perambulating among paths of peace, was posed to condense and augment when buttoned up, altogether swallowed up in absence of mind. and to evaporate when unbuttoned; it is certain "Pray," asked Lord Decimus, casting his eyes that the man to whom importance is accorded is the around the table, "what is this story I have heard buttoned-up man. Mr. Tite Barnacle never would of a gentleman long confined in a debtors' prison, have passed for half his current value, unless his coat proving to be of a wealthy family, and having come had been always buttoned up to his white cravat. into the inheritance of a large sum of money? I "May I ask," said Lord Decimus, " if Mr Darrithave mgtf with a variety of allusions to it. Do you or Dorrit-has any family?" know any thing of it, Ferdinand?" Nobody else replying, the host said, "Hie has two "I only know this much," said Ferdinand, " that daughters, my lord." he has given the Department with which I have the "Oh! you are acquainted with him?" asked Lord honor to be associated;" this sparkling young Bar- Decimus. THE POWERS BROUGHT TOGETHER. 247 ~. "Mrs. Merdle is. Mr. Sparkler is, too. In fact," as get the two chieftains into the same room. Mr. said Mr. Merdle, "I rather believe thatone of the Merdle and his noble guest persisted in prowling young ladies has made an impression on Edmund about at opposite ends of the perspective. It was Sparkler. He is susceptible, and-I-think-the in vain for the engaging Ferdinand to bring Lord conquest-" Here Mr. Merdle stopped, and looked Decimus to look at the bronze horses near Mr. Merat the table-cloth; as he usually did when he found die. Then Mr. Merdle evaded, and wandered away. himself observed or listened to. It was in vain for him to bring Mr. Merdle to Lord Bar was uncommonly pleased to find that the Mer- Decimus to tell him the history of the unique Dresdle family, and this family, had already been brought den vases. Then, Lord Decimus evaded and waninto contact. He submitted, in a low voice across dered away, while he was getting his man up to the the table to Bishop, that it was a kind of analogical mark. illustration of those physical laws, in virtue of which "Did you ever see such a thing as this?" said Like flies to Like. He regarded this power of at- Ferdinand to Bar, when he had been baffled twenty traction in wealth to draw wealth to it, as something times. remarkably interesting and curious-something in- "Often," returned Bar. definably allied to the loadstone and gravitation. "Unless I butt one of them into an appointed corBishop, who had ambled back to earth again when ner, and you butt the other," said Ferdinand, " it will the present theme was broached, acquiesced. He not come off after all." said it was indeed highly important to Society that "Very good," said Bar. "I'll butt Merdle, if you one in the trying situation of unexpectedly finding like; but, not my lord." himself invested with a power for good or for evil in Ferdinand laughed, in the midst of his vexation. Society, should become, as it were, merged in the su- "Confound them both!" said he, looking at his watch. perior power of a more legitimate and more gigan- "I want to get away. Why the deuce can't they tic growth, the influence of which (as in the case of come together! They both know what they want our friend, at whose board we sat) was habitually and mean to do. Look at them!" exercised in harmony with the best interests of So- They were still looming at opposite ends of the ciety. Thus, instead of two rival and contending perspective, each with an absurd pretense of not flames, a larger and a lesser, each burning with a having the other on his mind, which could not have lurid and uncertain glare, we had a blended and a been more transparently ridiculous though his real softened light whose genial ray diffused an equable mind had been chalked on his back. Bishop, who warmth throughout the land. Bishop seemed to like had just now made a third with Bar and Ferdinand, his own way of putting the case very much, and rath- but whose innocence had again cut him out of the er dwelt upon it; Bar, meanwhile (not to throw away subject and washed him in sweet-oil, was seen to apa juryman), making a show of sitting at his feet and proach Lord Decimus and glide into conversation. feeding on his precepts. "I must get Merdle's doctor to catch and secure The dinner and dessert being three hours long, the him, I suppose," said Ferdinand; "and then I must bashful Member cooled in the shadow of Lord Deci- lay hold of my illustrious kinsman, and decoy him mus faster than he warmed with food and drink, and if I can-drag him if I can't-to the conference." had but a chilly time of it. Lord Decimus, like a " Since you do me the honor," said Bar, with his tall tower in a flat country, seemed to project him- slyest smile, " to ask for my poor aid, it shall be yours self across the table-cloth, hide the light from the with the greatest pleasure. I don't think this is to honorable Member, cool the honorable Member's be done by one man. But, if you will undertake to marrow, and give him a woeful idea of distance. pen my lord into that farthest drawing-room where When he asked this unfortunate traveler to take he is now so profoundly engaged, I will undertake to wine, he encompassed his faltering steps with the bring our dear Merdle into the presence, without the gloomiest of shades; and when he said, " Your health, possibility of getting away." sir!" all around him was barrenness and desolation. " Done!" said Ferdinand. "' Done!" said Bar. At length Lord Decimus, with a coffee-cup in his Bar was a sight wondrous to behold, and full of hand, began to hover about among the pictures, and matter, when, jauntily waving his double eye-glass to cause an interesting speculation to arise in all by its ribbon, and jauntily drooping to an Universe minds as to the probabilities of his ceasing to hover, of Jurymen, he, in the most accidental manner ever and enabling the smaller birds to flutter up stairs; seen, found himself at Mr. Merdle's shoulder, and emwhich could not be done until he had urged his no- braced that opportunity of mentioning a little point ble pinions in that direction. After some delay, and to him, on which he particularly wished to be guided several stretches of his wings which came to nothing, by the light of his practical knowledge. (Here he he soared to the drawing-room. took Mr. Merdle's arm and walked him gently away.) And here a difficulty arose, which always does A banker, whom we would call A. B., advanced a conarise, when two people are specially brought togeth- siderable sum of money, which we would call fifteen er at a dinner to confer with one another. Every thousand pounds, to a client or customer of his, whom body (except Bishop, who had no suspicion of it) he would call P. Q. (Here, as they were getting toknew perfectly well that this dinner had been eaten ward Lord Decimus, he held Mr. Merdle tight.) As and drunk, specifically to the end that Lord Decimus a security for the repayment of this advance to P. Q., and Mr. Merdle should have five minutes' conversa- whom we would call a widow lady, there were placed tion together. The opportunity so elaborately pre- in A. B.'s hands the title-deeds of a freehold estate, pared was now arrived, and it seemed from that tmo- which we would call Blinkiter Doddles. Now, the ment that no mere human ingenuity could so much point was this. A limited right of felling and lop 248 LITTLE DORRIT. ping in the woods of Blinkiter Doddles, lay in the mercial interest which must ever in a great commerson of P. Q., then past his majority, and whom we cial country-and all the rest of it, with blast of would call X. Y.-but really this was too bad! In trumpet. So, bolstered by this mark of Government the presence of Lord Decimus, to detain the host with homage, the wonderful Bank and all the other wonchopping our dry chaff of law, was really too bad! derful undertakings went on and went up; and gapAnother time! Bar was truly repentant, and would ers came to Harley Street, Cavendish Square, only not say another syllable. Would Bishop favor him to look at the house where the golden wonder lived. with half a dozen words? (He had now set Mr. Mer- And when they saw the Chief Butler looking out dle down on a couch, side by side with Lord Decimus, at the hall door in his moments of condescension, and to it they must go, now or never.) the gapers said how rich he looked, and wondered And now the rest of the company, highly excited how much money he had in the wonderful Bank. and interested, always excepting Bishop, who had But, if they had known that respectable Nemesis not the slightest idea that any thing was going on, better, they would not have wondered about it, and formed in one group round the. fire in the next draw- might have stated the amount with the utmost preing-room, and pretended to be chatting easily on an cision. infinite variety of small topics, while every body's thoughts and eyes were secretly straying toward the secluded pair. The Chorus were excessively nervous, CHAPTER XIII. perhaps as laboring under the dreadful apprehension that some good thing Nwas going to be diverted from THE PROGRESS OF AN EPIDEMIC. them. Bishop alone talked steadily and evenly. He HAT it is at least as difficult to stay a moral incolnversed with the great Physician on that rela~xa-1 fection as a physical one; that such a disease tion of the throat with which young curates were too will spread with the malignity and rapidity of the frequently afflicted, and on the means of lessening Plague; that the contagion, when it has once made the great prevalence of that disorder in the church. head, will spare no pursuit or condition, but will lay Physician, as a general rule, was of opinion that the hold on people in the soundest health, and become best way to avoid it was to know how to read, before developed in the most unlikely constitutions; is a you made a profession of reading. Bishop said du- fact as firmly established by experience as that we biously, did he really think so? And Physician said, human creatures breathe an atmosphere. A blessdecidedly, yes he did. ing beyond appreciation would be conferred upon Ferdinand, meanwhile, was the only one of the mankind, if the tainted, in whose weakness orwickparty who skirmished on the outside of the circle; edness these virulent disorders are bred, could be inhe kept about midway between it and the two, as if stantly seized and placed in close confinement (not some sort of surgical operation were, being perform- to say summarily smothered) before the poison is ed by Lord Decimus on Mr. Merdle, or by Mr. Merdle communicable. on Lord Decimus, and his services might at any mo- As a vast fire will fill the air to a great distance ment be required as Dresser. In fact, within a quar- with its roar, so the sacred flame which the mighty ter of an hour, Lord Decimus called to him "Ferdi- Barnacles had fanned caused the air to resound more nand!" and he went, and took his place in the con- and more, with the name of Merdle. It was depositference for some five minutes more. Then a half- ed on every lip, and carried into every ear. There suppressed gasp broke out among the Chorus; for, never was, there never had been, there never again Lord Decimus rose to take his leave. Again coached should be, such a man as Mr. Merdle. Nobody, as up by Ferdinand to the point of making himself pop- aforesaid, knew what he had done; but every body ular, he shook hands in the most brilliant manner knew him to be the greatest that had appeared. with the whole company, and even said to Bar, "I Down in Bleeding Heart Yard, where there was hope you were not bored by my pears?" To which not one unappropriated half-penny, as lively an inBar retorted, " Eton, my lord, or Parliamentary?" terest was taken in this paragon of men as on the neatly showing that he had mastered the joke, and Stock Exchange. Mrs. Plornish, now established in delicately insinuating that he could never forget it the small grocery and general trade in a snug little while his life remained. shop at the crack end of the Yard, at the top of the All the grave importance that was buttoned up in steps, with her little old father and Maggy acting as Mr. Tite Barnacle, took itself away next: and Ferdi- assistants, habitually held forth about him over the nand took himself away next, to the opera. Some counter, in conversation with her customers. Mr. of the rest lingered a little, marrying golden liqueur Plornish, who had a small share in a small builder's glasses to Buhl tables with sticky rings; on the des- business in the neighborhood, said, towel in hand, onll perate chance of Mr. Merdle's saying something. the tops of scaffolds and on the tiles of houses, that But Merdle, as usual, oozed sluggishly and muddily people did tell him as Mr. Merdle was the one, mind about his drawing-room, saying never a word. you, to put us all to rights in respects of that which In a day or two it was announced to all the town, all on us looked to, and to bring us all safe home as that Edmund Sparkler, Esquire, son-in-law of the much we needed, mind you, fur toe be brought. Mr. eminent Mr. Merdle, of world- wide renown, was Baptist, sole lodger of Mr. and Mrs. Plornish, was remade one of the Lords of the Circumlocution Office; puted in whispers to lay by the savings which were and proclamation was issued, to all true believers, the result of his simple and moderate life, for investthat this admirable appointment was to be hailed as ment in one of Mr. Merdle's certain enterprises. The a graceful and gracious mark of homage, rendered female Bleeding Hearts, when they came for ounces by the graceful and gracious Decimus, to that com- of tea, and hundred-weights of talk, gave Mrs. Plor HAPPY COTTAGE. 249 nish to understand, That how, ma'am, they had It's no use talking to me about Mr. Merdle. You are heard from their cousin Mary Anne, which worked not Mr. Merdle, any more than I am." in the line, that his lady's dresses would fill three "No, sir," the Defaulter would reply. "I only wagons. That how she was as handsome a lady, wish you were him, sir." ma'am, as lived, no matter wheres, and a busk like The response would take this up quickly: replymarble itself. That how, according to what they ing with great feeling, " Only wish you were him, was told, nia'am, it was her son by a former husband sir." as was took into the Government; and a General he "You'd be easier with us if you were Mr. Merdle, had been, and armies he had marched again and vic- sir," the Defaulter would go on with rising spirits, tory crowned, if all you heard was to be believed.' and it would be better for all parties. Better for That how it was reported that Mr. Merdle's words our sakes, and better for yours, too. You wouldn't had been, that if they could have made it worth his have to worry no one then, sir. You wouldn't have while to take the whole Government he would have to worry us, and you wouldn't have to worry yourtook it without a profit, but that take it he could self. You'd be easier in your own mind, sir, and not and stand a loss. That how it was not to be ex- you'd leave others easier, too, you would, if you were pected, ma'am, that he should lose by it, his ways Mr. Merdle." being, as you might say and utter no falsehood, paved Mr. Pancks, in whom these impersonal compliwith gold; but that how it was much to be regret- ments produced an irresistible sheepishness, never ted that something handsome hadn't been got up to rallied after such a charge. He could only bite his make it worth his while; for it was such and only nails and puff away to the next Defaulter. The resuch that knowed the height to which the bread and sponsive Bleeding Hearts would then gather round butchers' meat had rose, and it was such and only the Defaulter whom he had just abandoned, and the such that both could and would bring that height most extravagant rumors would circulate among dowwn. them, to their great comfort, touching the amount So rife and potent was the fever in Bleeding Heart of Mr. Merdle's ready money. Yard, that Mr. Pancks's rent-days caused no interval From one of the many such defeats of one of many in the patients. The disease took the singular form, rent-days, Mr. Pancks, having finished his day's colon those occasions, of causing the infected to find an lection, repaired with his note-book under his arm, unfathomable excuse and consolation in allusions to to Mrs. Plornish's corner. Mr. Pancks's object was the magic name. not professional, but social. He had had a trying "Now, then!" Mr. Pancks would say, to a default- day, and wanted a little brightening. By this time ing lodger, " pay up! Come on!" he was on friendly terms with the Plornish family, "I haven't got it, Mr. Pancks," Defaulter would having often looked in upon them, at similar seareply. "I tell you the truth, sir, when I say I haven't sons, and borne his part in recollections of Miss Dorgot so much as a single sixpence of it to bless my- rit. self with." Mrs. Plornish's shop- parlor had been decorated " This won't do, you know," Mr. Pancks would re- under her own eye, and presented, on the side toward tort. " You don't expect it will do; do you?" the shop, a little fiction in which Mrs. Plornish ulnDefaulter would admit, with a low-spirited "No, speakably rejoiced. This poetical heightening of sir," having no such expectation. the parlor consisted in the wall being painted to rep"My proprietor isn't going to stand this, you resent the exterior of a thatched cottage; the artist know," Mr. Pancks would proceed. "He don't send having introduced (in as effective a manner as he me here for this. Pay up! Come!" found compatible with their highly disproportioned The Defaulter would make answer, "Ah, Mr. dimensions) the real door and window. The modest Pancks. If I was the rich gentleman, whose name sunflower and hollyhock were depicted as flourishis in every body's mouth-if my name was Merdle, ing with great luxuriance on this rustic dwelling, sir-I'd soon pay up, and be glad to do it." while a quantity of dense smoke issuing from the Dialogues on the rent-question usually took place chimney indicated good cheer within, and also, perat the house doors or in the entries, and in the pres- haps, that it had not been lately swept. A faithful ence of several deeply interested Bleeding Hearts. dog was represented as flying at the legs of the They always received a reference of this kind with a friendly visitor, from the threshold; and a circular low murmur of response, as if it were convincing; pigeon-house, enveloped in a cloud of pigeons, arose and the Defaulter, however black and discomfited from behind the garden-paling. On the door (when before, always cheered up a little in making it. it was shut), appeared the semblance of a brass" If I was Mr. Merdle, sir, you wouldn't have cause plate, presenting the inscription, Happy Cottage, T. to complain of me then. No, believe me!" the De- and M. Plornish; the partnership expressing man faulter would proceed with a shake of the head. and wife. No Poetry and no Art ever 6harmed the " I'd pay up so quick then, Mr. Pancks, that you imagination more than the union of the two in this shouldn't have to ask me." counterfeit cottage charmed Mrs. Plornish. It was The response would be heard again here, imply- nothing to her that Plornish had a habit of leaning ing that it was impossible to say any thing fairer, against it as he smoked his pipe after work, when and that this was the next thing to paying the mon- his hat blotted out the pigeon - house and all the ey down. pigeons, when his back swallowed up the dwelling, Mr. Pancks would be now reduced to saying as when his hands in his pockets uprooted the bloonlhe booked the case, " Well! You'll have the broker ing garden and laid waste the adjacent country. To in, and be turned out; that's what'll happen to you. Mrs. Plornish, it was still a most beautifill cottage, 250 ZLITTLE DORRIT. a most wonderful deception; and it made no differ- honor to human nature. Recognizing her claim ence that Mr. Plornish's eye was some inches above upon their generous feelings as one who had long the level of the gable bedroom in the thatch. To been a member of their community, they pledged come out into the shop after it was shut, and hear themselves, with great feeling, to deal with Mrs. her father sing a song inside this cottage, was a per- Plornish, come what would, and bestow their patfect Pastoral to Mrs. Plornish, the Golden Age re- ronage on no other establishment. Influenced by vived. And truly if that famous period had been these noble sentiments, they had even gone out of revived, or had ever been at all, it may be doubted their way to purchase little luxuries in the grocery whether it would have produced many more heartily and butter line to which they were unaccustomed; admiring daughters than the poor woman. saying to one another, that if they did stretch a Warned of a visitor by the tinkling bell at the point, was it not for a neighbor and a friend, and for shop door, Mrs. Plornish came out of Happy Cottage whom ought a point to be stretched if not for such'? to see who it might be. " I guessed it was you, Mr. So stimulated, the business was extremely brisk, and Pancks," said she, " for it's quite your regular night; the articles in stock went off with the greatest ceain't it? Here's father, you see, come out to serve lerity. In short, if the Bleeding Hearts had but at the sound of the bell, like a brisk young shopman. paid, the undertaking would have been a complete Ain't he looking well? Father's more pleased to see success; whereas, by reason of their exclusively conyou than if you was a customer, for he dearly loves fining themselves to owing, the profits actually reala gossip; and when it turns upon Miss Dorrit, he ized had not yet begun to appear in the books. loves it all the more. You never heard father in Mr. Pancks was making a very porcupine of himsuch voice as he is in at present," said Mrs. Plornish, self by sticking his hair up, in the contemplation of her own voice quavering, she was so proud and this state of accounts, when old Mr. Nandy, re-enpleased. "He gave us Strephon last night, to that tering the cottage with an air of mystery, entreated degree that Plornish gets up and makes him this them to come and look at the strange behavior of speech across the table.'John Edward Nandy,' Mr. Baptist, who seemed to have met with something says Plornish to father,'I never heard you come that had scared him. All three going into the shop, the warbles as I have heard you come the warbles and watching through the window, then saw Mr. this night.' Ain't it gratifying, Mr. Pancks,though; Baptist, pale and agitated, go through the following really?" extraordinary performances. First, he was observed Mr. Pancks, who had snorted at the old man in his hiding at the top of the steps leading down into the fiiendliest manner, replied in the affirmative, and yard, and peeping up and down the street, with his casually asked whether that lively Altro chap had head cautiously thrust out close to the side of the come in yet? Mrs. Plornish answered no, not yet, shop door. After very anxious scrutiny, he came though he had gone to the West End with some out of his retreat, and went briskly down the street work, and had said he should be back by tea-time. as if he were going away altogether; then, suddenMr. Pancks was then hospitably pressed into Happy ly turned about, and went, at the same pace, and Cottage, where he encountered the elder Master Plor- with the same feint, up the street. He had gone no nish, just come home from school. Examining that farther up the street than he had gone down, when young student, lightly, on the educational proceed- he crossed the road and disappeared. The object ings of the day, he found that the more advanced of this last manceuvre was only apparent, when his pupils who were in the large text and the letter M, entering the shop with a sudden twist, from the had been set the copy " Merdle, Millions." steps again, explained that he had made a wide and -" And how are you getting on, Mrs. Plornish," said obscure circuit round to the other, or Doyce and Pancks, " since we're mentioning millions?" Clennam, end of the Yard, and had come through "Very steady, indeed, sir," returned Mrs. Plornish. the Yard and bolted in. He was out of breath by "Father, dear, would you go into the shop and tidy that time, as he might well be, and his heart seemed the window a little bit before tea, your taste being to jerk faster than the little shop-bell, as it quivered so beautiful?" and jingled behind him with his hasty shutting of John Edward Nandy trotted away, much grati- the door. fied, to comply with his daughter's request. Mrs. "Halloo, old chap!'" said Mr. Pancks. "Altro, Plornish, who was always in mortal terror of men- old boy! What's the matter?" tioning pecuniary affairs before the old gentleman, Mr. Baptist, or Signor Cavalletto, understood lest any disclosure she made might rouse his spirit English now almost as well as Mr. Pancks himself, and induce him to run away to the work-house, was and could speak it very well too. Nevertheless, Mrs. thus left free to be confidential with Mr. Pancks. Plornish, with a pardonable vanity in that accom"It's quite true that the business is very steady plishment of hers which made her all but Italian, indeed," said Mrs. Plornish, lowering her voice; stepped in as interpreter. " and has a excellent connection. The only thing "E ask know," said Mrs. Plornish, " what go that stands in its way, sir, is the Credit." wrong?" This drawback, rather severely felt by most peo- "Come into the happy little cottage, Padrona," pie who engaged in commercial transactions with returned Mr. Baptist, imparting great stealthiness to the inhabitants of Bleeding Heart Yard, was a large his flurried back-handed shake of his right forefinger. stumbling - block in Mrs. Plornish's trade. When "Come there!" Mr. Dorrit had established her in the business, the Mrs. Plornish was proud of the title Padrona, which Bleeding Hearts had shown an amount of emotion she regarded as signifying: not so much Mistress of and a determination to support her in it, that did the house, as Mistress of the Italian tongue. She MR. PLORNIISEHAS FHOST. 251 immediately complied with Mr. Baptist's request, Clennam had been poring late over his books and and they all went into the cottage. letters; for, the waiting-rooms of the Circumlocu"E ope you no fright," said Mrs. Plornish then, tion Office ravaged his time sorely. Over and above interpreting Mr. Pancks in a new way with her that, he was depressed and made uneasy by the late usual fertility of resource. "What appen? Peaka occurrence at his mother's. He looked worn and Padrona!" solitary. He felt so, too; but, nevertheless, was re"I have seen some one," returned Baptist. "I turning home from his counting-house by that end have rincontrato him." of the Yard, to give them the intelligence that he "Im? Oo him?" asked Mrs. Plornish. had received another letter from Miss Dorrit. "A bad man. A baddest man. I have hoped The news made a sensation in the cottage which that I should never see him again." drew off the general attention from Mr. Baptist. " Ow you know him bad?" asked Mrs. Plornish. Maggy, who pushed her way into the foreground "It does not matter, Padrona. I know it too well." immediately, would have seemed to draw in the tid"E see you?" asked Mrs. Plornish. ings of her Little Mother equally at her ears, nose, "No. I hope not. I believe not." mouth, and eyes, but that the last were obstructed "He says," Mrs. Plornish then interpreted, ad- by tears. She was particularly delighted when dressing her father and Pancks with a mild conde- Clennam assured her that there were hospitals, and scension, "that he has met a bad man, but he hopes very kindly conducted hospitals, in Rome. Mr. the bad man didn't see him.-Why," inquired Mrs. Pancks rose into new distinction in virtue of being Plornish, reverting to the Italian language, "why specially remembered in the letter. Every body was ope bad man no see?"' pleased and interested, and Clennam was well re" Padrona dearest," returned the little foreigner paid for his trouble. whom she so considerately protected, " do not ask, I "But you are tired, sir. Let me make you a cup pray. Once again, I say it matters not. I have of tea," said Mrs. Plornish, "if you'd condescend to fear of this man. I do not wish to see him, I do take such a thing in the cottage; and many thanks not wish to be known of him-never again! Enough, to you, too, I am sure, for bearing us in mind so most beautiful. Leave it." kindly." The topic was so disagreeable tb him, and so put Mr. Plornish deeming it incumbent on him, as host, his usual liveliness to the rout, that Mrs. Plornish to add his personal acknowledgments, tendered them forbore to press him further: the rather as the tea in the form which always expressed his highest had been drawing for some time on the hob. But ideal of a combination of ceremony with sincerity. she was not the less surprised and curious for asking " John Edward Nandy," said Mr. Plornish, adno more questions; neither was Pancks, whose ex- dressing the old gentleman. " Sir. It's not too pressive breathing had been laboring hard, since the often that you see unpretending actions without a entrance of the little man, like a locomotive engine spark of pride, and therefore when you see them with a great load getting up a steep incline. Maggy, give grateful honor unto the same, being that if you now better dressed than of yore, though still faith- don't and live to want'em it follows serve you right." ful to the monstrous character of her cap, had been To which Mr. Nanldy replied: in the background from the first with open mouth "I am heartily of your opinion, Thomas, and and eyes, which staring and gaping features were, which your opinion is the same as mine, and therenot diminished in breadth by the untimely suppres- fore no more words, and not being backward with sion of the subject. However, no more was said that opinion, which opinion giving it as yes, Thomas, about it, though much appeared to be thought on yes, is the opinion in which yourself and me must all sides: by no means excepting the two young ever be unanimously jined by all, and where there Plornishes, who partook of the evening meal as if is not difference of opinion there oan be none but their eating the bread and butter were rendered one opinion, which fully no, Thomas, Thomas, no!" almost superfluous by the painful probability of the Arthur, with less formality, expressed himself gratworst of men shortly presenting himself for the pur- ified by their high appreciation of so very slight an pose of eating them. Mr. Baptist, by degrees began attention on his part; and explained as to the tea to chirp a little; but never stirred from the seat he that he had not yet dined, and was going straight had taken behind the door and close to the window, home to refresh after a long day's labor, or he would though it was not his usual place. As often as the have readily accepted the hospitable offer. As Mr. little bell rang, he started and peeped out secretly, Paneks was somewhat nosily getting his steam up with the end of the little curtain in his hand, and for departure, he concluded by asking that gentlethe rest before his face; evidently not at all satis- man if he would walk with him? Mr. Pancks said flied but that the man he dreaded had tracked him he desired no better engagement, and the two took through all his doublings and turnings, with the leave of Happy Cottage. certainty of a terrible blood-hound. "If you will come home with me, Pancks," said The entrance, at various times, of two or three Arthur, when they got into the street, " and will customers and of Mr. Plornish, gave Mr. Baptist just share what dinner or supper there is, it will be next enough of this employment to keep the attention of door to an act of charity; for I am weary and out the company fixed upon him. Tea was over, and of sorts to-night." the children were abed, and Mrs. Plornish was feel- "Ask me to do a greater thing than that," said ing her way to the dutifill proposal that her father Pancks, "when you want it done, and I'll do it." should favor them with Chloe, when the bell again Between this eccentric personage and Clennam, a rang, and Mr. Clennam came in. tacit understanding and accord had been always 252 LITTLE DORRIT. improving since Mr. Pancks flew over Mr. Rugg's I crease in the laboring of his machinery, Arthur did back in the Marshalsea Yard. When the carriage not pursue the matter, and they soon arrived at his drove away on the memorable day of the family's house. departure, these two had looked after it together, A dinner of soup and a pigeon-pie, served on a litand had walked slowly away together. When the tle round table before the fire, and flavored with a first letter came from Little Dorrit, nobody was bottle of good wine, oiled Mr. Pancks's works in a more interested in hearing of her than Mr. Pancks. highly effective manner. So that when Clennam The second letter, at that moment in Clennam's produced his Eastern pipe, and handed Mr. Pancks breast-pocket, particularly remembered him by name. another Eastern pipe, the latter gentleman was perThough he had never before made any profession or fectly comfortable. protestation to Clennam, and though what he had They puffed for a while in silence, Mr. Pancks like just said was little enough as to the words in which a steam-vessel with wind, tide, calm water, and all it was expressed, Clennam had long had a growing other sea-going conditions, in her favor. He was belief that Mr. Pancks, in his own odd way, was be- the first to speak, and he spoke thus: coming attached to him. All these strings inter- "Yes. Investments is the word." twining made Pancks a very cable of anchorage that Clennam, with his former look, said, "Ah!" night. "I am going back to it, you see," said Pancks. "I am quite alone," Arthur explained, as they "Yes. I see you are going back to it," returned walked on. "My partner is away, busily engaged Clennam, wondering why. at a distance on his branch of our business, and you "Wasn't it a curious thing that they should run shall do just as you like." in little Altro's head? Eh?" said Pancks, as he "Thank you. You didn't take particular notice smoked. "Wasn't that how you put it?" of little Altro just now; did you?" said Pancks. "That was what I said." " No. Why?" "Ay! But, think of the whole Yard having got "He's a bright fellow, and I like him," said Pancks. it. Think of their all meeting me with it, on my "Something has gone amiss with him to-day. Have collecting days, here and there and everywhere. you any idea of any cause that can have overset him?" Whether they pay, or whether they don't pay. Mer"You surprise me! None whatever." dle, Merdle, Merdle. Always Merdle." Mr. Pancks gave his reasons for the inquiry. Ar- "Very strange how these runs on an infatuation thur was quite unprepared for them, and quite unta- prevail," said Arthur. ble to suggest an explanation of them. "An't it?" returned Pancks. After smoking for " Perhaps you'll ask him," said Pancks, "' as he's a a minute or so, more dryly than comported with his stranger?" recent oiling, he added: "Because you see these peo"Ask him what?" returned Clennam. ple don't understand the subject." " What he has on his mind." "Not a bit," assented Clennam. "I ought first to see for myself that he has some- "Not a bit," cried Pancks. "Know nothing of thing on his mind, I think," said Clennam. " I have figures. Know nothing of money questions. Never found him in every way so diligent, so grateful (for made a calculation. Never worked it, sir!" little enough), and so trustworthy, that it might "If they had-" Clennam was going on to say; look like suspecting him. And that would be very when Mr. Pancks, without change of countenance, unjust." produced a sound so far surpassing all his usual ef"' True," said Pancks. "But, I say! You oughtn't forts, nasal or bronchial, that he stopped. to be any body's proprietor, Mr. Clennam. You're "If they had?" repeated Paucks in an inquiring much too delicate." tone. " For the matter of that," returned Clennam, laugh- "I thought you-spoke," said Arthur, hesitating ing, "I have not a large proprietary share in Caval- what name to give the interruption. letto. His carving is his livelihood. He keeps the "Not at all," said Paneks. "Not yet. I may in keys of the Factory, watches it every alternate night, a minute. If they had?" and acts as a sort of housekeeper to it generally; " If they had," observed Clennam, who was a litbut we have little work in the way of his ingenu- tle at a loss how to take his friend, "why, I suppose ity, though we give him what we have. No! I am they would have known better." rather his adviser than his proprietor. To call me "How so, Mr. Clennam?" Pancks asked, quickly, his standing counsel and 4is banker would be near- and with an odd effect of having been from the er the fact. Speaking of being his banker, is it not commencement of the conversation loaded with the curious, Panecks, that the ventures which run just heavy charge he now fired off. "They're right, you now in so many people's heads, should run even in know. They don't mean to be, but they're right." little Cavalletto's?"' " Right in sharing Cavalletto's inclination to spec"Ventures?" retorted Pancks, with a snort. "What ulate with Mr. Merdle?" ventures?" "Per-feetly, sir," said Paneks. " I've gone into it. " These Merdle enterprises." I've made the calculations. I've worked it. They're "Oh! Investments," said Pancks. "Ay, ay! I safe and genuine." Relieved by having got to this, didn't know you were speaking of investments." Mr. Pancks took as long a pull as his lungs would His quick way of replying caused Clennam to permit at his Eastern pipe, and looked sagaciously look at him, with a doubt whether he meant more and steadily at Clennam while inhaling and exhalthan he said. As it was accompanied, however, with ing too. a quickening of his pace and a corresponding in- In those moments, Mr. Paucks began to give out DESIRABLE INVESTMENT. 253 the dangerous infection with which he was laden. ics, after a period, get communicated to many sufferIt is the manner of communicating these diseases; ers who are neither ignorant nor wicked. Mr. Pancks it is the subtle way in which they go about. might, or might not, have caught the illness himself "Do you mean, my good Pancks," asked Clennam, from a subject of this class; but, in this category he emphatically, " that you would put that thousand appeared before Clennam, and the infection he threw pounds of yours, let us say, for instance, out at this off was all the more virulent. kind of interest?" "And you have really invested," Clennam had al" Certainly," said Paucks. "Already done it, sir." ready passed to that word, " your thousand pounds, Mr. Pancks took another long inhalation, another Pancks?" long exhalation,.another long sagacious look at Clen- "To be sure, sir!" replied Pancks, boldly, with a nam. puff of smoke. "And only wish it ten!" "I tell you, Mr. Cennam, I've gone into it," said Now, Clennam had two subjects lying heavy on Pancks. "He's a man of immense resources —enor- his lonely mind that night; the one, his partner's nANnD YOU HAVE REALLY INVESTED YOUR THOUSAnD POUNDS, PANoKS' mous capital-government influence. They're the long-deferred hope; the other, what he had seen and best schemes afloat. They're safe. They're cer- heard at his mother's. In the relief of having this tain." companion, and of feeling that he could trust him, "Well!" returned Clenuam, looking first at him he passed on to both, and both brought him round gravely, and then at the fire gravely. "You sur- again, with an increase and acceleration of force, to prise me!"' his point of departure. " Bah!" Pancks retorted. "Don't say that, sir. It came about in the simplest manner. Quitting It's what you ought to do yourself. Why don't you the investment subject, after an interval of silent do as I do?" looking at the fire through the smoke of his pipe, he Of whom Mr. Pancks had taken the prevalent dis- told Pancks how and why he was occupied with the ease, he could no more have told than if he had un- great National Department. "A hard case it has consciously taken a fever. Bred at first, as many been, and a hard case it is, on Doyce," he finished by physical diseases are, in the wickedness of men, and saying, with all the honest feeling the topic roused then disseminated in their ignorance, these epidem- in him. 254 LITTLE DORBRIT. "Hard indeed," Pancks acquiesced. "But you Arthur shook his head, blit looked at him thoughtmanage for him, Mr. Clennam?" fully too. "How do you mean?" "Be as rich as you can, sir," Pancks adjured him "Manage the money part of the business?" with a powerful concentration of all his energies on "Yes. As well as I can." the advice. "Be as rich as you honestly can. It's "Manage it better, sir," said Pancks. " Recom- your duty. Not for your sake, but for the sake of pense him for his toils and disappointments. Give others. Take time by the forelock. Poor Mr. Doyce him the chances of the time. He'll never benefit (who really is growing old) depends upon you. Your himself in that way, patient and preoccupied work- relative depends upon you. You don't know what man. He looks to you, sir." depends upon you." "I do my best, Pancks," returned Clennam, uneas- "Well, well, well!" returned Arthur. " Enough ily. "As to duly weighing and considering these for to-night." new enterprises, of which I have had no experience, " One word more, Mr. Clennam," retorted Pancks, I doubt if I am fit for it, I am growing old." "4Cand then enough for to-night. Why should you " Growing old?" cried Pancks. " Ha, ha!" leave all the gains to the gluttons, knaves, and imThere was something so indubitably genuine in postors? Why should you leave all the gains that the wonderful laugh, and series of snorts and puffs, are to be got, to my proprietor and the like of him? engendered in Mr. Pancks's astonishment at, and ut- Yet you're always doing it. When I say you, I mean ter rejection of, the idea, that his being quite in ear- such men as you. You know you are. Why, I see nest could not be questioned. it every day of my life. I see nothing else. It's my "Growing old?" cried Pancks. "Hear, hear, hear! business to see it. Therefore I say," urged Pancks, Old? Hear him, hear him!" " Go in and win ll!" The positive refusal expressed in Mr. Pancks's con- "But what of Go in and lose?" said Arthur. tinued snorts, no less than in these exclamations, to "Can't be done, sir," returned Pancks. "' I have entertain the sentiment for a single instant, drove looked into it. Name up, everywhere-immense re-.Arthur away from it. Indeed, he was fearful of sources-enormous capital-great position-high something happening to Mr. Pancks, in the violent connection-government influence. Can't be dclone!" conflict that took place between the breath he jerked Gradually, after this closing exposition, Mr. Panclks out of himself and the smoke he jerked into himself. subsided; allowed his hair to droop as much as it This abandonment of the second topic threw him on ever would droop onthe utmostpersuasion; reclaimed the third. the pipe from the fire-irons, filled it anew, and smoked "'Young, old, or middle-aged, Pancks," he said, it out. They said little more; but were company to when there was a favorable pause, "'I am in a very one another in silently pursuing the same subjects, anxious and uncertain state; a state that even leads and did not part until midnight. On taking his me to doubt whether any thing now seeming to be- leave, Mr. Pancks, when he had shaken hands with long to me, may be really mine. Shall I tell you Clennam, worked completely round him before he how this is? Shall I put a great trust in you?" steamed out at the door. This, Arthur received as " You shall, sir," said Pancks, " if you believe me an assurance that he might implicitly rely on Panclks, worthy of it." if he ever should come to need assistance; either in "_I do." any of the matters of which they had spoken that "You may!" Mr. Pancks's short and sharp rejoin- night, or any other subject that could in any way der, confirmed by the sudden outstretching of his affect himself. coaly hand, was most expressive and convincing. At intervals all next day, and even while his atArthur shook the hand warmly. tention was fixed on other things, he thought of He then, softening the nature of his old apprehen- Mr. Pancks's investment of his thousand pounds, and sions as much as was possible consistently with their of his having "looked into it." He thought of Mr. being made intelligible, and never alluding to his Pancks's being so sanguine in this matter, andl of mother by name, but speaking vaguely of a relation his not being usually of a sanguine character. He of his, confided to Mr. Pancks a broad outline of the thought of the great National Department, and of misgivings he entertained, and of the interview he the delight it would be to him to see Doyce better had witnessed. Mr. Pancks listened with such in- off. He thought of the darkly threatening place that terest that regardless of the charms of the Eastern went by the name of Home in his remembrance, and pipe, he put it in the grate among the fire-irons, and of the gathering shadows which made it yet more occupied his hands during the whole recital in so darkly threatening than of old. He observed anew erecting the loops and hooks of hair all over his that wherever he went, he saw, or heard, or touched, head, that he looked, when it came to a conclusion, the celebrated name of Merdle; he found it difficult like a journeyman Hamlet in conversation with his even to remain at his desk a couple of hours, withfather's spirit. out having it presented to one of his bodily senses "Brings me back, sir," was his exclamation then, through some agency or other. He began to think with a startling touch on Clennam's knee, "brings it was curious too that it should be everywhere, and me back, sir, to the Investments! I don't say any that nobody but he should seem to have any misthing of your making yourself poor, to repair a wrong trust of it. Though indeed he began to remember, you never committed. That's you. A man must be when he got to this, even he did not mistrust it; he himself. But, I say this. Fearing you may want had only happened to keep aloof from it. money to save your own blood from exposure and Such symptoms, when a disease of the kind is rife, disgrace-make as much as you can!" are usually the signs of sickening. THE VERY THING FOR SPARKLER. 255 CHAPTER XIV. There was nothing to do, and he would do it charmingly; there was a handsome salary to draw, and lhe TA KING ADVICE. would draw it charmingly; it was a delightful, apW HEN it became known to the Britons on the propriate, capital appointment; and he almost forshore of the yellow Tiber that their intelligent gave the donor his slight of himself, in his joy that compatriot Mr. Sparkler was made one of the Lords the dear donkey for whom he had so great an affection of their Circumlocution Office, they took it as a piece was so admirably stabled. Nor did his benevolence of news with which they had no nearer concern than stop here. He took pains, on all social occasions, to with any other piece of news-any other Accident draw Mr. Sparkler out, and make him conspicuous or Offense-in the English papers. Some laughed; before the company; and, although the considerate some said, by way of complete excuse, that the post action always resulted in that young gentleman's was virtually a sinecure, and any fool who could making a dreary and forlorn mental spectacle of himspell his name was good enough for it; some, and self, the friendly intention was not to be doubted. these were the more solemn political oracles, said Unless, indeed, it chanced to be doubted by the that Decimus did wisely to strengthen himself, and object of Mr. Sparkler's affections. Miss Fanny was that the sole constitutional purpose of all places now in the difficult situation of being universally within the gift of Decimus, was, that Decimus should known in that light, and of not having dismissed strengthen himself. A few bilious Britons there Mr. Sparkler, however capriciously she used him. were who would not subscribe to this article of Hence, she was sufficiently identified with the genfaith; but their objection was purely theoretical. tleman to feel compromised by his being more than In a practical point of view, they listlessly abandon- usually ridiculous; and hence, being by no means deed the matter, as being the business of some other ficient in quickness, she sometimes came to his rescue Britons unknown, somewhere, or nowhere. In like against Gowan, and did him very good service. But, manner, at home, great numbers of Britons maintain- while doing this, she was ashamed of him, undetered, for as long as four-and-twenty consecutive hours, mined whether to get rid of him or more decidedly that those invisible and anonymous Britons "ought encourage him, distracted with apprehensions that to take it up;" and that if they quietly acquiesced she was every day becoming more and more immeshin it, they deserved it. But of what class the remiss ed in her uncertainties, and tortured by misgivings Britons were composed, and where the unlucky crea- that Mrs. Merdle triumphed in her distress, With tures hid themselves, and why they hid themselves, this tumult in her mind, it is no subject for surprise and how it constantly happened that they neglected that Miss Fanny came home one night in a state of their interests, when so many other Britons were agitation from a concert and ball at Mrs. Merdle's quite at a loss to account for their not looking after house, and on her sister affectionately trying to those interests, was not, either upon thd shore of the soothe her, pushed that sister away from the toiletyellow Tiber or the shore of the black Thames, made table at which she sat angrily trying to cry, and apparent to men. declared with a heaving bosom that she detested ~ Mrs. Merdle circulated the news, as she received every body, and she wished she was dead. congratulations on it, with a careless grace that dis- "Dear Fanny, what is the matter? Tell me." played it to advantage, as the setting displays the "Matter, you little Mole," said Fanny. "If you jewel. Yes, she said, Edmund had taken the place. were not the blindest of the blind, you would have Mr. Merdle wished him to take it, and he had taken no occasion to ask me. The idea of daring to preit. She hoped Edmund might like it, but really she tend to assert that you have eyes in your head, and didn't know. It would keep him in town a good yet ask me what's the matter!" deal, and he preferred the country. Still, it was not "Is it Mr. Sparkler, dear?" a disagreeable position - and it was a position. "Mis-ter Spark-ler!" repeated Fanny, with unThere was no denying that the thing was a compli- bounded scorn, as if he were the last subject in the ment to Mr. Merdle, and was not a bad thing for Ed- Solar system that could possibly be near her mind. mund if he liked it. It was just as well that he "No, Miss Bat, it is not." should have something to do, and it was just as well Immediately afterward, she became remorseful for that he should have something for doing it. Wheth- having called her sister names; declaring with sobs er it would be more agreeable to Edmund than the that she knew she made herself hateful, but that army, remained to be seen. every body drove her to it. Thus the Bosom; accomplished in the art of seem- "I don't think you are well to-night, dear Fanny.'" ing to make things of small account, and really en- "Stuff and nonsense!" replied the young lady, hancing them in the process. While Henry Gowan, turning angry again; "I am as well as you are. whom Decimus had thrown away, went through the Perhaps I might say better, and yet make no boast whole round of his acquaintance between the Gate of it." of the People and the town of Albano, vowing, al- Poor Little Dorrit, not seeing her way to the offermost (but not quite) with tears in his eyes, that ing of any soothing words that would escape repuSparkler was the sweetest-tempered, simplest-heart- diation, deemed it best to remain quiet. At first, ed,'altogether most lovable jackass that ever grazed Fanny took this ill, too; protesting to her lookingon the public common; and that only one circum- glass, that of all the trying sisters a girl could have, stance- could have delighted him (Gowan) more, she did think the most trying sister was a flat sister. than his (the beloved jackass's) getting this post, That she knew she was at times a wretched temper; and that would have been his (Gowan's) getting it that she knew she made herself hateful; that when himself. He said,it wasthe very thing for Sparkler. she made herself hateful, nothing would do her half 256 LITTLE D ORRIT. the good as being told so; but that, being afflicted sive and dissipated. I don't mean that there is any with a flat sister, she never was told so, and the con- thing ungenteel in that itself-far from it-but I do sequence resulted that she was absolutely tempted mean that he doesn't do it well, and that he doesn't, and goaded into making herself disagreeable. Be- if I may so express myself, get the money's-worth sides (she angrily told her looking-glass), she didn't in the sort of dissipated reputation that attaches to want to be forgiven. It was not a right example, him." that she should be constantly stooping to be forgiv- "Poor Edward!" sighed little Dorrit, with the en by a younger sister. And this was the Art of it whole family history in the sigh. -that she was always being placed in the position "Yes. And poor you and me, too," returned Fanof being forgiven, whether she liked it or not. Fi- ny, rather sharply. "Very true! Then, my dear, nally she burst into violent weeping, and, when her we have no mother, and we have a Mrs. General. sister came and sat close at her side to comfort her, And I tell you again, darling, that Mrs. General, if I said, "Amy, you're an Angel!" may reverse a common proverb and adapt it to her, " But, I tell you what, my pet," said Fanny, when is a cat in gloves who will catch mice. That womher sister's gentleness had calmed her, " it now comes an, I am quite sure and confident, will be our mothto this; that things can not and shall not go on as er-in-law." they are at present going on, and that there must be "I can hardly think, Fanny-" Fanny stopped an end of this, one way or other." her. As the announcement was vague, though very "Now, don't argue with me about it, Amy," said peremptory, Little Dorrit returned, "Let us talk she, "because I know better." Feeling that she had about it." been sharp again, she dabbed her sister's forehead " Quite so, my dear," assented Fanny, as she dried again, and blew upon it again. "To resume once her eyes. "Let us talk about it. I am rational more, my dear. It then becomes a question with again now, and you shall advise me. Will you ad- me (I am proud and spirited, Amy, as you very well. vise me, my sweet child?" know: too much so, I dare say) whether I shall Even Amy smiled at the notion, but she said, "I make up my mind to take it upon myself to carry will, Fanny, as well as I can." the family through." " Thank you, dearest Amy," returned Fanny, kiss- "How?" asked her sister, anxiously. ing her, " you are my Anchor." "I will not," said Fanny, without answering the Having embraced her Anchor with great affection, question, "submit to be mother-in-lawed by Mrs. Fanny took a bottle of sweet toilet water from the General; and I will not submit to be, in any respect table, and called to her maid for a fine handkerchief. whatever, either patronized or tormented by Mrs. She then dismissed that attendant for the night, and Merdle." went on to be advised; dabbing her eyes and fore- Little Dorrit laid her hand upon the hand that head from time to time, to cool them. held the bottle of sweet water, with a still more "My love," Fanny began, "our characters and anxious look. Fanny, quite punishing her own forepoints of view are sufficiently different (kiss me head with the vehement dabs she now began to give again, my darling), to make it very probable that I it, fitfully went on. shall surprise you by what I am going to say. What " That he has somehow or other, and how it is of I am going to say, my dear, is, that notwithstand- no consequence, attained a very good position, no ing our property, we labor, socially speaking, under one can deny. That it is a very good connection, disadvantages. You don't quite understand what I no one can deny. And as to the question of clever mean, Amy?" or not clever, I doubt very much whether a clever "' I have no doubt I shall," said Amy, mildly, " af- husband would be suitable to me. I can not subter a few words more." mit. I should not be able to defer to him enough." " Well, my dear, what I mean is, that we are, after " Oh, my dear Fanny!" expostulated Little Dorrit, all, new-comers into fashionable life." upon whom a kind of terror had been stealing as "I am sure, Fanny," Little Dorrit interposed in she perceived what her sister meant. "If you loved her zealous admiration, "no one need find that out any one, all this feeling would change. If you loved in you." any one, you would no more be yourself, but you "Well, my dear child, perhaps not," said Fanny, would quite lose and forget yourself in your devo" though it's most kind and most affectionate in you, tion to him. If you loved him, Fanny —" Fanny you precious girl, to say so." Here she dabbed her had stopped the dabbing hand, and was looking at sister's forehead, and blew upon it a little. "But, her, fixedly. you are," resumed Fanny, "as is well known, the "Oh, indeed!" cried Fanny. "Really? Bless me, dearest little thing that ever was! To resume, my how much some people know of some subjects! child. Pa is extremely gentlemanly and extremely They say every one has a subject, and I certainly well informed, but he is, in some trifling respects, a seem to have hit upon yours, Amy. There, you litlittle different from other gentlemen of his fortune: tle thing, I was only in fun," dabbing her sister's partly on account of what he has gone through, poor forehead; " but don't you be a silly puss, and don't dear: partly, I fancy, on account of its often running you think flightily and eloquently about degenerate in his mind that other people are thinking about impossibilities. There! Now, I'll go back to mythat, while he is talking to them. Uncle, my love, self." is altogether unpresentable. Though a dear crea- "Dear Fanny, let me say first, that I would far ture to whom I am tenderly attached, he is, socially rather we worked for a scanty living again, than I speaking, shocking. Edward is frightfully expen- would see you rich and married to Mr. Sparkler." DESIGNS ON MRS. MERDLE. 257 "Let you say, my dear?" retorted Fanny. "Why, "Figure! Figure, Amy! Well. The woman has a of course, I will let you say any thing. There is no good figure. I will give her her due, and not deny it. constraint upon you, I hope. We are together to But, is it so far beyond all others that it is altogethtalk it over. And as to marrying Mr. Sparkler, I er unapproachable? Upon my word, I am not so have not the least intention of doing so to-night, my sure of it. Give some much younger women the dear, or to-morrow morning either." latitude as to dress that she has, being married, and " But at some time?" we would see about that, my dear!" "At no time, for any thing I know at present," Something in the thought that was agreeable and answered Fanny, with indifference. Then, sudden- flattering, brought her back to her seat in a gayer ly changing her indifference into a burning restless- temper. She took her sister's hands in hers, and ness, she added, " You talk about the clever men, clapped all four hands above her head as she looked you little thing? It's all very fine and easy to talk in her sister's face laughing: about the clever men; but where are they? I don't "And the dancer, Amy, that she has quite forgotsee them anywhere neur me!" ten-the dancer who bore no sort of resemblance to "My dear Fanny, so short a time-" me, and of whom I never remind her, oh dear no!"Short time or long time," interrupted Fanny, should dance through her life, and dance in her way, " I am impatient of our situation. I don't like our to such a tune as would disturb her insolent placidisituation, and very little would induce me to change ty a little. Just a little, my dear Amy, just a little!" it. Other girls, differently reared and differently Meeting an earnest and imploring look in Amy's circumstanced altogether, might wonder at what I face, she brought the four hands down, and laid only say or may do. Let them. They are driven by one on Amy's lips. their lives and characters; I am driven by mine." " Now, don't argue with me, child," she said in a " Fanny, my dear Fanny, you know that you have sterner way, " because it is of no use. I understand qualities to make you the wife of one very superior these subjects much better than you do. I have to Mr. Sparkler." not nearly made up my mind,,but it may be. Now " Amy, my dear Amy," retorted Fanny, parodying we have talked this over comfortably, and may go her words, " I know that I wish' to have a more de- to bed. You best and dearest little mouse, Goodfinecl and distinct position, in which I can assert my- night!" With those words Fanny weighed her Anself with greater effect against that insolent woman." chor, and-having taken so much advice-left off "Would you therefore-forgive my asking, Fanny being advised for that occasion. -therefore marry her son?" Thenceforward, Amy observed Mr. Sparkler's treat" Why, perhaps," said Fanny, with a triumphant ment by his enslaver, with new reasons for attachsmile. "There may be many less promising ways ing importance to all that passed between them. of arriving at an end than that, my dear. That There were times when Fanny appeared quite unapiece of insolence may think, now, that it would be ble to endure his mental feebleness, and when she a great success to get her son off upon me, and became so sharply impatient of it that she would shelve me. But, perhaps she little thinks how I all but dismiss him for good. There were other would retort upon her if I married her son. I would times when she got on much better with him; when oppose her in everything, and compete with her. I he amused her, and when her sense of superiority would make it the business of my life." seemed to counterbalance that opposite side of the Fanny set down the bottle when she came to this, scale. If Mr. Sparkler had been other than the and walked about the room; always stopping and faithfullest and most submissive of swains, he was standing still while she spoke. sufficiently hard pressed to have fled from the scene "One thing I could certainly do, my child: I of his trials, and have set at least the whole discould make her older. And I would!" tance from Rome to London between himself and This was followed by another walk. his enchantress. But he had no greater will of his "I would talk of her as an old woman. I would own than a boat has when it is towed by a steampretend to know-if I didn't, but I should from her ship; and he followed his cruel mistress through son-all about her age. And she should hear me rough and smooth, on equally strong compulsion. say, Amy: affectionately, quite dutifully and affec- Mrs. Merdle, during these passages, said little to tionately: how well she looked, considering her time Fanny, but said more about her. She was, as it of life. I could make her seem older, at once, by be- were, forced to look at her through her eyeglass, ing myself so much younger. I may not be as hand- and in general conversation to allow commendations some as she is; I am not a fair judge of that ques- of her beauty to be wrung from her by its irresistition, I suppose; but I know I am handsome enough ble demands. The defiant character it assumed when to be a thorn in her side. And I would be!" Fanny heard these extollings (as it generally hap"My dear sister, would you condemn yourself to pened that she did), was not expressive of concesan unhappy life for this?" sions to the impartial Bosom; but the utmost re"It wouldn't be an unhappy life, Amy. It would venge the Bosom took was, to say audibly, " a spoilbe the life I amn fitted for. Whether by disposition, ed beauty-but with that face and shape, who could or whether by circumstances, is no matter; I am bet- wonder?" ter fitted for such a life than for almost any other." It might have been about a month or six weeks There was something of a desolate tone in those after the night of the advice, when Little Dorrit bewords; but, with a short proud laugh she took an- gan to think she detected some new understanding other walk, and after passing a great looking-glass between Mr. Sparkler and Fanny. Mr. Sparkler, as came to another stop. if in adherence to some compact, scarcely ever spoke 17 258 LITTLE DORRIT. without first looking toward Fanny, for leave. That from this window was very bright and peculiar; young lady was too discreet ever to look back again; and Little Dorrit used to sit and muse here, much as but, if Mr. Sparkler had permission to speak, she she had been used to while away the time in her balremained silent; if he had not, she herself spoke. cony at Venice. Seated thus one day, she was softMoreover, it became plain whenever Henry Gowan ly touched on the shoulder, and Fanny said, "' Well, attempted to perform the friendly office of drawing Amy dear," and took her seat at her side. Their him out, that he was not to be drawn. And not seat was a part of the window; when there was any only that, but Fanny would presently, without any thing in the way of a procession going on, they used pointed application in the world, chance to say some- to have bright draperies hung out at the window, thing with such a sting in. it, that Gowan would and used to kneel or sit on this seat, and look out at draw back as if he had put his hand into a bee-hive. it, leaning on the brilliant color. But there was no There was yet another circumstance which went procession that day, and Little Dorrit was rather sura long way to confirm Little Dorrit in her fears, prised by Fanny's being at home at that hour, as she though it was not a great circumstance in itself. was generally out on horseback then. Mr. Sparkler's demeanor toward herself, changed. "Well, Amy," said Fanny, "what are you thinking It became fraternal. Sometimes, when she was in of, little one?" W./':" ":/": [i~tll it:!!tl li' _ _ _ _ 1, " WELL, AMY DEAR." the outer circle of assemblies- at their own resi- "I was thinking of you, Fanny." dence, at Mrs. Merdle's, or elsewhere -she would "No? What a coincidence! I declare here's find herself stealthily supported round the waist by some one else. You were not thinking of this some Mr. Sparkler's arm. Mr. Sparkler never offered the one else too; were you, Amy?" slightest explanation of this attention; but merely Amy had been thinking of this some one else too; smiled with an air of blundering, contented, good- for, it was Mr. Sparkler. She did not say so, hownatured proprietorship, which, in so heavy a gentle- ever, as she gave him her hand. Mr. Sparkler came man, was ominously expressive. and sat down on the other side of her, and she felt Little Dorrit was at home one day, thinking about the fraternal railing come behind her, and apparentFanny with a heavy heart. They had a room at ly stretch on to include Fanny. one end of their drawing-room suite, nearly all ir- "Well, my little sister," said Fanny, with a sigh, regular bay-window, projecting over the street, and "I suppose you know what this means?" commanding all the picturesque life and variety of "She's as beautiful as she's doted on," stammered the Corso, both up and down. At three or four Mr. Sparkler-"and there's no nonsense about her o'clock in the afternoon, English time, the view -it's arranged-" MISS FANNY XY IS ENGAGED. 259 " You needn't explain, Edmund," said Fanny. When he was gone, she said, "Oh, Fanny, Fanny!" " No, my love," said Mr. Sparkler. and turned to her sister in the bright window, and "In short, pet," proceeded Fanny, " on the whole, fell upon her bosom and cried there. Fanny laughwe are engaged. We must tell papa about it, either ed at first; but soon laid her face against her sisto-night or to-morrow, according to the opportunities. ter's and cried too-a little. It was the last time Then it's done, and very little more need be said." Fanny ever showed that there was any hidden, sup"My dear Fanny," said Mr. Sparkler, with defer- pressed, or conquered feeling in her on the matter. ence, "I should like to say a word to Amy." From that hour, the way she had chosen lay before " Well, well! Say it, for goodness' sake," return- her, and she trod it with her own imperious selfed the young lady. willed step. "I am convinced, my dear Amy," said Mr. Spark- * ler, "that if ever there wae a girl, next to your highly endowed and beautiful sister, who had no non- CHAPTER XV. sense about her-" NO JUST CAUSE OR IMPEDIMENT WHY THESE TWO "We know all about that, Edmund," interposed Miss Fanny. "Never mind that. Pray go on to PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE JOINED TOGETHER. something else besides our having no nonsense about /R. DORRIT, on being informed by his elder llS." 22 daughter that she had accepted matrimonial " Yes, my love," said Mr. Sparkler. "And I assure overtures from Mr. Sparkler, to whom she had plightyou, Amy, that nothing can be a greater happiness to ed, her troth, received the communication at once myself, myself-next to the happiness of being so with great dignity and with a large display of pahighly honored with the choice of a glorious girl rental pride; his dignity dilating with the widened who hasn't an atom of —" prospect of advantageous ground from which to "Pray, Edmund, pray!" interrupted Fanny, with make acquaintances, and his parental pride being a slight pat of her pretty foot upon the floor. developed by Miss Fanny's ready sympathy with "My love, you're quite right," said Mr. Sparkler, that great object of his existence. He gave her to' and I know I have a habit of it.' What I wished- understand that her noble ambition found harmonito declare was, that nothing can be a greater happi- ous echoes in his heart; and bestowed his blessing ness to myself, myself-next to the happiness of be- on her, as a child brimful of duty and good princiing united to pre-eminently the most glorious of ple, self-devoted to the aggrandizement of the family girls-than to have the happiness of cultivating the name. affectionate acquaintance of Amy. I may not my- To Mr. Sparkler, when Miss Fanny permitted him self," said Mr. Sparkler, manfully, "be up to the mark to appear, Mr. Dorrit said, he would not disguise that on some other subjects at a short notice, and I am the alliance Mr. Sparkler did him the honor to proaware that if you were to poll Society the general pose was highly congenial to his feelings; both as opinion would be that I am not; but on the subject being in unison with the spontaneous affections of of Amy, I AM up to the mark!" his daughter Fanny, and as opening a family conMr. Sparkler kissed her, in witness thereof. nection of a gratifying nature with Mr. Merdle, the "A knife and fork and an apartment," proceeded master-spirit of the age. Mrs. Merdle also, as a leadMr. Sparkler, growing, in comparison with his ora- ing lady rich in distinction, elegance, grace, and torical antecedents, quite diffuse, "will ever be at beauty, he mentioned in very laudatory terms. He Amy's disposal. My Governor, I am sure, will al- felt it his duty to remark (bhe was sure a gentleman ways be proud to entertain one whom I so much of Mr. Sparkler's fine sense would interpret him with esteem. And regarding my mother," said Mr. Spark- all delicacy), that he could not consider this proposler, " who is a remarkably fine woman, with-" al definitely determined on, until he should have had "Edmund, Edmund!" cried Miss Fanny, as before. the privilege of holding some correspondence with "With submission, my soul," pleaded Mr. Sparkler. Mr. Merdle; and of ascertaining it to be so far ac"I know I have a habit of it, and I thank you very cordant with the views of that eminent gentleman much, my adorable girl, for taking the trouble to as that his (Mr. Dorrit's) daughter would be recorrect it; but my mother is admitted on all sides to ceived on that footing, which her station in life and be a remarkably fine woman, and she really hasn't her dowry and expectations warranted him in reany." quiring that she should maintain in what he trusted "That may be, or may not be," returned Fanny, he might be allowed, without the appearance of be"but pray don't mention it any more." ing mercenary, to call the Eye of the Great World. " I will not, my love," said Mr. Sparkler. While saying this, which his character as a gentle" Then, in fact, you have nothing more to say, Ed- man of some little station, and his character as a mund; have you?" inquired Fanny. father, equally demanded of him, he would not be so "So far from it? my adorable girl," answered Mr. diplomatic as to conceal that the proposal remained Sparkler, " I apologize for having said so much." in hopeful abeyance and under conditional acceptMr. Sparkler perceived, by a kind of inspiration, ance, and that he thanked Mr. Sparkler for the comthat the question implied had he not better go? He pliment rendered to himself and to his family. He therefore withdrew the fraternal railing, and neat- concluded with some further and more general obly said that he thought he would, with submission, servations on the-ha-character of an independent take his leave. He did not go without being con- gentleman, and the-hum-character of a possibly gratulated by Amy, as well as she could discharge too partial and admiring parent. To sum the whole that office in the flutter and distress of her spirits. up shortly, he received Mr. Sparkler's offer very much 260 LITTLE DORRIT. as he would have received three or four half-crowns by Mrs. Merdle, the accomplished and graceful (to from him in the days that were gone. which compliment she bent herself), that such enterMr. Sparkler, finding himself stunned by the words prises as Mr. Merdle's, apart as they were from the thus heaped upon his inoffensive head, made a brief puny undertakings of the rest of men, had any lowthough pertinent rejoinder; the same being neither er tendency than to enlarge and expand the genius more nor less than that he had long perceived Miss in which they were conceived. " You are generosiFanny to have no nonsense about her, and that he ty itself," said Mrs. Merdle in return, smiling her best had no doubt of its being all right with his Govern- smile; "let us hope so. But I confess I am almost or. At that point, the object of his affections shut superstitious in my ideas about business." him up like a box with a spring lid, and sent him Mr. Dorrit threw in another compliment here, to away. the effect that business, like the time which was preProceeding shortly afterward to pay his respects cious in it, was made for sP'aves; and that it was not to the Bosom, Mr. Dorrit was received by it with for Mrs. Merdle, who ruled all hearts at her supreme great consideration. Mrs. Merdle had heard of this pleasure, to have any thing to do with it. Mrs. Meraffair from Edmund. She had been surprised at die laughed, and conveyed to Mr. Dorrit an idea that first, because she had not thought Edmund a marry- the Bosom flushed-which was one of her best efing man. Society had not thought Edmund a mar- fects. rying man. Still, of course she had seen, as a wom- "I say so much," she then explained, "merely an (we women did instinctively see these things, Mr. because Mr. Merdle has always taken the greatest Dorrit!), that Edmund had been immensely capti- interest in Edmund, and has always expressed his vated by Miss Dorrit, and she had openly said that strongest desire to advance his prospects. Edmund's Mr. Dorrit had much to answer for in bringing so public position I think you know. His private pocharming a girl abroad to turn the heads of his sition rests wholly with Mr. Merdle. In my foolish countrymen. incapacity for business, I assure you I know no more." "Have I the honor to conclude, madam," said Mr. Mr. Dorrit again expressed, in his own way, the Dorrit, " that the direction which Mr. Sparkler's af- sentiment that business was below the ken of enfections have taken, is —ha-approved of by you.?" slavers and enchantresses. He then mentioned his "I assure you, Mr. Dorrit," returned the lady," that, intention, as a gentleman and a parent, of writing personally, I am charmed." to Mr. Merdle. Mrs. Merdle concurred with all her That was very gratifying to Mr. Dorrit. heart-or with all her art, which was exactly the "Personally," repeated Mrs. Merdle, "charmed." same thing-and herself dispatched a preparatory This casual repetition of the word personally, letter by the next post, to the eighth wonder of the moved Mr. Dorrit to express his hope that Mr. Mer- world. dle's approval, too, would not be wanting? In his epistolary communication, as in his dia"I can not,' said Mrs. Merdle," take upon myself logues and discourses on the great question to which to answer positively for Mr. Merdle; gentlemen, es- it related, Mr. Dorrit surrounded the subject with pecially gentlemen who are what Society calls capi- flourishes, as writing-masters embellish copy-books talists, having their own ideas of these matters. But and ciphering-books: where the titles of the elementI should think-merely giving an opinion, Mr. Dor- ary rules of arithmetic diverge into swans, eagles, nit-I should think Mr. Merdle would be upon the griffins, and other caligraphic recreations, and where whole," here she held a review of herself before add- the capital letters go out of their minds and bodies ing at her leisure, " quite charmed." into ecstasies of pen and ink. Nevertheless, he did At the mention of gentlemen whom Society called render the purport of his letter sufficiently clear to capitalists, Mr. Dorrit had coughed, as if some inter- enable Mr. Merdle to make a decent pretense of hayvnal demur were breaking out of him. Mrs. Merdle ing learned it from that source. Mr. Merdle replied had observed it, and went on to take up the cue. to it accordingly. Mr. Dorrit replied to Mr. Merdle; "Though, indeed, Mr. Dorrit, it is scarcely neces- Mr. Merdle replied to Mr. Dorrit; and it was soon sary for me to make that remark, except in the mere announced that the corresponding powers had come openness of saying what is uppermost to one whom to a satisfactory understanding. I so highly regard, and with whom I hope I may have Now, and not before, Miss Fanny burst upon the the pleasure of being brought into still more agree- scene, completely arrayed for her new part. Now, able relations. For, one can not but see the great and not before, she wholly absorbed Mr. Sparkler in probability of your considering such things from Mr. her light, and shone for both, and twenty more. No Merdle's own point of view, except indeed that cir- longer feeling that want of a defined place and charcumstances have made it Mr. Merdle's accidental for- acter which had caused her so much trouble, this tune, or misfortune, to be engaged in business transac- fair ship began to steer steadily on a shaped course, tions, and that they, however vast, may a little cramp and to swim with a weight and balance that develhis horizon. I am a very child as to having any no- oped her sailing qualities. tion of business," said Mrs. Merdle; " but I am afraid, "The preliminaries being so satisfactorily arMr. Dorrit, it may have that tendency." ranged, I think I will now, my dear," said Mr. DorThis skillful see-saw of Mr. Dorrit and Mrs. Mer- rit, " announce-ha-formally, to Mrs. General-" dle, so that each of them sent the other up, and each "Papa," returned Fanny, taking him up short, of them sent the other down, and neither had the upon that name, "I don't see what Mrs. General has advantage, acted as a sedative on Mr. Dorrit's cough. got to do with it." He remarked with his utmost politeness, that he " My dear," said Mr. Dorrit, " it will be an act of must beg to protest against its being supposed, even courtesy to-hum-a lady, well bred and refined-" ALLI4ANCE WITH THE BOSOM. 261 " Oh! I am sick of Mrs. General's good breeding " I beg your pardon, sir," pleaded Mr. Tinkler, " I and refinement, papa," said Fanny. " I am tired of was wishful to know-" Mrs. General." 7 "You wished to know nothing, sir," cried Mr. "Tired," repeated Mr. Dorrit, in reproachful aston- Dorrit, highly flushed. "Don't tell me you did. ishment, " of-ha-Mrs. General." Ha. You didn't. You are guilty of mockery, sir." "Quite disgusted with her, papa," said Fanny. " I assure you, sir-" Mr. Tinkler began. " I really don't see what she has to do with my mar- " Don't assure me!" said Mr. Dorrit. " I will not riage. Let her keep to her own matrimonial proj- be assured bya domestic. You are guilty of mockects-if she has any." ery. You shall leave me-hum-the whole estab" Fanny," returned Mr. Dorrit, with a grave and lishment shall leave me. What are you waiting for?" weighty slowness upon him, contrasting strongly " Only for my orders, sir." with his daughter's levity: " I beg the favor of your "It's false," said Mr. Dorrit, " you have your orexplaining-ha-what it is you mean." ders. Ha-hum. My compliments to Mrs. Gener" I mean, papa," said Fanny, " that if Mrs. General al, and I beg the favor of her coming to me, if quite should happen to have any matrimonial projects of convenient, for a few minutes. Those are your orher own, I dare say they are quite enough to occupy ders." her spare time. And that if she has not, so much In his execution of this mission, Mr. Tinkler perthe better; but still I don't wish to have the honor haps expressed that Mr. Dorrit was in a raging fume. of making announcements to her." However that niwas, Mrs. General's skirts were very " Permit me to ask you, Fanny," said Mr. Dorrit, speedily heard outside, coming along- one might' "why not?" almost have said bouncing along-with unusual ex"Because she can find my engagement out for. pedition. Albeit, they settled down at the door and herself, papa," retorted Fanny.. "She is watchful swept into the room with their customary coolness. enough, I dare say. I think I have seen her so. "Mrs. General," said Mr. Dorrit, "take a chair." Let her find it out for herself. If she should not Mrs. General, with a graceful curve of acknowlfid it out for herself, she will know it when I am edgment, descended into the chair which Mr. Dorrit married. And I hope you will not consider me offered. wanting in affection for you, papa, if I say it strikes "' Madam," pursued that gentleman, "as you have me that will be quite time enough for Mrs. General." had the kindness to undertake the-hum-forma" Fanny," returned Mr. Dorrit, " I am amazed, I tion of my daughters, and as I am persuaded that am displeased, by this-hum-this capricious and nothing nearly affecting them can-ha —-be indifferunintelligible display of animosity toward —ha — ent to you-" Mrs. General." " Wholly impossible," said Mrs. General, in the " Do not, if you please, papa," urged Fanny, "call calmest of ways. it animosity, because I assure you I do not consider " —I therefore wish to announce to you, madam, Mrs. General worth my animosity." that my daughter now present —" At this, Mr. Dorrit rose from his chair with a fixed Mrs. General made a slight inclination of her head look of severe reproof, and remained standing in his to Fanny. Who made a very low inclination of her dignity before his daughter. His daughter, turning head to Mrs. General, and came loftily upright again. the bracelet on her arm, and now looking at him, "-That my daughter Fanny is-ha-contracted and now looking from him, said, " Very well, papa. to be married to Mr. Sparkler, with whom you are I am truly sorry if you don't like it; but I can't help acquainted. Hence, madam, you will be relieved of it. I am not a child, and I am not Amy, and I must half your difficult charge — ha- difficult charge." speak." Mr. Dorrit repeated it with his angry eye on Fanny. " Fanny," gasped Mr. Dorrit, after a majestic si- But not, I hope, to the-hum-diminution of any lence, "if I request you to remain here, while I other portion, direct or indirect, of the footing you formally announce to Mrs. General, as an exemplary have at present the kindness to occupy in my famlady, who is-hum-a trusted member of this fami- ily." ly, the-ha —the change that is contemplated among "Mr. Dorrit," returned Mrs. General, with her' us; if I-ha-not only request it, but-hum-insist gloved hands resting on one another in exemplary upon it " repose, " is ever considerate, and ever but too appre" Oh, papa," Fanny broke in with pointed signifi- ciative of my friendly services." cance, " if you make so much of it as that, I have in (Miss Fanny coughed, as much as to say, " You are duty nothing to do but comply. I hope I may have right.") my thoughts upon the subject, however, for I really " Miss Dorrit has no doubt exercised the soundest can not help it under the circumstances." So, Fan- discretion of which the circumstances admitted, and ny sat down with a meekness which, in the junc- I trust will allow me to offer her my sincere contion of extremes, became defiance; and her father, gratulations. When free from the trammels of paseither not deigning to answer, or not knowing what sion," Mrs. General closed her eyes at the word, as to answer, summoned Mr. Tinkler into his presence. if she could not utter it, and see any body; " when " Mrs. General." occurring with the approbation of near relatives; -Mr. Tinkler, unused to receive such short orders and when cementing the proud structure of a family in connection with the fair varnisher, paused. Mr. edifice; these are usually auspicious events. I trust Dorrit, seeing the whole Marshalsea and all its Tes- Miss Dorrit will allow me to offer her my best contimonials in the pause, instantly flew at him with, gratulations." "How dare you, sir? What do you mean?" Here Mrs. General stopped, and added internally, 262 LITTLE DORRIT. for the setting of her face, " Papa, potatoes, poultry, are so liable to mistakes, that even you, Mrs. Ge'nerprunes, and prism." al, have fallen into a little error. The attention and " Mr. Dorrit," she superadded aloud,' is ever most distinction you have so impressively mentioned, Mrs. obliging; and for the attention, and I will add dis- General, as attaching to this confidence, are, I have tinction, of having this confidence imparted to me no doubt, of the most complimentary and gratifying by himself and Miss Dorrit at this early time, I beg description; but they don't at all proceed from me. to offer the tribute of my thanks. My thanks, and The merit of having consulted you on the subject my congratulations, are equally the meed of Mr. would have been so great in me, that I feel I must Dorrit and of Miss Dorrit." not lay claim to it when it really is not mine. It is "To me," observed Miss Fanny, " they are excess- wholly papa's. I am deeply obliged to you for your ively gratifying - inexpressibly so. The relief of encouragement and patronage, but it was papa who finding that you have no objection to make, Mrs. asked for it. I have to thank you, Mrs. General, for General, quite takes a load off my mind, I am sure. relieving my breast of a great weight by so handMRS. GENIERAL CHANGED HERB GLOVES, AS TO THE RIGHT GLOVE BEING UPPEBRMOST AND THE LEFT UN)DERMOST, WITH A PRUNES AND PRISM SMILE. I hardly know what I should have done," said Fan- somely giving your consent to my engagement, but ny, "if you had interposed any objection, Mrs. Gen- you have really nothing to thank me for. I hope eral." you will always approve of my proceedings after I Mrs. General changed her gloves, as to the right have left home, and that my sister also may long reglove being uppermost and the left undermost, with main the favored object of your condescension, Mrs. a Prunes and Prism smile. General." "To preserve your approbation, Mrs. General," With this address, which was delivered in her posaid Fanny, returning the smile with one in which litest manner, Fanny left the room with an elegant there was no trace of those ingredients, "will of and cheerful air-to tear up stairs with a flushed course be the highest object of my married life; to face as soon as she was out of hearing, pounce in lose it, would of course be perfect wretchedness. I upon her sister, call her a little Dormouse, shake her am sure your great kindness will not object, and I for the better opening of her eyes, tell her what had hope papa will not object, to my correcting a small passed below, and ask her what she thought about mistake you have made, however. The best of us Pa now e PAPA, POTATOES, POULTRY, PRUNES, AND PRISM. 263 Toward Mrs. Merdle, the young lady comported no hurry. I am not wanted at any public office, or herself with great independence and self-possession; to give any vote anywhere else. But Edmund is. but not as yet with any more decided opening of And Edmund is deeply dejected at the idea of going hostilities. Occasionally they had a slight skirmish, away by himself, and, indeed, I don't like that he as when Fanny considered herself patted on the back should be trusted by himself. For, if it's possibleby that lady, or as when Mrs. Merdle looked partic- and it generally is-to do a foolish thing, he is sure ularly young and well; but Mrs. Merdle always soon to do it." terminated those passages of arms by sinking among As she concluded this impartial summary of the her cushions with the gracefullest indifference, and reliance that might be safely placed upon her future finding her attention otherwise engaged. Society husband, she took off, with an air of business, the (for that mysterious creature sat upon the Seven bonnet she wore, and dangled it by its strings upon Hills too) found Miss Fanny vastly improved by her the ground. engagement. She was much more accessible, much "It is far more Edmund's question, therefore, than more free and engaging, much less exacting; inso- mine. However, we need say no more about that. much that she now entertained a host of followers That is self-evident on the face of it. Well, my dearand admirers, to the bitter indignation of ladies with est Amy! The point arising, is he to go by hlimself, daughters to marry, who were to be regarded as hav- or is he not to go by himself, this other point arises, ing revolted from Society on the Miss Dorrit griev- are we to be married here and shortly, or are we to ance, and erected a rebellious standard. Enjoying be married at home months hence?" the flutter she caused, Miss Dorrit not only haugh- "I see I am going to lose you, Fanny." tily moved through it in her own proper person, "What a little thing you are," cried Fanny, half but haughtily, even ostentatiously, led Mr. Sparkler tolerant and half impatient, "for anticipating one! through it too: seeming to say to them all, "If I Pray, my darling, hear me out. That woman," she think proper to march among you in triumphal pro- spoke of Mrs. Merdle, of course, "remains here until cession attended by this weak captive in bonds, rath- after Easter; so, in the case of my being married here er than a stronger one, that is my business. Enough and going to London with Eldmund, I should have that I choose to do it!" Mr. Sparkler, for his part, the start of her. That is something. Further, Amy. questioned nothing; but went wherever he was That woman being out of the way, I don't know that taken, did whatever he was told, felt that for his I greatly object to Mr. Merdle's proposal to Pa that bride-elect to be distinguished was for him to be dis- Edmund and I should take up our abode in that house tinguished on the easiest terms, and was truly grate- -you:know-where you once went with a dancer, ful for being so openly acknowledged. my dear, until our own house can be chosen and fitted The winter passing on toward the spring while up. Further still, Amy. Papa having always inthis condition of affairs prevailed, it became neces- tended to go to town himself, in the spring-you see, sary for Mr. Sparkler to repair to England, and take if Edmund and I were married here, we might go off his appointed part in the expression and direction of to Florence, where papa might join us, and we might its genius,learning, commerce, spirit, and sense. The all three travel home together. Mr. Merdle has enland of Shakspeare, Milton, Bacon, Newton, Watt, the treated Pa to stay with him in that same mansion I land of a host of past and present abstract philoso- have mentioned, and I suppose he will. But he is masphers, natural philosophers, and subduers of Nature ter of his own actions; and upon that point (which and Art in their myriad forms, called to Mr. Sparkler is not at all material) I can't speak positively." to come and take care of it, lest it should perish. The difference between papa's being master of his Mr. Sparkler, unable to resist the agonized cry from own actions and Mr. Sparkler's being nothing of the the depths of his country's soul, declared that he sort, was forcibly expressed by Fanny in her manner must go.: of stating the case. Not that her sister noticed it; It followed that the question was rendered press- for she was divided between regret at the coming ing when, where, and how, Mr. Sparkler should be separation, and a lingering wish that she had been married to the foremost girl in all this world with no included in the plans for visiting England. nonsense about her. Its solution, after some little "And these are the arrangements, Fanny dear?" mystery and secrecy, Miss Fanny herself announced "Arrangements!" repeated Fanny. "Now, really, to her sister. child, you are a little trying. You know I particn"Now, my child," said she, seeking her -out one larly guarded myself against laying my words open day, "I am going to tell you something. It is only to any such construction. What I said was, that this moment broached; and naturally I hurry to you certain questions present themselves; and these are the moment it is broached." the questions." "Your marriage, Fanny?" Little Dorrit's thoughtful eyes met hers, tenderly "My precious child," said Fanny, "don't anticipate and quietly. me. Let me impart my confidence to you, you flur- "Now, my own sweet girl," said Fanny, weighing tied little thing, in my own way. As to your guess, her bonnet by the strings with considerable impaif I answered it literally, I should answer no. For tience, "it's no use staring. A little owl could stare. really it is not my marriage that is in question, half I look to you for advice, Amy. What do you advise as much as it is Edmund's." me to do?" Little Dorrit looked, and perhaps not altogether "Do you think," asked Little Dorrit persuasively, without cause, somewhat at a loss to understand this after a short hesitation," do you think, Fanny, that fine distinction, if you were to put it off for a few months, it might "I am in no difficulty," exclaimed Fanny, " and in be, considering all things, best?" 264 LITTLE DORRIT. "No, little Tortoise," retorted Fanny, with ex- strongly. Fanny cautioned me about this, and she ceeding sharpness. "I don't think any thing of the objected, and I object.' I don't mean to say that kind." any objection from you, Amy, is likely to be of the Here, she threw her bonnet from her altogether, smallest effect, or that I think you likely to make it and fiounced into a chair. But, becoming affection- with any degree of firmness. But there is a princiate almost immediately, she flounced out of it again, ple involved-a filial principle-and I implore you and kneeled down on the floor to take her sister, chair not to submit to be mother-in-lawed by Mrs. General, and all, in her arms. without asserting it in making every one about you "Don't suppose I am hasty or unkind, darling, be- as uncomfortable as possible. I don't expect you to cause I really am not. But you are such a little odd- stand by it — indeed, I know you won't, Pa being ity! You make one bite your head off, when one concerned-but I wish to rouse you to a sense of wants to be soothing beyond every thing. Didn't I duty. As to any help from me, or as to any oppositell you, you dearest baby, that Edmund can't be tion that I can offer to such a match, you shall not trusted by himself? And don't you know that he be left in the lurch, my love. Whatever weight I. can't?" may derive from my position as a married girl not " Yes, yes, Fanny. You said so, I know." wholly devoid of attractions-used, as that position "And you know it, I know," retorted Fanny. always shall be, to oppose that woman-I will bring " Well, my precious child! If he is not to be trust- to bear, you may depend upon it, on the head and ed by himself, it follows, I suppose, that I should go false hair (for I am confident it's not all real, ugly as with him?" it is, and unlikely as it appears that any one in their " It-seems so, love," said Little Dorrit. senses would go to the expense of buying it) of Mrs. "' Therefore, having heard the arrangements that General!" are feasible to carry out that object, am I to under- Little Dorrit received this counsel without venstand, dearest Amy, that on the whole you advise me turing to oppose it, but without giving Fanny any to make them?" reason to believe that she intended to act upon it. " It-seems so, love," said Little Dorrit again. Having now, as it were, formally wound up her sin" Very well!" cried Fanny, with an air of resig- gle life and arranged her worldly affairs, Fanny pronation, " then I suppose it must be done! I came ceeded with characteristic ardor to prepare for the to you, my sweet, the moment I saw the doubt, and serious change in her condition. the necessity of deciding. I have now decided. So The preparation consisted in the dispatch of her let it be." maid to Paris under the protection of the Courier, After yielding herself up, inthis pattern manner, for the purchase of that outfit for a bride on which to sisterly advice and the force of circumstances, it would be extremely low, in the present narrative, Fanny became quite benignant: as one who had to bestow an English name, but to which (on a vullaid her own inclinations at the feet of her dearest gar principle it observes of adhering to the language friend, and felt a glow of conscience in having made in which it professes to be written) it declines to the sacrifice. "After all, my Amy," she said to her give a French one. The rich and beautiful wardsister, " you are the best of small creatures, and full robe purchased by these agents, in the course of a of good sense; and I don't know. what I shall ever few weeks made its way through the intervening do without you!" country, bristling with custom-houses, garrisoned by With which words she folded her in a closer em- an immense army of shabby mendicants in uniform, brace, and a really fond one. who incessantly repeated -the Beggar's Petition over " Not that I contemplate doing without you, Amy, it, as if every individual warrior among them were by any means, for I hope we shall ever be next to the ancient Belisarius: and of whom there were so inseparable. And now, my pet, I am going to give many Legions, that unless the Courier had expended you a word of advice. When you are left alone just one bushel and a half of silver money in rehere with Mrs. General -" lieving their distresses, they would have worn the "I am to be left alone here, with Mrs. General?" wardrobe out before it got to Rome, by turning it said Little Dorrit, quietly. over and over. Through all such dangers, however, "Why, of course, my precious, till papa comes it was triumphantly brought, inch by inch, and arback! Unless you call Edward company, which he rived at its journey's end in fine condition. certainly is not, even when he is here, and still more There it was exhibited to select companies of certainly is not when he is away at Naples or in female viewers, in whose gentle bosoms it awakened Sicily. I was going to say-but you are such a be- implacable feelings. Concurrently, active preparaloved little Marplot for putting one out-when you tions were made for the day on which some of its are left alone here with Mrs. General, Amy, don't treasures were to be publicly displayed. Cards of you let her slide into any sort of artful understand- breakfast-invitation were sent out to half the Eniug with you that she is looking after Pa, or that glish in the city of Romulus; the other half made Pa is looking after her. She will if she can. I arrangements to be under arms, as criticising volunlknow her sly manner of feeling her way with those teers, at various outer points of the solemnity. The gloves of hers. But, don't you comprehend her on most high and illustrious English Signor Edgardo any account. And if Pa should tell you when he Dorrit, came post through the deep mud and ruts comes back, that he has it in contemplation to make (from forming a surface under the improving NeapolMrs. General your nlamma (which is not the less like- itan nobility), to grace the occasion. The best hotel, ly because I am going away), my advice to you is, and all its culinary myrmidons, were set to work to that you say at once,'Papas I beg to object most prepare the feast. The drafts of Mr. Dorrit allnost HER FA THER THZINKS SHE SHO ULD FIND A PARTNER. 265 constituted a run o0n the Torlonia Bank. The drew. Little Dorrit then put her arm round her British Consul hadn't had such a marriage in the father's neck, to bid him good night. whole of his Consularity. "Amy, my dear," said Mr. Dorrit, taking her by The day came, and the She-Wolf in the Capitol the hand, "' this is the close of a day, that has —hamight have snarled with envy to see how the Island greatly impressed and gratified me." Savages contrived these things nowadays. The "A little tired you, dear, too?" murderous-headed statues of the wicked Emperors "No," said Mr. Dorrit, " no: I am not sensible of of the Soldiery, whom sculptors had not been able fatigue when it arises from an occasion so —humto flatter out of their villainous hideousness, might replete with gratification of the purest kind." have come off their pedestals to run away with the Little Dorrit was glad to find him in such heart, Bride. The choked old fountain, where erst the and smiled from her own heart. gladiators washed, might have leaped into life again "My dear," he continued, "this is an occasionto honor the ceremony. The Temple of Vesta might ha-teeming with a good example. With a good have sprung up anew from its ruins, expressly to example, my favorite and attached child —hum-to lend its countenance to the occasion. Might have you." done; but did not. Like sentient things-even like Little Dorrit, futtered by his words, did not know the lords and ladies of creation sometimes-might what to say, though he stopped, as if he qxpected have done much, but did nothing. The celebration her to say something. went off with admirable pomp; monks in black "Amy," he resumed; "your dear sister, our Fanrobes, white robes, and russet robes stopped to look ny, has contracted-ha hum-a marriage, eminently after the carriages; wandering peasants in fleeces calculated to extend the basis of our-ha-connecof sheep, begged and piped under the house-win- tion, and to-huml-consolidate our social relations. dows; the English volunteers defiled; the day wore My love, I trust that the time is not far distant on to the hour of vespers; the festival wore away; when some-ha-eligible partner may be found for the thousand churches rang their bells without any you." reference to it; and St. Peter denied that he had "Oh no! Let me stay with you. I beg and pray any thing to do with it. that I may stay with you! I want nothing but to But, by that time the Bride was near the end of stay and take care of you!" the first day's journey toward Florence. It was She said it like one in sudden alarm. the peculiarity of the nuptials that they were all "Nay, Amy, Amy," said Mr. Dorrit. "This is weak bride. Nobody noticed the Bridegrooih. Nobody and foolish, weak and foolish. You have a-ha-renoticed the first Brides-maid. Few could have seen sponsibility imposed upon you by your position. It Little Dorrit (who held that post) for the glare, even is to develop that position, and be —hum-worthy supposing many to have sought her. So, the Bride of that position. As to taking care of me; I canhad mounted into her handsome chariot, incidental- ha-take care of myself. Or," he added, after a moly accompanied by the Bridegroom; and after rolling ment, "if I should need to be taken care of, Ifor a few minutes smoothly over a fair pavement, hum-can, with the —ha-blessing of Providence, had begun to jolt through a Slough of Despond, and be taken care of. I-ha hum —I can not, my dear through a long, long avenue of wrack and ruin, child, think of engrossing, and-ha-as it were, sacOther nuptial carriages are said to have gone the rificing you." same road, before and since. Oh what a time of day at which to begin that If Little Dorrit found herself left a little lonely profession of self-denial; at which to make it, with and a little low that night, nothing would have done an air of taking credit for it; at which to believe it, so much against her feeling of depression as the be- if such a thing could be! ing able to sit at work by her father, as in the old "Don't speak, Amy. I positively say I can not time, and help him to his supper and his rest. But do it. I-ha-must not do it. My-hum-conthat was not to be thought of now, when they sat science would not allow it. I therefore, my love, in the state-equipage with Mrs. General on the take the opportunity afforded by this gratifying and coach-box. And as to supper! If Mr. Dorrit had impressive occasion of — ha — solemnly remarking, wanted supper, there was an Italian cook and there that it is now a cherished wish and purpose of mine was a Swiss confectioner, who must have put on to see you-ha-eligibly (I repeat eligibly) married." caps as high as the Pope's Mitre, and have perform- "Oh no, dear! Pray!" ed the mysteries of Alchemists in a copper-sauce- "Amy," said Mr. Dorrit, "I am well persuaded panned laboratory below, before he could have got that if the topic were referred to any person of suit. perior social knowledge, of superior delicacy, and He was sententious and didactic that night. If sense-let us say, for instance, to-ha-Mrs. General he had been simply loving, he would have done Lit- -that there would not be two opinions as to the — tie Dorrit more good; but she accepted him as he hum- affectionate character and propriety of my was-when had she not accepted him as he was!- sentiments. But, as I know your loving and dutiand made the most and best of him. Mrs. General ful nature from-hum-from experience, I am quite at'length retired. Her retirement for the night was satisfied that it is necessary to say no more. I have always her frostiest ceremony; as if she felt it nec- -hum —no husband to propose at present, my dear: essary that the human imagination should be chilled I have not even one in view. I merely wish that we into stone, to prevent its following her. When she should-lha-understand each other. Hum. Goodhad gone through her rigid preliminaries, amount- night, my dear and sole remaining daughter. Gooding to a sort of genteel platoon-exercise, she with- night. God bless you!" 266 LITTLE DORRIT. If the thought ever entered Little Dorrit's head, must be considered as an ac.t of homage to the sex that night, that he could give her up lightly now, (of which he was an admirer, being notoriously capin his prosperity, and when he had it in his mind to tivated by the charms of a certain Duchess), and replace her with a second wife, she drove it away. not as a committal of himself with the family. Faithful to him still, as in the worst times through Mr. Merdle was slinking about the hearth-rug, which she had borne him single-hanced, she drove waiting to welcome Mrs. Sparkler. His hand seemthe thought away; and entertained no harder re- ed to retreat up his sleeve as he advanced to do so, fiection, in her tearful unrest, than that he now saw and he gave her such a superfluity of coat-cuff that every thing through their wealth, and through the it was like being received by the popular conception care he always had upon him that they should con- of Guy Fawkes. When he put his lips to hers, betinue rich, and grow richer. sides, he took himself into custody by the wrists, They sat in their equipage of state, with Mrs. Gen- and backed himself among the ottomans and chairs eral en the box, for three weeks longer, andthen he'and.tables as if he were his own Police-officer, saystarted for Florence to join Fanny. Little Dorrit ing to himself, "Now, none of that! Come! I've wouldl have been glad to bear him company so far, got you, you know, and you go quietly along with only for the sake of her own love, aqnd then to have me!" turned back alone, thinking of dear England. But, Mrs. Sparkler, installed in the rooms of state-the though the Courier had gone on with the Bride, the innermost sanctuary of down, silk, chintz, and fine Valet was next in the line; and the succession would linen-felt that so far her triumph was good, and not have come to her, as long as any one could be her way made, step by step. On the day before got for money. her marriage, she had bestowed on Mrs. Merdle's Mrs. General took life easily —as easily, that is, as maid with an air of gracious indifference, in Mrs. she could take any thing-when the Roman estab- Merdle's presence, a trifling little keepsake (bracelishment remained in their sole occupation; and Lit- let, bonnet, and two dresses, all new) about four tie Dorrit would often ride out in a hired carriage times as valuable as the present formerly made by that was left them, and alight alone and wander Mrs. Merdle to her. She was now established in among the ruins of old Rome. The ruins of the Mrs. Merdle's own rooms, to which some extra vast old Amphitheatre, of the old Temples, of the touches had been given, to render them more worthy old commemorative Arches, of the old trodden high- of her. occupation. In her mind's eye, as she lounged ways, of the old tombs, besides being what they there, surrounded by every luxurious accessory that were to her, were ruins of the old Marshalsea —ruins wealth could obtain or invention devise, she sat2 of her own old life-ruins of the faces and forms the fair bosom that beat in unison with the exultathat of old peopled it-ruins of its loves, hopes, tion of her thoughts, competing-with the bosom that cares, and joys. Two ruined spheres of action and had been famous so long, outshining it, and depossuffering were before the solitary girl often sitting ing it. Happy? Fanny must have been happy. on some broken fragment; and in the lonely places, No more wishing one's self dead now. under the blue sky, she saw them both together. The Courier had not approved of Mr. Dorrit's Up, then, would come Mrs. General; taking all staying in the house of a friend, and had preferred the color out of every thing, as Nature and Art had to take him to a hotel in Brook Street, Grosvenor taken it out of herself; writing Prunes and Prism, Square. Mr. Merdle ordered his carriage to be ready in Mr. Eustace's text, wherever she could lay a hand; early in the morning, that he might wait upon Mr. looking everywhere for Mr. Eustace and company, Dorrit immediately after breakfast. and seeing nothing else; scratching up the driest lit- Bright the carriage looked, sleek the horses looktle bones of antiquity, and bolting them whole with- ed, gleaming the harness looked, luscious and lasting out any human visitings-like a Ghoul in gloves. the liveries looked. A rich, responsible turn - out. An equipage for a Merdle. Early people looked after it as it rattled along the streets, and said, with awe in their breath, "There he goes!" CHAPTER XVI. There he went, until Brook Street stopped him. Then, forth from its magnificent case came the jewGETTIN ON. el; not lustrous in itself, but quite the contrary. rTHE newly-married pair, on their arrival in Har- Commotion in the office of the hotel. Merdle! ley-Street, Cavendish Square, London, were re- The landlord, though a gentleman of a haughty spirceived by the Chief Butler. That great man was not it who had just driven a pair of thorough-bred horses interested in them, but on the whole endured them. into town, turned out to show him up stairs. The People must continue to be married and given in clerks and servants cut him off by back-passages, marriage, or Chief Butlers would not be wanted. and were found accidentally hovering in door-ways As nations are made to be taxed, so families are and angles, that they might look upon him. Mermade to be butlered. The Chief Butler, no doubt, re- dle! O ye sun, moon, and stars, the great man! flected that the course of nature required the wealthy The rich man, who had in a manner revised the New population to be kept up on his account. Testament, and already entered into the kingdom of He therefore condescended to look at the carriage Heaven. The man who could have any one he chose from the hall door without frowning at it, and said, to dine with him, and who had made the money! in a very handsome way, to one of his men, " Thom- As he went up the stairs, people were already posted as, help with the luggage." He even escorted the on the lower stairs, that his shadow might fall upon Bride up stairs into Mr. Merdle's presence; but this them when he came down. So were the sick brought A CALL FROM THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL MERDLE. 267 out and laid in the track of the Apostle —who had ha-he could not refrain from telling Mr. Merdle not got into the good society, and had not made the verbally, as he had already done by letter, what money. honor and happiness he felt in this union of their Mr. Dorrit, dressing - gowned and newspapered, families. And he offered his hand. Mr. Merdle was at his breakfast. The Courier, with agitation looked at the hand for a little while, took it on his in his voice, announced "Miss' Mairdale!" Mr.Dor- for a moment as if his were a yellow salver or fishrit's overwrought heart bounded as he leaped up. slice, and then returned it to Mr. Dorrit. "Mr. Merdle, this is-ha —indeed an honor. Per- "I thought I would drive round the first thing," mit me to express the- hum-sense, the high sense, said Mr. Merdle, "to offer my services, in case I can I entertain of this-ha hum-highly gratifying act do any thing for you; and to say that I hope you of attention. I am well aware, sir, of the many will at least do me the honor of dining with me todemands upon your time, and its- ha —enormous day, and every day when you are not better engaged, value." Mr. Dorrit could not say enormous roundly during your stay in town." enough for his own satisfaction. "That you should Mr. Dorrit was enraptured by these attentions. -ha-at this early hour, bestow any of your price- " Do you stay long, sir?" less time upon me, is-ha-a compliment that I ac- "I have not at present the intention," said Mr. knowledge with the greatest esteem." Mr. Dorrit Dorrit,'" of-ha-exceeding a fortnight." positively trembled in addressing the great man. "That's a very short stay, after so long a journey," Mr. Merdle uttered, in his subdued, inward, hesi- returned Mr. Merdle. tating voice, a few sounds that were to no purpose "Hum. Yes," said Mr. Dorrit. "But the truth is whatever; and finally said, "I am glad to see you, -ha-my dear Mr. Merdle, that I find a foreign life sir." so well suited to my health and taste, that I-hum "You are very kind," said Mr. Dorrit. "Truly -have but two objects in my present visit to Lonkind." By this time the visitor was seated, and was don. First, the-ha-the distinguished happiness passing his great hand over his exhausted forehead. and-ha-privilege which I now enjoy and appreci"You are well, I hope, Mr. Merdle?" ate; secondly, the arrangement-hum-the laying " I am as well as I-yes, I am as well as I usually out, that is to say, in the best way, of-ha, hum-my am," said Mr. Merdle. money." "Your occupations must be immense." "Well, sir," said Mr. Merdle, after turning his "Tolerably so. But- Oh dear no, there's not tongue again, "if I can be of any use to you in that much the matter with me," said Mr. Merdle, looking respect, you may command me." round the room. Mr. Dorrit's speech had more hesitation in it than "A little dyspeptic?" Mr. Dorrit hinted. usual, as he approached the ticklish topic, for he was "Very likely. But I- Oh, I am well enough," not perfectly clear how so exalted a potentate might said Mr. Merdle. take it. He had doubts whether reference to any There were black traces on his lips where they individual capital, or fortune, might not seem a met, as if a little train of gunpowder had been fired wretchedly retail affair to so wholesale a dealer. there; and he looked like a man who, if his natu- Greatly, relieved by Mr. Merdle's affable offer of asral temperament had been quicker, would have been sistance, he caught at it directly, and heaped acvery feverish that morning. This, and his heavy knowledgments upon him. way of passing his hand over his forehead, had "I scarcely-ha-dared," said Mr. Dorrit, "I asprompted Mr. Dorrit's solicitous inquiries. sure you, to hope for so-hum-vast an advantage "Mrs. Merdle," Mr. Dorrit insinuatingly pursued, as your direct advice and assistance. Though of C" I left, as you will be prepared to hear, the-ha-ob- course I should, under any circumstances, like theserved of all observers, the-hum-admired of all ad- ha, hum-rest of the civilized world, have followed mirers, the leading fascination and charm of Society in Mr. Merdle's train." in Rome. She was looking wonderfully well when "You know we may almost say we are related, I quitted it." sir," said Mr. Merdle, curiously interested in the pat"Mrs. Merdle, said Mr. Merdle, "is generally con- tern of the carpet, " and, therefore, you may consider sidered a very attractive woman. And she is, no me at your service." doubt. I am sensible of her being so." "Ha. Very handsome, indeed!" cried Mr. Dorrit. "Who can be otherwise?" responded Mr. Dorrit. " Ha. Most handsome!" Mr. Merdle turned his tongue in -his closed mouth " It would not," said Mr. Merdle, "be at the pres-it seemed rather a stiff and unmanageable tongue ent moment easy for what I may call a mere outsider -moistened his lips, passed his hand over his fore- to come into any of the good things-of course I head again, and looked all round the room again, speak of my own good things-" principally under the chairs.. "Of course, of course!" cried Mr. Dorrit, in a tone "But,"' he said, looking Mr. Dorrit in the face for implying that there were no other good things. the first time, and immediately afterward dropping "-Unless at a high price. At what we are achis eyes to the buttons of Mr. Dorrit's waistcoat; "if customed to term a very long figure." we speak of attractions, your daughter ought to be Mr. Dorrit laughed in the buoyancy of his spirit. the subject of our conversation. She is extremely Ha, ha, ha! Long figure. Good. Ha. Very exbeautiful. Both in face and figure, she is quite un- pressive, to be sure!" common. When the young people arrived last night, " However," said Mr. Merdle, "I do generally reI was really surprised to see such charms." tain in my own hands the power of exercising some Mr. Dorrit's gratification was such that he said- preference-people in general would be pleased to 268 LITTLE DORRIT. call it favor-as a sort of compliment for my care ers of all denominations-in Westminster Abbey and and trouble." Saint Paul's Cathedral put together, on any Sunday "And public spirit and genius," Mr. Dorrit sug- in the year. It was a rapturous dream to Mr. Dorgested. r it, to find himself set aloft in this public car of Mr. Merdle, with a dry, swallowing action, seemed triumph, makinig a magnificent progress to that beto dispose of those qualities like a bolus; then add- fitting destination, the golden Street of the Lomed, "As a sort of return for it. I will see, if you bards. please, how: I can exert this limited power (for peo- There, Mr. Merdle insisted on alighting and going ple are jealous, and it is limited) to your advan- his way afoot, and leaving his'poor equipage at Mr. ta.ge." Dorrit's disposition. So the dream increased in rap"You are very good," replied Mr. Dorrit. "You ture when Mr. Dorrit came out of the bank alone, are very good." and people looked at him in default of Mr. Merdle, "Of course," said Mr. Merdle, " there must be the and when, with the ears of his mind, he heard the strictest integrity and uprightness in these transac- frequent exclamation as he rolled glibly along, "A tions; there must be the purest faith between man wonderful man to be Mr. Merdle's friend!" and man; there must be unimpeached and unim- At dinner that day, although the occasionwas not peachable confidence; or business could not be car- foreseen and provided for, a brilliant company of such ried on."' as are not made of the dust of the earth, but of some Mr. Dorrit hailed these generous sentiments with superior article for the present unknown, shed their fervor. lustrous benediction upon Mr. Dorrit's daughter's " Therefore," said Mr. Merdle, "I can only give you marriage. And Mr. Dorrit's daughter that day bea preference to a certain extent." gan, in earnest, her competition with that woman "I perceive. To a defined extent," observed Mr. not present; and began it so well, that Mr. Dorrit Dorrit. could all but have taken his affidavit, if required, " Defined extent. And perfectly above-board. As that Mrs. Sparkler had all her life been lying at full to my advice, however," said Mr. Merdle, "that is length in the lap of luxury, and had never heard of another matter. That, such as it is —" such a rough word in the English tongue as MarOh! Such as it was! (Mr. Dorrit could not bear shalsea. the faintest appearance of its being depreciated, even Next day, and the day after, and every day, all by Mr. Merdle himself.) graced by more dinner company, cards descended on "-That, there is nothing in the bonds of spotless Mr. Dorrit like theatrical snow. As the friend and honor between myself and my fellow-man to prevent relative by marriage of the illustrious Merdle, Bar, my parting with, if I choose. And that," said Mr. Bishop, Treasury, Chorus, Every Body, wanted to Merdle, now deeply intent upon a dust-cart that was make or improve Mr. Dorrit's acquaintance. In Mr. passing the windows, "shall be at your command Merdle's heaps of offices in the City, when Mr. Dorrit whenever you think proper." appeared at any of them on his business taking him New acknowledgments from Mr. Dorrit. New pas- Eastward (which it frequently did, for it throve sages of Mr. Merdle's hand over his forehead. Calm amazingly), the, name of Dorrit was always a passand silence. Contemplation of Mr. Dorrit's waist- port to the great presence of Merdle. So the dream coat buttons by Mr. Merdle. increased in rapture every hour, as Mr. Dorrit felt in" My time being rather precious," said Mr. Merdle, creasingly sensible that this connection had brought suddenly getting up, as if he had been waiting in him forward indeed. the interval for his legs, and they had just come, "I Only one thing sat otherwise than auriferously, must be moving toward the City. Can I take you and at the same time lightly, on Mr. Dorrit's mind. anywhere, sir? I shall be happy to set you down, It was the Chief Butler. That stupendous character or send you on. My carriage is at your disposal." looked at him, in the course of his official looking at Mr. Dorrit bethought himself that he had business the dinners, in a manner that Mr. Dorrit considered at his banker's. His banker's was in the City. That questionable. He looked at him, as he passed through was fortunate; Mr. Merdle would take him into the the hall and up the staircase, going to dinner, with a City. But, surely, he might not detain Mr. Merdle glazed fixedness that Mr. Dorrit did not like. Seated while he assumed his coat? Yes, he might, and at table in the act of drinking, Mr. Dorrit still saw must; Mr. Merdle insisted on it. So, Mr. Dorrit, re- him through his wine-glass, regarding him with a tiring into the next room, put himself under the cold and ghostly eye. It misgave him that the Chief hands of his valet, and in five minutes came back Butler must have known a Collegian, and must have glorious. seen him in the College-perhaps had been presented Then, said Mr. Merdle, " Allow me, sir. Take my to him. He looked as closely at the Chief Butler, as arm!" Then, leaning on Mr. Merdle's arm, did Mr. such a man could be looked at, and yet he did not Dorrit descend the staircase, seeing the worshipers recall that he had ever seen him elsewhere. Ultion the steps, and feeling that the light of Mr. Merdle mately he was inclined to think that there was no shone by reflection in himself. Then, the carriage, reverence in the man, no sentiment in the great creaand the ride into the City; and the people who ture. But, he was not relieved by that; for, let him looked at them; and the hats that flew off gray think what he would, the Chief Butler had him in heads; and the general bowing and crouching be- his supercilious eye, even when that eye was on the fore this wonderful mortal, the like of which pros- plate or other table-garniture; and he never let him tration of spirit was not to be seen-no, by high out of it. To hint to him that this confinemnent in Heaven, no! It may be worth thinking of by Fawn- his eye was disagreeable, or to ask him what he,, IICY NV~I V VYVLIL~Y~b V'Y - V n WHAT DOES THE MAN MEAN BY FINCH-ING? 269 meant, was an act too daring to venture upon; his of such a knowledge of life as no doubt with so many severity with his employers and their visitors be- changes must have been acquired for Mr. F. himself ing terrific, and he never permitting himself to be said frequently that although well educated in the approached with the slightest liberty. neighborhood of Blackheath at as high as eighty guineas which is a good deal for parents and the plate kept back too on going away but that is more a meanness than its value that he had learned more CHAPTER XVII. in his first year as a commercial traveler with a large commission on the sale of an article that nobody MISSING;. would hear of much less buy which preceded the THE term of Mr. Dorrit's visit was within two wine trade a long time than in the whole six years days of being out, and he was about to dress for in that academy conducted by a college Bachelor, another inspection by the Chief Butler (whose vie- though why a Bachelor more clever than a married tims were always dressed expressly for him), when man I do not see and never did but pray excuse me one of the servants of the hotel presented himself that is not the point:" bearing a card. Mr. Dorrit, taking it, read: Mr. Dorrit stood rooted to the carpet, a statue of " Mrs. Finching." mystification. The servant waited in speechless deference. "I must openly admit that I have no pretensions," " Man, man," said Mr. Dorrit, turning upon him said Flora, " but having known the dear little thing with grievous indignation,;" explain your motive in which under altered circumstances appears a liberbringing me this ridiculous name. I am wholly un- ty but is not so intended and Goodness knows there acquainted with it. Finching, sir?" said Mr. Dorrit, was no favor in half a crown a day to such a needle perhaps avenging himself on the Chief Butler by as herself but quite, the other way and as to any Substitute. " Ha! What do you mean by Finch- thing lowering in it far from it the laborer is worthy ing?" of his hire and I am sure I only wish he got it oftenThe man, man, seemed to mean Flinching as much er and more animal food and less rheumatism in the as any thing else, for he backed away from Mr. Dor- back and legs poor soul." rit's severe regard, as he replied, "A lady, sir." "Madam," said Mr. Dorrit, recovering his breath "I know no such lady, sir," said Mr. Dorrit. "Take by a great effort, as the relict of the late Mr. Finchthis card away. I know no Finching of either sex." ing stopped to take hers; " madam," said Mr. Dorrit, "Ask your pardon, sir. The lady said she was very red in the face," if I understand you to refer to aware she might be unknown by name. But, she -ha-to any thing in the antecedents of-hum-a begged me to say, sir, that she had formerly the hon- daughter of mine, involving-ha, hum-daily comor of being acquainted with Miss Dorrit. The lady pensation, madam, I beg to observe that the —hasaid, sir, the youngest Miss Dorrit." fact, assuming it-ha-to be fact, never was within Mr. Dorrit knitted his brows, and rejoined, after a my knowledge. Hum. I should not have permitmoment or two, "Inform Mrs. Finching, sir," empha- ted it. Ha. Never! Never!" sizing the name as if the innocent man were solely "Unnecessary to pursue the subject," returned responsible for it, "that she can come up." Flora, "and would not have mentioned it on any He had reflected, in his momentary pause, that un- account except as supposing it a favorable and only less she were admitted she might leave some mes- letter of introduction but as to being fact no doubt sage, or might say something below, having a dis- whatever and you may set your mind at rest for the agreeable reference to that former state of existence. very dress I have on now can prove it and sweetly Hence the concession, and hence the appearance of made though there is no denying that it would tell Flora, piloted in by the man, man. better on a better figure for my own is much too fat "I have not the pleasure," said Mr. Dorrit, stand- though how to bring it:down I know not, pray exiug, with the card in his hand, and with an air which cuse me I am roving off again." imported that it would scarcely have been a first- Mr. Dorrit backed to his chair in a stony way, and class pleasure if he had had it, "of knowing either seated himself, as Flora gave -him a softening look this name, or yourself, madam. Place a chair, sir." and played with her parasol. The responsible man, with a start, obeyed, and " The dear little thing," said Flora, " having gone went'out on tiptoe. Flora, putting aside her veil, off perfectly limp and white and cold in my own with a bashful tremor upon her, proceeded to intro- house or at least papa's for though not a freehold cluce herself. At the same time a singular combina- still a long lease at a peppercorn on the morning tion of perfumes was diffused through the room, as when Arthur-foolish habit of our youthful days if some brandy had been put by mistake in a laven- and Mr. Clennam far more adcapted to existing cirder-water bottle, or as if some lavender-water had cumstances particularly addressing a stranger and been put by mistake in a brandy-bottle. that stranger a gentleman in an elevated stafion" I beg Mr.Dorrit to offer a thousand apologies communicated the glad tidings imparted by a perand indeed they would be far too few for such an in- son of the name of Paucks emboldens me." trtsion which I know miwt appear extremely bold At the mention of these two names, Mr. Dorrit in a lady and alone too, but I thought it best upon frowned, stared, frowned again, hesitated with his the whole however difficult and even apparently im- fingers at his lips, as he had hesitated long ago, and proper though Mr. F.'s Aunt would have willingly said, "Do me the favor to-ha-state your pleasure, accompanied me and as a character of great force madam." and spirit would probably have struck one possessed " Mr. Dorrit," said Flora; " you are very kind in 270 LITTLE DORRIT. giving me permission and highly natural it seems to places for he must be somewhere and why doesn't me that you should be kind for though more stately he come forward and say he's there and clear all I perceive a likeness filled out of course but a like- parties up?" ness still, the object of my intruding is my own with- "Pray, madam," said Mr. Dorrit, referring to the out the slightest consultation with any human being handbill again, " who is Clennam and Co.? Ha. I and most decidedly not with Arthur-pray excuse see the name mentioned here, in connection with the me Doyce and Clennam I don't know what I am say- occupation of the house which Monsieur Blandois ing Mr. Clennam solus-for to put that individual was seen to enter: who is Clennam and Co.? Is it linked by a golden chain to a purple time when all the individual of. whom I had formerly - hum - was ethereal out of any anxiety would be worth to some-ha -slight transitory knowledge, and to me the ranson of a monarch not that I have the least whom I believe you have referred? Is it — ha — idea how much that would come to but using it as that person?" the total of all I have in the world and more." " It's a very different person indeed," replied FloMr. Dorrit, without greatly regarding the earnest- ra, "with no limbs and wheels instead and the grimness of these latter words, repeated, "State your mest of women though his mother." pleasure, madam." " Clennam and Co. a —hum-a mother!" exclaim" It's not likely I well know," said Flora, "but it's ed Mr. Dorrit. possible and being possible when I had the gratifica- " And an old man besides," said Flora. tion of reading in the papers that you had arrived Mr. Dorrit looked as if he must immediately be from Italy and were going back I made' up my mind driven out of his mind by this account. Neither to try it for you might come across him or hear some- was it rendered more favorable to sanity by Flora's thing of him and if so what a blessing and relief to dashing into a rapid analysis of Mr. Flintwinch's all!" cravat, and describing him, without the lightest "Allow me to ask, madam," said Mr. Dorrit, with boundary line of separation between his identity his ideas in wild confusion, "to whom —ha —TO and Mrs. Clennam's, as a rusty screw in gaiters. WHOM," he repeated it with a raised voice in mere Which compound of man and woman, no limbs, desperation, "you at present allude?" wheels, rusty screw, grimness, and gaiters, so com"To the foreigner from Italy who disappeared in pletely stupefied Mr. Dorrit, that he was a spectacle the City as no doubt you have read in the papers to be pitied. equally with myself," said Flora, " not referring to "But I would not detain you one moment longprivate sources by the name of Pancks from which er," said Flora, upon whom his condition wrought one gathers what dreadfully ill-natured things some its effect, though she was quite unconscious of havpeople are wicked enough to whisper most likely ing produced it, " if you would have the goodness to judging others by themselves and what the uneasi- give me your promise as a gentleman that both in ness and indignation of Arthur - quite unable to going back to Italy and in Italy too you would look overcome it Doyce and Clennam - can not fail to for this Mr. Blandois high and low and if you found be." or heard of him make him come forward for the It happened, fortunately for the elucidation of clearing of all parties." any intelligible result, that Mr. Dorrit had heard or By that time Mr. Dorrit had so far recovered from read nothing about the matter. This caused Mrs. his bewilderment as to be able to say, in a tolerably Finching, with many apologies for being in great connected manner, that he should consider that his practical difficulties as to finding the way to her duty. Flora was delighted with her success, and pocket among the stripes of her dress, at length to rose to take her leave. produce a police handbill, setting forth that a for- " With a million thanks," said she, "and my adeign gentleman of the name of Blandois, last from dress upon my card in case of any thing to be comVenice, had unaccountably disappeared on such a municated personally, I will not send my love to the night in such a part of the city of London; that he dear little thing for it might not be acceptable, and was known to have entered such a house, at such an indeed there is no dear little thing left in the transhour; that he was stated by the inmates of that formation so why do it but both myself and Mr. F.'s house to have left it, about so many minutes before Aunt ever wish her well and lay no claim to any midnight; and that he had never been beheld since. favor on our side you may be sure of that but quite This, with exact particulars of time and locality, and the other way for what she undertook to do she did with a good.detailed description of the foreign gen- and that is more than a great many of us do, not to tleman who had so mysteriously vanished, Mr. Dor- say any thing of her doing it as well as it could be rit read at large. done and I myself am one of them for I have said "Blandlois!" said Mr. Dorrit. " Venice! And this ever since I began to recover the blow of Mr. F.'s description! I know this gentleman. He has been death that I would learn the Organ of which I am in my house. He is intimately acquainted with a extremely fond but of which I am ashamed to say I gentleman of good family (but in indifferent circum- do not yet know a note, good-evening!" stances), of whom I am a —hum-patron." When Mr. Dorrit, who attended her to the room "Then my humble and pressing entreaty is the door, had had a little tinge to collect his senses, he more," said Flora, "that in traveling back you will found that the interview had summoned back dishave the kindness to look for this foreign gentleman carded reminiscences which jarred with the Merdle along all the roads and up and down all the turn- dinner-table. He wrote and sent off a brief note exings and to make inquiries for him at all the hotels cusing himself for that day, and ordered dinner presand orange-trees and vineyards and volcanoes and ently in his own rooms at the hotel. He had anoth THE HAIVDBILL. 271 er reason for this. His time in London was very Mr. Dorrit, not without a glance over his shoulder nearly out, and was anticipated by engagements; toward his driver and the cabriolet, walked into the his plans were made for returning; and he thought dim hall. "Now, sir," said Mr. Flintwinch, "you it behooved his importance to pursue some direct can ask any thing here you think proper; there inquiry into the Blandois disappearance, and be in are no secrets here, sir." a condition to carry back to Mr. Henry Gowan the Before a reply could be made, a strong stern voice, result of his own personal investigation. He there- though a woman's, called from above. " Who is it?" fore resolved that he would take advantage of that "Who is it?" returned Jeremiah. "More inquievening's freedom to go down to Clennam and Co.'s, ries. A gentleman from Italy." easily to be found by the direction set forth in the "Bring him up here!" handbill; and see the place, and ask a questioner Mr. Flintwinch muttered, as if he deemed that two there, himself unnecessary; but, turning to Mr. Dorrit, said, " Mrs. Having dined as plainly as the establishment and Clennam. She will do as she likes. I'll show you the Courier would let him, and having taken a short the way." He then preceded Mr. Dorrit up the sleep by the fire for his better recovery from Mrs. blackened staircase; that gentleman, not unnatuFinching, he set out in a hackney-cabriolet alone. rally looking behind him on the road, saw the womThe deep bell of St. Paul's was striking nine as he an following, with her apron thrown over her head passed under the shadow of Temple Bar, headless again in her former ghastly manner. ~and forlorn in these degenerate days. Mrs. Clennam. had her books open on her little taAs he approached his destination through the by- ble. " Oh!" said she, abruptly, as she eyed her visstreets and water-side ways, that part of London itor with a steady look. "You are from Italy, sir, seemed to him an uglier spot at such an hour than are you? Well?" he had ever supposed it to be. Many long years Mr. Dorrit was at a loss for any more distinct rehad passed since he had seen it; he had never known joinder at the moment than " Ha-well?" much of it; and it wore a mysterious and dismal as- "Where is this missing man? Have you come to pect in his eyes. So powerfully was his imagination give us information where he is? I hope you have?" impressed by it, that when his driver stopped, after "So far from it, I —hum-have come to seek inhaving asked the way more than once, and said to formation." the best of his belief this was the gate-way they "Unfortunately for us, there is none to be got wanted, Mr. Dorrit stood hesitating, with the coach here. Flintwinch, show the gentleman the handdoor in his hand, half afraid of the dark look of the bill. Give him several to take away. Hold the place. light for him to read it." Truly, it looked as gloomy that night, as even it Mr. Flintwinch did as he was directed, and Mr. had ever looked. Two of the handbills were post- Dorrit read it through, as if he had not previously ed on the entrance wall, one on either side, and as seen it; glad enough of the opportunity of collectthe lamp flickered in the night air, shadows passed ing his presence of mind, which the air of the house over them, not unlike the shadows of fingers follow- and of the people in it had a little disturbed. While ing the lines. A watch was evidently kept upon his eyes were on the paper, he felt that the eyes of the place. As Mr. Dorrit paused, a man passed in Mr. Flintwinch and of Mrs. Clennam were on him. from over the way, and another man passed out from He found, when he looked up, that this sensation some dark corner within; and both looked at him was not a fanciful one. in passing, and both remained standing about. "Now you know as much," said Mrs. Clennam, " as As there was only one house in the inclosure, there we know, sir. Is Mr. Blandois a friend of yours?" was no room for uncertainty, so he went up the steps "No-a-hum-an acquaintance," answered Mr. of that house and knocked. There was a dim light Dorrit. in two windows on the first floor. The door gave "You have no commission from him, perhaps?" back a dreary, vacant sound, as though the house "I? Ha. Certainly not." were empty; but it was not, for a light was visible, The searching look turned gradually to the floor, and a step was audible, almost directly. They both after taking Mr. Flintwinch's face in its way. Mr. came to the door, and a chain grated, and a woman - Dorrit, discomfited by finding that he was the queswith her apron thrown over her face and head stood tioned instead -of the questioner, applied himself to in the aperture. the reversal of that unexpected order of things. "Who is it?" said the woman. "I am-ha-a gentleman of property, at present Mr. Dorrit, much amazed by this appearance, re- residing in Italy with my family, my servants, and plied that he was from Italy, and that he wished to -hum-my rather large establishment. Being in ask a question relative to the missing person, whom London for a short time on affairs connected withhe knew. ha-my estate, and hearing of this strange disap"Hi!" cried the woman, raising a cracked voice. pearance, I wished to make myself acquainted with "Jeremiah!" the circumstances at first-hand, because there isUpon this, a dry old man appeared, whom Mr. Dor- ha, hum - an English gentleman in Italy whom I rit thought he identified by his gaiters, as the rusty shall no doubt see on my return, who has been in screVw. The woman was under apprehensions of the habits of close and daily intimacy with Monsieur dry old man, for she whisked her apron away as he Blandois. Mr. Henry Gowan. You may know the approached, and disclosed a pale affrighted face. name." " Open the door, you fool," said the old man; " and "Never heard of it." let the gentleman in." Mrs. Clennam said it, and Mr. Flintwinch echoed it. 272 LITTLE DORRIT. "Wishing to-ha —make the narrative coherent Clennam, "and the answer has been, No. We don't and consecutive to him," said Mr. Dorrit, "may I choose to publish our transactions, however unimask-say three questions?" portant, to all the town. We say, No." "Thirty, if you choose." " I mean, he took no money with him, for exam"Have you known Monsieur Blandois long?" ple," said Mr. Dorrit. "Not a twelvemonth. Mr. Flintwinch here, will "He took away none of ours, sir, and got none refer to the books and tell you when, and by whom here." at Paris he was introduced to us. If that," Mrs. "I suppose," observed Mr. Dorrit, glancing from Clennam added, "'should be any satisfaction to you. Mrs. Clennam to Mr. Flintwinch, and from Mr. FlintIt is poor satisfaction to us." winch to Mrs. Clennam, "you have' no way of ac" Have you seen him often?" ctanting to yourself for this mystery?" "No. Twice. Once before, and-" "Why do you suppose so?" rejoined Mrs. Clen" That once," suggested Mr. Flintwinch. nam. "And that once." Disconcerted by the cold and hard inquiry, Mr. "Pray, madam," said Mr. Dorrit, with a growing Dorrit was unable to assign any reason for his supfancy upon him, as he recovered his importance, posing so. /l MR. DONRIT READ IT THROUGH, AS IF HE HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY SEEN IT. that he was in some superior way in the Commis- "I account for it, sir," she pursued, after an awksion of the Peace; "pray, madam, may I inquire, ward silence on Mr. Dorrit's part, "by having no for the greater satisfaction of the gentleman whom doubt that he is traveling somewhere, or hidting I have the honor to-ha-retain, or protect, or let somewhere." me say to-hum —know —to know- Was Monsieur "Do you know-ha-why he should hide anyBlandois here on business, on the night indicated in where?" this printed sheet?" "No." "On what he called business," returned Mrs. It was exactly the same No as before, and put anClennam. other barrier up. "Is-ha-excuse me-is its nature to be corm- You asked me if I accounted for the disappearmunicated?" ance to myself," Mrs. Clennam sternly reminded I"No.". him, "not if I accounted for it to you. I do not It was evidently impracticable to pass the barrier pretend to account for it to you, sir. I understand of that reply. it to be no more my business to do that, than it is "The question has been asked before," said Mrs. yours to require that." THAT NOISE AGAIN. 273 Mr. Dorrit answered with an apologetic bend of while it was still fresh, by a debate that arose withhis head.. As he stepped back, preparatory to say- in him whether or no he should take the Marshalsea ing he had no more to ask, he could not but observe in his way back, and look at the old gate. He had how gloomily and fixedly she sat with her eyes fas- decided not to do so; and had astonished the coachtened on the ground, and a certain air upon her man by being very fierce with him for proposing to of resolute waiting; also, how exactly the self-same go over London Bridge and recross the river by Waexpression was reflected in Mr. Flintwinch, stand- terloo Bridge —a course which would have taken him ing at a little distance from her chair, with his eyes almost within sight of his old quarters. Still, for all also on the ground, and his right hand softly rub- that, the question had raised a conflict in his breast; bing his chin. and, for some odd reason or no reason, he was vagueAt that moment, Mistress Affery (of course, the ly dissatisfied. Even at the Merdle dinner-table next woman with the apron) dropped the candlestick day, he was so out of sorts about it, that he continued she held, and cried out, "There! Oh good Lord! at intervals to turn it over and over, in a manner there it is again. Hark, Jeremiah! Now!" frightfully inconsistent with the good society surIf there were any sound at all, it was so slight that rounding him. It made him hot to think what the she must have fallen into a confirmed habit of listen- Chief Butler's opinion of him would have been, if ing for sounds; but, Mr. Dorrit believed he did hear that illustrious personage could have plumbed with' a something, like the falling of dry leaves. The that heavy eye of his the stream of his meditations. woman's terror, for a very short space, seemed to The farewell banquet was of a gorgeous nature, touch the three; and they all listened. and wound up his visit in a most brilliant manner. Mr. Flintwinch was the first to stir. "Affery, my Fanny combined with the attractions of her youth woman," said he, sidling at her with his fists clench- and beauty, a certain weight of self-sustainment, Is ed, and his elbows quivering with impatience to if she had been married twenty years. He felt that shake her, "you are at your old tricks. You'll be he could leave her with a quiet mind to tread the walking in your sleep next, my woman, and playing paths of distinction, and wished-but without abatethe whole round of your distempered antics. You ment of patronage, and without prejudice to the remust have some physic. When I have shown this tiring virtues of his favorite child-that he had such gentleman out, I'll make you up such a comfortable another daughter. dose, my woman; such a comfortable dose!" "My dear," he told her at parting, " our family It did not appear altogether comfortable in expec- looks to you to-ha-assert its dignity and-humtation to Mistress Affery; but Jeremiah, without fur- maintain its importance. I know you will never disther reference to his healing medicine, took another appoint it." candle from Mrs. Clennam's table, and said, "Now, " No, papa," said Fanny, you may rely upon that, sir; shall I light you down?" I think. My best love to dearest Amy, and I will Mr. Dorrit professed himself obliged, and went write to her very soon." down. Mr. Flintwinch shut him out, and chained " Shall I convey any message to-ha-any body him out, without a moment's loss of time. He was else?" asked Mr. Dorrit, in an insinuating manner. again passed by the two men, one going out and the " Papa," said Fanny, before whom Mrs. General inother coming in; got into the vehicle he had left stantly' loomed, "no, I thank you.' You are very waiting, and was driven away. kind, Pa, but I must beg to be excused. There is no Before he had gone far, the driver stopped to let other message to send, I thank you, dear papa, that him know that he had given his name, number, and it would be at all agreeable to you to take." address to the two men, on their joint requisition; They parted in an outer drawing-room, where only and also the address at which he had taken Mr. Dor- Mr. Sparkler waited on his lady, and dutifully bided - it up, the hour at which hehad been called from his his time for shaking hands. When' Mr. Sparkler was stand, and the way by which he had come. This did admitted to this closing audience, Mr. Merdle came not make-the night's adventure run the less hotly in creeping in with not much'more appearance of arms Mr. Dorrib's mind, either when he sat down by his in his sleeves than if he had been the twin brother fire again, or when he went to bed. All night he of Miss Biffill, and insisted on escorting Mr. Dorrit haunted the dismal house, saw the two people reso- down stairs. All Mr. Dorrit's protestations being in lutely waiting, heard the woman with her apron over vain, he enjoyed the honor of being accompanied to her face cry out about the noise, and found the body the hall door by this distinguished man, who (as Mr. of the missing Blandois, now buried in a cellar, and Dorrit told him in shaking hands on the step) had now bricked up in a wall. really overwhelmed him with attentions and services, during this memorable visit. Thus they parted; Mr. Dorrit entering his carriage with a swelling breast, not at all sorry that his Courier, who had come to CHAPTER XVIII. take leave in the lower regions, should have an opA CASTLE IN THE AIR. portunity of beholding the grandeur of his departure. The aforesaid grandeur was yet full upon Mr. Dor1lIANIFOLD are the cares of wealth and state. rit when he alighted at his hotel. Helped out by IVI Mr. Dorrit's satisfaction in remembering that the Courier and some half-dozen of the hotel servants, it had not been necessary for him to announce him- he was passing through the hall with a serene magself to Clennam and Co., or to make an allusion to nificence, when lo! a sight presented itself that struck his having ever had any knowledge of the intrusive him dumb and motionless. John Chivery, in his best person of that name, had been damped overnight, clothes, with his tall hat under his arm, his ivory18 274 LITTLE D ORRIT. handled cane genteelly embarrassing his deportment, for some time. When he turned, he had his handand a bundle of cigars in his hand! kerchief in his hand, and he had been wiping his "Now, young man," said the porter. " This is the eyes with it, and he looked tired and ill. gentleman. This young man has persisted in wait- "Young John, I am very sorry to have been hasty ing, sir, saying you would be glad to see him." with you, but-ha-some remembrances are not Mr. Dorrit glared on the young man, choked, and happy remembrances, and-hum-you shouldn't said, in the mildest of tones, "Ah! Young John! It have come." is Young John, I think; is it not?" "I feel that now, sir,'" returned John Chivery; "Yes, sir," returned Young John. "but I didn't before, and Heaven knows I meant "I-ha-thought it was Young John!" said Mr. no harm, sir." Dorrit. "The young man may come up," turning to "No. No," said Mr. Dorrit. "I am-hum-sure the attendants, as he passed on: "oh yes, he may of that. Ha. Give me your hand, Young John, come up. Let Young John follow. I will speak to give me your hand." him above." Young John gave it; but Mr. Dorrit had driven Young John followed, smiling and much gratified. his heart out of it, and nothing could change his Mr. Dorrit's rooms were reached. Candles were face now, from its white, shocked look. lighted. The attendants withdrew. "There!" said Mr. Dorrit, slowly shaking hands "Now, sir," said Mr. Dorrit, turning round upon with him. "Sit down again, Young John." him and seizing him by the collar when they were "Thank you, sir-but I'd rather stand." safely alone. "What do you mean by this?" Mr. Dorrit sat down instead. After painfully The amazement and horror depicted in the unfor- holding his head a little while, he turned it to his tunate John's face-for he had rather expected to be visitor, and said, with an effort to be easy: embraced next-were of that powerfully expressive "And how is your father, Young John? Hownature that Mr. Dorrit withdrew his hand and mere- ha-how are they all, Young John?" ly glared at him. "Thank you, sir. They're all pretty well, sir. "How dare you do this?." said Mr. Dorrit. "How They're not anyways complaining." do you presume to come here? How dare you insult "Hum. You are in your —ha —old business I see, me?" John?" said Mr. Dorrit, with a glance at the offendI insult you, sir?" cried Young John. " Oh!" ing bundle he had anathematized. "Yes, sir," returned Mr.Dorrit. "Insult me. Your "Partly, sir. I am in my," John hesitated a litcoming here is an affront, an impertinence, an audac- tle, " —father's business likewise." ity. You are not wanted here. Who sent you here? "Oh indeed!" said Mr. Dorrit. " Do you-ha, hum What-ha-the Devil do you do here?" -go upon the-ha-" " I thought, sir," said Young John, with as pale "Lock, sir? Yes, sir." and shocked a face as ever had been turned to Mr. "Much to do, John?" Dorrit's in his life — even in his College life: "I "Yes, sir; we're pretty heavy at present. I don't thought, sir, you mightn't object to have the good- know how it is, but we generally are pretty heavy." ness to accept a bundle_-" "At this time of the year, Young John?" " Damn your bundle, sir!" cried Mr. Dorrit, in ir- "Mostly at all times of the year, sir. I don't repressible rage. " I —hum-don't smoke." know the time that makes much difference to us. I "I humbly beg your pardon, sir. You used to." wish you good-night, sir." " Tell me that again," cried Mr. Dorrit, quite be- "Stay a moment, John — ha -stay a moment. side himself, "and I'll take the poker to you!" Hum. Leave me the cigars, John, I —ha-beg." John Chivery backed to the door. "Certainly, sir." John plt them, with a trem"Stop, sir!" cried Mr. Dorrit. " Stop! Sit down. bling hand, on the table. Confound you, sit down!" "Stay a moment, Young John; stay another moJohn Chivery dropped into the chair nearest the ment. It would be a-ha-a gratification to me to door, and Mr. Dorrit walked up and down the room; send a little-hum-Testimonial, by such a trusty rapidly at first; then, more slowly. Once, he went messenger, to be divided among-ha, hum-themto the window, and stood there with his forehead them —according to their wants. Would you object against the glass. All of a sudden, he turned and to take it, John?" said: " Not in anyways, sir. There's many of them, I'm " What else did you come for, sir?" sure, that would be the better for it." "Nothing else in the world, sir. Oh dear me! "Thank you, John. I-ha-I'll write it, John." Only to say, sir, that I hoped you was well, and only His hand shook so that he was a long time writto ask if Miss Amy was well?" ing it, and wrote it in a tremulous scrawl at last. "What's that to you, sir?" retorted Mr. Dorrit. It was a check for one hundred pounds. He folded "It's nothing to me, sir, by rights. I never it up, put it in Young John's hand, and pressed the thought of lessening the distance betwixt us, I hand in his. am.sure. I know it's a liberty, sir, but I never "I hope you'll-ha-overlook-hum-what has thought you'd have taken it ill. Upon my word passed, John." and honor, sir," said Young John, with emotion, "in "Don't speak of it, sir, on any accounts. I don't my poor way, I am too proud to have come, I assure in anyways bear malice, I'm sure." you, if I had thought so." But nothing, while John was there, could change Mr. Dorrit was ashamed. He went back to the John's face to its natural color and expression. or window, and leaned his forehead against the glass restore John's natural manner. lMR. DOBRIT BUYS GIFTS. 275 "And John," said Mr. Dorrit, giving his hand a ers' windows. Ultimately, he went into the most fafinal pressure, and releasing it, " I hope we-ha- mous jeweler's, and said he wanted to buy a little agree that we have spoken together in confidence; gift for a lady. and that you will abstain, in going out, from saying It was a charming little woman to whom he said any thing to any one that might-hum- suggest it-a sprightly little woman, dressed in perfect taste, that-ha-once I-" who came out of a green velvet bower to attend upon "Oh! I assure you, sir," returned John Chivery, him, from posting up some dainty little books of ac"in my poor humble way, sir, I'm too proud and count which one could hardly suppose to be ruled honorable to do it, sir." for the entry of any articles more commercial than Mr. Dorrit was not too proud and honorable to kisses, at a dainty little shining desk which looked listen at the door, that he might ascertain for him- in itself like a sweetmeat. self whether John really went straight out, or lin- For example, then, said the little woman, what gered to have any talk with any one. There was species of gift did Monsieur desire? A love-gift? no doubt that he went direct out at the door, and Mr. Dorrit smiled, and said, Eh, well! Perhaps. away down the street with a quick step. After re- What did he know? It was always possible; the maining alone for an hour, Mr. Dorrit rang for the sex being so charming. Would she show him some? Courier, who found him with his chair on the hearth- Most willingly, said the little woman. Flattered rug, sitting with his back toward him and his face and enchanted to show him many. But pardon! to the fire. " You can take that bundle of cigars to To begin with, he would have the great goodness to smoke on the journey, if you like," said Mr. Dorrit, observe that there were love-gifts, and there were with a careless wave of his hand. "Ha-brought nuptial gifts. For example, these ravishing earby-hum-little offering from-had-son of old ten- rings and this necklace so superb to correspond, were ant of mine." what one called a love-gift. These brooches and Next morning's sun saw Mr. Dorrit's equipage these rings, of a beauty so gracious and celestial, upon the Dover road, where every red-jacketed were what one called, with the permission of Monpostilion was the sign of a cruel house, established sieur, nuptial gifts. for the unmerciful plundering of travelers. The Perhaps it would be a good arrangement, Mr. Dorwhole business of the human race, between London' rit hinted, smiling, to purchase both, and to present and Dover, being spoliation, Mr. Dorrit was waylaid the love-gift first, and to finish with the nuptial ofat Dartford, pillaged at Gravesend, rifled at Roches- fering? ter, fleeced at Sittingbourne, and sacked at Canter- Ah Heaven! said the little woman, laying the tips bury. However, it being the Courier's business to of her fingers of her two little hands against each get him out of the hands of the banditti, the Courier other, that would be generous indeed, that would be bought him off at every stage; and so the red-jack- a special gallantry! And without doubt the lady so ets went gleaming merrily along the spring land- crushed with gifts would find them irresistible. scape, rising and falling to a regular measure, be- Mr. Dorrit was not sure of that. But, for example, tween Mr. Dorrit in his snug corner, and the next the sprightly little woman was very sure of it, she chalky rise in the dusty highway. said. So Mr. Dorrit bought a gift of each sort, and Another day's sun saw him at Calais. And hav- paid handsomely for it. As he strolled back to his ing now got the Channel between him and John hotel afterward, he carried his head high: having Chivery, he began to feel safe, and to find that the plainly got up his castle, now, to a much loftier altiforeign air was lighter to breathe than the air of tude than the two square towers of Notre Dame. England. Building away with all his might, but reserving On again by the heavy French roads for Paris. the plans of his castle exclusively for his own eye, Having now quite recovered his equanimity, Mr. Mr. Dorrit posted away for Marseilles. Building on, Dorrit, in his snug corner, fell to castle-building as building on, busily, busily, from morning to night. he rode along. It was evident that he had a very Falling asleep, and leaving great blocks of building large castle in hand. All day long he was running materials dangling in the air; waking again, to retowers up, taking towers down, adding a wing here, sume work and get them into their places. What putting on a battlement there, looking to the walls, time the Courier in the rumble, smoking Young John's strengthening the defenses, giving ornamental touch- best cigars, left a little thread of thin light smoke es to the interior, making in all respects a superb cas- behind-perhaps as he built a castle or two, with tle of it. His preoccupied face so clearly denoted the stray pieces of Mr. Dorrit's money. pursuit in which he was engaged, that every cripple Not a fortified town that they passed in all their at the post-houses, not blind, who shoved his little journey was as strong, not a Cathedral summit was battered tin-box in at the carriage window for Char- as high, as Mr. Dorrit's castle. Neither the Saone ity in the name of Heaven, Charity in the name of nor the Rhone sped with the swiftness of that peerour Lady, Charity in the name of all the Saints, less building; nor was the Mediterranean deeper than knew as well what work he was at, as their coun- its foundations; nor were the distant landscapes on tryman Le Brun could have known it himself, the Cornice road, nor the hills and bay of Genoa the though he had made that English traveler the sub- Superb, more beautiful. Mr. Dorrit and his matchject of a special physiognomical treatise. less castle were disembarked among the dirty white Arrived at Paris, and resting there three days, Mr. houses and dirtier felons of Civita Vecchia, and thence Dorrit strolled much about the streets alone, looking scrambled on to Rome as they could through the filth in at the shop-windows, and particularly the jewel- that festered on the way. 276 LITTLE DORRIT. CHAPTER XIX. him smoking John Chivery out, it is true, but still generally standing up the while and looking about him, like a man who had his suspicions, and kept THE sun had gone down full four hours, and it upon his guard. Then would Mr. Dorrit, pulling up was later than most travelers would like it to the glass again, reflect that those postilions were be for finding themselves outside the walls of Rome, cut-throat looking fellows, and that he would have when Mr. Dorrit's carriage, still on its last wearisome done better to have slept at Civita Vecchia, and have stage, rattled over the solitary Campagna. The sav- started betimes in the morning. But, for all this, he age herdsmen and the fierce-looking peasants, who worked at his castle in the intervals. had checkered the way while the light lasted, had And now, fragments of ruinous inclosure, yawning all gone down with the sun, and left the wilderness window gap and crazy wall, deserted houses, leakblank. At some turns of the road, a pale flare on ing wells, broken water-tanks, spectral cypress-trees, the horizon, like an exhalation from the ruin-sown patches of tangled vine, and the changing of the AT SOME TURRNS OF THE ROAD, A PALE FLARE ON THE HORIZON..... SHOWED THAT THE OITY WAS YET FAR OFF. laud, showed that the city, was yet far off; but, this track to a long, irregular, disordered lane, where evpoor relief was rare and short-lived. The carriage ery thing was crumbling away, from the unsightly dipped down again into a hollow of the black dry buildings to the jolting road -now, these objects sea, and for a long time there was nothing visible showed that they were nearing Rome. And now, a save its petrified swell and the gloomy sky. sudden twist and stoppage of the carriage inspired Mr. Dorrit, though he had his castle-building to Mr. Dorrit with the mistrust that the brigand moengage his mind, could not be quite easy in that ment was come for twisting him into a ditch and desolate place. He was far more curious, in every robbing him; until, letting down the glass again and swerve of the carriage, and every cry of the postil- looking out, he perceived himself assailed by nothing ions, than he had been since he quitted London. The worse than a funeral procession, which came mechanvalet on the box evidently quaked. The Courier ically chaunting by, with an indistinct show of dirty in the rumble was not altogether comfortable in his vestments, lurid torches, swinging censers, and a mind. As often as Mr. Dorrit let down the glass and great cross borne before a priest. He was an ugly looked back at him (which was very often), he saw priest by torch-light; of a lowering aspect, with an MR. DORRIT IS WELCOMED BACK. 277 overhanging brow; and as his eyes met those of Mr. She paused for an instant in her work to look at Dorrit, looking bare-headed out of the carriage, his him, and her look revived that former pain in her lips, moving as they chaunted, seemed to threaten father's breast; in his poor weak breast, so full of that important traveler; likewise the action of his contradictions, vacillations, inconsistencies, the little hand which was in fact his manner of returning the peevish perplexities of this ignorant life, mists which traveler's salutation, seemed to come in aid of that the morning without a night only can clear away. menace. So thought Mr. Dorrit, made fanciful by "I have been freer with you, you see, my dove," the weariness of building and traveling, as the priest said the old man, " since we have been alone. I say, drifted past him, and the procession straggled away, alone, for I don't count Mrs. General; I don't care taking its dead along with it. Upon their so-differ- for her; she has nothing to do with me. But I know ent way went Mr. Dorrit's company too; and soon, Fanny was impatient of me. And I don't wonder at with their coach-load of luxuries from the two great it, or complain of it, for I am sensible that I must be capitals of Europe, they were (like the Goths re- in the way, though I try to keep out of it as well as versed) beating at the gates of Rome. I can. I know I am not fit company for our comMr. Dorrit was not expected by his own people pany. My brother William," said.the old man, adthat night. He had been; but they had given him miringly, "is fit company for monarchs; but not so. up until to-morrow, not doubting that it was later your uncle, my dear. Frederick Dorrit is no credit than he would care, in those parts, to be out. Thus, to William Dorrit, and he knows it quite well. Ah! when his equipage stopped at his own gate, no one Why, here's your father, Amy! My dear William, but the porter appeared to receive him. Was Miss welcome back! My beloved brother, I am rejoiced Dorrit from home? he asked. No. She was with- to see you!" in. Good, said Mr. Dorrit to the assembling serv- (Turning his head in speaking, he had caught ants; let them keep where they are; let them help sight of him as he stoodlin the door-way.) to unload the carriage; he would find Miss Dorrit Little Dorrit with a cry of pleasure put her arms for himself. about her father's neck, and kissed him again and So, he went up his grand staircase, slowly, and again. Her father was a little impatient, and a littired, and looked into various chambers which were tile querulous. " I am glad to find you at last, Amy," empty, until he saw a light in a small anteroom. he said. "Ha. Really I am glad to find-humIt was a curtained nook, like, a tent, within two oth- any one to receive me at last. I appear to have er rooms; and it looked warm and bright in color, been-ha-so little expected, that upon my word I as he approached it through the dark avenue they began-ha, hum-to think it might be right to offer made. an apology for-ha-taking the liberty of coming There was a draped door-way, but no door; and, back at all." as he stopped here, looking in unseen, he felt a pang. "It was so late, my dear William," said his brothSurely not like jealousy? For why like jealousy? er, "that we had given you up for to-night." There were only his daughter and his brother there: "I am stronger than:you, dear Frederick," rehe, with his chair drawn to the hearth, enjoying the turned his brother, with an elaboration of fraternity warmth of the evening wood fire; she seated at a in which there was severity; " and I hope I can travlittle table, busied with some embroidery work. Al- el without detriment at- ha-any hour I choose." lowing for the great difference in the still-life of the " Surely, surely," returned the other, with a mispicture, the figures were much the same as of old; giving that he had given offense. "Surely, -Wilhis brother being sufficiently like himself to repre- liam." sent himself, for a moment, in the composition. So "Thank you, Amy," pursued Mr. Dorrit, as she had he sat many a night, over a coal fire far away; helped him to put off:his wrappers, "I can do it so had she sat, devoted to him. Yet surely there without assistance. I ha-need not trouble you, was nothing to be jealous of in the old miserable Amy. Could -I have a morsel of bread and a glass poverty. Whence, then, the pang in his heart? of wine, or-hum -would it cause too much incon"Do you know, uncle, I think you are growing venience?" young again?" "Dear father, you shall have supper in a very few Her uncle shook his head, and said, " Since when, minutes." my dear; since when?" "Thankl you, my love, " said Mr. Dorrit, with a "I think," returned Little Dorrit, plying her nee- reproachful frost upon him; "I-ha-am afraid I die," that you have been growing younger for weeks am causing inconvenience. Hum. Mrs. General past. So cheerful, uncle, and so ready, and so inter- pretty well?" ested?l "Mrs. General complained of a headache, and of "My dear child-all you." being fatigued; and so, when we gave you up, she "All me, uncle!" went to bed, dear." "Yes, yes. You have done me a world of good. Perhaps Mr. Dorrit thought that Mrs. General had You have been so considerate of me, and so tender done well in being overcome by the disappointment with me, and so delicate in trying to hide your at- of his not arriving. At any rate, his face relaxed, tentions from me, that I-well,well, well! It's treas- and he said, with obvious satisfaction, "Extremely ured up, my darling, treasured up." sorry to hear that Mrs. General is not well." "There is nothing in it but your own fresh fancy, During this short dialogue, his daughter had been uncle," said Little Dorrit, cheerfully. observant of him, with something more than her "Well,well,well!" murmuredtheoldman. "Thank usual interest. It would seem as though he had a God!" changed or worn appearance in her eyes, and he per 278 LITTLE DORRIT. ceived and resented it; for, he said with renewed she had been used to do in the prison. All this happeevishness, when he had divested himself of his, pened now, for the first time since their accession to traveling-cloak, and had come to the fire: wealth. She was afraid to look at him much, after "Amy, what are you looking at? What do you the offense he had taken; but she noticed two occasee in me that causes you to-ha-concentrate your sions in the course of his meal, when he all of a sudsolicitude on me in that-hum-very particular den looked at her, and looked about him, as if the manner." association were so strong that he needed assurance "I did not know it, father; I beg your pardon. from his sense of sight that they were not in the old It gladdens my eyes to see you again; that's all." prison-room. Both times, he put his hand to his " Don't say that's all, because-ha-that's not all. head as if he missed his old black cap-though it You-hum-you think," said Mr. Dorrit, with an had been ignominiously given away in the Marshalaccusatory emphasis, " that I am not looking well." sea, and had never got free to that hour, but still "I thought you looked a little tired, love." hovered about the yards on the head of his suc"Then you are mistaken," said Mr. Dorrit. "Ha, cessor. I am not tired..Ha, hum. I am very much fresher He took very little supper, but was a long time than I was when I went away." over it, and often reverted to his brother's declining He was so inclined to be angry, that she said noth- state. Though he expressed the greatest pity for ing more in her justification, but remained quietly him, he was almost bitter upon him. He said that beside him embracing his arm. As he stood thus, poor Frederick-ha, hum —driveled. There was no with his brother on the other side, he fell into a other word to express it; driveled. Poor fellow! heavy doze, of not a minute's duration, and woke It was melancholy to reflect what Amy must have with a start. undergone from the excessive tediousness of his so"Frederick," he said, turning on his brother; "I ciety-wandering and babbling on, poor dear estirecommend you to go to bed immediately." mable creature, wandering and babbling on —if it "No, William. I'll wait and see you sup." had not been for the relief she had had in Mrs. Gen"Frederick," he retorted, " I beg you to go to bed. eral. Extremely sorry, he then repeated with his I-ha-make it a personal request that you go to former satisfaction, that that-ha-superior woman bed. You ought to have been in bed long ago. was poorly. You are very feeble." Little Dorrit, in her watchful love, would have "Ha!" said the old man, who had no wish but' remembered the lightest thing he said or did that to please him. "Well, well, well! I dare say I night, though she had no subsequent reason to recall am." that night. She always remembered, that when he " My dear Frederick," returned Mr. Dorrit, with looked about him under the strong influence of the an astonishing superiority to his brother's failing old association, he tried to keep it out of her mind, powers, " there can be no doubt of it. It is painful and perhaps out of his own too, by immediately exto me to see you so weak. Ha. It distresses me. patiating on the great riches and great company Hum. I don't find you looking at all well. You that had encompassed him in his absence, and on are not fit for this sort of thing. You should be the lofty position he and his family had to sustain. more careful, you should be very careful." Nor did she fail to recall that there were two under"Shall I go to bed?" asked Frederick. currents, side by side, pervading all his discourse "Dear Frederick," said Mr. Dorrit, "do, I adjure and all his manner; one showing her how well he you! Good-night, brother. I hope you will be had. got on without her, and how independent he stronger to-morrow. I am not at all pleased with was of her; the other, in a fitful and unintelligible your looks. Good-night, dear fellow." After dis- way almost complaining of her, as if it had been missing his brother in this gracious way, he fell into possible that she had neglected him while he was a doze again, before the old man was well out of the away. room: and he would have stumbled forward upon His telling her of the glorious state that Mr. Merthe logs, but for his daughter's restraining hold. dle kept, and of the court that bowed before him, " Your uncle wanders very much, Amy," he said, naturally brought him to Mrs. Merdle. So naturalwhen he was thus roused. "He is less-ha-coher- ly indeed, that although there was an unusual want ent, and his conversation is more - hum - broken, of sequence in the greater part of his remarks, he than I have-ha, hum-ever known. Has he had passed to her at once, and asked how she was. any illness since I have been gone?" "She is very well. She is going away next week." "No, father." " Home?" said Mr. Dorrit. "You-ha-see a great change in him, Amy?" "After a few weeks' stay upon the road." "I had not observed it, dear." " She will be a vast loss here," said Mr. Dorrit. "Greatly broken," said Mr. Dorrit. " Greatly " A vast-ha-acquisition at home. To Fanny, and broken. My poor, affectionate, failing Frederick! to —hum-the rest of the-ha-great world." Ha. Even taking into account what he was before, Little Dorrit thought of the competition that was he is-hum-sadly broken!" to be entered upon, and assented very softly. His supper, which was brought to him there, and "Mrs. Merdle is going to have a great farewell Asspread upon the little table where he had seen her sembly, dear, and a dinner before it. She has been working, diverted his attention. She sat at his side expressing her anxiety that you should return in as in the days that were gone, for the first time since time. She has invited both you and me to her dinthose days ended. They were alone, and she helped ner." him to his meat and poured out his drink for him, as "She is-ha-very kind. When is the day?" INTERESTING DIALOG UE. 279 "The day after to-morrow." bitually absent and drooping, but, let us hope' it is " Write round in the morning, and say that I have not so bad as that." returned, and shall-hum —be delighted." Mr. Dorrit, however, was determined not to let "May I walk with you up the stairs to your room, him off. "Fast declining, madam. A wreck. A clear?" ruin. Moldering away before our eyes. Hum. "No!" he answered, looking angrily round; for he Good Frederick!" was moving away, as if forgetful of leave-taking. "You left Mrs. Sparkler quite well and happy, I "You may not, Amy. I want no help. I am your trust?" said Mrs. General, after heaving a cool sigh father, not your infirm uncle!" He checked himself, for Frederick. as abruptly as he had broken into this reply, and "Surrounded," replied Mr. Dorrit, "by —ha —all said, " You have not kissed me, Amy. Good-night, that can charm the taste, and-hum-elevate the my dear! We must marry -ha -we must marry mind. Happy, my dear madam, in a-hum —husyou, now." With that he went, more slowly and band." more tired, up the staircase to his rooms, and, almost Mrs. General was a little fluttered; seeming delias soon as he got there, dismissed his valet. His cately to put the word away with her gloves, as if next care was to look about him for his Paris pur- there were no knowing what it might lead to. chases, and, after opening their cases and carefully "Fanny," Mr. Dorrit continued. "Fanny, Mrs. surveying them, to put them away under lock and General has high qualities. Ha. Ambition —hum key. After that, what with dozing and what with -purpose, consciousness of —ha -position, detercastle-building, he lost himself for a long time, so mination to support that position-ha, hum-grace, that there was a touch of morning on the eastward beauty, and native nobility." rim of the desolate Campagna when he crept to bed. " No doubt," said Mrs. General (with a little extra Mrs. General sent up her compliments in good stiffness). time next day, and hoped he had rested well after "'Combined with these qualities, madam," said his fatiguing journey. He sent down his compli- Mr. Dorrit, "Fanny has-ha-manifested one blemmeuts, and begged to inform Mrs. General that he ish which has made me-hum-made me uneasy, had rested very well indeed, and was in high condi- and-ha-I must add, angry; but which I trust may tion. Nevertheless, he did not come forth from his now be considered at an end, even as to herself, and own rooms untillate in the afternoon; and, although which is undoubtedly at an end as to-ha-others." he then caused himself to be magnificently arrayed "To what, Mr. Dorri," returned Mrs. General, for a drive with Mrs. General and his daughter, his with her gloves again somewhat excited, "can you appearance was scarcely up to his description of allude? I am at a loss to-" himself. "-Do not say that, my dear mmadam," interrupted As the family had no visitors that day, its four Mr. Dorrit. members dined alone together. He conducted Mrs. Mrs. General's voice, as it died away, pronounced General to the seat at his right hand, with immense the words, " at a loss to imagine." ceremony; and Little Dorrit could not but notice After which, Mr. Dorrit was seized with a doze for as she followed with her uncle, both that he was about a minute, out of which he sprang with spasagain elaborately dressed, and that his manner to- modic nimbleness. ward Mrs. General was very particular. The per- " I refer, Mrs. General, to that-ha-strong spirit fect formation of that accomplished lady's surface of opposition, or-hum-I might say-ha-jealousy rendered it difficult to displace an atom of its gen- in Fanny, which has occasionally risen against theteel glaze, but Little Dorrit thought she described a ha-sense I entertain of-hum —the claims of-ha slight thaw of triumph in a corner of her frosty eye. -the lady with whom I have now -the honor of Notwithstanding what may be called in these communing." pages the Pruney and Prismatic nature of the fanil- "Mr. Dorrit," returned Mrs. General, "is ever but lybanquet, Mr. Dorrit several timesfell asleep while too obliging, ever but too appreciative. If there it was in progress. His fits of dozing were as sud- have been moments when I have imagined that Miss den as they had been overnight, and were as short Dorrit has indeed resented the favorable opinion Mr. and profound. When the first of these slumberings Dorrit has formed of my services, I have found, in seized him, Mrs. General looked almost amazed; but, that only too high opinion, my consolation and recon each recurrence of the symptoms, she told her ompense." polite beads, Papa, Potatoes, Poultry, Prunes, and "Opinion of your services, madam?" said Mr. Prism; and, by dint of going through that infallible Dorrit. performance very slowly, appeared to finish her ro- "Of," Mrs. General repeated, in an elegantly imsary at about the same time as Mr. Dorrit started pressive manner, " my services." from his sleep. " Of your services alone, dear madam?" said Mr. He was again painfully aware of a somnolent tend- Dorrit. ency in Frederick (which had no existence out of "I presume," retorted Mrs. General, in her former his own imagination), and after dinner, when Fred- impressive manner, "of my services alone. For, to erick had withdrawn, privately apologized to Mrs. what else," said Mrs. General, with a slightly interGeneral for the poor man. "The most estimable rogative action of her gloves, " could I impute-" and affectionate of brothers," he said, "but - ha, "To-ha-yourself, Mrs. General. Ha, hum. To hum-broken up altogether. Unhappily, declining yourself and your merits," was Mr. Dorrit's rejoinfast." der. - "Mr. Frederick, sir," quoth Mrs. General, "is ha- "Mr. Dorrit will pardon me," said Mrs. General, 280 LITTLE DORRIT. "if I remark that this is not a time or place for the appearance. The table was long, and the dinner pursuit of thepresent conversation. Mr. Dorrit will was long; and Little Dorrit, overshadowed by a excuse me if I remind him that Miss Dorrit is in the large pair of black whiskers and a large white craadjoining room, and is visible to myself while I utter vat, lost sight of her father altogether, until a servher name. Mr. Dorrit will forgive me if I observe ant put a scrap of paper in her hand, with a whisperthat I am agitated, and that I find there are moments ed request from Mrs. Merdle that she would read it when weaknesses I supposed myself to have subdued, directly. Mrs. Merdle had written on it in pencil, return with redoubled power. Mr. Dorrit will allow "Pray come and speak to Mr. Dorrit, I doubt if he me to withdraw." is well." "Hum. Perhaps we may resume this-ha-in- She was hurrying to him, unobserved, when he teresting conversation," said Mr. Dorrit, "at another got up out of his chair, and leaning over the table time; unless it should be, what I hope it is not- called to her, supposing her to be still in her place: hum-in any way disagreeable to-ha-Mrs. Gen- "Amy, Amy, my child!" eral." The action was so unusual, to say nothing of his "Mr. Dorrit," said Mrs. General, casting down her strange eager appearance and strange eager voice, eyes as she rose with a bend, "must ever claim my that it instantaneously caused a profound silence. homage and obedience." "Amy, my dear," he repeated. "Will you go and Mrs. General then took herself off in a stately way, see if Bob is on the lock?" and not with that amount of trepidation upon her She was at his side, and touching him; but he still which might have been expected in a less remark- perversely supposed her to be in her seat, and called able woman. Mr. Dorrit, who had conducted his out, still leaning over the table, "Amy, Amy. I part of the dialogue with a certain majestic and ad- don't feel quite myself. Ha. I don't know what's miring condescension-much as some people may be the matter with me. I particularly wish to see Bob. seen to conduct themselves in Church, and to per- Ha. Of all the turnkeys, he's as much my friend as form their part in the service- appeared, on the yours. See if Bob is in the lodge, and beg him to whole, very well satisfied with himself and with Mrs. come to me." General too. On the return of that lady to tea, she All the guests were now in consternation, and had touched. herself up with a little powder and po- every body rose. matum, and was not without moral enchantment like- "Dear father, I am not there; I am here, by you." wise: the latter showing itslf in much sweet patron- " Oh! You are here, Amy! Good. Hum. Good. age of manner toward Miss Dorrit, and in an air of Ha. Call Bob. If he has been relieved, and is not as tender interest in Mr. Dorrit as was consistent on the lock, tell Mrs. Bangham to go and fetch him." with rigid propriety. At the close of the evening She was gently trying to get him away; but he when she rose to retire, Mr. Dorrit took her by the resisted, and would not go. hand, as if he were going to lead her out into the "I tell you, child," he said, petulantly, " I can't be Piazza of the People to walk a minuet by- moonlight, got up the narrow stairs without Bob. Ha. Send and with great solemnity conducted her to the room for Bob. Hum. Send for Bob-best of all the turndoor, where he raised her knuckles to his lips. IHav- keys-send for Bob!" ing parted from her with what may be conjectured Helooked confusedly about him, and, becoming to have been a rather bony kiss, of a cosmetic flavor, conscious of the number of faces by which he was he gave his daughter his blessing, graciously. And surrounded, addressed them: having thus hinted that there was something re- "Ladies and gentlemen, the duty-ha-devolves markable in the wind, he again went to bed. upon me of —hum-welcoming you to the MarshalHe remained in the seclusion of his own chamber sea. Welcome to the Marshalsea! The space isnext morning; but, early in the afternoon, sent down ha-limited -limited-the parade might be wider; his best compliments to Mrs. General, by Mr. Tinkler, but you will find it apparently grow larger after a and begged. she would accompany Miss Dorrit on an time a time, ladies and gentlemen-and the air is, airing without him. His daughter was dressed for all things considered, very good. It blows over the Mrs. Merdle's dinner before he appeared. He then -ha-Surrey hills. Blows over the Surrey hills. presented himself, in a refulgent condition as to his This is the Snuggery. Hum. Supported by a small -attire, but looking indefinably shrunken and old. subscription of the-ha-Collegiate body. In reHowever, as he was plainly determined to be angry turn for which-hot water-general kitchen-and with her if she so much as asked him how he was, little domestic advantages. Those who are habitshe only ventured to kiss his cheek, before accom- uated to the-ha-Marshalsea, are pleased to call panying him to Mrs. Merdle's with an anxious heart. me its Father. I am accustomed to be complimented The distance that they had to go was very short, by strangers as the-ha-Father of the Marshalsea. but he was at his building work again before the Certainly, if years of residence may establish a claim carriage had half traversed it. Mrs. Merdle received to so-ha honorable a title, I may accept thehim with great distinction; the bosom was in ad- hum-conferred distinction. My child, ladies and mirable preservation, and on the best terms with it- gentlemen. My daughter. Born here!" self; the dinner was very choice; and the company She was not ashamed of it, or ashamed of him. was very select. She was pale and frightened; but she had no other It was principally English; saving that it com- care than to soothe him and get him away, for his prised the usual French Count and the usual Italian own dear sake. She was between him and the wonMarchese-decorative social mile-stones, always to dering faces, turned round upon his breast with her be found in certain places, and varying very little in own face raised to his. He held her clasped in his HER FATHER COLLAPSES IN GOOD COMPANY. 281 left arm, and between -whiles her low voice was the faintest knowledge of her., Some injurious suisheard tenderly imploring him to go away with her. picion lodged itself in his brain, that she wanted to "Born here," he repeated, shedding tears. "1 Bred supplant Mrs. Bangham, and that she was given to here. Ladies and gentlemen, my daughter. Child drinking. He charged her with it in no measured of an unfortunate father, but-ha —always a gen- terms; and was so urgent with his daughter to go, tileman. Poor, no doubt, but-hum-proud. Al- round to the Marshal and entreat him to turn her ways proud. It has become a-hum-not infre- out, that she was never reproduced after the first quent custom for my-ha-personal admirers-per- failure. sonal admirers solely-to be pleased to express their Saving that he once asked "if Tip had gone outdesire to acknowledge my semi-official position here, side?" the remembrance of his two children not by offering-ha —little tributes, which usually take present, seemed to have departed from him. But, the form of -ha-Testimonials —pecuniary Testi- the child who had done so much for him and had monials. In the acceptance of those-ha-volun- been so poorly repaid, was never out of his mind. tary recognitions of my humble endeavors to-hum Not that he spared her, or was fearful of her being -uphold a Tone here-a Tone-I beg it to be un- spent by watching and fatigue; he was not more derstood that I do not consider myself compromised. troubled on that score than he had usually been. Ha. Not compromised. Ha. Not a beggar. No; No; he loved her in his old way. They were in I repudiate the.title! At the same time far be it the jail again, and she tended him, and he had confrom me to-hum-to put upon the fine feelings by stant need of her, and could not turn without her; which my partial friends are actuated, the slight of and he even told her, sometimes, that he was conscrupling to admit that those offerings are- hum — tent to have undergone a great deal for her sake. highly acceptable. On the contrary, they are most As to her, she bent over his bed with her quiet face acceptable. In my child's name, if not in my own, against his, and would have laid down her own life I make the admission in the fullest manner, at the to restore him. same time reserving-ha-shall I say my personal When he had been sinking in this painless way dignity? Ladies and gentlemen, God bless you all!" for two or three days, she observed him to be trouBy this time, the exceeding mortification under- bled by the ticking of his watch-a pompous gold gone by the Bosom had occasioned the withdrawal watch that made as great a to-do about its going, of the greater part of the company into other rooms. as if nothing else went but itself and Time. She The few who had lingered thus long followed the suffered it to run down; but he was still uneasy, rest, and Little Dorrit and her father were left to and showed that was not what he wanted. At the servants and themselves. Dearest and most length he roused himself to explain that he wanted precious to her, he would come with her now, would money to be raised on this watch. He was quite he not? He replied to her fervid entreaties, that he pleased when she pretended to take it away for the would never be able to get up the narrow stairs purpose, and afterward had a relish for his little without Bob; where was Bob, would nobody fetch tastes of wine and jelly that he had not had before. Bob? Under pretense of looking for Bob, she got He soon made it plain that this was so; for, in him out against the stream of gay company now- another day or two he sent off his sleeve-buttons pouring in for the evening assembly, and got him and finger-rings. He had an amazing satisfaction into a coach that had just set down its load, and got in intrusting her with these errands, and appeared him home. to consider it equivalent to making the most meThe broad stairs of his Roman palace were con- thodical and provident arrangements. After his tracted in his failing sight to the narrow stairs of trinkets, or such of them as he had been able to his London prison; and h.e. would suffer no one but see about him, were gone, his clothes engaged his her to touch him, his brother excepted. They got attention; and it is as likely as not he was kept him up to his room without help, and laid him down alive for some days by the satisfaction of sending on his bed. And from that hour his poor maimed them, piece by piece, to an imaginary pawnbroker's. spirit, only remembering the place where it had - Thus for ten days Little Dorrit bent over his pilbroken its wings, canceled the dream through which low, having her cheek against his. Sometimes she it had since groped, and knew of nothing beyond the was so worn out that for a few minutes they would Marshalsea. When he heard footsteps in the street, slumber together. Then she would awake; to recolhe took themn for the old weary tread in the yards. lect with fast-flowing silent tears what it was that When the hour came for locking up, he supposed touched her face, and to see, stealing over the cherall strangers to be excluded for the night. When ished face upon the pillow, a deeper shadow than the the time for opening came again, he was so anxious shadow of the Marshalsea Wall.: to see Bob that they were fain to patch up a narra- Quietly, quietly, all the lines of the plan of the tive how that Bob-many a year dead then, gentle great Castle melted, one after: another. Quietly, turnkey-had taken cold, but hoped to be out to- quietly, the ruled and cross-ruled countenance on morrow, or the next day, or.the next at furthest. which they were traced, became fair and blank. He fell away into a weakness so extreme that he Quietly, quietly, the. reflected marks of the prison coild not raise his hand., But, he still protected his bars and of the zigzag iron on the wall top, faded brother according to his long usage; and would say away. Quietly, quietly, the face subsidedlinto a fair with some complacency, fifty times a day, when he younger likeness of her own than she had ever seen saw him standing by his bed, " My good Frederick, under the gray hair, and sank to rest. sit down. You are very feeble indeed." At first her uncle was stark distracted. "Oh, my They tried him with Mrs. General, but he had not brother! Oh, William, William! You to go before 282 LITTLE DORRIT. me; you to go alone; you to go, and I to remain! CHAPTER XX. You, so far superior, so distinguished, so noble; I, a poor useless creature fit for nothing, and whom no INTRODUCES THE NEXT. one would have missed!" THE passengers were landing from the packet on It did her, for the time, the good of having him to the pier at Calais. A low-lying place and a lowthink of and to succor. spirited place Calais was, with the tide ebbing out " Uncle, dear uncle, spare yourself, spare me!" toward low-water mark. There had been no more The old man was not deaf to the last words. water on the bar than had sufficed to float the packWhen he did begin to restrain himself, it was that et in; and now the bar itself, with a shallow break he -might spare her. He had no care for himself; of sea over it, looked like a lazy marine monster just but, with all the remaining power of the honest risen to the surface, whose form was indistinctly heart, stunned so long and now awaking to be bro- shown as it lay asleep. The meagre light-house all ken, he honored and blessed her. in white, haunting the sea-board, as if it were the "0 God," he cried, before they left the room, with ghost of an edifice that had once had color and rohis wrinkled hands clasped over her. "Thou seest tundity, dripped melancholy tears after its late bufthis daughter of my dear dead brother! All that I feting by the waves. The long rows of gaunt black have looked upon, with my half-blind and sinful piles, slimy and wet and weather-worn, with funeral eyes, Thou hast discerned, clearly, brightly. Not a garlands of sea-weed twisted about them by the late hair of her head shall be harmed before Thee. Thou tide, might have represented an unsightly marine wilt uphold her here, to her last hour. And I know cemetery. Every wave-dashed, storm-beaten object, Thou wilt reward her hereafter!" was so low and so little, under the broad gray sky, They remained in a dim room near, until it was in the noise of the wind and sea, and before the curlalmost midnight, quiet and sad together. At times ing lines of surf, making at it ferociously, that the his grief would seek relief in a burst like that in wonder was there was any Calais left, and that its which it had found its earliest expression; but, be- low gates and low wall and low roofs and low ditches sides that his little strength would soon have been and low sand-hills and low ramparts and flat streets, unequal to such strains, he never failed to recall her had not yielded long ago to the undermining and bewords, and to reproach himself and calm himself. sieging sea, like the fortifications children make on The only utterance with which he indulged his sor- the sea-shore. row, was the frequent exclamation that his brother After slipping among oozy piles and planks, stumwas gone, alone; that they had been together in the bling up wet steps and encountering many salt diffioutset of their lives, that they had fallen into mis- culties, the passengers entered on their comfortless fortune together, that they had kept together through peregrination along the pier; where all the French their many years of poverty, that they had remained vagabonds and English outlaws in the town (half together to that day; and that his brother was gone the population) attended to prevent their recovery alone, alone! from bewilderment. After being minutely inspected They parted, heavy and sorrowful. She would by all the English, and claimed and reclaimed and not consent to leave him anywhere but in his own counter-claimed as prizes by all the French, in a room, and she saw him lie down in his clothes upon hand-to-hand scuffle three-quarters of a mile long, his bed, and covered him with her own hands. Then they were at last free to enter the streets, and to she sank upon her own bed, and fell into a deep sleep: make off in their various directions, hotly pursued. the sleep of exhaustion and rest, though not of com- Clennam, harassed by more anxieties than one, plete release from a pervading consciousness of afflic- was among this devoted band. Having rescued the tion. Sleep, good Little Dorrit. Sleep through the most defenseless of his compatriots from situations night! of great extremity, he now went his way alone, or as It was a moonlight night; but the moon rose late, nearly alone as he could be, with a native gentleman being long past the full. When it was high in the in a suit of grease and a cap of the same material, peaceful firmament, it shone through half-closed lat- giving chase at a distance of some fifty yards, and tice blinds into the solemn room where the stumblings continually calling after him, " Hi! Ice-say! You! and wanderings of a life had so lately ended. Two Seer! Ice-say! Nice Oatel!" quiet figures were within the room; two figures, Even this hospitable person, however, was left beequally still and impassive, equally removed by an hind at last, and Clennam pursued his way, unmountraversable distance from the teeming earth and lested. There was a tranquil air in the town after all: that it contains, though soon to lie in it. the turbulence of the Channel and the beach, and its One figure reposed upon the bed. The other, dullness in that comparison was agreeable. He met kneeling on the floor, drooped over it; the arms new groups of his countrymen, who had all a strageasily and peacefully resting on the coverlet; the gling air of having at one time overblown themselves, face bowed down, so that the lips touched the hand like certain uncomfortable kinds of flowers, and of over which with its last breath it had bent. The being, now, mere weeds. They had all an air, too, two brothers were before their Father; far beyond of lounging out a limited round, day after day, which the twilight judgments of this world; high above strongly reminded him of the Marshalsea. But, takits mists and obscurities.- ing no further note of them than was sufficient to give birth to the reflection, he sought out a certain street and number, which he kept in his mind. "So Pancks said," he murmured to himself, as he stopped before a dull house answering to the address. A FAVOR ASKED OF MISS WADE. 283 " I suppose his information to be correct, and his dis- "Blandois?" covery, among Mr. Casby's loose papers, indisputa- "A name you are acquainted with." ble; but, without it, I should hardly have supposed "It is strange," she said, frowning, "that you this to be a likely place." should still press an undesired interest in me and A dead sort of house, with a dead wall over the my acquaintances, in me and my affairs, Mr. Clenway and a dead gate-way at the side, where a pend- nam. I don't know what you mean." ant bell-handle produced two dead tinkles, and a "Pardon me. You know the name?" knocker produced a dead, flat, surface-tapping, that "What can you have to do with the name? seemed not to have depth enough in it to penetrate What can I have to do with the name? What even the cracked door. However, the door jarred can you have to do with my knowing or not knowopen on a dead sort of spring; and he closed it behind ing any name? I know many names, and I have him as he entered a dull yard, soon brought to a close forgotten many more. This may be in the one at the back by another dead wall, where an attempt class, or it may be in the other, or I may never had been made to train some creeping shrubs, which have heard it. I am acquainted with no reason were dead; and to make a little fountain in a grotto, for examining myself, or for being examined, about which was dry; and to decorate that with a little it." statue, which was gone. "If you will allow me," said Clennam, "I will The entry to the house was on the left, and it was tell you my reason for pressing the subject. I adgarnished as the outer gate-way was, with two print- mit that I do press it, and I must beg you to forgive ed bills in French and English, announcing Furnish- me if I do so very earnestly. The reason is all mine. ed. Apartments to let, with immediate possession. A I do not insinuate that it is in any way yours." strong cheerful peasant woman, all stocking, petti- "Well, sir," she returned, repeating a little less coat, white cap, and ear-ring, stood here in a dark haughtily than before her former invitation to him door-way, and said, with a pleasant show of teeth, to be seated: to which he now deferred, as she seat"Ice-say! Seer! Who?" ed herself. "I am at least glad to know that this Clennam, replying in French, said the English is not another bondswoman of some friend of yours, lady; he wished to see the English lady. "Enter who is bereft of free choice, and whom I have spiritthen and ascend, if you please," returned the peasant ed away. I will hear your reason, if you please." woman, in French likewise. He did both, and fol- "First, to identify the person of whom we speak," lowed her up a dark bare staircase to a back room said Clennam, "let me observe that it is the person on the first-floor. Hence, there was a gloomy view you met in London some time back. You will reof the yard that was dull, and of the shrubs that member meeting him near the river-in the Adelwere dead, and of the fountain that was dry, and of phi!" the pedestal of the statue that was gone. "You mix yourself most unaccountably with my " Monsieur Blandois," said Clennam. business," she replied, looking full at him with stern "With pleasure, Monsieur." displeasure. "How do you know that?" Thereupon the woman withdrew, and left him to "I entreat you not to take it ill. By mere accilook at the room. It was the pattern of room al- dent." ways to be found in such a house. Cool, dull, and "What accident?" dark. Waxed floor very slippery. A room not "Solely the accident of coming upon you in the large enough to skate in; nor adapted to the easy street and seeing the meeting." pursuit of any other occupation. Red and white ": Do you speak of yourself, or some one else?" curtained windows, little straw mat, little round ta- " Of myself. I saw it." ble with a tumultuous; assemblage of legs under- "To be sure it was in the open street," she oh'neath, clumsy rush-bottomed chairs, two great red served, after a few moments of less and less angry velvet arm-chairs affording plenty of space to be reflection. "Fifty people might have seen it. It uncomfortable in, bureau, chimney-glass in several would have signified nothing if they had." pieces pretending to be in one piece, pair of gaudy "Nor do I make my having seen it of any movases of very artificial flowers; between them a ment, nor (otherwise than as an explanation of my Greek warrior with his helmet off, sacrificing a coming here) do I connect my visit with it, or the clock to the Genius of France. favor that I have to ask." After some pause, a door of communication with "Oh! You have to ask a favor! It occurred to another room was opened, and a lady entered. She me," and the handsome face looked bitterly at him, manifested great surprise on seeing Clennam, and "that your manner was softened, Mr. Clennam."' her glance went round the room in search of some He was content to protest against this by a slight one else. action without contesting it in words. He then re" Pardon me, Miss Wade. I am alone." ferred to Blandois's disappearance, of which it was "It was not your name that was brought to me." probable she had heard? No. However probable "No; I know that. Excuse me, I have already it was to him, she had heard of no such thing. Let had experience that my name does not predispose him look round him (she said) and judge for himself you to an interview; and I ventured to mention the what general intelligence was likely to reach the name of one I am in search of." ears of a woman who had been shut up there while "Pray," she returned, motioning him to a chair it was rife, devouring her own heart. When she so coldly, that he remained standing, "what name had uttered this denial, which he believed to be was it that you gave?" true, she asked him what he meant by disappear" I mentioned the name of Blandois." ance? That led to his narrating the circumstances 284 LITTLE DORBIT. in detail, and expressing something of his anxiety in at my door-never sat in colloquy with me until to discover what had really become of the man, and midnight." to repel the dark suspicions that clouded about his She took her revenge for her old grudge in thus mother's house. She heard him with evident sur- turning his subject against him. Hers was not the prise, and with more marks of suppressed interest nature to spare him, and she had no compunction. than he had before seen in her; still they did not "That he is a low, mercenary wretch; that I first overcome her distant, proud, and self-secluded man- saw him prowling about Italy (where I was, not long ner. When he had finished, she said nothing but ago), and that I hired him there, as the suitable inthese words: strument of a purpose I happened to have; I have "You have not yet told me, sir, what I have to do no objection to tell you. In short, it was worth my with it, or what the favor is. Will you be so good while, for my own pleasure-the gratification of a as to come to that?" strong feeling-to pay a spy who would fetch and "I assume," said Arthur, persevering in his en- carry for money. I paid this creature. And I dare deavor to soften her scornful demeanor, "that be- say that if I had wanted to make such a bargain, ing in communication-may I say, confidential com- and if I could have paid him enough, and if he could munication?-with this person-" have done it in the dark, free from all risk, he would "You may say, of course, whatever you like," she have taken any life with as little scruple as he took remarked; "but I do not subscribe to your assump- my money. That, at least, is my opinion of him; tions, Mr. Clennam, or to any one's." and I see it is not. very far removed from yours. "-that being, at least, in personal communica- Your mother's opinion of him, I am to assume (foltion with him," said Clennam, changing the form lowing your example of assuming this and that), of his position, in the hope of making it unobjec- was vastly different." tionable, "you can tell me something of his ante- "My mother, let me remind you," said Clennam, cedents, pursuits, habits, usual place of residence. "was first brought into communication with him in Can give me some little clue by which to seek him the unlucky course of business." out in the likeliest manner, and either produce him, "It appears to have been an unlucky course of or establish what has become of him. This is the business that last brought her into communication favor I ask, and I ask it in a distress of mind for with him," returned Miss Wade; "and business which I hope you will feel some consideration. If hours on that occasion were late." you should have any reason for imposing condi- "You imply," saidArthur, smarting under these tions upon me, I will respect it without asking what cool-handed thrusts, of which he had deeply felt the it is." force already, " that there was something-" "You chanced to see me in the street with the " Mr. Clennam," she composedly interrupted, " recman," she observed, after being, to his mortification, ollect that I do not speak by implication about the evidently more occupied with her own reflections on man. He is, I say again without disguise, a low merthe matter than with his appeal. " Then you knew cenary wretch. I suppose such a creature goes where the man before?" there is occasion for him. If I had not had occasion " Not before; afterward. I never saw him before, for him, you would not have seen him and me tobut I saw him again on this very night of his disap- gether." pearance. In my mother's room, in fact. I left him Wrung by her persistence in keeping that dark there. You will read in this paper all that is known side of the case before him, of which there was a of him." half-hidden shadow in his own breast, Clennam was He handed her one of the printed bills, which she silent. read with a steady and attentive face. " I have spoken of him as still living," she added, "This is more than I knew of him,' she said, giv- "but he may have been put out of the way for any ing it back. thing I know. For any thing I care, also. I have Clennam's looks expressed his heavy disappoint- no further occasion for him." ment, perhaps his incredulity; for, she added in the With a heavy sigh and a despondent air, Arthur same unsympathetic tone, "You don't believe it. Clennam slowly rose. She did not rise also, but said, Still, it is so. As to personal communication, it having looked at him in the mean while with a fixed seems that there was personal communication be- look of suspicion, and lips angrily compressed: tween him and your mother. And yet you say you " He was the chosen associate of your dear friend, believe her declaration that she knows no more of Mr. Gowan, was he not? Why don't you ask your him!" dear friend to help you?" A sufficiently expressive hint of suspicion was The denial that he was a dear friend rose to Arconveyed in these words, and in the smile by which thur's lips; but, he repressed it, remembering his old they were accompanied, to bring the blood into Clen- struggles and resolutions, and said: nam's cheeks. " Further than that he has never seen Blandois "Come, sir," she said, with a cruel pleasure in re- since Blandois set out for England, Mr. Gowan knows peating the stab, "I will be as open with you as you nothing additional about him. He was a chance accan desire. I will confess that if I cared for my quaintance, made abroad." credit (which I do not), or had a good name to pre- "A chance acquaintance, made abroad!" she reserve (which I have not, for I am utterly indifferent peated. "Yes. Your dear friend has need to divert to its being considered good or bad), I should regard himself with all the acquaintances he can make, seemyself as heavily compromised by having had any ing what a wife he has. I hate his wife, sir." thing to do with this fellow. Yet he never passed The anger with which she said it, the more re MISTRESS AND PUPIL. 285 markable for being so much under her restraint, fixed had risen before the girl entered, and she evidently Clennam's attention, and kept him on the spot. It thought he was. She looked quickly at him, and flashed out of her dark eyes as they regarded him, said: quivered in her nostrils, and fired the very breath "Are they well, sir?" she exhaled; but her face was otherwise composed "Who?" into a disdainful serenity, and her attitude was as She stopped herself in saying what would have calmly and haughtily graceful as if she had been in been " all of them;" glanced at Miss Wade; and said a mood of complete indifference. " Mr. and Mrs. Meagles." "All I will say is, Miss Wade," he remarked, "that "They were, when I last heard of them. They you can have received no provocation to a feeling in are not at home. By-the-way, let me ask you. Is which I believe you have no sharer." it true that you were seen there?" "You may ask your dear friend, if you choose," "Where? Where does any one say I was seen?" she returned, " for his opinion upon that subject." returned the girl, sullenly casting down her eyes. "I am scarcely on those intimate terms with my " Looking in at the garden gate of the cottage." dear friend," said Arthur, in spite of his resolutions, "No," said Miss Wade. "She has never been "that would render my approaching the subject near it." very probable, Miss Wade." "You are wrong, then," said the girl. "I went "I hate him," she returned. "Worse than his down there, the last time we were in London. I wife, because I was once dupe enough, and false went one afternoon when you left me alone. And I enough to myself, almost to love him. You have did look in." seen me, sir, only on commonplace occasions, when I " You poor-spirited girl," returned Miss Wade with dare say you have thought me a commonplace wornm- infinite contempt; "does all our companionship, do an, a little more self-willed than the generality. You all our conversations, do all your old complainiugs, don't know what I mean by hating, if you know me tell for so little as that?" no better than that; you can't know, without know- "There was no harm in looking in at the gate for ing with what care I have studied myself, and peo- an instant," said the girl. "I saw by the windows ple about me. For this reason I have for some time. that the family were not there." inclined to tell you what my life has been —not to "Why should you go near the place?" propitiate your opinion, for I set no value on it; but, "Because I wanted to see it. Because I felt that that you may comprehend, when you think of your I should like to look at it again." dear friend and his dear wife, what I mean by hat- As each of the two handsome faces looked at the ing. Shall I give you something I have written and other, Clennam felt how each of the two natures put by for your perusal, or shall I hold my hand?" must be constantly tearing the other to pieces. Arthur begged her to give it to him. She went "Oh!" said Miss Wade, coldly subduing and reto the bureau, unlocked it, and took from an inner moving her glance; "if you had any desire to see drawer a few folded sheets of paper. Without any the place where you led the life from which I resconciliation of him, scarcely addressing him, rather cued you because you had found out what it was, speaking as if she were speaking to her own looking- that is another thing. But, is that your truth to glass for the justification of her own stubbornness, me? Is that your fidelity to me? Is that the comshe said, as she gave them to him: mon cause I make with you? You are not worth the "Now; you may know what I mean by hating! confidence I have placed in you. You are not worth No more of that. Sir, whether you find me tempora- the favor I have shown you. You are no higher than rily andcheaply lodging in an empty London house a spaniel, and had better go back to the people who or in a Calais apartment, you find Harriet with me. did worse than whip you." You may like to see her before you leave. Harriet, "If you speak so of them with any one else by to come in!" She called Harriet again. The second hear, you'll provoke me to take their part," said the call produced Harriet, once Tattycoram. girl. " Here is Mr. Clennam," said Miss Wade; "not " Go back to them," Miss Wade retorted. " Go come for you; he has given you up-I suppose you back to them." have, by this time?" "You know very well," retorted Harriet in her "Having no authority or influence-yes," assent- turn, " that I won't go back to them. You know ed Clennam. very well that I have thrown them off, and never "Not come in search of you, you see; but still can, never shall, never will, go back to them. Let seeking some one. He wants that Blandois man." them alone, then, Miss Wade." " With whom I saw you in the Strand in London," "You prefer their plenty to your less fat living hinted Arthur. here," she rejoined. "You exalt them, and slight "If you know any thing of him, Harriet, except me. What else should I have expected? I ought that he came from Venice-which we all know-tell to have known it." it to Mr. Clennam freely." "It's not so," said the girl, flushing high, "and "I know nothing more about him," said the girl. you don't say what you mean. I know what you "Are you satisfied?" Miss Wade inquired of Arthur. mean. You are reproaching me, underhanded, with He had no reason to disbelieve them; the girl's having nobody but you to look to. And because I manner being so natural as to be almost convincing, have nobody but you to look to, you think you are if he had had any previous doubts. He replied, "I to make me do, or not do, every thing you please, must seek for intelligence elsewhere." and are to put any affront upon me. You are as He was not going in the same breath; but, he bad as they were, every bit. But I will not be quite 286 LITTLE DOBRIT. tamed, and made submissive. I will say again that yard, with an increased sense upon him of the gloom I went to look at the house, because I had often of the wall that was dead, and of the shrubs that thought that I should like to see it once more. I were dead, and of the fountain that was dry, and of will ask again how they are, because I once' liked the statue that was gone. Pondering much on what them, and at times thought they were kind to me." he had seen and heard in that house, as well as on Hereupon Clennam said that he was sure they the failure-of all his efforts to trace the suspicious would still receive her kindly, if she should ever de- character who was lost, he returned to London and sire to return. to England by the packet that had taken him over. "Never!" said the girl, passionately. "I shall On the way he unfolded the sheets of paper, and never do that. Nobody knows that better than read in them what is reproduced in the next chapter. AS EACH OF THE TWO HANDSOME FACES LOOKED AT THE OTHER. Miss Wade, though she taunts me because she has CHAPTER XXI. made me her dependent. And I know I am so; and THE HISTORY OF A SE-TORMENTOR. I know she is overjoyed when she can bring it to my mind." IHAVE the misfortune of not being a fool. From "A good pretense!" said Miss Wade, with no less a very early age I have detected what those about anger, haughtiness, and bitterness; "but too thread- me thought they hid from me. If I could have been bare to cover what I plainly see in this. My pov- habitually imposed upon, instead of habitually diserty will not bear competition with their money. cerning the truth, I might have lived as smoothly as Better go back at once, better go back at once, and most fools do. have done with it!" My childhood was passed with a grandmother; Arthur Clennam looked at them, standing a little that is to say, with a lady who represented that reladistance asunder in the dull confined room, each tive to me, and who took that title on herself. She proudly cherishing her own anger; each, with a fix- had no claim to it, but I-being to that extent a lited determination, torturing her own breast, and tor- tle fool-had no suspicion of her. She'had some turing the other's. He said a word or two of leave- children of her own family in her house, and some taking; but, Miss Wade barely inclined her head, children of other people. All girls; ten in number, and Harriet, with the assumed humiliation of an ab- including me. We all lived together and were eduject dependent and serf (but not without defiance cated together. for all that), made as if she were too low to notice I must have been about twelve years old when I or to be noticed. began to see how determinedly those girls patronized Hie came down the dark winding stairs into the me. I was told I was an orphan. There was no MISERIES OF A MORBID BREAST. 287 other orphan among us; and I perceived (here was her on a rack and am the executioner, yet she tells the first disadvantage of not being a fool) that they me every night that she loves me devotedly, though conciliated me in an insolent pity, and in a sense of she knows what I make her undergo?" No; my first superiority. I did not set this down as a discovery, memorable experience was true to what I knew her rashly, I tried them often. I could hardly make to be, and to all my experience. She began sobbing them quarrel with me. When I succeeded with and weeping (to secure the aunt's sympathy to herany of them, they were sure to come after an hour self), and said, " Dear aunt, she has an unhappy temor two, and begin a reconciliation. I tried them per; other girls at school, besides I, try hard to over and over again, and I never knew them wait make it better; we all try hard." for me to begin. They were always forgiving me, Upon that, the aunt fondled her, as if she had said in their vanity and condescension. Little images something noble instead of despicable and false, and of grown people! kept up the infamous pretense by replying, " But One of them was my chosen friend. I loved that there are reasonable limits, my dear love, to every stupid mite in a passionate way that she could no thing, and I see that this poor miserable girl causes more deserve, than I can remember without feeling you more constant and useless distress than even so ashamed of, though I was but a child. She had good an effort justifies." what they called an amiable temper, an affectionate The poor miserable girl came out of her concealtemper. She could distribute, and did distribute, ment, as you may be prepared to hear; and said, pretty looks and smiles to every one among them. " Send me home." I never said another word to eiI believe there was not a soul in the place, except ther of them, or to any of them, but " Send me home, myself, who knew that she did it purposely to wound or I will walk home alone, night and day!" When and gall me! I got home, I told my supposed grandmother that, Nevertheless, I so loved that unworthy girl, that unless I was sent away to finish my education somemylife was made stormy by my fondness for her. I where else, before that girl came back, or before any was constantly lectured and disgraced for what was one of them came back, I would burn my sight away called "trying her;" in other words, charging her by throwing myself into the fire, rather than I would with her little perfidy, and throwing her into tears endure to look at their plotting faces. by showing her that I read her heart. However, I I went among young women next, and I found loved her, faithfully; and one time I went home then no better. Fair words and fair pretenses; but, with her for the holidays. I penetrated below those assertions of themselves She was worse at home than she had been at and depreciations of me, and they were no better. school. She had a crowd of cousins and acquaint- Before I left them, I learned that I had no grandances, and we had dances at her house, and went out mother and no recognized relation. I carried the to dances at other houses; and, both at home and light of that information both into my past and into out, she tormented my love beyond endurance. Her my future. It showed me many new occasions on plan was, to make them all fond of her-and so drive which people triumphed over me, when they made a me wild with jealousy. To be familiar and endear- pretense of treating me with consideration, or doing ing with them all-and so make me mad with envy- me a service. ing them. When we were left alone in our bedroom A man of business had a small property in trust at night, I would reproach her with my perfect for me. I was to be a governess. I became a govknowledge of her baseness; and then she would cry erness; and went into the family of a poor nobleand cry and say I was cruel, and then I would hold man, where there were two daughters-little chilher in my arms till morning: loving her as much as dren, but the parents wished them to grow up, if ever, and often feeling as if, rather than suffer so, I possible, under one instructress. The mother was could so hold her in my arms and plunge to the bot- young and pretty. From the first, she made a show tom of a river-where I would still hold her, after of behaving to me with great delicacy. I kept my we were both dead. resentment to myself; but, I knew very well that it It came to an end, and I was relieved. In the was her way of petting the knowledge that she was family there was an aunt, who was not fond of me. my Mistress, and might have behaved differently to I doubt if any of the family liked me much; but, I her servant if it had been her fancy. never wanted them to like me, being altogether I say I did not resent it, nor did I; but I showed bound up in the one girl. The aunt was a young her, by not gratifying her, that I understood her. woman, and she had a serious way with her eyes of When she pressed me to take wine I took water. If watching me. She was an audacious woman, and there happened to be any thing choice at table, she openly looked compassionately at me. After one of always sent it to me: but I always declined it, and the nights that I have spoken of, I came down into ate of the rejected dishes. These disappointments a greenhouse before breakfast. Charlotte (the name of her patronage were a sharp retort, and made of my false young friend) had gone down before me, me feel independent. and I heard this aunt speaking to her about me as I I liked the children. They were timid, but on the entered. I stopped where I was, among the leaves, whole disposed to attach themselves to me. There and listened. was a nurse, however, in the house, a rosy-faced The aunt said, " Charlotte, Miss Wade is wearing woman alxWays making an obtrusive pretense of beyou to death, and this must not continue." I repeat ing gay and good-humored, who had nursed them the very words I heard. both, and who had secured their affections before I Now, what did she answer? Did she say, " It is saw them. I could almost have settled down to my I who am wearing her to death, I who am keeping fate but for this woman. Her artful devices for 288 LITTLE DORRBIT. keeping herself before the children in constant com- would show them the difference between herself and petition with me, might have blinded many in my me. "Hush! Poor Miss Wade is not well. Don't place; but I saw through them from the first. On make a noise, my dears, her head aches. Come and the pretext of arranging my rooms and waiting on comfort her. Come and ask her if she is better; me and taking care of my wardrobe (all of which come and ask her to lie down. I hope you have she did busily), she was never absent. The most nothing on your mind, ma'am. Don't take on, crafty of her many subtleties was her feint of seek- ma'am, and be sorry!" ing to make the children fonder of me. She would It became intolerable. Her ladyship my Mistress lead them to me and coax them to me. "Come to coming in one day when I was alone, and at the good Miss Wade, come to dear Miss Wade, come to height of feeling that I could support it no longer, I pretty Miss Wade. She loves you very much. Miss told her I must go. I could not bear the presence Wade is a clever lady, who has read heaps of books, of that woman Dawes. I /~ t:::/ >Ilt/lIili - L Il,. " "I Si'OPPED WHERE I WAS, AMONG THE LEAVES, AND) LISTENED." and can tell you far better and more interesting sto- "Miss Wade! Poor Dawes is devoted to you; ties than I know. Come and hear Miss Wade!" would do any thing for you!" How could I engage their attention, when my heart I knew beforehand she would say so; I was quite was burning against these ignorant designs? How prepared for it; I only answered, it was not for me could I wonder, when I saw their innocent faces to contradict my Mistress; I must go. shrinking away, and their arms twining round her "I hope, Miss Wade," she returned, instantly asneck, instead of mine? Then she would look up suming the tone of superiority she had always so at me, shaking their curls from her face, and say, thinly concealed, "that nothing I have ever said or " They'll come round soon, Miss Wade; they're very done since we have been together, has justified your simple and loving, ma'am; don't be at all cast down use of that disagreeable word, Mistress. It must about it, ma'am "-exulting over me! have been wholly inadvertent on my part. Pray There was another thing the woman did. At tell me what it is." times, when she saw that she had safely plunged me I replied that I had no complaint to make, either into a black despondent brooding by these means, of my Mistress or to my Mistress; but, I must go. she would call the attention of the children to it, and She hesitated a moment, and then sat down be DISTORTED VISION. 289 side me, and laid her hand on mine. As if that hon- saw, and were curious to ascertain what my full valor would obliterate any remembrance! ue was. I resolved that they should not know. I " Miss Wade, I fear you are unhappy, through was immovable and silent before them; and would causes over which I have no influence." have suffered any one of them to kill me sooner than I smiled, thinking of the experience the word I would have laid myself out to bespeak their apawakened, and said, " I have an unhappy temper, I proval. suppose." He told me I did not do myself justice. I told "I did not say that." him I did, and it was because I did and meant to do "It is an easy way of accounting for any thing," so to the last, that I would not stoop to propitiate said I. any of them. He was concerned and even shocked, " It may be; but I did not say so. What I wish when I added that I wished he would not parade to approach, is something very different. My bus- his attachment before them; but, he said he would band and I have exchanged some remarks upon the sacrifice even the honest impulses of his affection to subject, when we have observed with pain that you my peace. have not been easy with us." Under that pretense he began to retort upon me. "Easy? Oh! You are such great people, my By the hour together, he would keepl at a distance lady," said I. from me, talking to any one rather than to me. I "I am unfortunate in using a word which may have sat alone and unnoticed, half an evening, while convey a meaning-and evidently does-quite oppo- he conversed with his young cousin, my pupil. I site to my intention." (She had not expected my have seen all the while, in people's eyes, that they reply, and it shamed her.) " I only mean, not hap- thought the two looked nearer on an equality than py with us. It is a difficult topic to enter on; but, he and I. I have sat, divining their thoughts, until from one young woman to another, perhaps — in I have felt that his young appearance made me rishort, we have been apprehensive that you may al- diculous, and have raged against myself for ever lorlow some family circumstances of which no one can ing him. be more innocent than yourself, to prey upon your For, I did love him once. Undeserving as he spirits. If so, let us entreat you not to make them was, and little as he thought of all these agonies a cause of grief. My husband himself, as is well that it cost me-agonies which should have made known, formerly had a very dear sister who was not him wholly and gratefiully mine to his life's end —I in law his sister, but who was universally beloved loved him. I bore with his cousin's praising him and respected-" to my face, and with her pretending to think that it I saw directly, that they had taken me in, for the pleased me, but full well knowing that it rankled in sake of the dead woman, whoever she was, and to my breast; for his sake. While I have sat in his have that boast of me and advantage of me; I saw, presence recalling all my slights and wrongs, and in the nurse's knowledge of it, an encouragement to deliberating whether I should not fly from the house goad me as she had done; and I saw, in the chil- at once and never see him again-I have loved him. dren's shrinking away, a vague impression that I His aunt (my Mistress you will please to rememwas not like other people. I left that house that ber) deliberately, willfully, added to my trials and night. vexations. It was her delight to expatiate on the After one or two short and very similar experi- style in which we were to live in India, and on the ences, which are not to the present purpose, I enter- establishment we should keep, and the company we ed another family where I had but one pupil: a girl should entertain when he got his advancement. of fifteen, who was the only daughter. The parents.My pride rose against this barefaced way of pointhere were elderly people: people of station and rich. ing out the contrast my married life was to present A nephew whom they had brought up, was a fre- to my then dependent and inferior position. I supquent visitor at the house, among many other vis- pressed my indignation; but, I.showed her that her itors; and he began to pay me attention. I was intention was not lost upon me, and I repaid her resolute in repulsing him; for I had determined, annoyances by affecting humility. What she dewhen I went there, that no one should pity me or scribed, would surely be a great deal too much honcondescend to me. But he wrote me a letter. It or for me, I would tell her. I was afraid I might led to our being engaged to be married. not be able to support so great a change. Think of He was a year younger than I, and young-looking a mere governess, her daughter's governess, coming even when that allowance was made. He was on to that high distinction! It made her uneasy, and absence from India, where he had a post that was made them all uneasy, when I answered in this way. soon to grow into a very good one. In six months They knew that I fully understood her. we were to be married, and were to go to India. I It was at the time when my troubles were at their was to stay in the house, and was to be married highest, and when I was most ihcensed against my from the house. Nobody objected to any part of lover for his ingratitude in caring as little as he did the plan. for the innumerable distresses and mortifications I I can not avoid saying, he admired me; but, if I underwent on his account, that your dear friend, could, I would. Vanity has nothing to do with the Mr. Gowan, appeared at the house. He had been declaration, for, his admiration worried me. He intimate there for a long time, but had been abroad. took no pains to hide it; and caused me to feel He understood the state of things at a glance, and among the rich people as if he had bought me for he understood me. my looks, and made a show of his purchase to justify He was the first person I had ever seen in my life himself. They appraised me in their own minds, I who had understood me. He was not in the house 19 290 LITTLE DOORRIT. three times before I knew that he accompanied ev- longer, but exposed to her all I had known of her ery movement of my mind. In his cold easy way and seen in her, and all I had undergone within mywith all of them, and with me, and with the whole self since I had occupied the despicable position of subject, I saw it clearly. In his light protestations being engaged to her nephew. I told her that Mr. of admiration of my future husband, in his enthusi- Gowan was the only relief I had had in my degraasm regarding our engagement and our prospects, dation; that I had borne it too long, and that I in his hopeful congratulations on our future wealth shook it off too late; but, that I would see none of and his despondent references to his own poverty them more. And I never did. -all equally hollow, and jesting, and full of mock- Your dear friend followed me to my retreat, and ery-I saw it clearly. He made me feel more and was very droll on the severance of the connection; more resentful, and more and more contemptible, by though he was sorry, too, for the excellent people (in always presenting to me every thing that surround- their way the best he had ever met), and deplored ed me, with some new hateful light upon it, while the necessity of breaking mere house-flies on the he pretended to exhibit it in its best aspect for my wheel. He protested before long, and far more truly admiration and his own. He was like the dressed- than I then supposed, that he was not worth acceptup Death in the Dutch series; whatever figure he ance by a woman of such endowments, and such took upon his arm, whether it was youth or age, power of character; but-well, wellbeauty or ugliness, whether he danced with it, sang Your dear friend amused me and amused himself with it, played with it, or prayed with it, he made as long as it suited his inclinations; and then reit ghastly. minded me that we were both people of the world, You will understand, then, that when your dear that we both understood mankind, that we both friend complimented me, he really condoled with knew there was no such thing as romance, that we me; that when he soothed me under my vexations, were both prepared for going different ways to seek he laid bare every smarting wound I had; that our fortunes like people of sense, and that we both when he declared my "faithful swain" to be "the foresaw that whenever we encountered one another most loving young fellow in the world, with the ten- again we should meet as the best friends on earth. derest heart that ever beat," he touched my old mis- So he said, and I did not contradict him. giving that I was made ridiculous. These were not It was not very long before I found that he was great services, you may say. They were acceptable courting his present wife, and that she had been to me, because they echoed my own mind, and con- taken away to be out of his reach. I hated her firmred my own knowledge. I soon began to like the then, quite as much as I hate her now; and natusociety of your dear friend better than any other. rally, therefore, could desire nothing better than that When I perceived (which I did, almost as soon) she should marry him. But, I was restlessly curious that jealousy was growing out of this, I liked this to look at her-so curious that I felt it to be one of society still better. Had I not been subjected to the few sources of entertainment left to me. I travjealousy, and were the endurances to be all mine? eled a little: traveled until I found myself in her soNo. Let him know what it was! I was delighted ciety, and in yours. Your dear friend, I think, was that he should know it; I was delighted that he not known to you then, and had not given you any should feel keenly, and hoped he did. More than of those signal marks of his fiiendship which he has that. He was tame in comparison with Mr. Gowan, bestowed upon you. who knew how to address me on equal terms, and In that company I found a girl, in various circumhow to anatomize the wretched people around us. stances of whose position there was a singular likeThis went on, until the aunt, my Mistress, took it - ness to my own, and in wlibse character I was interupon herself to speak to me. It was scarcely worth ested and pleased to see much of the rising against alluding to; she knew I meant nothing; but, she swollen patronage and selfishness, calling themselves suggested from herself, knowing it was only neces- kindness, protection, benevolence, and other fine sary -to suggest, that it might be better if I were a names, which I have described as inherent in my little less companionable with Mr. Gowan. nature. I often heard it said, too, that she had I asked her how she could answer for what I "an unhappy temper." Well understanding what meant? She could always answer, she replied, for was meant by the convenient phrase, and wanting my meaning nothing wrong. I thanked her, but I a companion with a knowledge of what I knew, I said I would prefer to answer for myself and to my- thought I would try to release the girl from her self. Her other servants would probably be grate- bondage and sense of injustice. I have no occasion ful for good characters, but I wanted none. to relate that I succeeded. Other conversation followed, and induced me to We have been together ever since, sharing my ask her how she knew that it was only necessary small means. for her to make a suggestion to me, to have it obeyed? Did she presume on my birth, or on my hire? I was not bought, body and soul. She seemed to CHAPTER XXII. think that her distinguished nephow had gone into a slave-market and purchased a wife. It would probably have come, sooner or later, to A RTHUR CLENNAM had made his unavailing the end to which it did come, but she brought it to 1 expedition to Calais, in the midst of a great its issue at once. She told me, with assumed com- pressure of business. A certain barbaric Power miseration, that I had an unhappy temper. On this with valuable possessions on the map of the world, repetition of the old wicked injury, I withheld no had occasion for the services of one or two engi A HIOPELESS SELF-DEVOTION. 291 neers, quick in invention and determined in execu- more than such matters, and that I am better fitted tion: practical men, who could make the men and for. I have perfect confidence in my partner, and I means their ingenuity perceived to be wanted, out am satisfied that he will do what is best. If I have of the best materials they could find at hand; and a prejudice connected with money and money figwho were as bold and fertile in the adaptation of ures," continued Doyce, laying that plastic worksuch materials to their purpose, as in the conception man's thumb of his on the lappel of his partner's of their purpose itself. This Power, being a barbar- coat, "it is against speculating. I don't think I ic one, had no idea of stowing away a great nation- have any other. I dare say I entertain that prejual object in a Circumlocution Office, as strong wine dice, only because I have never given my mind fully is hidden from the light in a cellar, until its fire and to the subject." youth are gone, and the laborers who worked in the " But you shouldn't call it a prejudice," said Clenvineyard and pressed the grapes are dust. With nam. "My dear Doyce, it is the soundest sense." characteristic ignorance, it acted on the most de- "I am glad you think so," returned Doyce, with cided and energetic notions of How to do it; and his gray eye looking kind and bright. never showed the least respect for, or gave any "It so happens," said Clennam, "that just now, quarter to, the great political science How not to not half an hour before you came down, I was saydo it. Indeed it had a barbarous way of striking ing the same thing to Pancks, who looked in here. the latter art and mystery dead, in the person of any We both agreed that, to travel out of safe investenlightened subject who practiced it. ments, is one of the most dangerous, as it is one of Accordingly, the men who were wanted, were the most common, of those follies which often desought out and found; which was in itself a most serve the name of vices." uncivilized and irregular way of proceeding. Being "Pancks?" said Doyce, tilting up his hat at the found, they were treated with great confidence and back, and nodding with an air of confidence. "Ay, honor (which again showed dense political igno- ay, ay! That's a cautious fellow." ralnce), and were invited to come at once and do "He is a very cautious fellow indeed," returned what they had to do. In short, they were regarded Arthur. " Quite a specimen of caution." as men who meant to do it, engaging with other men They both appeared to derive a larger amount of who meant it to be done. satisfaction from the cautious character of Mr. Pancks Daniel Doyce was one of the chosen.'There was than was quite intelligible, judged by the surface of no foreseeing at that time whether he would be ab- their conversation. sent months, or years. The preparations for his de- "And now," said Daniel, looking at his watch, parture, and the conscientious arrangement for him "as time and tide wait for no one, my trusty partof a11 the details and results of their joint business, ner, and as I am ready for starting, bag and baghad necessitated labor within a short compass of gage, at the gate below, let me say a last word. I time, which had occupied Clennam day and night. want you to grant a request of mine." He had slipped across the water in his first leisure, "Any request you can make.-Except," Clennam and had slipped as quickly back again for his fare- was quick with his exception, for his partner's face well interview with Doyce. was quick in suggesting it, " except that I will abanHim Arthur now showed, with pains and care, the don your invention." state of their gains and losses, responsibilities and "That's the request, and you know it is," said prospects. Daniel went through it all in his patient Doyce. manner, and admired it all exceedingly. He audited "I say, No, then. I say positively, No. Now that the accounts, as if they were a far more ingenious I have begun, I will have some definite reason, some piece of mechanism than he had ever constructed, responsible statement, something in the nature of a and afterward stood looking at them, weighing his real answer, from those people." hat over his head by the brims, as if he were ab- "You will not," returned Doyce, shaking his head. sorbed in the contemplation of some wonderful en- "Take my word for it, you never will." gilue. "At least, I'll try," said Clennam. "It will do "It's all beautiful, Clennam, in its regularity and me no harm to try." order. Nothing can be plainer.' Nothing can be "I am not certain of that," rejoined Doyce, laying better." his hand persuasively on his shoulder. " It has done " I am glad you approve, Doyce. Now, as to the me harm, my friend. It has aged me, tired me, vexmanagement of our capital while you are away, and ed me, disappointecl me. It does no man any good as to the conversion of so much of it as the business to have his patience worn out, and to think himself may need from time to time-" His partner stopped ill-used. I faincy, even'already, that unavailing athim. tendance on delays and evasions has made you some"As to that, and as to every thing else of that kind, thing less elastic than you used to be."' all rests with you. You will continue in all such "Private anxieties may have done that for the matters to act for both of us, as you have done hith- moment," said Clennam, "but not official harrying. erto, and to lighten my mind of a load it is much Not yet. I am not hurt yet." relieved from." "Then you won't grant my request?" "Though, as I often tell you," returned Clennam, "Decidedly, No," said Clennam. "I should be "you unreasonably depreciate your business quali- ashamed if I submitted to be so soon driven out of ties." the field, where a much older and a much more sen"Perhaps so," said Doyce, smiling. "And perhaps sitively interested man contended with fortitude so not. Anyhow, I have a calling that I have studied long." 292 LITTLE DORRITT. As there was no moving him, Daniel Doyce re- "Ah! You know the song, Cavalletto?" turned the grasp of his hand, and, casting a farewell "By Bacchus, yes, sir! They all know it in France. look round the counting-house, went down stairs I have heard it many times, sung by the little chilwith him. Doyce was to go to Southampton to join dren. The last time when it I have heard," said Mr. the small staff of his fellow-travelers; and a coach Baptist, formerly Cavalletto, who usually went back was at the gate, well furnished and packed, and to his native construction of sentences when his ready to take him there. The workmen were at the memory went near home, "is from a sweet little gate to see him off, and were mightily proud of him. voice. A little voice, very pretty, very innocent. " Good luck to you, Mr. Doyce!" said one of the num- Altro!" ber. "Wherever you go, they'll find as they've got " The last time I heard it," returned Arthur, " was a man among'em, a man as knows his tools and as in a voice quite the reverse of pretty, and quite the his tools knows, a man as is willing and a man as is reverse of innocent." He said it more to himself able, and if that's not a man where is a man!" This than to his companion, and added to himself, repeatoration from a gruff volunteer in the backgroundcl, ing the man's next words. "Death of my life, sir, not previously suspected of any powers in that way, it's my character to be impatient!" was received with three loud cheers; and the speak- "EH!" cried Cavalletto, astounded, and with all er became a distinguished character forever after- his color gone in a moment. ward. In the midst of the three loud cheers, Daniel " What is the matter?" gave them all a hearty "Good-bye, Men!" and the " Sir! You know where I have heard that song coach disappeared from sight, as if the concussion the last time?" of the air had blown it out of Bleeding Heart Yard. With his rapid native action, his hands made the Mr. Baptist, as a grateful little fellow in a position outline of a high hook nose, pushed his eyes near toof trust, was among the workmen, and had done as gether, disheveled his hair, puffed out his upper lip much toward the cheering as a mere foreigner could. to represent a thick mustache, and threw the heavy In truth, no men on earth can cheer like English- end of an ideal cloak over his shoulder. While domen, who do so rally one another's blood and spirit ing this, with a swiftness incredible to one who has when they cheer in earnest, that the stir is like the not watched an Italian peasant, he indicated a very rush of their whole history, with all its standards remarkable and sinister smile. The whole change waving at once, from Saxon Alfred's downward. passed over him like a flash of light, and he stood in Mr. Baptist had been in a manner whirled away be- the same instant, pale and astonished, before his pafore the onset, and was taking his breath in quite tron. a scared condition when Clennam beckoned him to "In the name of Fate and wonder," said Clennam, follow up stairs, and return the books and papers to "what do you mean? Do you know a man of the their places. name of Blandois?" In the lull consequent on the departure-in that " No!" said Mr. Baptist, shaking his head. first vacuity which ensues on every separation, fore- " You have just now described a man who was by shadowing the great separation that is always over- when you heard that song; have you not?" hanging all mankind-Arthur stood at his desk, "Yes!" said Mr. Baptist, nodding fifty times. looking dreamily out at a gleam of sun. But, his "And was he not called Blandois?" liberated attention soon reverted to the theme that " No!" said Mr. Baptist. " Altro, Altro, Altro, A1was foremost in his thoughts, and began, for the tro!" He could not reject the name sufficiently, hundredth time, to dwell upon every circumstance with his head and his right forefinger going at once. that had impressed itself upon his mind, on the mys- " Stay!" cried Clennam, spreading out the handterious night when he had seen the man at his moth- bill on his desk. "Was this the man? You can er's. Again the man jostled him in the crooked understand what I read aloud?" street, again he followed the man and lost him, again "Altogether. Perfectly." he came upon the man in the court-yard looking at "But look at it, too. Come here and look over the house, again he followed the man and stood be- me, while I read." side him on the door-steps. Mr. Baptist approached, followed every word with "Who passes by this road so late? his quick eyes, saw and heard it all out with the Compagnon de la Majolaine; greatest impatience, then clapped his two hands flat Who passes by this road so late? upon the bill as if he had fiercely caught some noxAlways gay!" ious creature, and cried, looking eagerly at Clennam, It was not the first time, by many, that he had "It is the man! Behold him!" recalled the song of the child's game, of which the " This is of far greater moment to me," said Clenfellow had hummed this verse while they stood side nam, in great agitation, "than you can imagine. by side; but, he was so unconscious of having re- Tell me where you knew the man." peated it audibly, that he started to hear the next Mr. Baptist, releasing the paper very slowly and verse. with much discomfiture, and drawing himself back "Of all the king's knights'tis the flower, two or three paces, and making as though he dusted Compagnon de la Majolaine; his hands, returned, very much against his will: Of all the king's knights'tis the flower, " At Marsiglia-Marseilles." Always gay i" " What was he?";Cavalletto had deferentially suggested the words "A prisoner, and-Altro! I believe yes!an-l-" and tune; supposing him to have stopped short for Mr. Baptist crept closer again to whisper it-" Aswant of more. sassin!" BLANDOIS A BAD CHARACTEER. 293 Clennam fell back as if the word had struck him CHAPTER XXIII. a blow: so terrible did it make his mother's commuMISTRESS AFFERY MAKES A CONDITIONAL PROMISE nication with the man appear. Cavalletto dropped RESS AERY MAKES A CONDITIONAL PROMISE on one knee, and implored him, with a redundancy of gesticulation, to hear what had brought himself EFT alone, with the expressive looks and gesinto such foul company. tures of Mr. Baptist, otherwise Giovanni BapHe told with perfect truth how it had come of a tista Cavalletto, vividly before him, Clennam enterlittle contraband trading, and how he had in time ed on a weary day. It was in vain that he tried to been released from prison, and how he had gone control his attention, by directing it to any business away from those antecedents. How, at the house occupation or train of thought; it rode at anchor by of entertainment called the Break of Day at Cha- the haunting topic, and would hold to no other idea. lons on the Saone, he had been awakened in his bed As though a criminal should be chained in a stationat night, by the same assassin, then assuming the ary boat on a deep clear river, condemned, whatever name of Lagnier, though his name had formerly been countless leagues of water flowed past him, always Rigand; how the assassin had proposed that they to see the body of the fellow-creature he had drownshould join their fortunes together; how he held the ed lying at the bottom, immovable, and unchangeaassassin in such dread and aversion that he had fled ble, except as the eddies made it broad or long, now from him at daylight, and how he had ever since expanding, now contracting its terrible lineaments; been haunted by the fear of seeing the assassin again so Arthur, below the shifting current of transparent and being claimed by him as an acquaintance. thoughts and fancies which were gone and succeedWhen he had related this, with an emphasis and ed by others as soon as come, saw, steady and dark, poise on the word, assassin, peculiarly belonging to and not to be stirred from its place, the one subject his own language, and which did not serve to render that he endeavored with all his might to rid himself it less terrible to Clennam, he suddenly sprang to his of, and that he could not fly from. feet, pounced upon the bill again, and with a vehe- The assurance he now had, that Blandois, whatrnence that would have been absolute madness in ever his right name, was one of the worst of charany man of Northern origin, cried, " Behold the same acters, greatly augmented the burden of his anxieassassin! Here he is!" ties. Though the disappearance should be accountIn his passionate raptures, he at first forgot the ed for to-morrow, the fact that his mother had been fact that he had lately seen the assassin in London. in communication with such a man, would remain On his remembering it, it suggested hope to Clen- unalterable. That the communication had been of nam that the recognition might be of later date than a secret kind, and that. she had been submissive to the night of the visit at his mother's; but, Cavallet- him and afraid of him, he hoped might be known to to was too exact and clear about time and place, to no one beyond himself; yet, knowing it, how could leave any opening for doubt that it had preceded he separate it from his old vague fears, and how bethat occasion. lieve that there was nothing evil in such relations? "Listen," said Arthur, very seriously. "This man, Her resolution not to enter on the question with as we have read here, has wholly disappeared." him, and his knowledge of her indomitable charac" Of it I am well content!" said Cavalletto, rais- ter, enhanced his sense of helplessness. It was like ing his eyes piously. " A thousand thanks to Heav- the oppression of a dream, to believe that shame and en! Accursed assassin!" exposure were impending over her and his father's "Not so," returned Clennam; "for until some- memory, and to be shut out, as by a brazen wall, thing more is heard of him, I can never know an from the possibility of coming to their aid. The hour's peace." purpose he had brought home to his native coun"Enough, Benefactor; that is quite another thing. try, and had ever since kept in view, was, with her A million of excuses!" greatest determination, defeated by his mother her"Now, Cavalletto," said Clennam, gently turning self, at the time of all others when he feared that it him by the arm, so that they looked into each oth- pressed most. His advice, energy, activity, money, er's eyes. " I am certain that for the little I have credit, all his resources whatsoever, were all made been able to do for you, you are the most sincerely useless. If she had been possessed of the old fabled grateful of men." influence, and had turned those who looked upon "I swear it!" cried the other. her into stone, she could not have rendered him "I know it. If you could find this man, or dis- more completely powerless (so it seemed to him in cover what has become of him, or gain any later in- his distress of mind) than she did, when she turned telligence whatever of him, you would render me a her unyielding face to his, in her gloomy room. service above any other service I could receive in But, the light of that day's discovery, shining on the world, and would make me (with far greater rea- these considerations, roused him to take a more deson) as grateful to you as you are to me." cided course of action. Confident in the rectitude " I know not where to look," cried the little man, of his purpose, and impelled by a sense of overkissing Arthur's hand in a transport. "I know not hanging danger closing in around, he resolved, if where to begin. I know not where to go. But, his mother would still admit of no approach, to courage! Enough! It matters not! I go, in this make a desperate appeal to Affery. If she could instant of time!" be brought to become communicative, and to do "Not a word to any one but me, Cavalletto." what lay in her to break the spell of secrecy that "Al-tro!" cried Cavalletto. And was gone with enshrouded the house, he might shake off the paralgreat speed. ysis of which every hour that passed over his head 294 LITTLE DORRIT. made him more acutely sensible. This was the re- at the windows; "I see the light of fire and candle sult of his day's anxiety, and this was the decision in your mother's room!" he put in practice when the day closed in. "And what has that to do with it?" His first disappointment, on arriving at the house, "Why, sir, I read by it," said Mr. Flintwinch, was to find the door open, and Mr. Flintwinch smok- screwing himself at him, "that if it's advisable (as ing a pipe on the steps. If circumstances had been the proverb says it is) to let sleeping dogs lie, it's commonly favorable, Mistress Affery would have just as advisable, perhaps, to let missing dogs lie. opened the door to his knock. Circumstances be- Let'em be. They generally turn up soon enough." ing uncommonly unfavorable, the door stood open, Mr. Flintwinch turned short round when he had and Mr. Flintwinch was smoking his pipe on the made this remark, and went into the dark hall. steps. Clennam stood there, following him with his eyes, " Good-evening." said Arthur. as he dipped for a light in the phosphorus-box in "Good-evening," said Mr. Flintwinch. the little room at the side, got one after three or The smoke came crookedly out of Mr. Flintwinch's four dips, and lighted the dim lamp against the mouth, as if it circulated through the whole of his wall. All the while, Clennam was pursuing the wry figure and came back by his wry throat, before probabilities-rather as if they were being showil coming forth to mingle with the smoke from the to him by an invisible hand than as if he himself crooked chimneys and the mists from the crooked were conjuring them up-of Mr. Flintwinch's ways river. and means of doing that darker deed, and removing " Have you any news?" said Arthur. its traces by any of the black avenues of shadow "We have no news?" said Jeremiah. that lay around them. "I mean of the foreign man," Arthur explained. "Now, sir," said the testy Jeremiah; " will it be "I mean of the foreign man," said Jeremiah. agreeable to walk up stairs?" He looked so grim, as he stood askew, with the "My mother is alone, I suppose?" knot of his cravat under his ear, that the thought "Not alone," said Mr. Flintwinch. "Mr. Casby passed into Clennam's miindc and not for the first and his daughter are with her. They came in while time by many, could Flintwinch for a purpose of his I was smoking, and I staid behind to have my smoke own have got rid of Blandois? Could it have been out." his secret, and his safety, that were at issue? He This was the second disappointment. Arthur was small and bent, and perhaps not actively strong; made no remark upon it, and repaired to his mothyet he was as tough as an old yew-tree, and as crafty er's room, where Mr. Casby and Flora had been takas an old jackdaw. Such a man, coming behind a ing tea, anchovy paste, and hot buttered toast. The much younger and more vigorous man, and having relics of those delicacies were not yet removed, eithe will to put an end to him and no relenting, ther from the table, or from the scorched countenmight do it pretty surely in that solitary place at a nance of Affery, who, with the kitchen toasting-fork late hour. still in her hand, looked like a sort of allegorical perWhile, in the morbid condition of his thoughts, sonage; except that she had a considerable advanthese thoughts drifted over the main one that was tage over the general run of such personages, in always in Clennam's mind, Mr. Flintwinch, regard- point of significant emblematical purpose. ing the opposite house over the gate-way with his Flora had spread her bonnet and shawl upon the neck twisted and one eye shut up, stood smoking bed, with a care indicative of an intention to stay with a vicious expression upon him; more as if he some time. Mr. Casby, too, was beaming near the were trying to bite off the stem of his pipe, than as hob, with his benevolent knobs shining as if the if he were enjoying it. Yet he was enjoying it, in warm butter of the toast were exuding through the his own way. patriarchal skull, and with his face -as ruddy as i t'" You'll be able to take my likeness the next time the coloring matter of the anchovy paste were manyou call, Arthur, I should think," said Mr. Flint- tling in the patriarchal visage. Seeing this, as he winch, dryly, as he stooped to knock the ashes out. exchanged the usual salutations, ClMnnam decided Rather conscious and confused, Arthur asked his to speak to his mother without postponement. pardon, if he had stared at him unpolitely. " But It had long been customary, as she never changed my mind runs so much upon this matter," he said, her room, for those who had any thing to say to " that I lose myself." her apart, to wheel her to her desk; where she sat, "Ha! Yet I don't see," returned Mr. Flintwinch, usually with the back of her chair turned toward quite at his leisure, " why it should trouble you, Ar- the rest of the room, and the person who talked with thur." her seated in a corner, on a stool which was always " No?" set in that place for that purpose. Except that it " No," said Mr. Flintwinch, very shortly and de- was long since the mother and son had spoken tocidedly: much as if he were of the canine race, and gether without the intervention of a third person, it snapped at Arthur's hand. was an ordinary matter of course within the expe" Is it nothing to me to see those placards about? rience of visitors for Mrs. Clennam to be asked, with Is it nothing to me to see my mother's name and a word of apology for the interruption, if she could residence hawked up and down, in such an associa- be spoken with on a matter of business, and, on her tion?" replying in the affirmative, to be wheeled into the " I don't see," returned Mr. Flintwinch, scraping position described. his horny cheek, "that it need signify much to you. Therefore, when Arthur now made such an ape'But I'll tell you what I do see, Arthur," glancing up ogy, and such a request, and moved her to her desk CLENNAM SPEAKS TO HIS MOTHER. 295 and seated himself on the stool, Mrs. Finching mere- gaiters that his attention was closely directed to ly began to talk louder and faster, as a delicate hint them, though he stood leaning against the wall that she could overhear nothing, and Mr. Casby scraping his jaw, and pretended to listen to Flora stroked his long white locks with sleepy calmness. as she held forth in a most distracting manner on " Mother, I have heard something to-day which I a chaos of subjects, in which mackerel, and Mr. F.'s feel persuaded you don't know, and which I think Aunt in a swing, had become entangled with cock)you should know, of the antecedents of that man I chafers and the wine-trade. saw here." "A prisoner, in a French jail, on an accusation of " I know nothing of the antecedents of the man murder," repeated Mrs. Clennam, steadily going over you saw here, Arthur." what her son had said. " That is all you know of She spoke aloud. He had lowered his own voice; him from the fellow-prisoner?" but, she rejected that advance toward confidence as " In substance, all." she rejected every other, and spoke in her usual key "And was the fellow-prisoner his accomplice and and in her usual stern voice. a murderer, too? But, of course, he gives a bettbr " I have received it on no circuitous information; account of himself than of his friend; it is needless it has come to me direct." to ask. This will supply the rest of them here with She asked him, exactly as before, if he were there something new to talk about. Casby, Arthur tells to tell her what it was? me-" " I thought it right that you should know it." " Stay, mother! Stay, stay!" He interrupted her, "And what is it?" hastily, for it had not entered his imagination that " He has been a prisoner in a French jail." she would openly proclaim what he had told her. She answered with composure, "I should think "What now?" she said, with displeasure. "d What that very likely." more?" " But, in a jail for criminals, mother. On an ac- "I beg you to excuse me, Mr. Casby —and you, cusation of murder." too, Mrs. Finching —for one other moment, with my She started at the word, and her looks expressed mother-"t her natural horror. Yet she still spoke aloud, when He had laid his hand upon her chair, or she would she demanded: otherwise have wheeled it round with the touch of "Who told you so?" her foot upon the ground. They were still face to "A man who was his fellow-prisoner." face. She looked at him, as he ran over the possi" That man's antecedents, I suppose, were not bilities of some result he had not intended, and could known to you, before he told you?" not foresee, being influenced by Cavalletto's dis" No." closure becoming a matter of notoriety, and hurried" Though the man himself was?" ly arrived at the conclusion that it had best not be "Yes." talked about; though perhaps he was guided by no "My case, and Flintwinch's, in respect of this more distinct reason than that he had taken it for other man! I dare say the resemblance is not so granted that his mother would reserve it to herself exact, though, as that your informant became known and her partner. to you through a letter from a correspondent with " What now?" she said again, impatiently. whom he had deposited money? How does that "What is it?" part of the parallel stand?" " I did not mean, mother, that you should repeat Arthur had no choice but to say that his inform- what I have communicated. I think you had better ant had not become known to him through the not repeat it." agency of any such credentials, or, indeed, of any "Do you make that a condition with me?" credentials at all. Mrs. Clennam's attentive frown "Well! Yes." expanded by degrees into a severe look of triumph, "Observe, then! It is you who make this a and she retorted Mwith emphasis, "Take care how secret," said she, holding up her hand, " and not I. you judge others, then. I say to you, Arthur, for It is you, Arthur, who bring here doubts and susyour good, take care how you judge!" picions and entreaties for explanations, and it is you, Her emphasis had been derived from her eyes Arthur, who bring secrets here. What is it to me, quite as much as from the stress she laid upon her do you think, where the man has been, or what he words. She continued to look at him; and if, when has been? What can it be to me? The whole he entered the house, he had had any latent hope world may know it, if they care to know it; it is of prevailing in the least with her, she now looked nothing to me. Now, let me go." it out of his heart. He yielded to her imperious but elated look, and "Mother, shall I do nothing to assist you?" turned her chair back to the place from which he " Nothing." had wheeled it. In doing so he saw elation in the "Will you intrust me with no confidence, no face of Mr. Flintwinch, which most assuredly was charge, no explanation? Will you take no counsel not inspired by Flora. This turning of his intelliwith me? Will you not let me come near you?" gence, and of his whole attempt and design against \" How can you ask me? You separated yourself himself, did even more than his mother's fixedness from my affairs. It was not my act; it was yours. and firmness to convince him that his efforts with How can you consistently ask me such a question? her were idle. Nothing remained but the appeal to You know that you left me to Flintwinch, and that his old friend Affery. he occupies your place." But, even to get the very doubtful and preliminary Glancing at Jeremiah, Clennam saw in his very stage of making the appeal, seemed one of the least 296 LITTLE DORRIT. promising of human undertakings. She was so much to beg to be permitted to revive those scenes completely under the thrall of the two clever ones, and walk through the house?" was so systematically kept in sight by one or other Mrs. Clennam, who responded with a constrained of them, and was so afraid to go about the house grace to Mrs. Finching's good-nature in being there besides, that every opportunity of speaking to her at all, though her visit (before Arthur's unexpected alone appeared to be forestalled. Over and above arrival) was undoubtedly an act of pure good-nathat, Mistress Affery, by some means (it was not ture and no self-gratification, intimated that all the very difficult to guess, through the sharp arguments house was open to her. Flora rose and looked to of her liege lord), had acquired such a lively convic- Arthur for his escort. " Certainly," said he, aloud; tion of the hazard of saying any thing under any "and Affery will light us, I dare say." circumstances, that she had remained all this time Affery was excusing herself with " Don't ask nothin a corner guarding herself from approach with ing of me, Arthur!" when Mr. Flintwinch stopped that symbolical instrument of hers; so that, when a her with " Why not? Affery, what's the matter with word or two had been addressed to her by Flora, or you, woman? Why not, jade!" Thus expostulated even by the bottle-green patriarch himself, she had with, she came unwillingly out of her corner, rewarded off conversation with the toasting-fork, like signed the toasting-fork into one of her husband's a dumb woman. hands, and took the candlestick he offered from the After several abortive attempts to get Affery to other. look at him while she cleared the table and washed "Go before, you fool!" said Jeremiah. " Are you the tea-service, Arthur thought of an expedient going up, or down, Mrs. Finching?" which Flora might originate. To whom he there- Flora answered, "Down." fore whispered, "Could you say you would like to "Then go before, and down, you Affery," said go through the house?" Jeremiah. "And do it properly, or I'll come rolling Now, poor Flora, being alwvays in fluctuating ex- down the banisters, and tumbling over you!" pectation of the time when Clennam would renew Affery headed the exploring party; Jeremiah closed his boyhood, and be madly in love with her again, it. He had no intention of leaving them. Clennam received the whisper with the utmost delight; not looking back, and seeing him following, three stairs only as rendered precious by its mysterious charac- behind, in the coolest and most methodical manner, ter, but as preparing the way for a tender interview exclaimed in a low voice, " Is there no getting rid in which he would declare the state of his affections. of him!" Flora re-assured his mind, by replying She immediately began to work out the hint. promptly, "Why though not exactly proper Arthur "Ah dear me the poor old room," said Flora, and a thing I couldn't think of before a younger glancing round, "looks just as ever Mrs. Clennam man or a stranger still I don't mind him if you so I am touched to see except;for being smokier which particularly wish it and provided you'll have the was to be expected with time and which we must goodness not to take me too tight." all expect and reconcile ourselves to being whether Wanting the heart to explain that this was not we like it or not as I am sure I have had to do my- at all what he meant, Arthur extended his supportself if not exactly smokier dreadfully stouter which lng arm round Flora's figure. " Oh my goodness is the same or worse, to think of the days when papa me," said she. "You are very obedient indeed realused to bring me here the least of girls a perfect ly and it's. extremely honorable and gentlemanly in mass of chilblains to be stuck upon a chair with my you I am sure but still at the same time if you feet on the rails and stare at Arthur-pray excuse would like to be a little tighter than that I shouldn't me —Mr. Clennam-the least of boys in the fright- consider it intruding." fullest of frills and jackets ere yet Mr. F. appeared In this preposterous attitude, unspeakably at vaa misty shadow on the horizon paying attentions riance with his anxious mind, Clennam descended like the well-known spectre of some place in Ger- to the basement of the house; finding that wherever many beginning with a B is a moral lesson incul- it became darker than elsewhere, Flora became heavcating that all the paths in life are similar to the ier, and that when the house was lightest she was paths down in the North of England where they get too. Returning from the dismal kitchen regions, the coals and make the iron and things graveled with which were as dreary as they could be, Mistress Afashes I" fery passed with the light into his father's old room, Having paid the tribute of a sigh to the instabil- and then into the ol1 dining-room; always passing ity of human existence, Flora hurried on with her on before like a phantom that was not to be overpurpose. taken, and neither turning nor answering when he "Not that at any time," she proceeded, "its worst whispered, "Affery! I want to speak to you!" enemy could have said it was a cheerful house for In the dining-room, a sentimental desire came over that it was never made to be but always highly im- Flora to look into the dragon closet which had so pressive, fond memory recalls an occasion in youth often swallowed Arthur in the days of his boyhood ere yet the judgment was mature when Arthur- -not improbably because, as a very dark closet, it confirmed habit-Mr. Clennam —took me down into was a likely place to be heavy in. Arthur, fast suban unused kitchen, eminent for moldiness and pro- siding into despair, had opened it, when a knock posed to secrete me there for life. and feed me on was heard at the outer door. what he could hide from his meals when he was Mistress Affery, with a suppressed cry, threw her not at home for the holidays and on dry bread in apron over her head. disgrace which at that halcyon period too frequent- "What? You want another dose!" said Mr. Flintly occurred, would it be inconvenient or asking too winch. "You shall have it, my woman, you shall A HO1USE FULL O1F MYSTERIES. 297 have a good one! Oh! You shall have a sneezer, "Why are you afraid?" you shall have a teaser!" "Because the house is full of mysteries and se"In the mean time, is any body going to the crets; because it's full of whisperings and counseldoor?" said Arthur. ings; because it's full of noises. There never was "In the mean time, I am going to the door, sir," such a house for noises. I shall die of'em, if Jerreturned the old man: so savagely, as to render it emiah don't strangle me first. As I expect he will." clear that in a choice of difficulties he felt he must " I have never heard any noises here, worth speakgo, though he would have preferred not to go. " Stay ing of." here the while, all! Affery, my woman, move an " Ah! But you would, though, if you lived in the inch, or speak a word in your foolishness, and I'll house, and was obliged to go about it as I am," said treble your dose!" Affery; " and you'd feel that they was so well worth The moment he was gone, Arthur released Mrs. speaking of, that you'd feel you was nigh bursting, Finching: with some difficulty, by reason of that through not being allowed to speak of'em. Here's lady misunderstanding his intentions, and making Jeremiah! You'll get me killed." her arrangements with a view to tightening instead " My good Affery, I solemnly declare to you that I of slackening. can see the light of the open door on the pavement ~ YOU OAN'T BE AFIRAID OF SEEING ANY THING IN THIS DARKNESS, AFFERY."'Affery, speak to me now!" of the hall, and so could you if you would uncover "Don't touch me, Arthur!" she cried, shrinking your face and look." from him. " Don't come near me. He'll see you. " I durstn't do it," said Affery, " I durstn't never, Jeremiah will. Don't!" Arthur. I'm always blindfolded when Jeremiah an't "He can't see me," returned Arthur, suiting the a-looking, and sometimes even when he is." action to the word, "if I blow the candle out." "He can not shut the door without my seeing "He'll hear you," cried Affery. him," said Arthur. " You are as safe with me as if "He can't hear me," returned Arthur, suiting the he was fifty miles away." action to the word again, "if I draw you into this (" I wish he was!" cried Affery.) black closet, and speak here. Why do you hide "Affery, I wan't to know what is amiss here; I your face?". want some light thrown on the secrets of this "Because I am afraid of seeing something." house." "You can't be afraid of seing any thing in this "I tell you, Arthur," she interrupted, "noises is darkness, Affery." the secrets, rustlings and stealings about, tremblings, Yes I am. Much more than if it was light." treads overhead and treads underneath." 298 LITTLE DORRIT. " But those are not all the secrets." It was equally vain for Arthur to entreat, and for " I don't know," said Affery. " Don't ask me no Flora to protest. Affery, who had been trembling more. Your old sweetheart an't far off, and she's a and struggling the whole time,'turned a deaf ear to blabber.' all adjuration, and was bent on forcing herself out His old sweetheart, being in fact so near at hand of the closet. that she was then reclining against him in a flutter, " I'd sooner scream to Jeremiah than say another a very substantial angle of forty-five degrees, here word! I'll call out to him, Arthur, if you don't give interposed to assure Mistress Affery with greater over speaking to me. Now here's the very last earnestness than directness of asseveration, that what word I'll say afore I call to him.-If ever you begin she heard should go no further, but should be kept to get the better of them two clever ones your own -inviolatel "if on no other account on Arthur's- self (you ought to it, as I told you when you first sensible of intruding in being too familiar, Doyce come home, for you haven't been a-living here long and Clennam's." years, to be made afeard of your life as I have), thea "I make an imploring appeal to you, Affery, to do you get the better of'em afore my face; and then -you, one of the few agreeable early remembrances I do you say to me, Affery tell your dreams! Maybe, have, for my mother's sake, for your husband's sake,, then I'll tell'em!" for my own, for all our sakes. I am sure you can The shutting of the door stopped Arthur from retell me something connected with the coming here plying. They glided into the places where Jeremiah of this man, if you will." had left them; and Clennam, stepping forward as " Why, then I'll tell you, Arthur," returned Affery that old gentleman returned, informed him that he -" Jeremiah's a-coming!" had accidentally extinguished the candle. Mr. Flint"No, indeed he is not. The door is open, and he winch looked on as he relighted it at the lamp in the is standing outside, talking." hall, and preserved a profound taciturnity respect"I'll tell you then," said Affery, after listening, ing the person who had been holding him in con" that the first time he ever come he heard the noises versation. Perhaps his irascibility demanded comhis own self.'What's that?' he said to me.'I pensation for some tediousness that the visitor had don't know what it is,' I says to him, catching hold expended on him; however that was, he took such of him,'but I have heard it over and over again.' umbrage at seeing his wife with her apron over her While'I says it, he stands a-looking at me, all of a head, that he charged at her, and taking her veiled shake, he do." nose between his thumb and finger, appeared to "Has he been here often?" throw the whole screw-power of his person into the "Only that night, and the last night." wring he gave it. " What did you see of him on the last night, after Flora, now permanently heavy, did not release ArI was gone?" thur from the survey of the house, until it had ex"Them two clever ones had him all alone to them- tended even to his old garret bed-chamber. His selves. Jeremiah come a-dancing at me sideways, thoughts were otherwise occupied than with the after I had let you out (he always comes a-dancing tour of inspection; yet he took particular notice at at me sideways when he's going to hurt me), and he the time, as he afterward had occasion to remember, said to me,'Now, Affery,' he said,' I am a-coming be- of the airlessness and closeness of the house; that hind you, my woman, and agoing to run yon up.' So they left the track of their footsteps in the dust on he took and squeezed the back of my neck in his hand the upper floors; and that there was a resistance to till it made me open my mouth, and then he pushed the opening of one room door,which occasioned Affery me before him to bed, squeezing all the way. That's to cry out that somebody was hiding inside, and to what he calls running me up, he do. Oh, he's a wick- continue to believe so, though somebody was sought ed one!" and not discovered. When they at last returned to " And did you hear or see no more, Affery?" his m6ther's room, they found her, shading her face "Don't I tell you I was sent to bed, Arthur! with her muffled hand, and talking in a low voice to Here he is!" the Patriarch as he stood before the fire. Whose " I assure you he is still at the door. Those whis- blue eyes, polished head, and silken locks, turning perings and counselings, Affery, that you have spoken toward them as they came in, imparted an inestiof. What are they?" mable value and inexhaustible love of his species to "How should I know! Don't ask me nothing his remark: about'em, Arthur. Get away!" " So you have been seeing the premises, seeing the " But, my dear Affery; unless I can gain some in- premises-premises —seeing the premises!" sight into these hidden things, in spite of your hus- It was not in itself a jewel of benevolence or wisband and in spite of my mother, ruin will come of it." dom, yet he made it an exemplar of both that one "Don't ask me nothing," repeated Affery. "I would have liked to have a copy of. have been in a dream for ever so long. Go away, go away!" "You said that before," returned Arthur. "You used the same expression that night, at the door, CHAPTER XXIV. when I asked you what was going on here. What do you mean by being in a dream T O LOG DY. "I an't agoing to tell you. Get away! I T1HAT illustrious man, and great national ornashouldn't tell you, if you was by yourself; much less 1 ment, Mr. Merdle, continued his shining course. with your old sweetheart here." It began to be widely understood that one who had THE tBIGHT MAN TO BE ENNTOBLED. 299 done society the admirable service of making so side of a narrow street, over boxes of mignonnette much money out of it, could not be suffered to re- and flowers, was tired of the view. Mrs. Sparkler, main a commoner. A baronetcy was spoken of with looking at another window where her husband stood confidence; a peerage was frequently mentioned. in the balcony, was tired of that view. Mrs. SparkRumor had it that Mr. Merdle had set his golden ler, looking at herself in her mourning, was even face against a baronetcy; that he had plainly inti- tired of that view: though, naturally, not so tired mated to Lord Decimus that a baronetcy was not of that as of the other two. enough for him; that he had said, "No: a Peerage, or "It's like lying in a well," said Mrs. Sparkler, plain Merdle." This was reported to have plunged changing her position fretfully. "'Dear me, EdLord Decimus as nigh to his noble chin in a slough mund, if you have any thing to say, why don't you of doubts as so lofty a person could be sunk. For, say it?" the Barnacles, as a group of themselves in creation, Mr. Sparkler might have replied with ingenuoushad an idea that such distinctions belonged to them; ness, "My life, I have nothing to say." But, as the and that when a soldier, sailor, or lawyer, became repartee did not occur to him, he contented himself ennobled, they let him in, as it were, by an act of with coming in from the balcony and standing at condescension, at the family door, and immediately the side of his wife's couch. shut it again. Not only (said Rumor) had the trou- "Good gracious, Edmund!" said Mrs. Sparkler, bled Decimus his own hereditary part; in this impres- more fretfully still, "you are absolutely putting sion, but he also knew of several Barnacle claims mignonnette up your nose! Pray don't!" already on the file, which came into collision with Mr. Sparkler, in absence of mind —perhaps in a that of the master spirit. Right. or wrong, Rumor more literal absence of mind than is usually underwas very busy; and Lord Decimus, while he was, or stood by the phrase-had smelled so hard at a sprig was supposed to be, in stately excogitation of the in his hand as to be on the verge of the offense in difficulty, lent her some countenance, by taking, on question. He smiled, said, " I ask your pardon, my several public occasions, one of those elephantine dear," and threw it out of window. trots of his through a jungle of overgrown sen- "You make my head ache by remaining in that tences, waving Mr. Merdle about on his trunk as Gi- position, Edmund," said Mrs. Sparkler, raising her gantic Enterprise, The Wealth of England, Elastic- eyes to him, after another minute; "you look so agity; Credit, Capital, Prosperity, and all manner of gravatingly large by this light. Do sit down." blessings. " Certainly, my dear," said Mr. Sparkler. And took So quietly did the mowing of the old scythe go a chair on the same spot. on, that fully three months had passed unnoticed "If I didn't know that the longest day was past," since the two English birothers had been laid in one said Fanny, yawning in a dreary manner, "I should tomb in the strangers' cemetery at Rome. Mr. and have felt certain this was the longest day, I never Mrs. Sparkler were established in their own house: did experience such a day." a little mansion, rather of the Tite Barnacle class, "Is this your fan, my love?" asked Mr. Sparkler, quite a triumph of inconvenience, with a perpetual picking up one, and presenting it. smell in it of the' day before yesterday's soup and "Edmund," returned his wife, more wearily yet, coach-horses, but extremely dear, as being exactly " don't ask weak questions, I entreat you not. Whose in the centre of the habitable globe. In this envia- can it be but mine?" ble abode (and envied it really was by many people), "Yes, I thought it was yours," said Mr. Sparkler. Mrs. Sparkler had intended to proceed at once to the "Then you shouldn't ask," retorted Fanny. After demolition of the Bosom, when active hostilities had a little while she turned on her sofa and exclaimed, been suspended by the arrival of the Courier with " Dear me, dear me, there never was such a long day his tidings of death. Mrs. Sparkler, who was not as this!" After another little while she got up slowuufeeling, had received them with a violent burst ly, walked about, and came back again. of grief, which had lasted twelve hours; after which "My dear," said Mr. Sparkler, flashing with an she had arisen to see about het mourning, and to original conception, " I think you must have got the take every precaution that could insure its being as fidgets." becoming as Mrs. Merdle's. A gloom was then cast "Oh! Fidgets!"repeated Mrs. Sparkler. "Don't." over more than one distinguished family (according "~ My adorable girl," urged Mr. Sparkler, " try your to the politest sources of intelligence), and the Cour- aromatic vinegar. I have often seen my mother try ier went back again. it, and it seemingly refreshed her. And she is, as Mr. and Mrs. Sparkler had been dining alone, with I believe you are aware, a remarkably fine woman, their gloom cast over them, and Mrs. Sparkler re- with no non —" dined on a drawing-room sofa. It was a hot sum- "Good gracious!" exclaimed Fanny, starting up mer Sunday evening. The residence in the centre again. "It's beyond all patience! This is the most of the habitable globe, at all times stuffed and close wearisome day that ever did dawn upon the world, as if it had an incurable cold in its head, was that I am certain." evening particularly stifling. The bells of the Mr. Sparkler looked meekly after her as she loungedc churches had clone their worst in the way of clang- about the room, and he appeared to be a little frighting among the unmelodious echoes of the streets, ened. When she had tossed a few trifles about, and and the lighted windows of the churches had ceased had looked down into the darkening street out of to be yellow in the gray dusk, and had died out all the three windows, she returned to her sofa, and opaque black. Mrs. Sparkler, lying on her sofa threw herself among its pillows. looking through an open window at the opposite "Now Edmund, come here! Come a little nearer, 300 LITTLE DORRIT. because I want to be able to touch you with my fan, woman in the bloom of youth, and not wholly devoid that I may impress you very much with what I am of personal attractions, can put herself, at such a time, going to say. That will do. Quite close enough. in competition as to figure with a woman in every Oh, you do look so big!" other way her inferior? If you do suppose such a Mr. Sparkler apologized for the circumstance, thing, your folly is boundless." pleaded that he couldn't help it, and said that " our Mr. Sparkler submitted that he had thought "it fellows," without more particularly indicating whose might be got over." fellows, used to call him by the name of Quinbus "Got over!" repeated Fanny, with immeasurable Flestrin, Junior, or the Young Man Mountain. scorn. "You ought to have told me so before," Fanny "For a time," Mr. Sparkler submitted. complained. Honoring the last feeble suggestion with no notice, "My dear," returned Mr. Sparkler, rather gratified, Mrs. Sparkler declared with bitterness that it really "I didn't know it would interest you, or I would was too bad, and that positively it was enough to have made a point of telling you." make one wish one was dead! "There! For goodness' sake don't talk," said "However," she said, when she had in some measFanny; " I want to talk myself. Edmund, we must ure recovered from her sense of personal ill-usage; not be alone any more. I must take such precau- "provoking as it is, and cruel as it seems, I suppose tions as will prevent my being ever again reduced it must be submitted to." to the state of dreadful depression in which I am "Especially as it was to be expected," said Mr. this evening." Sparkler. "My dear," answered Mr. Sparkler; " being as you "Edmund returned his wife, "if you have nothare well known to be, a remarkably fine woman, with ing more becoming to do than to attempt to insult no-" the woman who has honored you with her hand, " Oh, good GRACIOUS!" cried Fanny. when she finds herself in adversity, I think you had Mr. Sparkler was so discomposed by the energy better go to bed!" of this exclamation, accompanied with a flouncing Mr. Sparkler was much afflicted by the charge, up from the sofa and a flouncing down again, that a and offered a most tender and earnest apology. His minute or two elapsed before he felt himself equal apology was accepted; but Mrs. Sparkler requested to saying in explanation: him to go round to the other side of the sofa and sit " I mean, my dear, that every body knows you are in the window-curtain, to tone himself down. calculated to shine in society." "Now, Edmund," she said, stretching out her fan, "Calculated to shine in society," retorted Fanny, and touching him with it at arms-length, "what I with great irritability; "yes, indeed! And then was going to say to you when you began as usual to what happens? I no sooner recover, in a visiting prose and worry, is, that I shall guard against our point of view, the shock of poor dear papa's death, being alone any more, and that when circumstances and my poor uncle's-though I do not disguise from prevent my going out to my own satisfaction, I must myself that the last was a happy release, for, if you arrange to have some people or other always here; are not presentable you had much better die-" for, I really can not, and will not, have another such "You are not referring to me, my love, I hope?" day as this has been." Mr. Sparkler humbly interrupted. Mr. Sparkler's sentiments as to the plan were, in "Edmund, Edmunld, you would wear out a Saint. brief, that it had no nonsense about it. He added, Am I not expressly speaking of my poor uncle?" "And besides, you know it's likely that you'll soon "You looked with so much expression at myself; have your sister-" my dear girl," said Mr. Sparkler, " that I felt a little " Dearest Amy, yes!" cried Mrs. Sparkler, with a uncomfortable. Thank you, my love." sigh of affection. "Darling little thing! Not, how" Now you have put me out," observed Fanny, with ever, that Amy would do here alone." a resigned toss of her fan, "and I had better go to Mr. Sparkler was going to say " No?" interrogabed." tively. But he saw his danger, and said it assent"Don't do that, my love," urged Mr. Sparkler. ingly. "Noj oh dear no; she wouldn't do here " Take time." alone." Fanny took a good deal of time: lying back with " No, Edmund. For, not only are the virtues of her eyes shut, and her eyebrows raised with a hope- the precious child of that still character that they less expression, as if she had utterly given up all ter- require a contrast-require life andmovement around restrial affairs. At length, without the slightest no- them to bring them out in their right colors and make tice, she opened her eyes again, and recommenced in one love them of all things; but she will require to a short, sharp manner: be roused, on more accounts than one." "What happens then, I ask! What happens'? "That's it," said Mr. Sparkler. "Roused." Why, I find myself at the very period when I might "Pray don't, Edmund! Your habit of interruptshine most in society, and should most like for very ing without having the least thing in the world to momentous reasons to shine in society-I find myself say, distracts one. You must be broken of it. Speakin a situation which to a certain extent disqualifies ing of Amy;-my poor little pet was devotedly atme for going into society. It's too bad, really!" tached to poor papa, and no doubt will have lament"'My dear," said Mr. Sparkler, "I don't think it ed his loss exceedingly, and grieved very much. I need keep you at home." have done so myself. I have felt it dreadfully. But "' Edmund, you ridiculous creature," returned Fan- Amy will no doubt have felt it even more, from havny, with great indignation; "do you suppose that a ing been on the spot the whole time, and having been MR. SPARKLER BORES MRS. SPARKLER. 301 with poor dear papa at the last: which I, unhappily, There are times when my dear child is a little wearwas not." uing, to an active mind; but, as a nurse, she is PerHere Fanny stopped to weep, and to say, "Dear, fection. Best of Amys!" dear, beloved papa! How truly gentlemanly he Mr. Sparkler, growing rash on his late success, obwas! What a contrast to poor uncle!" served that Edward had had, biggodd, a long bout "From the effects of that trying time," she pur- of it, my dear girl. sued, "my good little Mouse will have to be roused. "If Bout, Edmund," returned Mrs. Sparkler, " is Also, from the effects of this long attendance upon the slang term for indisposition, he has. If it is not, Edward in his illness; an attendance which is not I am unable to give an opinion on the barbarous lanyet over, which may even go on for some time longer, guage you address to Edward's sister. That he conand which in the mean while unsettles us all, by tracted Malaria Fever somewhere, either by travelkeeping poor dear papa's affairs from being wound ing day and night to Rome, where, after all, he arup. Fortunately, however, the papers with his rived too late to see poor dear papa before his death ~J1 r FOR A WONDER, I OAN AGREE WITH YOU." agents here being all sealed up and locked up, as -or under some other unwholesome circumstanceshe left them when he providentially came to En- is indubitable, if that is what you mean. Likewise, gland, the affairs are in that state of order that they that his extremely careless life has made him a very can wait until my brother Edward recovers his health bad subject for it indeed." in Sicily, sufficiently to come over, and administer, Mr. Sparkler considered it a parallel case to that or execute, or whatever it may be that will have to of some of our fellows in the West Indies with Yelbe done." low Jack. Mrs. Sparkler closed her eyes again, and "He couldn't have a better nurse to bring him refused to have any consciousness of our fellows, of round," Mr. Sparkler made bold to opine. the West Indies, or of Yellow Jack. "-For a wonder, I can agree with you," returned "So, Amy," she pursued, when she re-opened her his wife, languidly turning her eyelids a little in his eyelids, " will require to be roused from the effects direction (she held forth, in general, as if to the draw- of many tedious and anxious weeks. And lastly, ing-room fiurniture), "and can adopt your words. she will require to be roused from a low tendency He couldn't have a better nurse to bring him round. which I know very well to be at the bottom of her he ef thm he heprvidataly cmeto n-isini~aitale i tht s watSo mezn LieZ3e :302 LITTLE DORRIT. heart. Don't ask me what it is, Edmund, because I said Mr. Mercile, "I don't feel inclined for it. I was must decline to tell you." to have dined out along with Mrs. Merdle. But as "I am not going to, my dear," said Mr. Sparkler. I didn't feel inclined for dinner, I let Mrs. Merdle go' I shall thus have much improvement to effect in by herself just as we were getting into the carriage, my sweet child," Mrs. Sparkler continued, " and can and thought I'd take a stroll instead." not have her near me too soon. Amiable and dear Would he have tea or coffee? "No, thank you," little Twoshoes! As to the settlement of poor appa's said Mr. Merdle. "I looked in at the Club, and got affairs, my interest in that is not very selfish. Papa a bottle of wine." behaved very generously to me when I was married, At this period of his visit, Mr. Merdle took the and I have little or nothing to expect. Provided chair which Edmund Sparkler had offered him, and lie has made no will that can come into force, leav- which he had hitherto been pushing slowly about ing a legacy to Mrs. General, I am contented. Dear before him, like a dull man with a pair of skates on papa, dear papa!" for the first time, who could not make up his mind She wept again, but Mrs. General was the best of to start. He now put his hat upon another chair restoratives. The name soon stimulated her to dry beside him, and, looking down into it as if it were her eyes and say: twenty feet deep, said again: " You see I thought "It is a highly encouraging circumstance in Ed- I'd give you a call." ward's illness, I am thankful to think, and gives one'" Flattering to us," said Fanny, "for you are not the greatest confidence in his sense not being im- a calling man." paired, or his proper spirit weakened-down to the "N-no," returned Mr. Merdle, who was by this time of poor dear papa's death, at all events-that time taking himself into custody under both coathe paid off Mrs. General instantly, and sent her out sleeves. " No, I am not a calling man." of the house. I applaud him for it. I could forgive " You have too much to do for that," said Fanny. him a great deal, for doing, with such promptitude, " Having so much to do, Mr. Merdle, loss of appetite so exactly what I would have done myself!" - is a serious thing with you, and you must have it Mrs. Sparkler was in the full glow of her gratifi- seen to. You must not be ill." cation, when a double knock was heard at the door. "Oh! I am very well," replied Mr. Merdle, after A very odd knock. Low, as if to avoid making a deliberating about it. "I am as well as I usually noise and attracting attention. Long, as if the per- am. I am well enough. I am as well as I want to son knocking were preoccupied in mind, and forgot be." to leave off. The master-mind of the age, true to its character"Halloo 1" said Mr. Sparkler. "Who's this?" istic of being at all times a mind that had as little "Not Amy and Edward, without notice and with- as possible to say for itself and great difficulty in out a carriage!" said Mrs. Sparkler. "Look out." saying it, became mute again. Mrs. Sparkler began The room was dark, but the street was lighter, to wonder how long the master-mind meant to stay. because of its lamps. Mr. Sparkler's head peeping " I was speaking of poor papa when you came in, over the balcony looked so very bulky and heavy, sir." that it seemed on the point of overbalancing him "Ay! Quite a coincidence," said Mr. Merdle. and flattening the unknown below. Fanny did not see that; but felt it incumbent on "It's one fellow," said Mr. Sparkler. "I can't her to continue talking. "I was saying," she pursee who-stop though!" sued, " that my brother's illness has occasioned a deOn this second thought he went out into the bal- lay in examining and arranging papa's property." cony again and had another look. He came back "Yes," said Mr. Merdle; "yes. There has been a as the door was opened, and announced that he be- delay." lieved he had identified " his governor's tile." He " Not that it is of consequence," said Fanny. was not mistaken, for his governor, with his tile in "Not," assented Mr. Merdle, after having examhis hand, was introduced immediately afterward. ined the cornice of all that part of the room which " Candles!" said Mrs. Sparkler, with a word of was within his range: "not that it is of any conseexcuse for the darkness. quence." "It's light enough for me," said Mr. Merdle. "My only anxiety is," said Fanny, "that Mrs. When the candles were brought in, Mr. Merdle General should not get any thing." was discovered standing behind the door, picking " She won't get any thing," said Mr. Merdle. his lips. "I thought I'd give you a call," he said. Fanny was delighted to hear him express the "I am rather particularly occupied just now; and, opinion. Mr. Merdle, after taking another gaze into as I happened to be out for a stroll, I thought I'd the depths of his hat, as if he thought he saw somegive you a call." thing at the bottom, rubbed his hair and slowly apAs he was in dinner dress, Fanny asked him where pended to his last remark the confirmatory words, he had been dining? " Oh dear no. No. Not she. Not likely." " Well," said Mr. Merdle, "I haven't been dining As the topic seemed exhausted, and Mr. Merdle anywhere, particularly." too, Fanny inquired if he were going to take up Mrs. "Of course you have dined?" said Fanny. Merdle and the carriage, in his way home? "Why-no, I haven't exactly dined," said Mr. "No," he answered; "I shall go by the shortest Merdle. way, and leave Mrs. Merdle to-" here he looked all He had passed his hand over his yellow forehead, over the palms of both his hands as if he were telland considered, as if he were not sure about it. ing his own fortune-" to take care of herself. I Something to eat was proposed. "No, thank you," dare say she'll manage to do it." THE GREAT AND WONDERFUL BORROWS A KNITE. 303 "Probably," said Fanny. creature and the most delightful person, who would There was then a long silence; during which, have been shocked to find themselves so close to him Mrs. Sparkler, lying back on her sofa again, shut her if they could have known on what sights those eyes and raised her eyebrows in her former retire- thoughtful eyes of his had rested within an hour or ment from mundane affairs. two, and near to whose beds, and under what roofs, "But, however," said Mr. Merdle. " I am equally his composed figure had stood. But Physician was detaining you and myself. I thought I'd give you a composed man, who performed neither on his own a call, you know." trumpet, nor on the trumpets of other people. Many " Charmed, I am sure," said Fanny. wonderful things did he see and hear, and much ir"So I am off," added Mr. Merdle, getting up. reconcilable moral contradiction did he pass his life " Could you lend me a penknife?" among; yet his equality of compassion was no more It was an odd thing, Fanny smilingly observed, disturbed than the Divine Master's of all healing for her who could seldom prevail upon herself even was. He went, like the rain, among the just and unto write a letter, to lend to a man of such vast busi- just, doing all the good he could, and neither proness as Mr. Merdle. "Isn't it?" Mr. Merdle acqui- claiming it in the synagogues nor at the corners of esced; " but I want one; and I know you have got streets. several little wedding keepsakes about, with scissors As no man of large experience of humanity, howand tweezers and such things in them. You shall ever quietly carried it may be, can fail to be investhave it back to-morrow." ed with an interest peculiar to the possession of such "Edmund," said Mrs. Sparkler, "open (now, very knowledge, Physician was an attractive man. Even carefully, I beg and beseech, for you are so very awk- the daintier gentlemen and ladies who had no idea ward) the mother-of-pearl box on lmy little table of his secret, and who would have been startled out there, and give Mr. Merdle the mother-of-pearl pen- of nmore wits than they had, by the monstrous irmkiife." propriety of his proposing to them "Come and see'"Thank you," said Mr. Merdle; "but if you have what I see!" confessed his attraction. Where he got one with a darker handle, I think I should pre- was, something real was. And half a grain of realifer one with a darker handle." ty, like the smallest portion of some other scarce "Tortoise-shell?" natural productions, will flavor an enormous quanti"Thank you," said Mr. Merdle; "yes. I think I ty of diluent. should prefer tortoise-shell." It came to pass, therefore, that Physician's little Edmund accordingly received instructions to open dinners always presented people in their least conthe tortoise-shell box, and give Mr. Merdle the tor- ventional lights. The guests said to themselves, toise-shell knife. On his doing so, his wife said to whether they were conscious of it or no, " Here is a the master-spirit, graciously: man who really has an acquaintance with us as we " I will forgive you, if you ink it." are, who is admitted to some of us every day with " I'll undertake not to ink it," said Mr. Merdle. our wigs and paint off, who hears the wanderings of The illustrious visitor then put out his coat-cuff, our minds, and.sees the undisguised expression of and for a moment entombed Mrs. Sparkler's hand: our faces, when both are past our control; we may wrist, bracelet, and all. Where his own hand shrunk as well make an approach to reality with him, for to, was not made manifest, but it was as remote from the man has got the better of us and is too strong for Mrs. Sparkler's sense of touch as if he had been a us." Therefore, Physician's guests came out so surhighly meritorious Chelsea Veteran or Greenwich prisingly at his round table that they were almost Pensioner. natural. Thoroughly convinced, as he went out of the room, Bar's knowledge of that agglomeration of Jurythat it was the longest day that ever did come to an men which is called humanity was as sharp as a raend at last, and that there never was a woman, not zor; yet a razor is not a generally convenient instruwholly devoid of personal attractions, so worn ont ment, and Physician's plain bright scalpel, though by idiotic and lumpish people, Fanny passed into the far less keen, was adaptable to far wider purposes. balcony for a breath of air. Waters of vexation fill- Bar knew all about the gullibility and knavery of ed her eyes; and they had the effect of making the people; but Physician could have given him a better famous Mr. Merdle, in going down the street, appear insight into their tencdernesses and affections, in one to leap, and waltz, and gyrate, as if he were possess- week of his rounds, than Westminster Hall and all ed by several Devils. the circuits put together, in three-score years and ten. Bar always had a suspicion of this, and perhaps was glad to encourage it (for, if the world were really a great Law Court, one would think that the last day CHAPTER XXV. of Term could not too soon arrive); and so he liked and respected Physician quite as much as any other THE CHIEF BUTLER RESIGNS THE SEALS OF OFFICE. kind of ma did. kind of man did. THE dinner-party was at the great Physician's. Mr. Merdle's default left a Banquo's chair at the Bar was there, and in full force. Ferdinand table; but, if he had been there, he would have Barnacle was there, and in his most engaging state. merely made the difference of Banquo in it, and conFew ways of life were hidden from Physician, and sequiently he was no loss. Bar, who picked up all he was oftener in its darkest places than even Bishop. sorts of odds and ends about Westminster Hall, much There were brilliant ladies about London who per- as a raven would have done if he had passed as mnlch fectly doted on him, my dear, as the most charming of his time there, had, been picking up a great many 304 LITTLE DORRIT. straws lately and tossing them about, to try which carriage, and bade her Good-night. He stood for a way the Merdle wind blew. He now had a little moment at his own hall door, looking sedately at the talk on the subject with Mrs. Merdle herself; sliding elegant equipage as it rattled away. On his return up to that lady, of course, with his double eyeglass up stairs, the rest of the guests soon dispersed, and and his Jury droop. he was left alone. Being a great reader of all kinds "A certain bird," said Bar; and he looked as if it of literature (and never at all apologetic for that could have been no other bird than a magpie; "has weakness), he sat down comfortably to read. been whispering among us lawyers lately, that there The clock upon his study-table pointed to a few is to be an addition to the titled personages of this minutes short of twelve, when his attention was realm." called to it by a ringing at the door-bell. A man of "Really?" said Mrs. Merdle. plain habits, he had sent his servants to bed and "Yes," said Bar. "Has not the bird been whis- must needs go down to open the door. He went pering in very different ears from ours-in lovely down, and there found a man without hat or coat, ears?" He looked expressively at Mrs. Merdle's whose shirt sleeves were rolled up tight to his shoulnearest ear-ring. ders. For a moment, he thought the man had been "Do you mean mine?" asked Mrs. Merdle. fighting: the rather, as he was much agitated and "When I say lovely," said Bar, "I always mean out of breath. A second look, however, showed him you." that the man was particularly clean, and not other"You never mean any thing, I think," returned wise discomposed as to his dress, than as it answered Mrs. Merdle (not displeased). this description. 4" Oh, cruelly unjust!" said Bar. " But, the bird." "I come from the warm baths, sir, round in the 1' I am the last person in the world to hear news," neighboring street." observed Mrs. Merdle, carelessly arranging her strong- "And what is the matter at the warm baths'?" hold. " Who is it?" "Would you please to come directly, sir. We " What an admirable witness you would make!" found that lying on the table." said Bar. " No jury (unless we could empanel one He put into the physician's hand a scrap of paper. of blind men) could resist you, if you were ever so Physician looked at it, and read his own name and bad a one; but you would be such a good one!" address written in pencil; nothing more. He looked "Why, you ridiculous man?" asked Mrs. Merdle, closer at the writing, looked at the man. took his hat laughing. from its peg,put the key of his door in his pocket, Bar waved his double eyeglass three or four times and they hurried away together. between himself and the Bosom, as a rallying answer, When they came to the warm baths, all the other and inquired in his most insinuating accents: people belonging to that establishment were looking " What am I to call the most elegant, accomplish- out for them at the door, and running up and down ed. and charming of women, a few weeks, or it may the passages. " Request every body else to keep be a few days, hence?" back, if you please," said the physician aloud to the " Didn't your bird tell you what to call her?" an- master; "and do you take me straight to the place, swered Mrs. Merdle. " Do ask it to-morrow, and tell my friend," to the messenger. me the next time you see me what it says." The messenger hurried before him, along a grove This led to further passages of similar pleasantry of little rooms, and, turning into one at the end of between the two; but Bar, with all his sharpness, the grove, looked round the door. Physician was got nothing out of them; Physician, on the other close upon him, and looked round the door too. hand, taking Mrs. Merdle down to her carriage and There was a bath in that corner, from which the attending on her as she put on her eloak, inquired water had been hastily drained off. Lying in it, as into the symptoms with his usual calm directions. in a grave or sarcophagus, with a hurried drapery " May I ask," he said, " is this true about Merdle?" of sheet and blanket thrown across it, was the body " My dear doctor," she returned, "you ask me the of a heavily-made man, with an obtuse head, and very question that I was half disposed to ask you." course, mean, common features. A sky-light had "To ask me! Why me?" been opened to release the steam with which the Upon my honor, I think Mr. Merdle reposes great- room had been filled; but, it hung, condensed into er confidence in you than in any one." water-drops, heavily upon the walls, and heavily " On the contrary, he tells me absolutely nothing, upon the face and figure in the bath. The room even professionally. You have heard the talk, of was still hot, and the marble of the bath still warm; course?" but, the face and figure were clammy to the touch. " Of course I have. But you know what Mr. Mer- The white marble at the bottom of the bath was dle is; you know how taciturn and reserved he is. veined with a dreadfill red. On the ledge at the I assure you I have no idea what foundation for it side, were an empty laudanum bottle and a torthere may be. I should like it to be true; why toise-shell-handled penknife-soiled, but not with should I deny that to you! -You would know bet- ink. ter, if I did!" "Separation of jugular vein —death rapid-been "Just so," said Physician. dead at least half an hour." This echo of the phy" But whether it is all true, or partly true, or en- sician's words ran through the passages and little tirely false, I am wholly unable to say. It is a most rooms, and through the house while he was yet provoking situation, a most absurd situation; but, straightening himself from having bent down to you know Mr. Merdle, and are not surprised." reach to the bottom of the bath, and while he was Physician was not surprised, handed her into her yet dabbling his hands in water; redly veining it as THE CHIEF BUTLER SPEAKS AN EPITAPH. 305 the marble was veined, before it mingled into one he meant to begin with them); so he said he would tint. go too, and would loiter to and fro near the house He turned his eyes to the dress upon the sofa, and while his friend was inside. They walked there, to the watch, money, and pocket-book, on the table. the better to recover self-possession in the air; and A folded note half buckled up in the pocket-book, the wings of day were fluttering the night when and half protruding from it, caught his observant Physician knocked at the door. glance. He looked at it, touched it, pulled it a lit- A footman of rainbow hues, in the public eye, was tle farther out from among the leaves, said quietly, sitting up for his master-that is to say, was fast "This is addressed to me," and opened and read it. asleep in the kitchen, over a couple of candles and a There were no directions for him to give. The newspaper, demonstrating the great accumulation people in the house knew what to do; the proper of mathematical odds against the probabilities of a authorities were soon brought; and they took an house being set on fire by accident. When this servequable business-like possession of the deceased, and ing-man was roused, Physician had still to await of what had been his property, with no greater dis- the rousing of the Chief Butler. At last, that noble turbance of manner or countenance than usually at- creature came into the dining-room in a flannel gown tends the winding up of a clock. Physician was and list shoes; but with his cravat on, and a Chiefglad to walk out into the night air-was even glad, Butler all over. It was morning now. Physician in spite of his great experience, to sit down upon a had opened the shutters of one window while waitdoor-step for a little while: feeling sick and faint. ing, that he might see the light. Bar was a near neighbor of his, and, when he came "Mrs. Merdle's maid must be called, and told to to the house, he saw a light in the room where he get Mrs. Merdle up, and prepare her as gently as she knew his friend often sat late, getting up his work. can, to see me. I have dreadful news to break to As the light was never there when Bar was not, it her." gave him assurance that Bar was not yet in bed. In Thus, Physician to the Chief Butler. The latter, fact, this busy bee had a verdict to get to-morrow, who had a candle in his hand, called his man to against evidence, and was improving the shining take it away. Then he approached the window hours in setting snares for the gentlemen of the jury. with dignity; looking on at Physician's news exPhysician's knock astonished Bar; but, as he im- actly as he had looked on at the dinners in that mediately suspected that somebody had come to tell very room. him that somebody else was robbing him, or other- " Mr. Merdle is dead." wise trying to get the better of him, he came down " I should wish," said the Chief Butler, " to give a promptly and softly. He had been clearing his head month's notice." with a lotion of cold water, as a good preparative to "Mr. Merdle has destroyed himself." providing hot water for the heads of the jury, and "Sir," said the Chief Butler, "that is very unhad been reading with the neck of his shirt thrown pleasant to the feelings of one in my position, as wide open that he might the more freely choke the calculated to awaken prejudice; and I should wish opposite witnesses. In consequence, he came down, to leave immediately." looking rather wild. Seeing Physician, the least ex- "' If you are not shocked, are you not surprised, pected of men, he looked wilder, and said, " What's man?" demanded the Physician, warmly. the matter?" The Chief Butler, erect and calm, replied in these " You asked me once what Merdle's complaint memorable words. " Sir, Mr. Merdle never was the was." gentleman, and no ungentlemanly act on Mr. Mer"Extraordinary answer! I know I did." dle's part would surprise me. Is there any body'"I told you I had not found it out." else I can send to you, or any other directions I can "Yes. I know you did." give before I leave, respecting what you would wish "I have found it out." to be done?" "My God!" said Bar, starting back, and clapping When Physician, after discharging himself of his his hand upon the other's breast. "And so have I! trust up stairs, rejoined Bar in the street, he said no I see it in your face." more of his interview with Mrs. Merdle than that he They went into the nearest room, where Physician had not yet told her all, but that what he had told gave him the letter to read. He read it through, her, she had borne pretty well. Bar had devoted half a dozen times. There was not much in it as to his leisure in the street to the construction of a quantity; but, it made a great demand on his close most ingenious man-trap for catching the whole of and continuous attention. He could not sufficiently his Jury at a blow; having got that matter settled give utterance to his regret that he had not himself in his mind, it was lucid on the late catastrophe, found a clue to this. The smallest clue, he said, and they walked home slowly, discussing it in evwould have made him master of the case, and what ery bearing. Before parting, at Physician's door, a case it would have been to have got to the bot- they both looked up at the sunny morning sky, into tom of! which the smoke of a few early fires and the breath Physician had engaged to break the intelligence and voices of a few early stirrers were peacefiully in Harley Street. Bar could not at once return to rising, and then looked round upon the immense his inveiglements of the most enlightened and re- city, and said, If all those hundreds and thousands markable jury he had ever seen in that box, with of beggared people who were yet asleep could only whom, he could tell his learned friend, no shallow know, as they two spoke, the ruin that impended sophistry would go down, and no unhappily abused over them, what a fearful cry against one miserable professional tact and skill prevail (this was the way soul would go up to Heaven! 20 306 LITTLE DORRIT. The report that the great man was dead, got count for; he had been, after all, a low, ignorant about with astonishing rapidity. At first, he was fellow; he had been a down-looking man, and no dead of al1 the diseases that ever were known, and one had ever been able to catch his eye; he had of several brand-new maladies invented with the been taken up by all sorts of people, in quite an unspeed of Light to meet the demand of the occasion. accountable manner; he had never had any money He had concealed a dropsy from infancy, he had in- of his own, his ventures had been utterly reckless, herited a large estate of water on the chest from his and his expenditure had been most enormous. In grandfather, he had had an operation performed steady progression, as the day declined, the talk upon hiul every morning of his life for eighteen rose in sound and purpose. He had left a letter at years, he had been subject to the explosion of im- the Baths addressed to his physician, and his physiportant veins in his body after the manner of fire- cian had got the letter, and the letter would be proworks, he had had something the matter with his dcluced at the Inquest on the morrow, and it would lungs, he had had something the matter with his fall like a thunder-bolt upon the multitude he had heart, he had had something the matter with his deluded. Numbers of men in every profession and brain. Five hundred people who sat down to trade would be blighted by his insolvency; old peobreakfast entirely uninformed on the whole sub- p].e who had been in easy circumstances all their ject, believed before they had done breakfast, that lives would have no place of repentance for their they privately and personally knew Physician to trust in him but the work-house; legions of women have said to Mr. Merdle, "You must expect to go and children would have their whole future desoout some day, like the snuff of a candle;" and that lated by the hand of this mighty scoundrel. Every they knew Mr. Merdle to have said to Physician, "A partaker of his magnificent feasts would be seen to man can die but once." By about eleven o'clock in have been a sharer in the plunder of innumerable the forenoon, something the matter with the brain homes; every servile worshiper of riches who had became the favorite theory against the field; and by helped to set him on his pedestal, would have done twelve the something had been distinctly ascertain- better to worship the Devil point-blank. So, the ed to be " Pressure." talk, lashed louder and higher by confirmation on Pressure was so entirely satisfactory to the pub- confirmation, and by edition after edition of the lie mind, and seemed to make every body so com- evening papers, swelled into such a roar when night fortable, that it might have lasted all day but for came, as might have brought one to believe that a Bar's'having taken the real state of the case into solitary watcher on the gallery above the Dome of Court at half-past nine. This led to its beginning St. Paul's would have perceived the night air to be to be currently whispered all over London by about laden with a heavy muttering of the name of Merone, that Mr. Merdle had killed himself. Pressure, die, coupled with every form of execration. however, so far from being overthrown by the dis- For by that time it was known that the late Mr. covery, became a greater favorite than ever. There Merdle's complaint had been,. simply, Forgery and was a general moralizing upon Pressure, in every Robbery. He, the uncouth object of such widestreet. All the people who had tried to make mon- spread adulation, the sitter at great men's feasts, the ey and had not been able to do it, said, There you roe's egg of great ladies' assemblies, the subduer of were! You no sooner began to devote yourself to exclusiveness, the leveler of pride, the patron of pathe pursuit of wealth, than you got Pressure. The trons, the bargain-driver with a Minister for Lordidle people improved the occasion in a similar man- ships of the Circumlocution Office, the recipient of ner. See, said they, what you brought yourself to more acknowledgment within some ten or fifteen by work, work, work! You persisted in working, years, at most, than had been bestowed in England you overdid it, Pressure came on, and you were upon all peaceful public benefactors, and upon all done for! This consideration was very potent in the leaders of all the Arts and Sciences, with all many quarters, but nowhere more so than among their works to testify for them, during two centuries the young clerks and partners who had never been at least-he, the shining wonder, the new constellain the slightest danger of overdoing it. These, one tion to be followed by the wise men bringing gifts, and all declared, quite piously, that they hoped they until it stopped over certain carrion.at the bottom would never forget the warning as long as they. of a bath and disappeared-was simply the greatest lived, and that their conduct might be so regulated Forger and the greatest Thief that ever cheated the as to keep off Pressure, and preserve them, a com- gallows. fort to their friends, for many-years. But, at about the time of High,'Change, Pressure began to wane, and appalling whispers.to circulate, CHAPTER XXVI. east, west, north, and south. At first, they were faint, and went no further than a doubt whether REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. Mr. Merdle's wealth would be found to be as vast.iTITH a precursory sound of hurried breath and as had been supposed; whether there might not be V hurried feet, Mr. Pancks rushed into Arthur a temporary difficulty in "realizing" it; whether Clennam's Counting-house. The Inquest was over, there might not even be a temporary suspension the letter was public, the Bank was broken, the oth(say a month or so), on the part of the wonderful er model structures of straw had taken fire and were Bank. As the whispers became louder, which they turned to smoke. The admired piratical ship had did from that time every minute, they became more blown up, in the midst of a vast fleet of ships of all threatening. He had sprung from nothing, by no rates, and boats of all sizes; and on the deep was natural growth or process that any one could na- nothing but ruin: nothing but burning hulls, burst 1? UINED. 307 ing magazines, great guns self-exploded tearing ner!" That brought his head down on the desk friends and neighbors to pieces, drowning men cling- once more. ing to unseaworthy spars and going down every Their former attitudes and their former silence minute, spent swimmers, floating dead, and sharks. were once more first encroached upon by Pancks. The usual diligence and order of the Counting- "Not been to bed, sir, since it began to get about. house at the Works were overthrown. Unopened Been high and low, on the chance of finding some letters and unsorted papers lay strewn about the hope of saving any cinders from the fire. All in desk. In the midst of these tokens of prostrated vain. All gone. All vanished." energy and dismissed hope, the master of the Count- " I know it," returned Clennam, " too well." ing-house stood idle in his usual place, with his arms Mr. Pancks filled up a pause with a groan that crossed on the desk, and his head bowed down upon came out of the very depths of his soul. them. " Only yesterday, Pancks," said Arthur; " only yesMr. Pancks rushed in and saw him, and stood still. terday, Monday, I had the fixed intention of selling, In another minute, Mr. Pancks's arms were on the realizing, and making an end of it." desk, and Mr. Pancks's head was bowed down upon "I can't say as much for myself, sir," returned them; and for some time they remained in these at- Pancks. " Though it's wonderful how many people titudes, idle and silent, with the width of the little I've heard of, who were going to realize yesterday, room between them. of all days in the three hundred and sixty-five, if it Mr. Pancks was the first to lift up his head and hadn't been too late!" speak. His steam-like breathings, usually droll in their " I persuaded you to it, Mr. Clennam. I know it. effect, were more tragic than so many groans: while Say what you will. You can't say more to me than from head to foot, he was in that begrimed, besmearI say to myself. You can't say more than I de- ed, neglected state, that he might have been an anserve." thentic portrait of Misfortune which could scarcely " Oh Pancks, Paucks!" returned Clennam, "don't be discerned through its want of cleaning. speak of deserving. What do I, myself, deserve!" "Mr. Clennam, had you laid out - everything?" "Better luck," said Pancks. He got over the break before the last word, and also "I," pursued Clennam, without attending to him, brought out the last word itself with great difficulty. "who have ruined my partner! Paneks, Pancks, I " Every thing." have ruined Doyce! TheA'l:onest, self-helpful, in- Mr. Pancks took hold of his tough hair again, and defatigable old man, who has worked his way all gave it such a wrench that he pulled out several through his life; the man who has contended against prongs of it. After looking at these with an eye of so much disappointment, and who has brought out wild hatred, he put them in his pocket. of it such a good and. hopeful nature; the man I "My course," said Clennam, brushing away some have felt so much for, and meant to be so true and tears that had been silently dropping down his face, useful to; I have ruined him-brought him to shame "must be taken at once. What wretched amends and disgrace-ruined him, ruined him!" I can make must be made. I must clear my unforThe agony into which the reflection wrought his tunate partner's reputation. I must retain nothing mind was so distressing to see, that Mr. Pancks took for myself. I must resign to our creditors the powhold of himself by the hair of his head, and tore it er of management I have so much abused, and I in desperation at the spectacle. must work out as much of my fault-or crime-as " Reproach me!" cried Pancks. " Reproach me, is susceptible of being worked out in the rest of my sir, or I'll do myself an injury. Say, You fool, you days." villain. Say, Ass, how could you do it, Beast, what "Is it impossible, sir, to tide over the present?" did you mean by it! Catch hold of me somewhere. "Out of the question. Nothing can be tided over Say something abusive to me!" All the time, Mr. now, Pancks. The sooner the business can pass out Pancks was tearing at his tough hair in a most piti- of my hands, the better for it. There are engageless and cruel manner. ments to be met, this week, which would bring the "If you had never yielded to this fatal mania, catastrophe before many days were over, even if I Paicks," said Clennam, more in commiseration than would postpone it for a single day, by going on for retaliation, "it would have been how much better that space, secretly knowing what I know. All last for you, and how much better for me!" night I thought of what I would do; what remains "At me again, sir!" cried Pancks, grinding his is to do it." teeth in remorse. "At me again!" "Not entirely of yourself?" said Pancks, whose "If you had never gone into those accursed cal- face was as damp as if his steam were turning into culations, and brought out your results with such water as fast as he dismally blew it off. "Have some abominable clearness," groaned Clennam, "it would legal help." have been how much better for you, Pancks, and "Perhaps I had better." how much better for me!" "Have Rugg." "At me again, sir!" exclaimed Pancks, loosening "There is not much to do. He will do it as well lhis hold of his hair; "at me again, and again!" as another." Clennam, however, finding him already beginning "Shall I fetch Rugg, Mr. Clennam?" to be pacified, had said all he wanted to say, and "If you could spare the time, I should be much more. He wrung his hand, only adding, "Blind obliged to you." leaders of the blind, Pancks! Blind leaders of the Mr. Pancks put on his hat that moment, and blind! But Doyce, Doyce, Doyce; my injured part- steamed away to Pentonville. While he was gone 308 LITTLE DORBRIT. Arthur never raised his head from the desk, but re- shoulders. " Good, sir. Since the business is to be mained in that one position. done by some hands, let it be done by mine. Such Mr. Pancks brought his friend and professional was my principle in the case of Rugg and Bawkins. adviser, Mr. Rugg, back with him. Mr. Rugg had Such is my principle in most cases." had such ample experience, on the road, of Mr. Clennamn then proceeded to state to Mr. Rugg his Pancks being at that present in an irrational state fixed resolution. He told Mr. Rugg that his partner of mind, that he opened his professional mediation was a man of great simplicity and integrity, and by requesting that gentleman to take himself out that in all he meant to do, he was guided above all of the way. Mr. Pancks, crushed and submissive, things by a knowledge of his partner's character, obeyed. and a respect for his feelings. He explained that "He is not unlike what my daughter was, sir, his partner was then absent on an enterprise of imwhen we began the Breach of Promise action of portance, and that it particularly behooved himself Rugg and Bawkins, in which she was Plaintiff," said publicly to accept the blame of what he had rashly Mr. Rugg. "He takes too strong and direct an in- done, and publicly to exonerate his partner from all terest in the case. His feelings are worked upon. participation in the responsibility of it, lest the sucThere is no getting on, in our profession, with feel- cessful conduct of that enterprise should be endanings worked upon, sir." gered by the slightest suspicion wrongly attaching As he pulled off his gloves and put them in his to his partner's honor and credit in another country. hat, he saw, in a side glance or two, that a great He told Mr. Rugg that to clear his partner morally, change had come over his client. to the fullest extent, and publicly and unreservedly "I am sorry to perceive, sir," said Mr. Rugg, to declare that he, Arthur Clennam, of that Firm. "that you have been allowing your own feelings had of his own sole act, and even expressly against to be worked upon. Now, pray don't, pray don't. his partner's caution, embarked its. resources in the These losses are much to be deplored, sir, but we swindles that had lately perished, was the only real must look'em in the face." atonement within his power; was a better atone"If the money I have sacrificed had been all my ment to the particular man than it would be to many own, Mr. Rugg," sighed Mr. Clennam, "I should have men; and was therefore the atonement he had first cared far less." to make. With this view, his intention was to print " Indeed, sir?" said Mr. Rugg, rubbing his hands a declaration to the foregoing effect, which he had with a cheerful air. " You surprise me. That's sin- already drawn up; and, besides circulating it among gular, sir. I have generally found, in my experi- all who had dealings with the House, to advertise it ence, that it's their own money people are most par- in the public papers. Concurrently with this measticular about. I have seen people get rid of a good ure (the description of which cost Mr. Rugg innudeal of other people's money, and bear it very well: merable wry faces and great uneasiness in his limbs), very well indeed." he would address a letter to all the creditors, exonWith these comforting remarks, Mr. Rugg seated erating his partner in a solemn manner, informing himself on anl office-stool at the desk and proceeded them of the stoppage of the House until their pleasto business. ure could be known and his partner communicated "Now, Mr. Clennam, by your leave, let us go into with, and humbly submitting himself to their directhe matter. Let us see the state of the case. The tion. If, through their consideration for his partquestion is simple. The question is the usual plain, ner's innocence, the affairs could ever be got into straightforward, common-sense question. What can such train as that the business could be profitably we do for ourself? What can we do for ourself?" resumed, and. his present downfall overcome, then " This is not the question with me, Mr. Rugg," said his own share in it should revert to his partner, as Arthur. " You mistake it in the beginning. It is, the only reparation he could make to him in money what can I do for my partner, how can I best make value for the distress and loss he had unhappily reparation to him?" brought upon him, and he himself, at as small a sal" I am afraid, sir, do you know," argued Mr. Rugg, ary as he could live upon, would ask. to be allowed persuasively, "that you are still allowing your feel- to serve the business as a faithful clerk. ings to be worked upon. I don't like the term' rep- Though Mr. Rugg saw plainly there was no pre-, aration,' sir, except as a lever in the hands of coun- venting this from being done, still the wryness of sel. Will you excuse my saying that I feel it my his face and the uneasiness of his limbs so sorely reduty to offer you the caution, that you really must quired the propitiation of a Protest, that he made one. not allow your feelings to be worked upon?" "I offer no objection, sir," said he, " I argue no point " Mr. Rugg," said Clennam, nerving himself to go with you. I will carry out your views, sir; but, unthrough with what he had resolved upon, and sur- der protest." Mr. Rugg then stated, not without prising that gentleman by appearing, in his despond- prolixity, the heads of his protest. These were in ency, to have a settled determination of purpose; effect, Because the whole town, or he might say the "you give me the impression that you will not be whole country, was in the first madness of the late much disposed to adopt the course I have made up discovery, and the resentment against the victims my mind to take. If your disapproval of it should would be very strong: those who had not been derender you unwilling to discharge such business as luded being certain to wax exceeding wroth with it necessitates, I am sorry for it, and must seek oth- them for not having been as wise as they were: and er aid. But, I will represent to you at once, that to those who had been deluded being certain to find argue against it with me is useless." excuses and reasons for themselves, of which they "Goody sir," answered Mr. Rugg, shrugging his were equally certain to see that other sufferers were THE OLD MABRSHALSEA. 309 wholly devoid; not to mention the great probabili- only wish is, that it should be over. I will go on, ty of every individual sufferer persuading himself, and take my chance." to his violent indignation, that but for the example "Another word of reason, sir!" cried Mr. Rugg. of all the other sufferers he never would have put "Now, this is reason. The other may be taste; but himself in the way of suffering.' Because such a dec- this is reason. If you should be taken on the little laration as Clennam's, made at such a time, would one, sir, you would go to the Marshalsea. Now, you certainly draw down upon him a storm of animosity, know what the Marshalsea is. Very close. Excessrendering it impossible to calculate on forbearance ively confined. Whereas in the King's Bench —" in the creditors, or on unanimity among them; and Mr. Rugg waved his right hand freely, as expressing exposing him a solitary target to a straggling cross- abundance of space. fire, which might bring him down from half a dozen "I would rather," said Clennam, "be taken to the quarters at once. Marshalsea than to any other prison." To all this Clennam merely replied that, granting "Do you say so, indeed, sir?" returned Mr. Rugg. the whole protest, nothing in it lessened the force, or "Then this is taste, too, and we may be walking." could lessen the force, of the voluntary and public He was a little offended at first, but he soon overexoneration of his partner. He therefore, once for looked it. They walked through the Yard to the all, requested Mr. Rugg's immediate aid in getting other end. The Bleeding Hearts were more interthe business dispatched. Upon that, Mr. Rugg fell ested in Arthur since his reverses than formerly: to work; and Arthur, retaining no property to him- now regarding him as one who was true to the place self but his clothes and books, and a little loose and had taken up his freedom. Many of them came money, placed his small private banker's account out to look after him, and to observe to one another, with the papers of the business. with great unctuousness, that he was "pulled down The disclosure was made, and the storm raged by it." Mrs. Plornish and her father stood at the fearfully. Thousands of people were wildly staring top of the steps at their own end, much depressed, about for somebody alive to heap reproaches on; and shaking their heads. and this notable case, courting publicity, set the liv- There was nobody visible in waiting when Arthur ing somebody so much wanted, on a scaffold. When and Mr. Rugg arrived at the Counting-house. But, people who had nothing to do with the case were so an elderly member of the Jewish persuasion, presensible of its flagrancy, people who lost money by served in rum, followed them close, and looked in at it could scarcely be expected to deal mildly with it. the glass before Mr. Rugg had opened one of the Letters of reproach and invective showered in from day's letters. "Oh!" said Mr. Rugg, looking up. the creditors; and Mr. Rugg, who sat upon the high "How do you do? Step in.-Mr. Clennam, I think stool every day and read them all, informed his cli- this is the gentleman I was mentioning." ent within a week that he feared there were writs The gentleman explained the object of his visit to out. be "a tyfling madder ob bithznithz," and executed "I must takle the consequences of what I have his legal function. done," said Clennam. " The writs will find me here." "Shall I accompany you, Mr. Clennam?" asked On the very next morning, as he was turning in Mr. Rngg politely, rubbing his hands. Bleeding Heart Yard by Mrs. Plornish's corner, Mrs. "I would rather go alone, thank you. Be so good Plornish stood at the door waiting for him, and nlys- as send me my clothes." Mr. Rugg in a light airy teriously besought him to step into Happy Cottage. way replied in the affirmative, and shook hands with There he found Mr. Rugg. him. He and his attendant then went down stairs, "I thought I'd wait for you here. I wouldn't go got into the first conveyance they found, and drove on to the Counting-house this morning if I was you, to the old gates. sir." " Where I little thought, Heaven forgive me," said "Why not, Mr. Rugg?" Clennam to himself, " that I should ever enter thus!" "There are as many as five out, to my knowledge." Mr. Chivery was on the Lock, and Young John "It can not be too soon over," said Clennam. was ini the Lodge: either newly released from it, or "Let them take me at once." waiting to take his own spell of duty. Both were " Yes, but," said Mr. Rugg, getting between him more astonished on seeing who the new prisoner was, and the door, "hear reason, hear reason. They'll than one might have thought turnkeys would have take you soon -enough, Mr. Clennam, I don't doubt; been. The elder Mr. Chivery shook hands with him but, hear reason. It almost always happens, in these in a shame-faced kind of way, and said, " I don't call cases, that some insignificant matter pushes itself in to mind, sir, as I was ever less glad to see you." front and makes much of itself. Now, I find there's The younger Mr. Chivery, more distant, did not shake a little one out-a mere Palace Court jurisdiction- hands with him at all; he stood looking at him in a and I have reason to believe that a caption may be state o4 indecision so observable, that it even came made upon that. I wouldn't be taken upon that." withinthe observation of Clennam with his heavy "Why not?" asked Clennam. eyes and heavy heart. Presently afterward, Young " I'd be taken on a full-grown one, sir," said Mr. John disappeared into the jail. Rugg. "It's as well to keep up appearances. "As As Clennam knew enough of the place to know your professional adviser, I should prefer your being that he was required to remain in the Lodge a certaken on a writ from one of the Superior Courts, if tain time, he took a seat in a corner, and feigned to you have no objection to do me that favor. It looks be occupied with the perusal of letters from his better." pocket. They did not so engross his attention, but "Mr. Rugg," said Arthur, in his dejection, "my that he saw, with gratitude, how the elder Mr. Chiv 310 LITTLE DORRIT. ery kept the Lodge clear of prisoners; how he sign- CHAPTER XXVII. ed to some, with his keys, not to come in, how he nudged others with his elbow to go out, and how he made his misery as easy to him as he could. "HE day was sunny, and the Marshalsea, with the Arthur was sitting with his eyes fixed on the floor, l hot noon striking upon it, was unwontedly quirecalling the past, brooding over the present, and et. Arthur Clennam dropped into a solitary armnot attending to either, when he felt himself touched chair, itself as faded as any debtor in the jail, and upon the shoulder. It was by Young John; and he yielded himself to his thoughts. said, "You can come now." In the unnatural peace of having gone through He got up and followed Young John. When they the dreadful arrest, and got there-the first change had gone a step or two within the inner iron gate, of feeling which the prison most commonly induced, Young John turned and said to him: and from which dangerous resting-place so many " You want a room. I have got you one." men had slipped down to the depths of degradation " I thank you heartily." and disgrace, by so many ways-he could think of Young John turned again, and took him in at the some passages in his life, almost as if he were re-,-Ber n t' / THE PUPIL OF TME MARSHALSII. old door-way, up the old staircase, into the old room. moved from them into another state of existence. Arthur stretched out his hand. Young John looked Taking into account where he was, the interest that at it, looked at him-sternly-swelled, choked, and had first brought him there when he had been free said: to keep away, and the gentle presence that was "I don't know as I can. No, I find I can't. But, I equally inseparable from the walls and bars about thought you'd like the room, and here it is for you." him and from the impalpable remembrances of his Surprise at this inconsistent behavior yielded later life which no walls or bars could imprison, it when he was gone (he went away directly)*.o the was not remarkable that every thing his memory feelings which the empty room awakened in Clen- turned upon should bring him round again to Litnam's wounded breast, and to the crowding associa- tle Dorrit. Yet it was remarkable to him; not betions with the one good and gentle creature who cause of the fact itself; but because of the remindhad sanctified it. Her absence in his altered for- er it brought with it, how much the dear little creatunes made it, and him in it, so very desolate and so ture had influenced his better resolutions. much in need of such a face of love and truth, that None of us clearly know to whom or to what we he turned against the wall to weep, sobbing out, as are indebted in this wise, until some marked stop in his heart relieved itself, "Oh, my Little Dorrit!" the whirling wheel of life brings the right percep YOUNG JO-HN'S APARTMENT. 311 tion with it. It comes with sickness, it comes with With this mysterious speech, Mr. Chivery took his sorrow, it comes with the loss of the dearly loved, it ear away and shut the door. He might have been is one of the most frequent uses of adversity. It gone ten minutes, when his son succeeded him. came to Clennam in his adversity, strongly and ten- "Here's your portmanteau," he said to Arthur, derly. " When I first gathered myself together," putting it carefillly down. he thought, "and set something like purpose before "It's very kind of you. I am ashamed that you my jaded eyes, whom had I before me, toiling on, for should have the trouble." a good object's sake, without encouragement, with- He was gone before it came to that; but soon reout notice, against ignoble obstacles that would turned, saying exactly as before, "Here's your black have turned an army of received heroes and hero- box;" which he also put down with care. ines? One weak girl! When I tried to conquer " I am very sensible of this attention. I hope we my misplaced love, and to be generous to the man may shake hands now, Mr. John." who was more fortunate than I, though he should Young John, however, drew back, turning his right never know it or repay me with a gracious word, wrist in a socket made of his left thumb and middle in whom had I watched patience, self-denial, self- finger, and said as he had said at first, " I don't know subdual, charitable construction, the noblest gener- as I can. No; I find I can't!" He then stood reosity of the affections? In the same poor girl! If garding the prisoner sternly, though with a swellI, a man, with a man's advantages and means and ing humor in his eyes that looked like pity. energies, had slighted the whisper in my heart, that "Why are you angry with me," said Clennam, if my father had erred, it was my first duty to con- "and yet so ready to do me these kind services? ceal the fault and to repair it, what youthful figure There must be some mistake between us. If I have with tender feet going almost bare on the damp done any thing to occasion it, I am sorry." ground, with spare hands ever working, with its "No mistake, sir," returned John, turning the slight shape but half protected from the sharp wrist backward and forward in the socket, for weather, would have stood before me to put me to which it was rather tight. "No mistake, sir, in shame? Little Dorrit's." So always, as he sat the feelings with which my eyes behold you at the alone in the faded chair, thinking. Always, Little present moment! If I was at all fairly equal to Dorrit. Until it seemed to him as if he met the re- your weight, Mr. Clennam —which I am not; and if ward of having wandered away from her, and suf- you weren't under a cloud-which you are; and if fered any thing to pass between him and his re- it wasn't against all rules of the Marshalsea-which membrance of her virtues. it is; those feelings are such, that they would stimHis door was opened, and the head of the elder nlate me, more to having it out with you in a Round Chivery was put in a very little way, without being on the present spot, than to any thing else I could turned toward him. name." " I am off the Lock, Mr. Clennam, and going out. Arthur looked at him for a moment in some wonCan I do any thing for you?" der, and some little anger. "Well, well!" he said. "Many thanks. Nothing." "A mistake, a mistake!" Turning away, he sat "You'll excuse me opening the door," said Mr. down, with a heavy sigh, in the faded chair again. Chivery; " but I couldn't make you hear." Young John followed him with his eyes, and. after "Did you knock?" a short pause, cried out, "I beg your pardon!" " Half a dozen times." " Freely granted," said Clennam, waving his hand, Rousing himself, Clennam observed that the pris- without raising his sunken head. " Say no more. I on had awakened from its noontide doze, that the am not worth it." inmates were loitering about the shady yard, and. "This furniture, sir," said Young John, in a voice that it was late in the afternoon. He had been of mild and soft explanation, "belongs to me. I am thinking for hours. in the habit of letting it out to parties without fur"' Your things is come," said Mr. Chivery, " and my niture, that have the room. It ain't much, but it's son is going to carry'em up. I should have sent at your service. Free, I mean. I could not think'em up, but for his wishing to carry'em himself. of letting you have it on any other terms. You're Indeed he would have'em himself, and so I couldn't welcome to it for nothing." send'em up. Mr. Clennam, could I say a word to Arthur raised his head again, to thank him, and you?" to say he could not accept the favor. John Was "Pray come in," said Arthur; for, Mr. Chivery's still turning his wrist, and still contending with head was still put in at the door a very little way, himself in his former divided manner. and Mr. Chivery had but one ear upon him, instead "What is the matter between us?" said Arthur. of both eyes. This was native delicacy in Mr. "I decline to name it, sir," returned Young John, Chivery-true politeness; though his exterior had suddenly turning loud and sharp. "Nothing's the very much of a turnkey about it, and not the least matter." of a gentleman. Arthur looked at him again, in vain, for an ex"Thank you, sir," said Mr. Chivery, without ad- planation of his behavior. After a while, Arthur vancing; "it's no odds me coming in. Mr. Clen- turned away his head again. Young John said, nam, don't you take no notice of my son (if you'll presently afterward, with the utmost mildness: be so good) in case you find him cut up anyways "The little round table, sir, that's nigh your elbow, difficult. My son has a art, and my son's art is in was-you know whose-I needn't mention him —he the right place. Me and his mother knows where died a great gentleman. I bought it of an individto find it, and we find it sitiwated correct." ual that he gave it to, and that lived here after him. 312 LITTLE DORRIT. But the individual wasn't any ways equal to him. "I see you recollect the room, Mr. Clennam?" Most individuals would find it hard. to come up to "I recollect it well, Heaven bless her!" his level." Oblivious of the tea, Young John continued to Arthur drew the little table nearer, rested his arm bite his fingers and to look at his visitor, as long as upon it, and kept it there. his visitor continued to glance about the room. "Perhaps you may not be aware, sir," said Young Finally, he made a start at the tea-pot, gustily ratJohn, " that I intruded upon him when he was over tied a quantity of tea into it from a canister, and here in London. On the whole, he was of opinion set off for the common kitchen to fill it with hot that it weas an intrusion, though he was so good as water. to ask me to sit down and to inquire after father The room was so eloquent to Clennam, in the and all other old friends. Leastways humblest ac- changed circumstances of his return to the miserquaintances. He looked, to me, a good deal changed, able Marshalsea; it spoke to him so mournfully of and I said so when I came back. I asked him if Miss her: and of his loss of her; that it would have gone Amy was well-" hard with him to resist it, even though he had not "And she was?" been alone. Alone, he did not try. He laid his hand "I should have thought you would have known on the insensible wall, as tenderly as if it had been without putting the question to such as me," re- herself that he touched, and pronounced her name turned Young John, after appearing to take a large in a low voice. He stood at the window, looking invisible pill. " Since you do put me the question, over the prison parapet with its grim spiked borI am sorry I can't answer it. But the truth is, he der, and breathed a benediction through the summer looked upon the inquiry as a liberty, and said,' What haze toward the distant land where she was rich and was that to me?' It was then I became quite aware prosperous. I was intruding: of which I had been fearful before. Young John was some time absent, and, when he However, he spoke very handsome afterward; very came back showed that he had been outside, by handsome." bringing with him fresh butter in a cabbage-leaf, They were both silent for several minutes: except some thin slices of boiled ham in another cabbagethat Young John remarked, at about the middle of leaf, and a little basket of water-cresses and salad the pause, "He both spoke and acted very hand- herbs. When these were arranged upon the table some." to his satisfaction, they sat down to tea. It was again Young John who broke the silence, Clennam tried to do honor to the meal, but unby inquiring: availingly. The ham sickened him, the bread seemed " If it's not a liberty, how long may it be your in- to turn to sand in his mouth. He could force nothtentions, sir, to go without eating and drinking?" ing upon himself but a cup of tea. " I have not felt the want of any thing yet," re-'Try a little something green," said Young John, turned Clennam. " I have no appetite just now." handing him the basket. " The more reason why you should take some sup- He took a sprig or so of water-cress, and tried port, sir," urged Young John. " If you find yourself again; but, the bread turned to a heavier sand than going on sitting here for hours and hours partaking before, and the ham (though it was good enough of of no refreshment because you have no appetite, why itself) seemed to blow a faint simoom of ham through then you should and must partake of refreshment the whole Marshalsea. without an appetite. I'm going to have tea in my "Try a little more something green, sir," said own apartment. If it's not a liberty, please to come Young John; and again handed the basket. and take a cup. Or I can bring a tray here, in two It was so like handing green meat into the cage minutes." of a dull imprisoned bird, and John had so evidentFeelingthat Young John would impose that trouble ly brought the little basket as a handful of fresh reon himself if he refused, and also feeling anxious to lief from the stale hot paving-stones and bricks of show that he bore in mind both the elder Mr. Chiv- the jail, that Clennam said, with a smile, "It was ery's entreaty, and the younger Mr. Chivery's apol- very kind of you to think of putting this between ogy, Arthur rose and expressed his willingness to the wires; but I can not even get this down totake a cup of tea in Mr. John's apartment. Young day." John locked his door for him as they went out, slided As if the difficulty was contagious, Young John the key into his pocket with great dexterity, and led soon pushed away his own plate, and fell to foldthe way to his own residence. ilg the cabbage-leaf that had contained the ham. It was at the top of the house nearest to the gate- When he had folded it into a number of layers, one way. It was the room to which Clennam had hur- over another, so that it was small in the palm of his ried, on the day when the enriched family had left hand, he began to flatten it between both his hands, the prison forever, and where he had lifted her in- and to eye Clennam attentively. sensible from the floor. He foresaw where they "I wonder," he at length said, compressing his were going, as soon as their feet touched the stair- green packet with some force, " that if it's not worth case. The room was so far changed that it was your while to take care of yourself for your own papered now, and had been repainted, and was far sake, it's not worth doing for some one else's." more comfortably furnished; but, he could recall it " Truly," returned Arthur, with a sigh and a smile, just as he had seen it in that single glance, when he "I don't know for whose." raised her from the ground and carried her clown to "Mr. Clennam," said John, warmly, "I am sullrthe carriage. prised that a gentleman who is capable of the Young John looked hard at him, biting his fingers. straightforwardness that you are capable of, should JOHN CHIIVERY INATCOHERENT. 313 be capable of the mean action of making me such Ridiculous as the incoherence of his talk was, an answer. Mr. Clennam, I am surprised that a there was yet a truthfulness in Young John's simgentleman who is capable of having a heart of his ple, sentimental character, and a sense of being own, should be capable of the heartlessness of treat- wounded in some very tender respect, expressed in ing mine in that way. I am astonished at it, sir. his burning face and in the agitation of his voice Really and truly I am astonished!" and manner, which Arthur must have been cruel Having got upon his feet to emphasize his con- to disregard. He turned his thoughts back to the eluding words, Young John sat down again, and fell starting-point of this unknown injury; and in the to- rolling his green packet on his right leg; never mean time Young John, having rolled his green packtaking his eyes off Clennam, but surveying him with et pretty round, cut it carefully into three pieces, a fixed look of indignant reproach. and laid it on a plate as if it were some particular "I had got over it, sir," said John. "I had con- delicacy. quered it, knowing that it must be conquered, and "It seems to me just possible," said Arthur, when had come to the resolution to think no more about he had retraced the conversation to the water-cresses it. I shouldn't have given my mind to it again, I and back again, " that you have made some reference hope, if to this prison you had not been brought, to Miss Dorrit." and in an hour unfortunate for me, this day. (In "It is just possible, sir," returned John Chivery. his agitation Young John adopted his mother's pow- "I don't understand it. I hope I nlay not be so erful construction of sentences.) " When you first unlucky as to make you think I mean to offend you came upon me, sir, in the Lodge, this day, nlore as again, for I never have meant to offend you yet, if a Upas-tree had been made a capture of than a when I say I don't understand it." private defendant, such mingled streams of feelings " Sir," said Young John, " will you have the perbroke loose again within me, that every thing was fidy to deny that you know and long have known for the first few minutes swept away before them, that I felt toward Miss Dorrit, call it not the preand I was going round and round in a vortex. I sumption of love, but adoration and sacrifice?" got out of it. I struggled, and got out of it. If it " Indeed, John, I will not have any perfidy if I was the last word I had to speak, against that vor- know it; why you should suspect me of it I am at tex with my utmost powers I strove, and out of it I a loss to think. pid you ever hear from Mrs. Chivcame. I argued that if I had been rude, apologies ery, your mother, that I went to see her once?" was due, and those apologies without a question of "No, sir," returned John, shortly. "Never heard demeaning, I did make. And now, when I've been of such a thing." so wishful to show that one thought is next to be- " But I did. Can you imagine why?" ing a holy one with me and goes before all others — "No, sir," returned John, shortly. "I can't imagnow, after all, you dodge me when I ever so gently ine why." hint a~t it, and throw me back upon myself. For, do " I will tell you. I was solicitous to promote Miss not, sir," said Young John, "ldo not be so base as to Dorrit's happiness; and if I could have supposed deny that dodge you do, and thrown me back upon that Miss Dorrit returned your affection-" myself you have!" Poor John Chivery turned crimson to the tips of All amazement, Arthur gazed at him, like one his ears. "Miss Dorrit never did, sir. I wish to be lost, only saying, "What is it? What do you mean, honorable and true, so far as in my humble way I John?" But, John, being in that state of mind in can, and I would scorn to pretend for a moment that which nothing would seem to be more impossible to she ever did, or that she ever led me to believe she a certain class of people than the giving of an an- did; no, nor even that it was ever to be expected in swer, went ahead blindly. any cool reason that she would or could. She was "I hadn't," John declared, "no, I hadn't, and I far above me in all respects at all times. As likenever had, the audaciousness to think, I am sure, wise," added John, "similarly was her gen-teel fainmthat all was any thing but lost. I hadn't, no, why ily." should I say I hadn't if I ever had, any hope that it His chivalrous feeling toward all that belonged was possible to be so blessed, not after the words to her, made him so very respectable, in spite of his that passed, not even if barriers insurmountable had small stature and his rather weak legs, and his very not been raised! But, is that a reason why I am weak hair, and his poetical temperament, that a Goto have no memory, why I am to have no thoughts, liath might have sat in his place demanding less why I am to have no sacred spots, nor any thing?" consideration at Arthur's hands. "What can you mean?" cried Arthur. " You speak, John," he said, with cordial admira"It's all very well to trample on it, sir," John went tion, " like a Man." on, scouring a very prairie of wild words, "if a per- "Well, sir," returned John, brushing his hand across son can make up his mind to be guilty of the action. his eyes," then I wish you'd do the same." It's all very well to trample on it, but it's there. It He was quick with this unexpected retort, and it may be that it couldn't be trampled upon if it wasn't again made Arthur regard him with a wondering exthere. But, that doesn't make it gentlemanly, that pression of face. doesn't make it honorable, that doesn't justify throw- "Leastways," said John, stretching his hand across ing a person back upon himself after he has strug- the tea-tray, "if too strong a remark, withdrawn! gled and strived out of himself like a butterfly. But, why not, why not? When I say to you, Mr. The world may sneer at a turnkey, but he's a man Clenuam, take care of yourself for some one else's -when he isn't a woman, which among female crim- sake, why not be open though a turnkey? Why inals he's expected to be." did I get you the room which I knew you'd like 314 LITTLE DORRIT. best? Why did I carry up your things? Not that returned, "Your fancy. You are completely misI found'em heavy; I don't mention'em on that ac- taken." counts; far from it. Why have I cultivated you in "I mistaken, sir!" said Young John. "I completethe manner I have done, since the morning? On ly mistaken on that subject! No, Mr. Clennam, the ground of your own merits? No. They're very don't tell me so. On any other, if you like, for I great, I've no doubt at all; but not on the ground don't set up to be a penetrating character, and am of them. Another's merits have had their weight, well aware of my own deficiencies. But, I mistaken and have had far more weight with Me. Then why on a point that has caused me more smart in my not speak free?" breast than a flight of savages' arrows could have " Unaffectedly, John," said Clennam, " you are so done! I mistaken on a point that almost sent me good a fellow, and I have so true a respect for your into my grave, as I sometimes wish it would, if the character, that if I have appeared to be less sensible grave could; only have been made compatible with than I really am, of the fact that the kind services the tobacco business and father and mother's feelyou have rendered me to-day are attributable to my ings! I mistaken on a point that, even at the preshaving been trusted by Miss Dorrit as her friend — ent moment, makes me take out my pocket-handI confess it to be a fault, and I ask your forgive- kerchief like a great girl, as people say: though I ness." am sure I don't know why a great girl should be a " Oh! why not," John repeated with returning term of reproach, for every rightly constituted male scorn, " why not speak free!" mind loves'em great and small. Don't tell me so, "I declare to you," returned Arthur, "that I do don't tell me so!" not understand you. Look at me. Consider the Still highly respectable at bottom, though absurd trouble I have been in. Is it likely that I would enough upon the surface, Young John took out his willfully add to my other self-reproaches, that of be- pocket-handkerchief with a genuine absence both of ing ungrateful or treacherous to you? I do not un- display and concealment, which is only to be seen derstand you." in a man with a great deal of good in him, when he John's incredulous face slowly softened into a face takes out his pocket-handkerchief for the purpose of doubt. He rose, backed into the garret-window of wiping his eyes. Having dried them, and inof the room, beckoned Arthur t(q come there, and dulged in the harmless luxury of a sob and a sniff, stood looking at him thoughtfully. he put it up again. "Mr. Clennam, do you mean to say that you don't The touch was still in its influence so like a blow, know?" that Arthur could not get many words together to "What, John?" close the subject with. He assured John Chivery "Lord," said Young John, appealing with a gasp when he had returned his handkerchief to his pocket, to the spikes on the wall. "He says, What!" that he did all honor to his disinterestedness and to Clennam looked at the spikes, and looked at John; the fidelity of his remembrance of Miss Dorrit. As and looked at the spikes, and looked at John. to the impression on his mind, of which he had just 1" He says What! And what is more," exclaimed relieved it-here John interposed, and said, " No imYoung John, surveying him in a doleful maze, " he pression! Certainty!"-as to that, they might perappears to mean it! Do you see this window, sir?" haps speak of it at another time, but would say no "Of course I see this window." more now. Feeling low-spirited and weary, he would "See this room?" go back to his room, with John's leave, and come "Why, of course I see this room." out no more that night. John assented, and he "Thatwallopposite, and clthatyard below? They crept back in the shadow of the wall to his own have all been witnesses of it, from day to day, from lodging. night to night, from week to week, from month to The feeling of the blow was still so strong upon month. For, how often have I seen Miss Dorrit here him, that when the dirty old woman was gone whom when she has not seen me!" he found sitting on the stairs outside his door, wait" Witness of what?" said Clennam. ing to make his bed, and who gave him to under" Of Miss Dorrit's love." stand while doing it that shehad received her instruc"For whom?" tions from Mr. Chivery, "not the old'un but the young "You," said John. And touched him with the'unu," he sat down in the faded arm-chair, pressing back of his hand upon the breast, and backed to his his head between his hands, as if he had been stunchair, and sat down in it with a pale face, holding ned. Little Dorrit love him! More bewildering to the arms, and shaking his head at him. him than his misery, far.' If he had dealt Clennam a heavy blow, instead of Consider the improbability. He had been accuslaying that light touch upon him, its effect could tomed to call her his child, and his dear child, and not have been to shake him more. He stood to invite her confidence by dwelling upon the differamazed; his eyes looked at John; his lips parted, ence in their respective ages, and to speak of himand seeming now and then to form the word " Me!" self as one who was turning old. Yet she might not without uttering it; his hands dropped at his sides: have thought him old. Something reminded him his whole appearance that of a man who has been that he had not thought himself so, until the roses awakened from sleep, and stupefied by intelligence had floated away ijpon the river. beyond his full comprehension. He had her two letters among other papers in his "Me!" he at length said aloud. box, and he took them out and read them. There "Ah!" groaned Young John. "You!" seemed to be a sound in them like the sound of her He did what he could to muster a smile, and sweet voice. It fell upon his ear with many tones .MRS. PLORNIFSH ILN CONFIRMATION. 315 of tenderness, that were not insusceptible of the new what a sweet singer father is; but he couldn't get a meaning. Now, it was that the quiet desolation of note out for the children at tea, if you'll credit what her answer, "No, No, No," made to him that very I tell you." night in that very room-that night, when he had While speaking, Mrs. Plornish shook her head, and been shown the dawn of her altered fortune, and wiped her eyes, and looked retrospectively about the when other words had passed between them which room. he had been destined to remember, in humiliation " As to Mr. Baptist," pursued Mrs. Plornish, " whatand a prisoner, rushed into his mind. ever he'll do when he comes to know of it, I can't Consider the improbability. conceive nor yet imagine. He'd have been here beBut, it had a preponderating tendency, when con- fore now, you may be sure, but that he's away on sidered, to become fainter. There was another and confidential business of your own. The persevering a curious inquiry of his own heart's that concurrent- manner in which he follows up that business, and ly became stronger. In the reluctance he had felt gives himself no rest from it-it really do," said Mrs. to believe that she loved any one; in his desire to Plornish, winding up in the Italian manner, " as I set that question at rest; in a half-formed conscious- say to him, Mooshattonisha padrona." ness he had had, that there would be a kind of Though not conceited, Mrs. Plornish felt that she nobleness in his helping her love for any one; was had turned this Tuscan sentence with peculiar elethere no suppressed something on his own side that gance. Mr. Plornish could not conceal his exultation he had hushed as it arose? Had he ever whispered in her accomplishments as a linguist. to himself that he must not think of such a thing as " But what I say is, Mr. Clennam," the good worrmher loving him, that he must not take advantage of an went on, " there's always something to be thankher gratitude, that he must keep his experience in ful for, as I am sure you will yourself admit. Speakremembrance as a warning and reproof; that he must ing in this room, it's not hard to think what the presregard such youthful hopes as having passed away, ent something is. It's a thing to be thankful for, as his fiiend's dead daughter had passed away; that indeed, that Miss Dorrit is not here to know it." he must be steady in saying to himself that the time Arthur thought she looked at him with particular had gone by him, and he was too saddened and old? expression. He had kissed her when he raised her from the "It's a thing," reiterated Mrs. Plornish, "to be ground, on the day when she had been so consistent- thankful for, indeed, that Miss Dorrit is far away. ly and expressively forgotten. Quite as he might It's to be hoped she is not likely to hear of it. If she have kissed her, if she had been conscious? No dif- had been here to see it, sir, it's not to be doubted that ference? the sight of you," Mrs. Plornish repeated those words The darkness found him occupied with these — 6 not to be doubted, that the sight of you-in nmisthoughts. The darkness also found Mr. and Mrs. fortune and trouble, would have been almost too Plornish knocking at his door. They brought with much for her affectionate heart. There's nothing I them a basket, filled with choice selections from can think of, that would have touched Miss Dorrit so that stock in trade which met with such a quick bad as that." sale and produced such a slow return. Mrs. Plornish Of a certainty Mrs. Plornish did look at him now, was affected to tears. Mr. Plornish amiably growl- with a sort of quivering defiance in her friendly ed, in his philosophical but not lucid manner, that emotion. there was ups you see, and there was downs. It " Yes!" said she.'" And it shows what notice fawas in wain to ask why ups, why downs; there they ther takes, though at his time of life, that he says was, you know. He had heerd it given for a truth to me this afternoon, which Happy Cottage knows I that accordin' as the world went round, which round neither make it up nor anyways enlarge,' Mary, it's it did rewolve undoubted, even the best of gentle- much to be rejoiced in that Miss Dorrit is not on men must take his turn of standing with his ed the spot to behold it.' Those were father's words. upside down and all his air a-flying the wrong way Father's own words was,'Much to be rejoiced in, into what you might call Space. Wery well then Mary, that Miss Dorrit is not on the spot to behold What Mr. Plornish said was, wery well then. That it.' I says to father then, I says to him,' Father you gentleman's ed would come up'ards when his turn are right!' That," Mrs. Plornish concluded, with come, that gentleman's air would be a pleasure to the air of a very precise legal witness, " is what passlook upon being all smooth again, and wery well ed betwixt father and me. And I tell you nothing then! but what did pass betwixt me and father." It has been already stated that Mrs. Plornish, not Mr. Plornish, as being of a more laconic temperabeing philosophical, wept. It further happened ment, embraced this opportunity of interposing with that Mrs. Plornish, not being philosophical, was in- the suggestion that she should now leave Mr. Clentelligible. It may have arisen out of her softened nam to himself. "For, you see," said Mr. Plornish, state of mind, out of her sex's wit, out of a woman's gravely, "I know what it is, old gal;" repeating quick association of ideas, or out of a woman's no that valuable remark several times, as if it appeared association of ideas, but it further happened some- to him to include some great moral secret. Finally, how that Mrs. Plornish's intelligibility displayed it- the worthy couple went away arm in arm. self upon the very subject of Arthur's meditations. Little Dorrit, Little Doriit. Again, for hours. "The way father has been talking about you, Mr. Always Little Dorrit! Clennam," said Mrs. Plornish, "you hardly would believe. It's made him quite poorly. As to his Happily, if it ever had been so, it was over, and voice, this misfortune has took it away. You know bettei' over. Granted, that she had loved him) and 316 LITTLE DORRIT. he had known it and had suffered himself to love of the influences of imprisonment within the four her, what a road to have led her away upon-the small walls of the very room he occupied, this conroad that would have brought her back to this mis- sciousness made him afraid of himself. Shrinking erable place! He ought to be much comforted by from the observation of other men, and shrillking the reflection that she was quit of it forever; that from his own, he began to change very sensibly. she was, or would soon be, married (vague rumors of Any body might see that the shadow of the wall was her father's projects in that direction had reached dark upon him. Bleeding Heart Yard, with the news of her sister's One day when he might have been some ten or marriage); and that the Marshalsea gate had shut twelve weeks in jail, and when he had been trying forever on all those perplexed possibilities, of a time to read and had not been able to release even the that was gone. imaginary people of the book from the Marshalsea, Dear Little Dorrit. a footstep stopped at his door, and a hand tapped at Looking back upon his own poor story, she was it. He arose and opened it, and an agreeable voice its vanishing-point. Every thing in its perspective accosted him with " How do you do, Mr. Clennam? led to her innocent figure. He had traveled thou- I hope I am not unwelcome in calling to see you." sands of miles toward it; previous unquiet hopes and It was the sprightly young Barnacle, Ferdinand. doubts had worked themselves out before it; it was He looked very good-natured and prepossessing, the centre of the interest of his life; it was the ter- though overpoweringly gay and free, in contrast mination of every thing that was good and pleasant with the squalid prison. in it; beyond there was nothing but mere waste and "You are surprised to see me, Mr. Clennam," he darkened sky. said, taking the seat which Clenuam offered him. As ill at ease as on the first night of his lying "I must confess to being much surprised.2" down to sleep within those dreary walls, he wore the "Not disagreeably, I hope?" night out with such thoughts. What time Young "By no means." John lay wrapped in peaceful slumber, after compos- "Thank you. Frankly," said the engaging young ing and arranging the following monumental inscrip- Barnacle, "I have been excessively sorry to hear tion on his pillow: that you were under the necessity of a temporary STRANGER! retirement here, and I hope (of course as between two private gentlemen) that our place has had nothRESPECT THE TOMB OF ing to do with it?" JOHN CHIVERY, JUNIOR, "Your office?" WHO DIED AT AN ADVANCED AGE 1 "Our Circumlocution place." NOT NECESSARY TO MENTION. I"I can not charge any part of my reverses upon HE ENCOUNTERED HIS RIVAL IN A DISTRESSED STATE, that remarkable establishment.' AND FELT INCLINEnD 1 Upon my life," said the vivacious young BarnaTO HAVE A ROUND WITH HIM; cle, " I am heartily glad to know it. It is quite a BUT, FOR THE SAKE OF THE LOVED ONE, relief to me to hear you say it. I should have so CONQUERED THOSE FEELINGS OF BITTERNESS, AND BECAME ceedingly regretted our place aving ad ay exceedingly regretted our place having had any MAGNANIMOUS. thing to do with your difficulties." Clennam agasi assured him that he absolved it of the responsibility. " That's right," said Ferdinand. " I am very hapCHAPTER XXVIII. py to hear it. I was rather afraid in my own mind that we might have helped to floor you, because hAN APPErARANCE IN THE RMARSHALSEA. there is no doubt that it is our ulisfortune to do that THE opinion of the community outside the prison kind of thing now and then. We don't want to do gates bore hard on Clennam as time went on, and it; but if men will be graveled, why-we can't help he made no friends among the community within. it." Too depressed to associate with the herd in the yard, "Without giving an unqualified assent to what who got together to forget their cares; too retiring you say," returned Arthur, gloomily, "I am much and too unhappy to join in the poor socialities of the obliged to you for your interest in me." tavern; he kept his own room, and was held in dis- "No, but really! Our place is," said the easy trust. Some said he was proud; some objected that young Barnacle, " the most inoffensive place possihe was sullen and reserved; some were contemptu- ble. You'll say we are a Humbug. I won't say we ous of him, for that he was a poor-spirited dog who are not; but all that sort of thing is intended to be, pined under his debts. The whole population were and must be. Don't you see?" shy of him on these various counts of indictment, "I do not," said Clennan. but especially the last, which involved a species of " You don't regard it from the right point of view. domestic treason; and he soon became so confirmed It is the point of view that is the essential thing. in his seclusion, that his only time for walking up Regard our place from the point of view that we and down was when the evening Club were assem- only ask you to leave us alone, and we are as capital bled at their songs and toasts and sentiments, and a Department as you'll find anywhere." when the yard was nearly left to the women and "Is your place there to be left alone?" asked children. Clennam. Imprisonment began to tell on him. He knew "You exactly hit it," returned Ferdinand. "It that he idled and moped. After what he had known is there with the express intention that every thing THEL EASY AND AGREEABLE BARNACLE. 317 shall be left alone. That is what it means. That alone; because I perceived that you were inexperiis what it's for. No doubt there's a certain form to enced and sanguine, and had-I hope you'll not oh-: be kept up that it's for something else, but it's only ject to my saying-some simplicity?" a form. Why, good Heaven, we are nothing but "Not at all." forms! Think what a lot of our forms you have "Some simplicity. Therefore I felt what a pity gone through. And you have never got any nearer it was, and I went out of my way to hint to you to an end?" (which really was not official, but I never am official "NeverL" said Clennam. when I can help it) something to the effect that if I "Look at it from the right point of view, and were you, I wouldn't bother myself. However, you there you have us-official and effectual. It's like did bother yourself, and you have since bothered a limited game of cricket. A field of outsiders are yourself. Now, don't do it any more." always going in to bowl at the Public Service, and "I am not likely to have the opportunity," said we block the balls.". Clennam. IT WAS THE PRIGHTLY YOUNG AiNAcLE, ELAND. N B Clennam asked what became of the bowlers? "Oh yes, you are! You'll leave here. Every The airy young Barnacle replied, that they grew body leaves here. There are no ends of ways of tired, got dead beat, got lamed, got their backs bro- leaving here. Now, don't come back to us. That ken, died off, gave it up, went in for other games. entreaty is the second object of my call. Pray, "And this occasions me to congratulate myself don't come back to us. Upon my honor," said Feragain," he pursued, "on the circumstance that our dinand, in a very friendly and confiding way, "I shall place has had nothing to do with your temporary be greatly vexed if you don't take warning by the retirement. It very easily might have had a hand past and keep away from us." in it; because it is undeniable that we are some- "And the invention?" said Clennam. times a most unlucky place, in our effects upon peo- "My good fellow," returned Ferdinand, "if you'll ple who will not leave us alone. Mr. Clennam, I excuse the freedom of that form of address, nobody am quite unreserved with you. As between your- wants to know of the invention, and nobody cares self and myself, I know I may be. I was so, when I two-pence half-penny about it." first saw you making the mistake of not leaving us "Nobody in the Office, that is to say?" 318 LITTLE DORRIT. "Nor out of it. Every body is ready to dislike Barnacles went down stairs, hummed his way through and ridicule any invention. You have no idea how the Lodge, mounted his horse in the front court-yard, many people want to be left alone. You have no and rode off to keep an appointment with his noble idea how the Genius of the country (overlook the kinsman: who wanted a little coaching'before he Parliamentary nature of the phrase, and don't be could triumphantly answer certain infidel Snobs, bored by it) tends to being left alone. Believe me, who were going to question the Nobs about their Mr. Clennam," said the sprightly young Barnacle, in statesmanship. his pleasantest manner, "our place is not a wicked He must have passed Mr. Rugg on his way out, for, Giant to be charged at full tilt; but, only a windmill a minute or two afterward, that ruddy-headed genshowing you, as it grinds immense quantities of tleman shone in at the door, like an elderly Phoebus. chaff, which way the country wind blows." " How do you do to-day, sir?" said Mr. Rugg. "Is " If I could believe that," said Clennam, " it would there any little thing I can do for you to-day, sir?" be a dismal prospect for all of us." "' No, I thank you." "Oh! Don't say so!" returned Ferdinand. " It's Mr. Rugg's enjoyment of embarrassed affairs was all right. We must have humbug, we all like hum- like a housekeeper's enjoyment in pickling and prebug, we couldn't get on without humbug. A little serving, or a washer-woman's enjoyment of a- heavy humbug, and a groove, and every thing goes on ad- wash, or a dustman's enjoyment of an overflowing mirably, if you leave it alone." dust-bin, or any other professional enjoyment of a With this hopeful confession of his faith as the mess in the way of business. head of the rising Barnacles who were born of wom- "I still look round, from time to time, sir," said an, to be followed under a variety of watch-words Mr. Rugg, cheerfully, "to see whether any lingering which they utterly repudiated and disbelieved. Fer- Detainers are accumulating at the gate. They have dinand rose. Nothing could be more agreeable than fallen in pretty thick, sir; as thick as we could have his frank and courteous bearing, or adapted with a expected." more gentlemanly instinct, to the circumstances of He remarked upon the circumstance as if it were his visit. matter of congratulation: rubbing his hands brisk" Is it fair to ask," he said, as Clennam gave him ly, and rolling his head a little. his hand with a real feeling of thankfulness for his "As thick," repeated Mr. Rugg, "as we could reacandor and good-humor, " whether it is true that sonably have expected. Quite a shower-bath of'cen. our late lamented Merdle is the cause of this passing I don't often intrude upon you, now, when I look inconvenience?" round, because I know you are not inclined for com"I am one of the many he has ruined. Yes." pany, and that if you wished to see me, you would "He must have been an exceedingly clever fel- leave word in the Lodge. But I am here pretty well low," said Ferdinand Barnacle. every day, sir. Would this be an unseasonable time, Arthur, not being in the mood to extol the memo- sir," asked Mr. Rugg, coaxingly, " for me to offer an ry of the deceased, was silent. observation?" "A consummate rascal of course," said Ferdinand, "As seasonable a time as any other." "but remarkably clever! One can not help admir- "Hum! Public opinion, sir," said Mr. Rugg, "has ing the fellow. Must have been such a master of been busy with you." humbug. Knew people so well-got over them so "I don't doubt it." completely-did so much with them!" " Might it not be advisable, sir," said Mr. Rugg, In his easy way, he was really moved to genuine more coaxingly yet, "now to make, at last and after admiration. all, a trifling concession to public opinion? We all " I hope," said Arthur, "that he and his dupes do it in one way or another. The fact is, we must may be a warning to people not to have so much done do it." with them again." "I can not set myself right with it, Mr. Rugg, and "My dear Mr. Clennam," returned Ferdinand, have no business to expect that I ever shall." laughing, "have you really such a verdant hope? " Don't say that, sir, don't say that. The cost of The next man who has as large a capacity and as being moved to the Bench is almost insignificant, genuine a taste for swindling, will succeed as well. and if the general feeling is strong that you ought Pardon me, but I think you really have no idea how to be there, why-really-" the human bees will swarm to the beating of any "I thought you had settled, Mr. Rugg," said Arold tin kettle; in that fact lies the complete manual thur, " that my determination to remain here was a of governing them. When they can be got to be- matter of taste." lieve that the kettle is made of the precious metals, " Well, sir, well! But is it good taste, is it good in that fact lies the whole power of men like our late taste? That's the question." Mr. Rugg was so lamented. No doubt there are here and there," said soothingly persuasive, as to be quite pathetic. " I Ferdinand, politely, "exceptional cases, where peo- was almost going to say, is it good feeling? This is pie have been taken in for what appeared to them an extensive affair of yours; and your remaining to be much better reasons; and I need not go far to here where a man can come for a pound or two, is find such a case; but they don't invalidate the rule. remarked upon, as not in keeping. It is not in keepGood-day! I hope that when I have the pleasure ing. I can't tell you, sir, in how many quarters I of seeing you next, this passing cloud will have giv- heard it mentioned. I heard comments made upon en place to sunshine. Don't come a step beyond the it last night, in a Parlor frequented by what I should door. I know the way out perfectly. Good-day!" call, if I did not look in there now and then myself, With those words, the best and brightest of the the best legal company —I heard, there, comments A GELNTLEMAN IN WAITIAG. 319 on it that I was sorry to hear. They hurt me, on "I did not so far travel out of the record as to ask your account. Again, only this morning at break- the gentleman for his name." fast. My daughter (but a woman, you'll say: yet "I suppose I have no resource but to see him," still with a feeling for these things, and even with sighed Clennam, wearily. some little personal experience, as the plaintiff in " Then it is your good pleasure, sir?" retorted Rugg. Rugg and Bawkins) was expressing her great sur- "Am I honored by your instructions to mention as prise; her great surprise. Now under these circum- much to the gentleman, as I pass outl? I am? stances, and considering that none of us can quite Thank you, sir. I take my leave." His leave he set ourselves above public opinion, wouldn't a tri- took accordingly, in dudgeon. fling concession to that opinion be-Come, sir," said The gentleman of military exterior had so imperRugg, "I will put it on the lowest ground of argu- fectly awakened Clennam's curiosity, in the existing ment, and say, Amiable?" state of his mind, that a half-forgetfulness of such a Arthur's thoughts had once more wandered away visitor's having been referred to, was already creepto Little Dorrit, and the question remained unan- ing over it as a part of the sombre veil which almost swered. always dimmed it now, when a heavy footstep on "As to myself, sir," said Mr. Rugg, hoping that his the stairs aroused him. It appeared to ascend them, eloquence had reduced him to a state of indecision, not very promptly or spontaneously, yet with a dis" it is a principle of mine not to consider myself when play of stride and clatter meant to be insulting. As a client's inclinations are in the scale. But, know- it paused for a moment on the landing outside his ing your considerate character and general wish to door, he could not recall his association with the peoblige, I will repeat that I should prefer your being culiarity of its sound, though he thought he had one. in the Bench. Your case has made a noise; it is a Only a moment was given him for consideration. creditable case to be professionally concerned in; I His door was immediately swung open by a thump, should feel on a better standing with my connec- and in the door-way stood the missing Blandois, the tion, if you went to the Bench. Don't let that infiu- cause of many anxieties. ence you, sir. I merely state the fact." "Salve, fellow jail-bird!" said he. "You want So errant had the prisoner's attention already me, it seems. Here I am!" grown in solitude and dejection, and so accustomed Before Arthur could speak to him in his indignant had it become to commune with only one silent fig- wonder, Cavalletto followed him into the room. Mr. ure within the ever-frowning walls, that Clennam Pancks followed Cavalletto. Neither of the two had had to shake off a kind of stupor before he could been there since its present occupant had had poslook at Mr. Rugg, recall the thread of his talk, and session of it. Mr. Pancks, breathing hard, sidled hurriedly say, "I am unchanged, and unchangeable, near the window, put his hat on the ground, stirred in my decision. Pray, let it be; let it be!" Mr. his hair up with both hands, and folded his arms, Rugg, without concealing that he was nettled and like a man who had come to a pause in a hard day's mortified, replied: work. Mr. Baptist, never taking his eyes from his "Oh! Beyond a doubt, sir. I have traveled out dreaded chum of old, softly sat down on the floor of the record, sir, I am aware, in putting the point to with his back against the door and one of his ankles you. But really, when I hear it remarked in several in each hand: resuming the attitude (except that it companies, and in very good company, that however was now expressive of unwinking watchfulness) in worthy of a foreigner, it is not worthy of the spirit which he had sat before the same man in the deeper of an Englishman to remain in the Marshalsea when shade of another prison, one hot morning at Marthe glorious liberties of his island home admit of his seilles. removal to the Bench, I thought I would depart from "I have it on the witnessing of these two madthe narrow professional line marked out to me, and men," said Monsieur Blandois, otherwise Lagnier, mention it. Personally," said Mr. Rugg, " I have no otherwise Rigaud, " that you want me, brother-bird. opinion on the topic." Here I am!" "That's well," returned Arthur. Glancing round contemptuously at the bedstead, " Oh! None at all, sir!" said Mr. Rugg. "If I which was turned up by day, he leaned his back had, I should have been unwilling, some minutes against it as a resting-place, without removing his ago, to see a client of mine visited in this place by hat from his head, and stood defiantly lounging with a gentleman of a high family riding a saddle-horse. his hands in his pockets. But it was not my business. If I had, I might have "You villain of ill-omen?" said Arthur. "You wished to be now empowered to mention to another have purposely cast a dreadful suspicion upon my gentleman, a gententleman of military exterior at pres- mother's house. Why have you done it? What ent waiting in the Lodge, that my client had never prompted you to the devilish invention?" intended to remain here, and was on the eve of re- Monsieur Rigaud, after frowning at him for a momoval to a superior abode. But my course as a pro- ment, laughed. "Hear this noble gentleman! Listfessional machine is clear; I have nothing to do with en, all the world, to this creature of Virtue! But it. Is it your good pleasure to see the gentleman, take care, take care. It is possible, my friend, that sir?" your ardor is a little compromising. Holy Blue! " Who is waiting to see me, did you say?" It is possible." " I did take that unprofessional liberty, sir. Hear- "Signore!" interposed Cavalletto, also addressing ing that I was your professional adviser, he declined Arthur: "for to commence, hear me! I received to interpose before my very limited function was your instructions to find him, Rigaud; is it not?" performed. Happily," saidMr. Rugg, with sarcasm, "It is the truth." 320 LITTLE DORRIT. " I go, consequentementally "-it would have given guising his abhorrence, "how you dare direct a susMrs. Plornish great concern if she could have been picion of murder against my mother's house?" persuaded that his occasional lengthening of an ad- "Dare!" cried Rigaud. "Ho, ho! Hear him! verb in this way was the chief fault of his English- Dare? Is it dare? By Heaven, my small boy, but " first among my countrymen. I ask them what you are a little imprudent!" news in Londra, of foreigners arrived. Then I go "I want that suspicion to be cleared away," said among the French. Then I go among the Germans. Arthur. " You shall be taken there, and be publicly They all tell me. The great part of us know well seen. I want to know, moreover, what business you the other, and they all tell me. But! —no person had there, when I had a burning desire to fling you can tell me nothing of him, Rigald. Fifteen times," down stairs. Don't frown at me, man! I have seen said Cavalletto, thrice throwing out his left hand enough of you to know that you are a bully, and with all its fingers spread, and doing it so rapidly coward. I need no revival of my spirits from the that the sense of sight could hardly follow the action, effects of this wretched place, to tell you so plain a " I ask of him in every place where go the foreign- fact, and one that you know so well." ers; and fifteen times," repeating the same swift White to the lips, Rigaund stroked his mustache, performance, " they know nothing. But! —" muttering, "By Heaven, my small boy, but you are At this significant Italian rest on the word " But," a little compromising of my lady your respectable his back-handed shake of his right forefinger came mother " —and seemed for a minute undecided how into play; a very little, and very cautiously. to act. His indecision was soon gone. He sat him"But!-After a long time when I have not been self down with a threatening swagger, and said: able to find that lie is here in Londra, some one tells "Give me a bottle of wine. You can buy wine rme of a soldier with white hair-hey? —not hair like here. Send one of your madmen to get me a bottle this that he carries-white-who lives retired se- of wine. I won't talk to you without wine. Come! crettementally, in a certain place. But!-" with Yes or no?" another rest upon the word, " who sometimes, in the " Fetch him what he wants, Cavalletto," said Arafter-dinner, walks and smokes. It is necessary, as thur scornfully, producing the money. they say in Italy (and as they know, poor people), "Contraband beast," added Rigaud, "bring portto have patience. I have patience. I ask where is wine! I'll drink nothing but Porto-Porto." this certain place. One believes it is here, one be- The contraband beast, however, assuring all preslieves it is there. Eh well! It is not here, it is not ent, with his'significant finger, that he peremptorily there. I wait, patientissamentally. At last I find declined to leave his post at the door, Signor Panco it. Then I watch; then I hide, until he walks and offered his services. He soon returned with the botsmokes. He is a soldier with gray hair-But!-" a tle of wine: which, according to the custom of the very decided rest indeed, and a very vigorous play place, originating in a scarcity of corkscrews among from side to side of the back-handed forefinger-" he the Collegians (in common with a scarcity of much is also this man that you see." else), was already opened for use. It was noticeable, that, in his old habit of submis- "Madman! A large glass," said Rigaud. sion to one who had been at the trouble of asserting Signor Panco put a tumbler before him; not withsuperiority over him, he even then bestowed upon out a visible conflict of feeling on the question of Rigaud a confused bend of his head, after thus point- throwing it at his head. ing him out. " Ha, ha!" boasted Rigaud. " Once a gentleman, "Eh well, Signore!" he cried in conclusion, ad- and always a gentleman. A gentleman from the dressing Arthur again. "I waited for a good oppor- beginning, and a gentleman to the end. What the tunity. I writed some words to Signor Panco —" an Devil! A gentleman must be waited on, I hope? air of novelty came over Mr. Pancksg with this desig- It's a part of my character to be waited on!" nation-" to come and help. I showed him, Rigaud, He half filled the tumbler as he said it, and drank at his window, to Signor Panco, who was often the off the contents when he had done saying it. spy in the day. I slept at night near the door of the " Ha!" smacking his lips. "Not a very old prishouse. At last we entered, only this to-day, and oner that! I judge by your looks, brave sir, that now you see him! As he would not come up in pres- imprisonment will subdue your blood much sooner ence of the illustrious Advocate," such was Mr. Bap- than it softens this hot wine. You are mellowingtist's honorable mention of Mr. Rugg, "we waited losing body and color, already. I salute you!" down below there, together, and Signor Panco guard- He tossed off another half glass: holding it up ed the street." both before and afterward, so as to display his small, At the close of this recital, Arthur turned his eyes white hand. upon the impudent and wicked face. As it met "To business," he then continued. "To conversahis, the nose came down over the mustache, and the tion. You have shown yourself more free of speech mustache went up under the nose. When nose and than body, sir." mustache had settled into their places again, Mon- "I have used the freedom of telling you, what sieur Rigaud loudly snapped his fingers half a dozen you know yourself to be. You know yourself, as times; bending forward to jerk the snaps at Arthur, we all know you, to be far worse than that." as if they were palpable missiles which he jerked "Add, always, a gentleman, and it's no matter. into his face. Except in that regard, we are all alike. For exam"Now, Philosopher!" said Rigaud. "What do ple: you couldn't for your life be a gentle man; I you want with me?" couldn't for my life be otherwise. How great the "I want to know," returned Arthur, without dis- difference! Let us go on, Words, sir, never influ THE BOTTLE OF WINE. 321 ence the course of the cards, or the course of the dangers he had ever feared were closing in, when he dice. Do you know that? You do? I also play a could not stir hand or foot. game, and words are without power over it." "Perhaps, my friend, philosopher, man of virtue, Now that he was confronted with Cavalletto, and Imbecile, what you will; perhaps," said Rigaud, knew that his story was known —whatever thin dis- pausing in his drink to look out of his glass with guise he had worn, he dropped; and faced it out, his horrible smile, "you would have done better to with a bare face, as the infamous wretch he was. leave me alone?" " No, my son," he resumed, with a snap of his fin- "No! At least," said Clennam, "you are known gers. " I play my game to the end in spite of words; to be alive and unharmed. At least you can not esand Death of my Body and Death of my Soul! I'll cape from these two witnesses; and they can prowin it. You want to know why I played this little duce you before any public authorities, or before trick that you have interrupted? Know then that hundreds of people!" I had, and that I have - do you understand me? "But will not produce me before one," said Rigaud, have-a commodity to sell to my lady your respect- snapping his fingers again with an air of triumphant able mother. I described my precious commodity, menace. "To the Devil with your witnesses,! To and fixed my price. Touching the bargain, your the Devil with your produced! To the Devil with admirable mother was a little too calm, too stolid, yourself! What! Do I know what I know, for too immovable and statue-like. In fine, your admi- that? Have I my commodity on sale, for that? rable mother vexed me. To make variety in my Bah, poor debtor! You have interrupted my little position, and to amuse myself-what! a gentleman project. Let it pass. How then? What remains? must be amused at somebody's expense!-I conceived To you,, nothing; to me, all. Produce me! Is that the happy idea of disappearing. An idea, see you, what you want? I will produce myself, only too that your characteristic mother and my Flintwinch quickly. Contrabandist! Give me pen, ink, and would have been well enough pleased to execute. paper." Ah! Bah, bah, bah, don't look as from high to low Cavalletto got up again as before, and laid them at me! I repeat it. Well enough pleased, excess- before him in his former manner. Rigaund, after ively enchanted, and with all their hearts ravished. some villainous thinking and smiling, wrote, and How strongly will you have it?" read aloud as follows: He threw out the lees of his glass on the ground, so that they nearly spattered Cavalletto. This "To MRS. CLENNAM. seemed to draw his attention to him anew. He set down his glass and said: Wat answer. " I'll not fill it. What! I am born to be served. "Prison of the Marshalsea. Come then, you Cavalletto, and fill!" "At the apartment of your son. The little man looked at Clennam, whose eyes "DEAR MADAM,-I am in despair to be informed were occupied with Rigaud, and, seeing no prohibi- to-day by our prisoner here (who has had the goodtion, got up from the ground, and poured out from ness to employ spies to seek me, living for politic the bottle into the glass. The blending, as he did reasons in retirement), that you have had fears for so, of his old submission with a sense of something my safety. humorous; the striving of that with a certnu smoul- "Re- assure yourself, dear madam. I am well, I dering ferocity, which might have flashed fire in an am strong and constant. instant (as the born gentleman seemed to think, for "With the greatest impatience I should fly to he had a wary eye upon him); and the easy yield- your house, but that I foresee it to be possible, uning of all, to a good-natured, careless, predominant der the circumstances, that you will not yet have propensity to sit down on the ground again; formed quite definitively arranged the little proposition I a very remarkable combination of character. have had the honor to submit to you. I name one "' This happy idea, brave sir," Rigaud resumed af- week from this day, for a last final visit on my part; ter drinking, " was a happy idea for several reasons. when you will unconditionally accept it or reject it, It amused me, it worried your dear mamma and my with its train of consequences. Flintwinch, it caused you agonies (my terms for a "I suppress my ardor to embrace you and achieve lesson in politeness toward a gentleman), and it sug- this interesting business, in order that you may have gested to all the amiable persons interested that leisure to adjust its details to our perfect mutual satyour entirely devoted is a man to fear. By Heaven, isfaction. he is a man to fear! Beyond this; it might have "In the mean while, it is not too much to propose restored her wit to my lady your mother-might, (our prisoner having deranged my housekeeping), under the pressing little suspicion your wisdom has that my expenses of lodging and nourishment at a recognized, have persuaded her at last to announce, hotel shall be paid by you. covertly, in the journals, that the difficulties of a "Receive, dear madam, the assurance of my highcertain contract would be removed by the appear- est and most distinguished consideration. ance of a certain important party to it. Perhaps "iRIGAUD BLANDOIS. yes) perhaps no. But, that you have interrupted. "A thousand friendships to that dear Flintwinch. Now, what is it you say? What is it you want?" "I kiss the hands of Madame F." Never had. Clennam felt more acutely that he was a prisoner in bonds, than when he saw this man be- When he had finished this epistle, Rigand folded fore him, and could not accompany him to his moth- it and tossed it with a flourish at Clennam's feet. er's house. All the undiscernible difficulties and "Hola you! Apropos of producin g,.let somebody 21 322 LITTLE DORRIT. produce that at its address, and produce the answer do your lawyers live, your politicians, your intriguers, here." yourmen oftheExchange! How do youlive? How "Cavalletto," said Arthur. "Will you take this do you come here? Have you sold no friend? Lady fellow's letter?" of mine! I rather think, yes!" But, Cavalletto's significant finger again express- Clennam turned away from him toward the wining that his post was at the door to keep watch over dow, and sat looking out at the wall. Riaund, now he had found him with so much trouble, "Effectively, sir," said Rigaud, "Society sells itand that the duty of his post was to sit on the floor self and sells me; and I sell Society. I perceive you backed up by the door, looking at Rigaud and hold- have acquaintance with another lady. Also handing his own ankles-Signor Panco once more volun- some. A strong spirit. Let us see. How do they teered. His services being accepted, Cavalletto suf- call her? Wade." fered the door to open barely wide enough to admit He received no answer, but could easily discern of his squeezing himself out, and immediately shut that he had hit the mark. it on him. "Yes,"he went on, "that handsome lady and strong "Touch me with a finger, touch me with. an epi- spirit addresses me in the street, and I am not insenthet, question my superiority as I sit here drinking sible. I respond. That handsome lady and strong my wine at my pleasure," said Rigaud, " and I follow spirit does me the favor to remark, in full confidence, the letter and cancel my week's grace. You wanted' I have my curiosity, and I have my clhagrins. You me? You have got me! How do you like me?" are not more than ordinarily honorable, perhaps?' " You know," returned Clennam, with a bitter sense I announce myself,'Madame, a gentleman from the of his helplessness, "that when I sought you, I was birth, and -a gentleman to the death; but not more not a prisoner." than ordinarily honorable. I despise such a weak " To the Devil with you and your prison," retorted fantasy.' Thereupon she is pleased to compliment. Rigaud, leisurely, as he took from his pocket a case.' The difference between you and the rest is,' she ancontaining the materials for making cigarettes, and swers,'that you say so.' For, she knows Society. employed his facile hands in folding a few for present I accept her congratulations with gallantry and pouse; "I care for neither of you. Contrabandist! a liteness. Politeness and little gallantries are inseplight." arable from my character. She then makes a propAgain Cavelletto got up, and gave him what he osition, which is, in effect, that she has seen us much wanted. There had been something dreadful in the together; that it appears to her that I am for the noiseless skill of his cold, white hands, with the fin- passing time the cat of the house, the friend of the:gers lithely twisting about and twining one over family; that her curiosity and her chagrins awaken another like serpents. Clennam could not prevent the fancy to be acquainted with their movements, to himself from shuddering inwardly, as if he had been know the manner of their life, how the fair Gowana looking on at a nest of those creatures. is beloved, how the fair Gowana is cherishedl. and so' Hola, Pig!" cried Rigaul, with a noisy stimula- on. She is not rich, but offers such and such little tiug cry, as if Cavalletto were an Italian horse or recompenses for the little cares and derangements of mule. "What! The infernal old jail was a respect- such services; and I graciously-to do every thing graable one to this. There was dignity in the bars and ciously is a part of my character-consent to accept stones of that place. It was a prison for men. But them Oh yes! So goes the world. It is the mode." this? Bah! A hospital for imbeciles!" Though Clennam's back was turned while he He smoked his cigarette out, with his ugly smile spoke, and thenceforth'to the end of the interview, so fixed upon his face, that he looked as though he he kept those glittering eyes of his that were too were smoking with his drooping beak of a nose, rath- near together, upon him, and evidently saw in the er than his mouth; like a fancy in a weird picture. very carriage of the head, as he passed, with his When he had lighted a second cigarette at the still braggart recklessness, from clause to clause of what burning end of the first, he said to Clennamn: he said, that he was saying nothing which Clennam " One must pass the time in the madman's absence. did not already know. One must talk. One can't drink strong wine all day "Whoof! The fair Gowana!" he said, lighting a long, or I would have another bottle. She's hand- third cigarette with a sound as if his lightest breath sonme, sir. Though not exactly to my taste, still, by could blow her away. " Charming, but imprudent! the Thunder and the Lightning! handsome. I felic- For it was not well of the fair Gowana to make itate you on your admiration." mysteries of letters from old lovers, in her bed-cham"I neither know nor ask," said Clennam; "of whom ber on the mountain, that her husband might not you speak." see them. No, no. That was not well. Whoof! " Della bella Gowana, sir, as they say in Italy. Of The Gowana was mistaken there." the Gowan, the fair Gowan." "I earnestly hope," cried Arthur, aloud, "that "'Of whose husband you were the-follower, I Paucks may not be long gone, for this man's presthink?" ence pollutes the room." "Sir? Follower? You areinsolent. The friend."' Ah! But he'll flourish here, and everywhere," "Do you sell all your friends?" said Rigaud, with an exulting look and snap of Rigaud took his cigarette from his mouth, and his fingers. "He always has; he always will!" eyed him with a momentary revelation of surprise. Stretching his body out on the only three chairs in But, he put it between his lips again, as he answered the room besides that on which Clennlam sat, he with coolness: sang, smiting himself on the breast as the gallant "I sell any thing that commands a price. How personage of the song: AN ANSWER EWANTED. 323 "'Who passes by this road so late? hands being cramped, and she thinking it as well Compagnon de la Majolaine I to send it verbally by me." Mr. Flintwinch screwed Who passes by this road so late? this out of himself, unwillingly and rustily. " She Always gay!' sends her compliments, and says she doesn't on the ging the Refrain, pig! You could sing it once, in whole wish to term you unreasonable, and that she another jail. Sing it! Or, by every Saint who was agrees. But without prejudicing the appointment stoned to death, I'll be affronted and compromising; that stands for this day week." and then some people who are not dead yet, had bet- Monsieur Rigaud, after indulging in a fit of laughter have been stoned along with them! ter, descended from his throne, saying," Good! I go "Of all the king's knights'tis the flower, to seek a hotel!" But, there his eyes encountered Compagnon de la Majolaine i Cavalletto, who was still at his post. Of all the king's knights'tis the flower, "Come, Pig," he added. "I have had you for a Alwvays gay i" follower against my will; now, I'll have you against Partly in his old habit of submission, partly be- yours. I tell you, my little reptiles, I am born to be cause his not doing it might injure his benefactor, served. I demand the service of this contrabandist and partly because he would as soon do it as any as my domestic until this day week." thing else, Cavalletto took up the Refrain this time. In answer to Cavalletto's look of inquiry, Clennam Rigaud laughed, and fell to smoking with his eyes made him a sign to go; but he added aloud, "unless shut. you are afraid of him." Cavalletto replied with a Possibly another quarter of an hour elapsed before very emphatic finger-negative. " No, master, I am Mr. Pancks's step was heard upon the stairs, but not afraid of him, when I no more keep it secrettethe interval seemed to Clennam insupportably long. mentally that he was once my comrade." Rigaud His step was attended by another step; and when took no notice of either remark, until he had lighted Cavalletto opened the door, he admitted Mr. Pancks his last cigarette and was quite ready for walking. and Mr. Flintwinch. The latter was no sooner visi- " Afraid of him," he said then, looking round upon ble, than Rigaud rushed at him and embraced him them all. " Whoof! My children, my babies, my boisterously. little dolls, you are all afraid of him. You give him "' How do you find yourself, sir?" said Mr. Flint- his bottle of wine here; you give him meat, drink, winch, as soon as he could disengage himself, which and lodging there; you dare not touch him with a he struggled to do withvery little ceremony. "Thank finger or an epithet. No. It is his character to you, no; I don't want any more." This was in ref- triumph! Whoof! erence to another menace of affection from his recovered friend. "Well, Arthur. You remember Of all the king's knights he's the flower, what I said to you about sleeping dogs and missing And he's always gay ones. It's come true, you see." With this adaptation of the Refrain to himself, he He was as imperturbable as ever, to all appeai- stalked out of the room, closely followed by Cavalance, and nodded his head in a moralizing way as letto, whom perhaps he had pressed into his service he looked round the room. because he tolerably well knew it would not be easy "And this is the Marshalsea prison for debt!" said'to get rid of him. Mr. Flintwinch, after scraping Mr. Flintwinch. " Ha! you have brought your pigs his chin, and looking about with caustic disparageto a very indifferent market, Arthur." ment of the Pig-market, nodded to Arthur, and folIf Arthur had patience, Rigaud had not;. He took lowed. Mr. Paucks, still penitent and depressed, his little Flintwinch, with fierce playfulness, by the followed too; after receiving with great attention a two lapels of his coat, and cried: secret word or two of instructions from Arthur, and " To the Devil with the Market, to the Devil with whispering back that he would see this affair out, the Pigs, and to the Devil with the Pig-Driver! and stand by it to the end. The prisoner, with the Now! Give me the answer to my letter." feeling that he was more despised, more scorned and "If you can make it convenient to let go a mo- repudiated, more helpless, altogether more miserable ment, sir," returned Mr. Flintwinch, "I'll first hand and fallen, than before, was left alone again. Mr. Arthur a little note that I have for him." He did so. It was in his mother's maimed -writing, on a slip of paper, and contained only these words: CHAPTER XXIX. "I hope it is enough that you have ruined your- A PLEA IN THE MARSHALSEA. self. Rest contented without more ruin. Jeremiah Flint-winch is my messenger and representative. LAGGARD anxiety andremourse are bad compauYour anffectionate M. C." ions to be barred up with. Brooding all day, and resting very little indeed at night, will not arm Clennam read this twice, in silence, and then tore a man against misery. Next morning, Clennam felt it to pieces. Rigaud in the mean while stepped into that his health was sinking, as his spirits had ala chair, and sat himself on the back, with his feet ready sunk, and that the weight under which he nupon the seat. bent was bearing him down. "Now, Beau Flintwinch," he said, when he had Night after night, he had risen from his bed of closely watched the note to its destruction, " the an- wretchedness at twelve or one o'clock, and had sat swer to my letter?" at his window watching the sickly lamps in the "Mrs. Clennam did not write, Mr. Blandois, her yard, and looking'upward for the first wan trace of 324 LITTLE DORRI-To day, hours before it was possible that the sky could he began to doze in exhaustion, he heard them show it to him. Now, when the night came, he could again; and- voices seemed to address him, and he not even persuade himself to undress. answered, and started. For a burning restlessness set in, an agonized im- Dozing and dreaming, without the power of reckpatience of the prison, and a conviction that he was oning time, so that a minute might have been an going to break his heart and die there, which caused hour and an hour a minute, some abiding impreshim indescribable suffering. His dread and hatred sion of a garden stole over him-a garden of flowof the place became so intense that he felt it a labor *ers, with a damp warm wind gently stirring their to draw his breath in it. The sensation of being scents. It required such a painful effort to lift his stifled' sometimes so overpowered him, that he would head for.the purpose of inquiring into this, or instand at the window holding his throat and gasping. quiring into any thing, that the impression appearAt the same time a longing for other air, and a yearn- ed to have become quite an old and importunate one ing to be beyond the blind blank wall, made him feel when he looked round. Beside the tea-cup on his as if he must go mad with the ardor of the desire. table he saw, then, a blooming nosegay; a wonderful Many other prisoners had had experience of this handful of the choicest and most lovely flowers. condition before him, and its violence and continu- Nothing had ever appeared so beautifuil in his ity had worn themselves out in their cases, as they sight. He took them up and inhaled their fradid in his. Two nights and a day exhausted it. It grance, and he lifted them to his hot head, and he came back by fits, but those grew fainter and re- put them down and opened his parched hands to turned at lengthening intervals. A desolate calm them, as cold hands are opened to receive the cheersucceeded; and the middle of the week found him ing of a fire. It was not until he had delighted in settled down in the despondency of low, slow fever. them for some time, that he wondered who had sent With Cavalletto and Pancks away, he had no vis- them; and opened his door to ask the woman who itors to fear'but Mr. and Mrs. Plornish. His anxi- must have put them there, how they had come into ety, in reference to that worthy pair, was that they her hands. But, she was gone, and seemed to have should not come near him; for, in the morbid state been long gone; for the tea she had left for him on of his nerves, he sought to be left alone, and spared the table was cold. He tried to drink some, but the being seen so subdued and weak. He wrote a could not bear the odor of it: so he crept back to note to Mrs. Plornish representing himself as occu- his chair by the open window, and put the flowers pied with his affairs, and bound by the necessity of on the little round table of old. devoting himself to them, to remain for a time'even When the first faintness consequent on having without the pleasant interruption of a sight of her moved about had left him, he subsided into his forkind face. As to Young John, who looked in daily mer state. One of the night-tunes' was playing in at a certain hour, when the turnkeys were relieved, the wind, when the door of his room seemed to open to ask if he could do any thing for him; he always to a light touch, and, after a moment's pause, a quiet made' a pretense of being engaged in writing, and to figure seemed to stand there, with a black mantle on answer cheerfully in the negative. The subject of it. It seemed to draw the mantle off and drop it on their only long conversation had never been revived the ground, and then it seemed to be his Little Dorbetween them. Through all these changes of unhap- rit in her old, worn dress. It seemed to tremble, piness, however, it had never lost its hold on Clen- and to clasp its hands, and to smile, and to burst nam's mind. into tears. The sixth day of the appointed week was a moist, He roused himself, and cried out. And then he hot, misty day. It seemed as though the prison's saw, in the loving, pitying, sorrowing, dear face, as poverty, and shabbiness, and dirt, were growing, in in a mirror, how changed he was; and she came the sultry atmosphere. With an aching head and toward him; and with her hands laid on his breast a weary heart, Clennam had watched the miserable to keep him in his chair, and with her knees upon night out, listening to the fall of rain, on the yard the floor at his feet, and with her lips raised up' to pavement, thinking of its softer fall upon the coun- kiss him, and with her tears dropping on him as the try earth. A blurred circle of yellow haze had risen -rain from Heaven had dropped upon the flowers, Litup in the sky in lieu of sun, and he had watched the tle Dorrit, a living presence, called him by his name.'patch it put upon his Wall, like a bit of the prison's 1" Oh, my best friend! Dear Mr. Clennam, don't raggedness. He had heard the gates open; and the let me see you weep! Unless you weep with pleasbadly shod feet that waited outside shuffle in; and ure to see me. I hope you do. Your own poor child the sweeping, and pumping, and moving about, be- come back!" gin, which commenced the prison morning. So ill So faithful, tender, and unspoiled by Fortune. In and faint, that he was obliged to rest many times the sound of her voice, in the light of her eyes, in the in the process of getting himself washed, he had at touch of her hands, so Angelically comforting and length crept to his chair by the open window. In true! it he sat dozing, while the old woman who arranged As he embraced her, she said to him, " They never his room went through her morning's work. told me you were ill," and drawing an arm softly Light of head, with want of sleep and want of round his neck, laid his head upon her bosom, put food (his appetite, and even his sense of taste, hay- a hand upon his head, and, resting her cheek upon ing forsaken him), he had been two or three times that hand, nursed him as lovingly, and GOD knows conscious, in the night, of going astray. He had as innocently, as she had nursed her father in that heard fragments of tunes and songs, in the warm room when she had been but a baby, needing all the wind, which he knew had no existence. Now that care from others that she took of them. CLEViYAM. AND MA G G Y. 325 When he could speak, he said, "Is it possible that "I was here, before the gates were opened, but I you have come to me? And in this dress?" was afraid to come straight to you. I should have "I hoped you would like me better in this dress done you more harm than good, at first; for the pristhan any other. I have always kept it by me, to on was so familiar and yet so strange, and it brought remind me; though I wanted no reminding.' I am. back so many remembrances of my poor father, and not alone, you see. I have brought an old friend'of you too, that at first it overpowered me. But, we with me." went to Mr. Chivery before we came to the gate, and Looking round, he saw Maggy -in her big cap -he brought us in, and got John's room for us —my which had been long abandoned, with a basket on poor old room, you know-and we waited there a her arm as in the by-gone days, chuckling raptur- little. I brought the flowers to the door, but you ously. didn't hear me." "It was only yesterday evening that I came to She looked something more womanly than when London with my brother. I sent round to Mrs. she had gone away, and the ripening touch of the Plornish almost as soon as we arrived, that I might Italian sun was visible upon her face. But, otherhear of you and let you know I had come. Then I wise she was quite unchanged. The same deep, WITH IIHER HANDS LAID ON HIS BREAST,.... WITH HEER KNEES UPON THE FLOOR AT HI-S FEET;.... LITTLE DORRIT.... CALLED Hlim BY HIS NAIE. heard that you were here. Did you happen to think timid earnestness that he had always seen in her, of me in the night? I almost believe you must have and never without emotion, he saw still. If it had thought of me a little. I thought of you so anxious- a new meaning that smote him to the heart, the ly, and it appeared so long to morning." change mwas in his perception, not in her. "I have thought of you-" he hesitated what to She took off her old bonnet, hung it in the old call her. She perceived it in an instant. place, and noiselessly began, with Maggy's help, to "You have not spoken to me by my right name make his room as fresh and neat as it could be yet. You know what my right name always is with male, and to sprinkle it with a pleasant-smelling you." water. When that was done, the basket which was "I have thought of you, Little Dorrit, every day, jfilled with grapes and other fruit, was unpackedcl every hour, every minute, since I have been here." and all its contents were quietly put away. When "Haveyoll? Have youl?" that was done, a moment's whisper dispatched MagHe saw the bright delight of her face, and the gy to dispatch somebody else to fill the basket flush that kindled in it, with a feeling of shame. again; -which soon came balck replenished with He, a broken, bankrupt, sick, dishonored prisoner. new stores, from which a present provision of cool 326 LITTLE DORRIT. ing drink and jelly, and a prospective supply of ed. - Will you let me lend you all I have? Will roast chicken and wine-and-water, were the first you let me give it you? Will you let me show extracts. These various arrangements completed, you that I never have forgotten, that I never can she took out her old needle-case to make him a cur- forget, your protection of me when this was my tain for his window; and thus, with a quiet reign- home'? Dear Mr. Clennam, make me of all the ing in the room, that seemed to diffuse itself through world the happiest, by.saying Yes? Make me as the else noisy prison, he found himself composed in happy as I can be in leaving you here, by saying his chair, with Little Dorrit working at his side. nothing to-night, and letting me go away with the To see the modest head again bent down over its hope that you will think of it kindly; and that for task, and the nimble fingers busy at their old work my sake-not for yours, for mine, for nobody's but -though she was not so absorbed in it but that her mine!-you will give me the greatest joy I can excompassionate eyes were often raised to his face, perience on earth, the joy of knowing that I have and, when they drooped again, had tears in them-' been serviceable to you, and that I have paid some to be so consoled and comforted, and to believe that little of the great debt of my affection and gratiall the devotion of this great nature was turned to tude. I can't say what I wish to say. I can't visit him iw his adversity, to pour out its inexhaustible you here where I have lived so long; I can't think wealth of goodness upon him, did not steady Clen- of you here where I have seen so much, and be as nam's trembling voice or hand, or strengthen him in calm and comforting as I ought. My tears will his weakness. Yet, it inspired him with an inward make their way. I can not keep them back. But fortitude, that rose with his love. And how dearly pray, pray, pray, do not- turn from your Little Dorhe loved her, now, what words can tell! rit, now, in your affliction! Pray, pray, pray, I beg As they sat side by side, in the shadow of the you and implore you with all my grieving heart, wall, the shadow fell like light upon him. She my friend-my dear!-take all I have, and make it would not let him speak much, and he lay back in a Blessing to me!" his chair, looking at her. Now and again, she The star had shone on her face until now, when would rise and give him the glass that he might her face sank upon his hand and her own. drink, or would smooth the resting -place of his It had grown darker when he raised her in his head; then she would gently resume her seat by encircling arm, and softly answered her. him, and bend over her work again. " No, darling Little Dorrit. No, my child. I must The shadow moved with the sun, but she never not hear of such a sacrifice. Liberty and hope would moved from his side, except to wait upon him. The be so dear, bought at such a price, that I could never sun went down and she was still there. She had support their weight, never bear the reproach of posdone her work now, and her hand, faltering on the sessiung them. But, with what ardent thankfulness arm of his chair since its last tending of him, was and love I say this, I may call Heaven to witness!" hesitating there yet. He laid his hand upon it, and "And yet you will not let me be faithful to you it clasped him with a trembling supplication. in your affliction?" " Dear Mr. Clennam, I must say something to you "Say, dearest Little Dorrit, and yet I will try to before I go. I have put it off from hour to hour, be faithful to you. If, in the by-gone days when but I must say it." this was your home, and when this was your dress, "I too, dear Little Dorrit. I have put off what I I had understood myself (I speak only of myself) must say." better, and had read the secrets of my own breast She nervously moved her hand toward his lips as more distinctly; if, through my reserve and selfif to stop hint; then it dropped, trembling, into its mistrust, I had discerned a light that I see brightly former place. now when it has passed far away, and my weak'"I am not going abroad again. My brother is, footsteps can never overtake it; if I had then but I am not. He was always attached to me, and known, and told you that I loved and honored he is so grateful to me now-so much too grateful, you, not as the poor child I used to call you, but for it is only because I happened to be with him in as a woman whose true hand would raise me high his illness - that he says I shall be free to stay above myself, and make me a far happier and better where I like best, and to do what I like best. He man; if I had so used the opportunity there is no only wishes me to be happy, he says." recalling-as I wish I had, oh, I wish I had!-and There was one bright star shining in the sky. She if something had kept us apart then, when I was looked up at it while she spoke, as if it were the fer- moderately thriving, and when you were poor; I vent purpose of her own heart shining above her. might have met your noble offer of your fortune, "You will understand, I dare say, without my dearest girl, with other words than these, and still telling you, that my brother has come home to find have blushed to touch it. But, as it is, I must never my dear father's will, and to take possession of his touch it, never!" property. He says, if there is a will, he is sure I She besought him, more pathetically and earnestshall be left rich; and if there is none, that he will ly, with her little supplicatory hand, than, she could make me so." have done in any words. IHe would have spoken; but she put up her trem- "I am disgraced enough, my Little Dorrit. I bling hand again, and he stopped. must not descend so low as that, and carry you"I have no use for money, I have no wish for it. so dear, so generous, so good —down with me. GOD It would be of no value at all to me, but for your bless you, GOD reward you! It is past;" sake. I could not be rich, and you here. I must He took her in his arms, as if she had been his always be much worse than poor, with you distress- daughter. SHE SEINDS. HIM HER UND.YING LOVE. 327 "Always so much older, so much rougher, and: so rit was at. Miss Dorrit walked all the way, and much less worthy, even what I was must be dismiss- talked to me so kind, it quite knocked mle over. ed by both of us, and you must see me only as I am. Why do you think she walked instead of riding?" I put this parting kiss upon your cheek, my child- "I don't know, John." who might have been more near to me, who never "To talk about you. She said to me,'John, you could have been more dear-a ruined man far re- was always honorable, and if you'll promise me that moved from you, forever separated from you, whose you will take care of him, and never let him want course is run, while yours is but beginning. I have for help and comfort when I am not there, my mind not the courage to ask to be forgotten by you in my will be at rest so far.' I promised her. And I'll humiliation; but I ask to be remembered only as I stand by you," said John Chivery, " forever!" am."'' Clennam, much affected, stretched out his hand to The bell began to ring, warning visitors to depart. this honest spirit. He took lher mantle from the wall, and tenderly' "Before I take it," said John, looking at it, withwrapped it round her. out coming from the door, "guess what message "One other word, my Little Dorrit. A hard one Miss Dorrit gave me." to me, but it is a necessary one. The time when Clennam shook his head. you and this prison had any thing in common, has "' Tell him,'" repeated John, in a distinct, though long gone by. Do you'understand?" quavering voice, "'that his Little Dorrit sent him "Oh! you will never say to me," she cried, weep- her undying love.' Now it's delivered. Have I been ing bitterly, and holding up her clasped hands in honorable, sir?" entreaty, "that I lam not to come back any more! "Very, very!" You will surely not desert me so!"' "Will you tell Miss Dorrit I've been honorable, "I would. say it, if I could; but I have not the sir?" courage quite to shut out this dear face, and aban — "I will indeed." don all hope of its return. But dlo not come soon, "There's my hand, sir," said John, " and I'll stand do not come often! This is now a tainted place, by you forever!" and I well know the taint of it clings to me. You' After a hearty squeeze, he disappeared with the belong to much brighter and better scenes. You are same cautious creak upon the stair, crept shoeless not to look back here, my Little Dorrit; you are to over the pavement of the yard, and, locking the look away to very different and much happier paths. gates behind him, passed out into the front where Again, GOD bless you in them! GoD reward you!" he had left his shoes. If the same way had been Mag'y, who had fallen into very low spirits, here paved with burning plowshares, it is not at all iamcried, "Oh, get him into a hospital; do get him into probable that John would have traversed it with the a hospital, Mother! He'll never look like hisself same devotion, for the same purpose. again, if he an't got into a hospital. And then the little woman as was always a-spinning at her wheel, she can go to the cupboard with the Princess and say, what do you keep the Chicking there for? and CHAPTER XXX. then they can take it out and give it to him, and then all be happy!" C The interruption was seasonable, for the bell had HE last day of the appointed week touched the nearly rung itself out. Again tenderly wrapping T. bars of the Marshalsea gate. Black, all night, her mantle about her, and taking her on his arm since the gate had clashed upon Little Dorrit, its (though, but for her visit, he was almost too weak iron stripes were turned by the early-glowing sun to walk), Arthur led Little Dorrit down stairs. She into stripes of gold. For aslant across the city, over was the last visitor to pass out at the Lodge, and its jumbled roofs, and through the open tracery of the gate jarred heavily and hopelessly upon her. its church towers, struck the long bright rays, bars With the ftleral clang that it sounded into Ar- of the prison of this lower world. thur's heart, his sense of weakness returned. It was Throughout the day, the old house within the a toilsome journey up stairs to his room, and he re- gate-way remained untroubled by any visitors. But, entered its dark solitary precincts in unutterable when the sun was low, three men turned in at the misery. gate-way and made for the dilapidated house. When it was almost midnight, and the prison had Rigaud was the first, and walked by himself, smoklong been quiet, a cautious creak came up the stairs, ing. Mr. Baptist was the second, and jogged close and a cautious tap of a key was given at his door. after him, looking at no other object. Mr. Pancks It was Young John. He glided in, in his stockings, was the third, and carried his hat under his arm for and held the door closed, while he spoke in a whisper. the liberation of his restive hair; the weather being "It's against all rules, but I don't mind. I was extremely hot. They all came together at the doordetermined to come through, and come to you." steps. "What is the matter?" "You pair of madmen!" said Rigaud, facing about. "Nothing's the matter, sir. I was waiting in the "Don't go yet!" court-yard for Miss Dorrit when she came out. I "We don't mean to," said Mr. Pancks. thought you'd like some one to see that she was safe." Giving him a dark glance in acknowleddgment of "Thank you, thank you! You took her home, his answer, Rigand knocked loudly. He had charged John?" himself with drink, for the playing out of his gamle, "1 I saw her to her hotel. The same that Mr. Dor- and was impatient to begin. He had hardly finish 3528 LITTLE DORRIT. ed one long resounding knock, when he turned to ion the world would be no worse for his slipping out the knocker again and began another. That was of it altogether." not yet finished, when Jeremiah Flintwinch opened "Your opinion is not asked," answered Mrs. Clenthe door, and they all clanked into the stone hall. nam. "Go." Rigaud, thrusting Mr. Flintwinch aside, proceeded " I am sorry not to leave you in better company, straight up stairs. His two attendants followed ma'am," said Pancks; "and sorry, too, thatMr. Clenhim, Mr. Flintwinch followed them, and they all nam can't be present. It's my fault, that is." came trooping into Mrs. Clennam's quiet room. It "You mean his own," she returned. was in its usual state, except that one of the win- "No, I mean mine, ma'am," said Pancks, "for it d(ows was wide open, and Affery sat on its old-fash- was my misfortune to lead him into a ruinous inioned window-seat, mending a stocking. The usual vestment." (Mr. Pancks still clung to that word, articles were on the little table; the usual deaden- and never said speculation.) " Though I can prove ed fire was in the grate; the bed had its usual pall by figures," added Mr. Pancks, with an anxious counupon it; and the mistress of all sat on her black tenance, " that it ought to have been a good investbier-like sofa, propped up by her black angular bol- ment. I have gone over it since it failed, every day ster that was like the headsman's block. of my life, and it comes out-regarded as a question Yet there was a nameless air of preparation in the of figures-triumphant. The present is not a time room, as if it were strung up for an occasion. From or place," Mr. Paucks pursued, with a longing glance what the room derived it-every one of its small into his hat, where he kept his calculations, "for envariety of objects being in the fixed spot it had oc- tering upon the figures; but the figures are not to cupied for years-no one could have said without be disputed. Mr. Clennam ought to have been at looking attentively at its mistress, and that, too, this moment in his carriage and pair, and I ought with a previous knowledge of her face. Although to have been worth from three to five thousand her unchanging black dress was in every plait pre- pound." cisely as of old, and her unchanging attitude was Mr. Pancks put his hair erect with a general asrigidly preserved, a very slight additional setting pect of confidence, that could hardly have been surof her features and contraction of her gloomy fore- passed if he had had the amount in his pocket. head was so powerfully marked, that it marked ev- These incontrovertible figures had been the occuery thing about her. pation of every moment of his leisure since he had "Who are these?" she said, wonderingly, as the lost his money, and were destined to afford him contwo attendants entered. "What do these people solation to the end of his days. want here?" "However," said Mr. Pancks, "enough of that. "Who are these, dear madame, is it'?" returned Altro, old boy, you have seen the figures, and you Rigaud. "Faith, they are friends of your son the know how they come out." Mr. Baptist, who had prisoner. And what do they want here, is it? not the slightest arithmetical power of compensating Death, madame, I don't know. You will do well to himself in this way, nodded, with a fine display of ask them." bright teeth. "You know you told us, at the door, not to go At whom Mr. Flintwinch had been looking, and yet," said Pancks. to whom he then said: "And you know you told me, at the door, you "Oh! It's you, is it? I thought I remembered didn't mean to go," retorted Rigaud. "In a word, your face, but I wasn't certain till I saw your teeth. madame, permit me to present two spies of the pris- Ah! yes, to be sure. It was this officious refugee," oner's- madmen, but spies. If you wish them to said Jeremiah to Mrs. Clennam, "who came knockremain here during our little conversation, say the ing at the door, on the night when Arthur and Chatword. It is nothing to me." terbox were here, and who asked me a whole Cate"Why should I wish them to remain here?" chism of questions about Mr. Blandois." said Mrs. Clennam. "-What have I to do with "It is true," Mr. Baptist cheerfully admitted. them?" "And behold him, padrone! I have found him con"Then, dearest madame," said: Rigaud, throwing sequentementally." himself into an arm-chair, so heavily that the old "I shouldn't have objected," returned Mr. Flintroom trembled, "you will do well to dismiss them. winch, "to your having broken your neck conseIt is your affair. They are not my spies, not my ras- quentementally." cals." "And now," said Mr. Pancks, whose eye had often' Hark! You Pancks," said Mrs. Clennam, bend- stealthily wandered to the window-seat, and the ing her brows upon him angrily, " you Casby's clerk! stocking that was being mended there. " I've only Attend to your employer's business and your own. one other word to say before I go. If Mr. Clennam Go. And take that other man with you." was here-but unfortunately, though he has so far " Thank you, ma'am," returned Mr. Pancks, "I am got the better of this fine gentleman as to return glad to say I see no objection to our both retiring. him to this place against his will, he is ill and in We have done all we undertook to do for Mr. Clen- prison-ill and in prison, poor fellow-if he was nam. His constant anxiety has been (and it grew here," said Mr. Pancks, taking one step aside toward worse upon him when he became a prisoner), that the window-seat, and laying his right hand upon the this agreeable gentleman should be brought back stocking; " he would say,'Affery, tell your dreams!"' here, to the. place from which he slipped away. Mr. Pancks held up his right forefinger between Here he is-brought back. And I will say," added his nose and the stocking, with a ghostly air -of Mr. Pancks, "to his ill-looking face, that in my opin- warning, turned, steamed out, and towed Mr. Bap MRSS. AFFERY'S DREAMS. 329 tist after him. The house door was heard to close. acing grin to screw himself in the direction of his upon them, their steps were heard passing over the wife; gasping some remark as he advanced, of dull pavement of the echoing court-yard, and still which, in his choking anger, only the words, "Such nobody had added a word. Mrs. Clennam and Jer- a dose!" were audible. emiah had exchanged a look; and had then looked, "Not a bit nearer, Jeremiah!" cried Affery, never and looked still, at Affery; who sat mending the ceasing to beat the air. "Don't come a bit nearer stocking with great assiduity. to me, or I'll rouse the neighborhood! I'll throw "Come!" said Mr. Flintwinch at length, screwing myself out of window. I'll scream Fire and Murhimself a curve or two in the direction of the win- der! I'll wake the dead! Stop where you are, or dow-seat, and rubbing the palms of his hands on his I'll make shrieks enough to wake the dead!" coat-tail as if he were preparing them to do some- The determined voice of Mrs. Clennam echoed thing: "Whatever has to be said among us, had "Stop!? Jeremiah had stopped already. better be begun to be said, without more loss of " It is closing in, Flintwinch. Let her alone. Aftime.-So, Affery, my woman, take~ yourself away!" fery, do you turn against me after these many years?" IIN A MOM ENT, AFFERY HAD THROWN. THE STOCKING DOWN, STARTED UP, CAUGHT HOLD OF THE WINDOW-SILL. In a moment, Affery had thrown the stocking "I do, if it's turning against you to hear what I down, started up, caught hold of the window-sill don't know, and say what I know. I have broke with her right hand, lodged herself upon the win- out now, and I can't go back. I am determined to dow-seat with her right knee, and was flourishing do it. I will do it-I will, I will, I will! If that's her left hand, beating expected assailants off. turning against you, yes, I turn against both of you "No, I won't, Jeremiah-no, I won't-no, I won't! two clever ones. I told Arthur when he first come I wo't go! I'll stay here. I'll hear all I don't know, home, to stand up against you. I told him it was and say all I know. I will, at last, if I die for it. I no reason, because I was afeard of my life of you, will, I will, I will, I will!" that he should be. All manner of things have been Mr. Flintwinch, stiffening with indignation and agoing on since then, and I won't be run up by Jeramazement, moistened the fingers of one hand at emiah, nor yet I won't be dazed and scared, nor his lips, softly described a circle with them in the made a party to I don't know what, no more. I palm of the other hand, and continued with a men- won't, I won't, I won't! I'll up for Arthur when he 330 LITTLE D)ORRIT. has nothing left, and is ill, and in prison, and can't ceptable to me as money. You always do me the up for himself. I will, I will, I will, I will!" favor to follow, and to comprehend?" "How do you know, you heap of confusion," ask- "Yes," she answered, somewhat louder than beed Mrs. Clennam, sternly, " that in doing what you fore. are doing now, you are even serving Arthur?" " Do not let me derange you; pray be tranquil. "I don't know nothing rightly about any thing," I have said we are now arrived at our last sitting. said Affery; "and if ever you said a true word. in Allow me to recall the two sittings we have held." your life, it's when you call me a heap of confusion, " It is not necessary." for you two clever ones have done your most to make "Death, madame," he burst out, "it's my fancy! me such. You married me whether I liked it or not, Besides, it clears the way. The first sitting was and you've led me, pretty well ever since, such.a life limited. I had the honor of making your acquaintof dreaming and frightening as never was known, ance-of presenting my letter; I am a Knight of and what do you expect me to be but a heap of con- Industry, at your service, madame, but my polished fusion? You wanted to make me such, and I am manners had won me so much of success, as a master such; but I won't submit no longer; no, I won't, I of languages, among your compatriots who are as won't, I won't, I won't!" She was still beating the stiff as their own starch is to one another, but are air against all comers. ever ready to relax to a foreign gentleman of polAfter gazing at her in silence, Mrs. Clennam turn- ished manners-and of observing one or two little ed to Rigaud. " You see and hear this foolish crea- things," he glanced around the room and smiled, ture. Do you object to such a piece of distraction "about this honorable house, to know which was remaining where she is?" necessary to assure me, and to convince me that I " I, madame," he replied; " do I? That's a ques- had the distinguished pleasure of making the action for you." quaintance of the lady I sought. I achieved this. "I do not," she said, gloomily. "There is little I gave my word of honor to our dear Flintwinch, left to choose now. Flintwinch, it is closing in." that I would return. I gracefully departed." Mr. Flintwinch replied by directing a look of red Her face neither acquiesced nor demurred. The vengeance at his wife, and then, as if to pinion him- same when he paused and when he spoke, it has yet self from falling upon her, screwed his crossed arms showed him always the one attentive frown, and the into the breast of his waistcoat, and with his chin dark revelation before mentioned of her being nerved very near one of his elbows, stood in a corner, watch- for the occasion. ing Rigaud in the oddest attitude. Rigand for his " I say, gracefully departed, because it was gracepart arose from his chair, and seated himself on the ful to retire without alarming a lady. To be mortable, with his legs dangling. In this easy attitude, ally graceful, not less than physically, is a part of lie met Mrs. Clennam's set face, with his mustache the character of Rigaud Blandois. It was also going up, and his nose coming down. politic, as leaving you, with something overhanging "Madame, I am a gentleman-" you, to expect me again Mwith a little anxiety, on a "Of whom," she interrupted in her steady tones, day not named. But your slave is politic. By "I have heard disparagement, in connection with a Heaven, madame, politic! Let us return. On the French jail, and an accusation of murder." day not named, I have again the honor to render He kissed his hand to her with his exaggerated myself at your house. I intimate that I have somegallantry. thing to sell, which, if not bought, will compromise "Perfectly. Exactly. Of a lady too! What madame whom I highly esteem. I explain myself absurdity! How incredible! I had the honor of generally. I demand-I think it was a thousand making a great success then; I hope to have the pounds. Will you correct me'?" honor of making a great success now. I kiss your Thus forced to speak, she replied, with constraint, hands. Madame, I am a gentleman (I was going to "You demanded as much as a thousand pounds." observe), who when he says,'I will definitely finish "I demand at present, Two. Such are the evils this or that affair at the present sitting,' does defi- of delay. But to return once more. We are not nitely finish it. I announce to you, that we are accordant; we differ on that occasion. I am playarrived at our last sitting, on our little business. ful; playfulness is a part of my amiable character. You do me the favor to follow, and to compre- Playfully, I become as one slain and hidden. For, hend?" it may alone be worth half the sum, to madame, to be She kept her eyes fixed upon him with a frown. freed from the suspicions that my droll idea awak" Yes." ens. Accident and spies intermix themselves against "Further, I am a gentleman to whom mere mer- my playfulness, and spoil the fruit, perhaps —who cenary trade-bargains are unknown, but to whom knows? only you and Flintwinch-when it is just money is always acceptable as the means of pursuing ripe. Thus, madame, I am here for the last time. his pleasures. You do me the favor to follow, and Listen! Definitely the last." to comprehend?" As he struck his straggling boot-heels against the " Scarcely necessary to ask, one would say. Yes." flap of the table, meeting her frown with an insolent "Further, I am a gentleman of the softest and gaze, he began to change his tone for a fiercer one. sweetest disposition, but who, if trifled with, be- "Bah! Stop an instant! Let us advance by comes enraged. Noble natures under such circum- steps. Here is my Hotel note to be paid, according stances become enraged. I possess a noble nature. to contract. Five minutes hence we may be at dagWhen the lion is awakened-that is to say, when I gers' points. I'll not leave it till then, or you'll enrage-the satisfaction of my animosity is as ac- cheat me. Pay it! Count me the money!" THE HISTORY OF THE HO USE. 331 "Take it from his hand and pay it, Flintwinch," sat down in it, and leaned an arm upon the sofa said Mrs. Clennam. close to her own, which he touched with his hand. He spirited it into Mr. Flintwinch's face, when Her face was ever frowning, attentive, and settled. the old man advanced to take it; and held forth his "It is your pleasure then, madame, that I shall hand, repeating noisily, " Pay it! Count it out! relate a morsel of family history in this little famiGood money!" Jeremiah picked the bill up, looked ly society," said Rigaud, with a warning play of his at the total with a bloodshot eye, took a small can- lithe fingers on her arm. "I amn something of a vas bag from his pocket, and told the amount into doctor. Let me touch your pulse." his hand. She suffered him to take her wrist in his hand. Rigaud chinked the money, weighed it in his hand, Holding it, he proceeded to say: threw it up a little way and caught it, chinked it "A history of a strange marriage, and a strange again. mother, and a revenge, and a suppression.-Ay, ay, "The sound of it, to the bold Rigaud Blanudois, is ay? This pulse is beating curiously! It appears like the taste of fresh meat to the tiger. Say, then, to me that it doubles while I touch it. Are these madame. How much?1" the usual changes of your malady, madame?" He turned upon her suddenly, with a menacing There was a struggle in her maimed arm as she gesture of the weighted hand that clenched the twisted it away, but there was none in her face. money, as if he were going to strike her with it. On his face there was his own smile. "I tell you again, as I told you before, that we "I have lived an adventurous life. I am an adare not rich here, as you suppose us to be, and that venturous character. I have known many advenyour demand is excessive. I have not the present tures; interesting spirits-amiable society! To means of complying with such a demand, if I had one of them I owe my knowledge, and my proofsever so great an inclination." I repeat it, estimable lady-proofs of the ravish"If!" cried Rigaud. "Hearthis lady withherIf! ing little family history I go to commence. You Will you say that you have not the inclination?" will be charmed with it. But, bah! I forget. One "I will say what presents itself to me, and not should name a history. Shall I name it the history what presents itself to you." of a house? But, bah, again. There are so many "Say it then. As to the inclination. Quick! houses. Shall I name it the history of this house?" Come to the inclination, and I know what to do." Leaning over the sofa, poised on two legs of his She was no quicker, and no slower, in her reply. chair and his left elbow; that hand often tapping "It would seem that you have obtained possession her arm, to beat his words home; his legs crossed; of a paper-or of papers-which I assuredly have his right hand sometimes arranging his hair, sonlethe inclination to recover." times smoothing his mustache, sometimes striking Rigaud, with a loud laugh, drummed his heels his nose, always threatening her whatever it did; against the table, and chinked his money. "I think coarse, insolent, rapacious, cruel, and powerful; he so! I believe you there!" pursued his narrative at his ease. "The paper might be worth, to me, a sum of mon- "In fine, then, I name it the history of this house. ey. I can not say how much, or how little." I commence it. There live here, let us suppose, an "What the Devil!" he asked, savagely. "Not uncle and nephew. The uncle, a rigid old gentleafter a week's grace to consider?" man of strong force of character; the nephew, ha"No! I will not out of my scanty means-for I bitually timid, repressed, and under constraint." tell you again, we are poor here, and not rich- I Mistress Affery, fixedly attentive in the windowwill not offer any price for a power that I do not seat, biting the rolled-up end of her apron, and know the worst and the fullest extent of. This is trembling from head to foot, here cried out, "Jerethe third time of your hinting and threatening. miah, keep off from me! I've heerd in my dreams, You must speak explicitly, or you may go where of Arthur's father and his uncle. He's a-talking of you will, and do what you will. It is better to be them. It was before my time here; but I've heerd torn to pieces at a spring, than to be a mouse at the in my dreams that Arthur's'father was a poor, irrescaprice of such a cat." olute, frightened chap, who had had every thing He looked at her so hard with those eyes too near but his orphan life scared out of him when he was together, that the sinister sight of each, crossing young, and that he had no voice in the choice of his that of the other, seemed to make the bridge of his wife even, but his uncle chose. her. There she sits! hooked nose crooked. After a long survey, he said, I heerd in my dreams, and you said it to her own with the further setting off of his infernal smile: self." " You are a bold woman!" As Mr. Flintwinch shook his fist at her, and as "I am a resolved womai." Mrs. Clennam gazed upon her, Rigaud kissed his "You always were. What? She always was; hand to her. is it not so, my little Flintwinch?" "Perfectly right, dear Madame Flintwinch. You "Flintwinch, say nothing to him. It is for him have a genius for dreaming." to say here, and now, all he can; or to go hence, " I don't want none of your praises," returned Afand do all he can. You know this to be our deter- fery. " I don't want to have nothing at all to say mination. Leave him to his action on it." to you. But Jeremiah said they was dreams, and She did not shrink under his evil leer, or avoid I'll tell'em as such!" Here she put her apron in it. He turned it upon her again, but she remained her mouth again, as if she were stopping somebody steady at the point to which she had fixed herself. else's mouth-perhaps Jeremiah's, which was chatHe got off the table, placed a. chair near the sofa, tering with threats as if he were grimly cold. 332. LITTLE DORRIT. "Our beloved Madame Flintwinch,'" said Rigaud, dow-seat, ready to cry out or jump out, if her lord "developing all of a sudden a fine susceptibility and and master approached. spirituality, is right to a marvel. Yes. So runs the Rigaud had not lost a word of this. history. Monsieur, the uncle, commands the neph- "Ha, ha!" he cried, lifting his eyebrows, folding ew to marry. Monsieur says to him in effect,'My his arms, and leaning back in his chair. " Assurnephew, I introduce to you a lady of strong force of edly, Madame Flintwinch is an oracle! How shall character, like myself: a resolved lady, a stern lady, we interpret the oracle, you and I, and the old ina lady who has a will that can break the weak to triguer? He said that you were not-? And you powder: a lady without pity, without love, implaca- burst out and stopped him! What was it you were ble, revengeful, cold as the stone, but raging as the not? What is it you are not? Say then, madame!" fire.' Ah! what fortitude! Ah, what superiority Under the ferocious banter, she sat breathing of intellectual strength! Truly, a proud and noble harder, and her mouth was disturbed. Her lips character that I describe in the supposed words of quivered and opened, in spite of her utmost efforts Monsieur the uncle. Ha, a,ha! Death of my soul, to keep them still. I love the sweet lady!" "Come then, madame! Speak, then! Our old Mrs. Clennam's face had changed. There was a intriguer said that you were not-and you stopped remarkable darkness of color on it, and the brow him. He was going to say that you were notwas more contracted. "Madame, madame," said what? I know already, but I want a little confiRigaud, tapping her on the arm, as if his cruel hand dence from you. Now, then! You are not what?" were sounding a musical instrument, "I perceive I She tried again to repress herself, but broke out interest you. I perceive I awaken your sympathy. vehemently, "Not Arthur's mother!" Let us go on." "Good," said Rigaud. "You are amenable." The drooping nose and the ascending mustache With the set expression of her face all torn away had, however, to be hidden for a moment with the by the explosion of her passion, and with a bursting white hand, before he could go on; he enjoyed the from every rent feature of the smouldering fire so effect he made, so much. lonig pent up, she cried out: "I will tell it myself! "The nephew being, as the lucid Madame Flint- I will not hear it from your lips, and with the taint winch has remarked, a poor devil who has had ev- of your wickedness upon it.. Since it must be seen, ery thing but his orphan life frightened and fam- I will have it seen by the light I stood in. Not anished out of him-the nephew abases his head, and other word. Hear me!" makes response:' My uncle, it is to you to command. "Unless you are a more obstinate and more perDo as you will!' Monsieur, the uncle, does as he sisting woman than even I know you to be," Mr. will. It is what he always does. The auspicious Flintwinch interposed, "you had better leave Mr. nuptials take place; the newly-married come home Rigaud, Mr. Blandois, Mr. Beelzebub, to tell it in his to this charming mansion; the lady is received, let own way.,What does it signify when he knows all us suppose, by Flintwinch. Hey, old intriguer?" about it?" Jeremiah, with his eyes upon his mistress, made "He does not know all about it." no reply. Rigaud looked from one to the other, "He knows all he cares about it," Mr. Flintwinch struck his ugly nose, and made a cluckling with his testily urged. tongue. He does not know me." "4 Soon, the lady makes a singular and exciting "What do you suppose he cares for you, you condiscovery. Thereupon, full of anger, full of jeal- ceited woman?" said Mr. Flintwinch. ousy, full of vengeance, she forms -see you, ma- "I tell you, Flintwinch, I will speak. I tell you dame! -a scheme of retribution, the weight of when it has come to this, I will tell it with my own which she ingeniously forces her crushed husband lips, and will express myself throughout it. What! to bear himself, as well as execute upon her enemy. Have I suffered nothing in this room, no deprivation, What superior intelligence!" no imprisonment, that I should condescend at last to' "Keep off, Jeremiah!" cried the palpitating Af- contemplate myself in such a glass as that! Can you fery, taking her apron from her mouth again. " But see him? Can you hear him? If your wife were a it was one of my dreams that you told her, when you hundred times the ingrate that she is, and if I were quarreled with her one winter evening at dusk- a thousand times more hopeless than I am of induthere she sits and you looking at her-that she cing her to be silent if this man is silenced, I would oughtn't to have let Arthur when he come home, tell it myself, before I would bear the torment of the suspect his father only; that she had always had hearing it from him." the strength and the power; and that she ought to Rigaud pushed his chair a little back; pushed his have stood up more, to Arthur, for his father. It legs out straight before him; and sat with his arms was in the same dream where you said to her that folded, -over against her. she was not-not something, but I don't know what, "You do not know what it is," she went on adfor she burst out tremendous and stopped you. You dressing him, " to be brought up strictly and straitknow the dream as well as I do. When you came ly. I was so brought up. Mine was no light youth down stairs into the kitchen with the candle in your of sinful gayety and pleasure. Mine were days of hand, and hitched my apron off my head. When you wholesome repression, punishment, and fear. The told me I had been dreaming. When you wouldn't corruption of our hearts, the evil of our ways, the believe the noises.2" After this explosion Affery put curse that is upon us, the terrors that surround us her apron into her mouth again; always keeping her -these were the themes of my childhood. They hand on the window-sill, and her knee on the win- formed my character, and filled me with an abhor ":DO NlOT FORGET." 333 rence of evil-doers. When old Mr. Gilbert Clennam nounce? When she pleaded to me her youth, and proposed his orphan nephew to my father for my hus- his wretched and hard life (that was her phrase for band, my father impressed upon me that his bring- the virtuous training he had belied), and the deseing-up had been, like mine, one of severe restraint. crated ceremony of marriage there had secretly been He told me that, besides the discipline his spirit had between them, and the terrors of want and shame undergone, he had lived in a starved house, where that had overwhelmed them both, when I was first rioting and gayety were unknown, and where every appointed to be the instrument of their punishment, day was a day of toil and trial like the last. He and the love (for she said the word to me, down at told me that he had been a man in years, long be- my feet) in which she had abandoned him and left fore his uncle had acknowledged him as one; and him to me, was it my enemy that became my footthat from his school-days to that hour, his uncle's stool, were they the words of my wrath that made roof had been a sanctuary to him from the conta- her shrink and quiver! Not unto me the strength gion of the irreligious and dissolute. When, within be ascribed; not unto me the wringing of the exa twelvemonth of our marriage, I found my hus- piation!" band, at that time when my father spoke of him, to Many years had come, and gone, since she had had have sinned against the Lord and outraged me by the free use even of her fingers; but it was noticeholding a guilty creature in my place, was I to doubt able that she had already more than once struck her that it had been appointed to me to make the dis- clenched hand vigorously upon the table, and that covery, and that it was appointed to me to lay the when she said these words she raised her whole arm hand of punishment upon that creature of perdi- in the air, as though it had been a common action tion? Was I to dismiss in a moment-not my own with her. wrongs-what was I! but all the rejection of sin, "And what was the-repentance that was extorted and all the war against it, in which I had been from the hardness of her heart and the blackness of bred?" her depravity? I, vindictive and implacable? It She laid her wrathful hand upon the watch on may seem so, to such as you who know no righteousthe table. ness, and no appointment except Satan's. Laugh; "No!'Do not forget.' The initials of those words but I will be known as I know myself, and as Flintare within here now, and were within here then. I winch knows me, though it is only to you and this was appointed to find the old letter that referred to half-witted woman." them, and that told me what they meant, and whose "Add, to yourself, madame," said Rigaud. "I work they were, and why they were worked, lying have my little suspicions, that madame is rather sowith this watch in his secret drawer. But for that licitous to be justified to herself." appointment, there would have been no discovery. "It is false. It is not so. I have no need to be,"'Do not forget.' It spoke to me like a voice from she said, with great energy and anger. an angry cloud. Do not forget the deadly sin, do "Truly?" retorted Rigaud. "Ha!" not forget the appointed discovery, do not forget the "I ask, what was the penitence, in works, that.tappointed suffering. I did not forget. Was it my was demanded of her?' You have a child; I have own wrong I remembered? Mine! I was but a none. You love that child. Give him to me. He servant and a minister. What power could I have shall believe himself to be my son, and he shall be had over them, but that they were bound in the believed by every one to be my sot. To save you bonds of their sin, and delivered to me!" from exposure, his father shall swear never to see More than forty years.had passed over the gray head or communicate with you more; equally to save of this determined woman since the time she re- him from being stripped by his uncle, and to save called. More than forty years of strife and strug- your child from being a beggar, you shall swear gle with the whisper that, by whatever name she never to see or communicate with either of them called her vindictive pride and rage, nothing through more. That done, and your present means, derived all eternity could change their nature. Yet, gone from my husband, renounced, I charge myself with those more than forty years, and come this Nemesis your support. You may, with your place of retreat now looking her in the face, she still abided by her unknown, then leave, if you please, uncontradicted old impiety-still reversed the order of Creation, by me, the lie that when you passed out of all and breathed her own breath into a clay image of knowledge but mine, you merited a good name.' her Creator. Verily, verily, travelers have seen many That was all. She had to sacrifice her sinful and monstrous idols in many countries; but no human shameful affections; no more. She was then free to eyes have ever seen more daring, gross, and shocking bear her load of guilt in secret, and to break her images of the Divine nature, than we creatures of heart in secret; and through such present misery the dust make in our own likenesses, of our own bad (light enough for her, I think!) to purchase her repassions. demption from endless misery, if she could. If, in "When I forced him to give her up to me, by her this, I punished her here, did I not open to her a name and place of abode," she went on in her tor- way hereafter? If she knew herself to be surroundrent of indignation and defense; "when I accused ed by insatiable vengeance and unquenchable fires, her, and she fell hiding her face at my feet, was it were they mine? If I threatened her, then and my injury that I.asserted, were they my reproaches afterward, with the terrors that encompassed her, that I poured upon her? Those who were appoint- did I hold them in my right hand?" ed of old to go to wicked kings and accuse them- She turned the watch upon the table, and opened were they not ministers and servants? And had not it, and, with an unsoftening face, looked at the I, unworthy, and far-removed from them, sin to de- worked letters within. 334 LITTLE DORRIT. "They did not forget. It is appointed against her vehemence, she had almost risen on her disabled such offenses that the offenders shall not be able to feet. "If Gilbert Clennam, reduced to imbecility, forget. If the presence of Arthur was a daily re- at the point of death, and laboring under the deproach to his father, and if the absence of Arthur lusion of some imaginary relenting toward a girl, awas a daily agony to his mother, that was the just dis- of whom he had heard that his nephew had once pensation of Jehovah. As well might it be charged had a fancy for her, which he had crushed out of upon me, that the stings of an awakened conscience him, and that she afterward drooped away into meldrove her mad,-andl that it was the will of the Dis- ancholy and withdrawal from all who knew her-if, poser of all things that she should live so, many in that state of weakness, he dictated to me, whose years. I devoted myself to reclaim the otherwise life she had darkened with her sin, and who had predestined and lost boy; to give him the reputa- been appointed to know her wickedness from her tion of an honest origin; to bring him up in fear and own hand and her own lips, a bequest meant as a trembling, and in, a life of practical contrition for recompense to her for supposed unmerited suffering; the sins that were heavy on his head before his was there no difference between my spurning that entrance into this condemned world. Was that a injustice, and coveting mere money-a thing which cruelty? Was I, too, not visited with consequences you, and your comrades in the prisons, may steal of the original offense, in which I had no complicity? from any one?" Arthur's father and I lived no farther apart, with "Time. presses, madame. Take care!" half the globe between us, than when we were to- "If this house was blazing from the roof to the gether in this house. He died, and sent this watch ground," she returned, " I would stay in it to justify back to me, with its Do not forget. I do NOT for- myself, against my righteous motives being classed get, though I do not read it: as-he did. I read in it, with those of stabbers and thieves." that I was appointed to do these things. I have so Rigand snapped his fingers tauntingly in her face. read these three letters since I have had them lying " One thousand guineas to the little beauty you on this table, and I did so read them, with equal slowly hunted to death. One thousand guineas to distinctness, when they were thousands of miles the youngest daughter her patron might have at away." fifty, or (if he had none) brother's youngest daughAs she took the watch-case in her hand, with that ter, on her coming of age,' as the remembrance his new freedom in the use of her hand of which she disinterestedness may like best, of his protection of showed no consciousness whatever, bending her eyes a friendless young orphan girl.' Two thousani upon it as if she were defying it to move her, Rigaud guineas. What! You will never come to the cried, with a loud and contemptuous snapping of his money?" fingers, "Come, madame! Time runs out. Come, "That patron," she was vehemently proceeding, lady of piety, it must be! You can tell nothing I when he checked her. don't know. Come to the money stolen, or I will! " Names! Call him Mr. Frederick Dorrit. No Death of my soul, I have had enough of your other more evasions." jargon. Come straight to the stolen money!" "That Frederick Dorrit was the beginning of it "Wretch that you are," she answered, and now all. If he not been a player of music, and had no; her hands clasped her head: "through what fatal kept, in those days of his youth and prosperity, an error of FlintWinch's, through what incompleteness idle house where singers, and players, and such-like on his part, who was the only other person helping children of Evil, turned their backs on the Light in these things and trusted with them, through and their faces to the Darkness, she might have rewhose and what bringing together of the ashes of a mained in her lowly station, and might not have burned paper, you have become possessed of that been raised out of it to be cast down. But, no. codicil, I know no more than how you acquired the Satan entered into that Frederick Dorrit, and counrest of your power here -" seled him that he was a man of innocent and laud"And yet," interrupted Rigand, "it is my odd able tastes who did kind actions, and that here was fortune to have by me, in a convenient place that a poor girl with a voice for singing music with. I know of, that same short little addition to the Then he is to have her taught. Then Arthur's will of Monsieur Gilbert Clennam, written by a lady father, who has all along been secretly pining in the and witnessed by the same lady, and our old in- ways of virtuous ruggedness, for those accursed triguer! Ah, bah, old intriguer, crooked little pup- snares, which are called the Arts, becomes acquaintpet! Madame, let us go on. Time presses. You ed with her. And so, a graceless orphan, training or I to finish?" to be a singing-girl, carries it, by that Frederick "I!" she answered, with increased determination, Dorrit's agency, against me, and I am humbled and if it were possible. " I, because I will not endure deceived!-Not I, that is to say," she added quickly, to be shown myself, and have myself shown to any as color flushed into her face; "a greater than I. one, with your horrible distortion upon me. You, What am I-?" with your practices of infamous foreign prisons and Jeremiah Flintwinch, who had been gradually galleys would make it the money that impelled me. screwing himself toward her, and who was now very It was not the money." near her elbow without her knowing it, made a "Bah, bah, bah! I repudiate, for the moment, specially wry face of objection when she said these my politeness, and say, Lies, lies, lies. You know words, and moreover twitched his gaiters, as if such you suppressed the deed, and kept the money." pretensions were equivalent to little barbs in his "Not for the money's sake, wretch!" She made legs. a struggle as if she were starting up; even as if, in "Lastly," she continued, "for I am at the end of MR. FLINTWIANCH EXPLODES. 335 these things, and I will say no more of them, and so like him, Little Flintwinch. So like him, as I you shall say no more of them, and all that remains knew him (when I first spoke English for him to the will be to determine whether the knowledge of host) in the Cabaret of the Three Billiard-tables, in them can be kept among us who are here present; the little street of the high roofs, by the wharf at lastly, when I suppressed that paper, with the knowl- Antwerp! Ah, but he was a brave boy to drink. edge of Arthur's father —" Ah, but he was a brave boy to smoke! Ah, but he " But not with his consent, you know," said Mr. lived in a sweet bachelor apartment —furnished, on Flintwinch. the fifth floor, above the wood and charcoal mer"Who said with his consent?" She started to find chant's; and the dress-maker's, and the chair-maker's, Jeremiah so near her, and drew back her head, and the maker of tubs-where I knew him too, and looking at him with some rising distrust. "You where, with his cognac and tobacco, he had twelve were often enough between us, when he would have sleeps a day and one fit, until he had a fit too much, had me produce it and I would not, to have contra- and ascended to the skies. Ha, ha, ha! What does dieted me if I had said, with his consent. I say, it matter how I took possession of the papers in his when I suppressed that paper, I made no effort to iron box? Perhaps he confided it to my hands for destroy it, but kept it by me, here in this house, you, perhaps it was locked and my curiosity was many years. The rest of the Gilbert property being piqued, perhaps I suppressed it. Ha, ha, ha! What left to Arthur's father, I could at any time, without does it matter, so that I have it safe'? We are not unsettling more than the two sums, have made a particular here; hey, Flintwinch? We are not parpretense of finding it. But, besides that I must ticular here; is it not so, madame?" have supported such pretense by a direct falsehood Retiring before him with vicious counter-jerks of (a great responsibility), I have seen no new reason, his own elbows, Mr. Flintwinch had got back into in all the time I have been tried here, to bring it his corner, where he now stood with his hands in to light. It was a rewarding of sin; the wrong re- his pockets, taking breath, and returning Mrs. Clensult of a delusion. I did what I was appointed to nam's stare.'" Ha, ha, ha! But what's this!" cried do, and I have undergone, within these four walls, Rigaud. "It appears as if you don't know one the what I was appointed to undergo. When the paper other. Permit me, Madame Clennam who suppresswas at last destroyed-as I thought-in my pres- es, to present Monsieur Flintwinch who intrigues." ence, she had long been dead, and her patron, Fred- Mr. Flintwinch, unpocketing one of his hands to erick Dorrit, had long been deservedly ruined and scrape his jaw, advanced a step or so in that attiimbecile. He had no daughter. I had found the tude, still returning Mrs. Clennam's look, and thus niece before then; and what I did for her, was bet- addressed her: ter for her far, than the money of which she would "Now, I know what you mean by opening your have had no good." She added, after a moment, as eyes so wide at me, but you needn't take the trouthough she addressed the watch: " She herself was ble, because I don't care for it. I've been telling you innocent, and I might not have forgotten to relin- for how many years, that you're one of the most quish it to her, at my death:" and sat looking at it. opiniated and obstinate of women. That's what "'Shall I recall something to you, worthy ma- you are. You call yourself humble and sinful, but dlame?" said Rigaud. "The little paper was in this you are the most Bumptious of your sex. That's house, on the night when our friend the prisoner- what you are. I have told you, over and over again jail-comrade of my soul-came home from foreign when we have had a tiff, that you wanted to make countries. Shall I recall yet something more to you? every thing go down before you, but I wouldn't go The little singing-bird that never was fledged, was down before you-that you wanted to swallow up long kept in a cage, by a guardian of your appoint- every body alive, but I wouldn't be swallowed up ing, well enough known to our old intriguer here. alive. Why didn't you destroy the paper when you Shall we coax our old intriguer to tell us when he first laid hands upon it? I advised you to; but, no, saw him last?" it's not your way to take advice. You must keep "'I'll tell you!" cried Affery, unstopping her mouth. it, forsooth. Perhaps you may carry it out at some "I dreamed it, first of all my dreams. Jeremiah, if other time, forsooth. As if I didn't know better you come a-nigh me now, I'll scream to be heard at than that! I think I see your pride carrying it out, St. Paul's! The person as this man has spoken of, with a chance of being suspected of having kept it was Jeremiah's own twin brother; and he was here by you. But that's the way you cheat yourself. in the dead of the night, on the night when Arthur Just as you cheat yourself into making out, that. come home, and Jeremiah with his own hands give you didn't do all this business because you were a him this paper, along with I don't know what more, rigorous woman, all slight and spite, and power, and and he took it away in an iron box-Help! Murder! unforgiveness, but because you were a servant and Save me from Jere-mi-ah!" a minister, and were appointed to do it. Who are Mr. Flintwinch had made a run at her, but Ri- you, that you should be appointed to do it? That gaud had caught him in his arms midway. After may be your religion, but it's my gammon. And to a moment's wrestle with him, Flintwinch gave up, tell you all the truth while I am about it," said Mr. and put his hands in his pockets. Flintwinch, crossing his arms, and becoming the ex"What!" cried Rigaud, rallying him as he poked press image of irascible doggedness, "I have been and jerked him back with his elbows, " assault a rasped-rasped these forty years — by your taking lady with such a genius for dreaming? Ha, ha, ha! such high ground even with me, who knows better; Why, she'll be a fortune to you as an exhibition. the effect of it being coolly to put me on low ground. All that she dreams comes true. Ha, ha, ha! You're I admire you very much; you are a woman of strong 336 LITTLE DORBIT. head and great talent; but the strongest head, and from time to time, lots of these sheets to me. I the greatest talent, can't rasp a man for forty years thought I might as well keep them to myself, as have without making him sore. So I don't care for your them swallowed up alive too; so I kept them in a present eyes. Now, I am coming to the paper, and box, looking over them when I felt in the humor. mark what I say. You put it away somewhere, and Convinced that it was advisable to get the paper you kept your own counsel where. You're an act- out of the place, with Arthur coming about it, I put ive woman at that time, and if you want to get that it into this same box, and I locked the whole up paper, you can get it. But, mark! There comes with two locks, and I trusted it to my brother to a time when you are struck into what you are now, take away and keep, till I should write about it. and then if you want to get that paper, you can't I did write about it, and never got an answer. I get it. So it lies, long years, in its hiding-place. At didn't know what to make of it, till this gentleman last, when we are expecting Arthur home every day, favored us with his first visit. Of course, I began and when any day may bring him. home, and it's to suspect how it was, then; and I don't want his impossible to say what rummaging he may make word for it now to understand, how he gets his about the house, I recommend you five thousand knowledge from my papers, and your paper, and times, if you can't get at it, to let me get at it, that my brother's cognac and tobacco talk (I wish he'd it may be put in the fire. But no —no one but you had to gag himself). Now, I have only one thing knows where it is, and that's power; and, call your- more to say, you hammer-headed woman, and that self whatever humble names you will, I call you a is, that I haven't altogether made up my mind female Lucifer in appetite for power! On a Sun- whether I might, or might not, have ever given you day night, Arthur comes home. He has not been any trouble about the codicil. I think not; and in this room ten minutes, when he speaks of his fa- that I should have been quite satisfied with knowther's watch. You know very well that the Do Not ing I had got the better of you, and that I held the Forget, at the time when his father sent that watch power over you. In the present state of circumto you, could only mean, the rest of the story being stances, I have no more explanation to give you till then all dead and over, Do Not Forget the suppres- this time to-morrow night. So you may as well," sion. Make restitution! Arthur's ways have fright- said Mr. Flintwinch, terminating his oration with a ened you a bit, and the paper shall be burned after screw, " keep your eyes open at somebody else, for, all. So, before that jumping jade and Jezebel," Mr. it's no use keeping'em open at me." Flintwinch grinned at his wife, " has got you into She slowly withdrew them when he had ceased, bed, you at last- tell me where you have put the and dropped her forehead on her hand. Her other paper, among the old ledgers in the cellars, where hand pressed hard upon the table, and again the Arthur himself went prowling the very next morn- curious stir was observable in her, as if she were going. But, it's not to be burned on a Sunday night. ing to rise. No; you are strict, you are; we must wait over "This box can never bring, elsewhere, the price twelve o'clock, and get into Monday. Now, all this it will bring here. This knowledge can never be of is a swallowing of me up alive, that rasps me; so, the same profit to you, sold to any other'person, as feeling a little out of temper, and not being as strict sold to me. But, I have not the present means of as yourself, I take a look at the document before raising the sum you have demanded. I have not twelve o'clock, to refresh my memory as to its ap- prospered. What will you take now, and what at pearance-fold up one of the many yellow old pa- another time, and how am I to be assured of your pers in the cellars like it -and afterward, when we silence?" have got into Monday morning, and I have, by the "My angel," said Rigaud, "I have said what I light of your lamp, to walk from you, lying on that will take, and time presses. Before coming here, I bed, to this grate, make a little exchange like the con- placed copies of the most important of these papers juror, and burn accordingly. My brother Ephraim, in another hand. Put off the time till the Marshalsea the lunatic-keeper (I wish he had had himself to gate shall be shut for the night, and it will be too keep in a strait-waistcoat), had had many jobs since late to treat. The prisoner will have read them." the close of the long job he got from you, but had She put her two hands to her head again, uttered not done well. His wife died (not that that was a loud exclamation, and started to her feet. She much; mine might have died instead, and welcome), staggered for a moment, as if she would have fallen; he speculated unsuccessfully in lunatics, he got into then stood firm. difficulty about over-roasting a patient to bring him "Say what you mean. Say what you mean, to reason, and he got into debt. He was going out man!" of the way, on what he had been able to scrape up, Before her ghostly figure, so long unused to its and a trifle from me. He was here that early Mon- erect attitude, and so stiffened in it, Rigaud fell day morning, waiting for the tide; in short, he was back and dropped his voice. It was, to all three, going to' Antwerp, where (I am afraid you'll be almost as if a dead woman had risen. shocked at *my saying, And be d-d to him!) he "Miss Dorrit,"' answered Rigaud, "the little niece mafde the acquaintance of this gentleman. He had of Monsieur Frederick, whom I have known across come a long way, and, I thought then, was only the water, is attached to the prisoner. Miss Dorrit, sleepy; but, I suppose now, was drunk. When Ar- little niece of Monsieur Frederick, watches at this thur's mother had been under the care of him and moment over the prisoner, who is ill. For her I his wife, she had been always writing, incessantly with my own hands left a packet at the prison, on writing-mostly letters of confession to you, and my way here, with a letter of instructions,'for his Prayers for forgiveness. My brother had handed, sake'- she will do any thing for his sake-to keep BLANDOIS TRI UMPLHA NT. 337 _...................... it without breaking the seal, in case of its being re- triumph, my little boy; but it is your character to claimed before the hour of shutting up to-night-if triumph. Whoof!" it should not be reclaimed before the ringing of the In the hour of his triumph, his mustache went up prison bell, to give it to him; and it incloses a see- and his nose came down, as he ogled a great beam ond copy for herself, which he must give to her. over his head with particular satisfaction. What! I don't trust myself among you, now we have got so far, without giving my secret a second life. And as to its not bringing me, elsewhere, the price it will bring here, say then, madame, have you CHAPTER XXXI. limited and settled the price the little niece will give-for his sake-to hush it up'? Once more I say, time presses. The packet not reclaimed before HE sun had set, and the streets were dim in the the ringing of the bell to-night, you can not buy. I dusty twilight, when the figure so long unused sell, then, to the little girl!" to them hurried on its way. In the immediate neighOnce more the stir and struggle in her, and she borhood of the old house, it attracted little attention, ran to a closet, tore the door open, took down a for there were only a few straggling people to notice hood or shawl, and wrapped it over her head. Af- it; but, ascending from the river, by the crooked fery, who had watched her in terror, darted to her ways that led to London Bridge, and passing into in the middle of the room, caught hold of her dress, the great main road, it became surrounded by asand went on her knees to her. tonishment. "Don't, don't, don't! What are you doing? Resolute, and wild of look, rapid of foot, and yet Where are you going? You're a fearful woman, weak and uncertain, conspicuously dressed in its but I don't bear you no ill-will. I can do poor Ar- black garments and with its hurried head-covering, thur no good now, that I see; and you needn't be gaunt and of an unearthly paleness, it pressed forafraid of me. I'll keep your secret. Don't go out, ward, taking no more heed of the throng than a you'll fall dead in the street. Only promise me sleep-walker. More remarkable by being so rethat, if it's the poor thing that's kept here secret- moved from the crowd it was among, than if it had ly, you'll let me take charge of her and be her been lifted on a pedestal to be seen, the figure atnurse. Only promise me that, and never be afraid tracted all eyes. Saunterers pricked up their atof me." tention to observe it; busy people, crossing it, slackMrs. Clennam stood still for an instant, at the cued their pace and turned their heads; companions height of'her rapid haste, saying, in stern amaze- pausing and standing aside, whispered one another ment: to look at this spectral woman who was coming by; " Kept here? She has been dead a score of years and the'sweep of the figure as it passed seemed to or more. Ask Flintwinch-ask him. They can both create a vortex, drawing the most idle and most cutell you that she died when Arthur went abroad." rious after it. "So much the worse," said Affery, with a shiver,. Made giddy by the turbulent irruption of this mul"for she haunts the house, then. Who else rustles titude of staring faces into her cell of years, by the about it, making signals by dropping dust so soft- confusing sensation of being in the air, and the yet ly? Who else comes and goes, and marks the walls more confusing sensation of being afoot, by the unwith long crooked touches, when we are all abed? expected changes in half-remembered objects, and Who else holds the door sometimes? But don't the want of likeness between the controllable picgo out —don't go out! Mistress, you'll die in the taures her imagination had often drawn of the life street!" from which she was secluded, and the overwhelmHer mistress only disengaged her dress from the ing rush of the reality, she held her way as if she beseeching hands, said to Rigaud, " Wait here till were environed by distracting thoughts, rather than I come back!" and ran out of the room. They saw by external humanity and observation. But, having her, from the window run wildly through the court- crossed the bridge, and gone some distance straight yard and out at the gate-way. onwadl, she remembered that she must ask for a diFor a few moments they stood motionless. Af- rection; and it was only then, when she stopped and fery was the first to move, and she, wringing her turned to look about her for a promising place of inhands, pursued her mistress. Next, Jeremiah Flint- quiry, that she found herself surrounded by an eager winch, slowly backing to the door, with one hand glare of faces. in a pocket, and the other rubbing his chin, twisted " Why are you encircling me?" she asked, tremhinself out in his reticent way, speechlessly. Ri- bling. gaud, left alone, composed himself upon the win- None of those who were nearest answered; but dow-seat of the open window, in the old Marseilles- from the outer ring there arose a shrill cry of "'Cause Jail attitude. He laid his cigarettes and fire-box you're mad!" ready to his hand, and fell to smoking. "I am as sane as any one here. I want to find "Whoof! Almost as dull as the infernal old jail. the Marshalsea prison." Warmer, but almost as dismal. Wait till she comes The shrill outer circle again retorted, "Then that back? Yes, certainly; but where is she gone, and hid show you was mad if nothing else did,'cause it's how long will she be gone? No matter! Rigaud right opposite!" Lagnier Blandois, my amiable subject, you will get A short, mild, quiet-looking young man, made his your money. You will enrich yourself. You have way through to her, as a whooping ensued on this lived a gentleman; you will die a gentleman. You reply, and said: "Was it the Marshalsea you wTant 338 LITTLE DORRIT. ed? I'm going on duty there. Come across with She signified her assent, and he unlocked a door, me." and conducted her up a side staircase into a dwellShe laid her hand upon his arm, and he took her inug-house above. He showed her into a darkening over the way; the crowd, rather injured by the near room, and left her. The room looked down into the prospect of losing her, pressing before and behind darkening prison-yard, with its' inmates strolling and on either side, and recommending an adjourn- here and there, leaning out of windows, communing ment to Bedlam. After a momentary whirl in the as much apart as they could with friends who were outer court-yard, the prison door opened, and shut going away, and generally wearing out their imprisupon them. In the Lodge, which seemed by con- onment as they best might, that summer evening. trast with the outer noise a place of refuge and The air was heavy and hot; the closeness of the peace, a yellow lamp was already striving with the place, oppressive; and from without there arose a prison shadows. rush of free sounds, like the jarring memory of such "Why, John!" said the turniey who admitted things in a headache and heartache. She stood at them. "What is it?" the window, bewildered, looking down into this pris"Nothing, father; only this lady not knowing her on as it were out of her own different prison, when THE SUN HAD SET, AND TILE STREETS WERE DIM IN THE DUSTY TWILIGHT, WHEN THE FIGURE 0SO LONG UNUSED TO THEM HURRIED ON ITS WAY. way, and being badgered by the boys. Who did a soft word or two of surprise made her start, and you want, ma'am?" Little Dorrit stood before her. "Miss Dorrit. Is she here?" "Is it possible, Mrs. Clennam, that you are so hapThe young man became more interested. "Yes, pily recovered as-" she is here. What might your name be?" Little Dorrit stopped, for there was neither happi"Mrs. Clennam." ness nor health in the face that turned to her. "Mr. Clennam's mother?" asked the young man. "' This is not recovery; it is not strength; I don't She pressed her lips together, and hesitated. "Yes, know what it is." With an agitated wave of her She had better be told it is his mother." hand, she put all that aside. "You have had a "You see," said the young man, "the Marshal's packet left with you, which you were to give to family living in the country at present, the Marshal Arthur if it was not reclaimed before this place closed has given Miss Dorrit one of the rooms in his house, to-night?" to use when she likes. Don't you think you had "Yes." better come up there, and let me bring Miss Dor- "I reclaim it." rit?" Little Dorrit took it from her bosom, and gave it SHE IS WANTED BY HIS MOTHER. 339 into her hand, which remained stretched out after "You will wonder, perhaps," she said, in a strongreceiving it. er tone, " that I can better bear to be known to you "Have you any idea of its contents?" whom I have wronged, than to the son of my enemy Frightened by her being there, with that new who wronged me. —For, she did wrong me? She power of movement in her, which, as she said her- not only sinned grievously against the Lord, but she self, was not strength, and which was unreal to look wronged me. What Arthur's father was to me, she upon, as though a picture or a statue had been ani- made him. From our marriage Clay I was his dread, mated, Little Dorrit answered, " N0o." and that she made me. I was the scourge of both, "Read them." and that is referable to her. You love Arthur (I Little Dorrit took the packet from the still out- can see the blush upon your face; may it be the stretched hand, and broke the seal. Mrs. Clennam dawn of happier days to both of you!), anrd you will then gave her the inner packet that was addressed have thought already that he is as merciful and to herself, and held the other. The shadow of the kind as you, and why do I not trust myself to him wall and of the prison buildings, which made the as soon as to you. Have you not thought so?" room sombre at noon, made it too dark to read there, "No thought," said Little Dorrit, " can be quite..a with the dusk deepening apace, save in the window. stranger to my heart, that springs 6ut of the knowlIn the window, where a little of the bright summer edge that Mr. Clennamn is always to be relied upon evening sky could shine upon her, Little Dorrit for being kind and generous and good." stood, and read. After a broken exclamation or so "I do not doubt it. Yet Arthur is, of the whole of wonder and terror, she read in silence. When world, the one person from whoin I would conceal she had finished, she looked round, and her old mis- this, while I am in it. I kept over him as a child, tress bowed herself before her. in the days of his first remembrance, my restraining " You know, now, what I have done." and correcting hand. I was stern with him, know"I think so. I am afraid so; though my mind is ing that the transgressions of the parents are visitso hurried, and so sorry, and has so much to pity, ed on their offspring, and that there was an angry that it has not been able to follow all I have read," mark upon him at his birth. I have sat with him said Little Dorrit, tremulously. and his father, seeing the weakness of his father " I will restore to you what I have withheld from yearning to unbend to him; and forcing it back, you.. Forgive me. Can you forgive me?" that the child might work out his release in bond"I can, and Heaven knows I do? Do not kiss my age and hardship. I have seen him, with his mothdress and kneel to me; you are too old to kneel to er's face, looking up at me in awe from his little me; I forgive you freely, without that." books, and trying to soften me with his mother's "I have more to ask yet." ways that hardened me." "Not in that posture," said Little Dorrit. "It is The shrinking of her auditress stopped her for a unnatural to see your gray hair lower than mine. moment in her flow of words, delivered in a retroPray rise; let me help you." With that she raised spective gloomy voice. her up, and stood rather shrinking from her, but "For his good. Not for the satisfaction of my looking at her earnestly. injury. What was I, and what was the worth of " The great petition that I make to you (there is that, before the curse of Heaven! I have seen that another which grows out of it), the great supplica- child grow up; not to be pious in a chosen way (his tion that I address to your merciful and gentle heart, mother's offense lay too heavy on him for that), but is, that you will not disclose this to Arthur until I still to be just and upright, and to be submissive to am dead. If you think, when you have had time me. He never loved me, as I once half hoped he for consideration, that it can do him any good to might —so frail we are, and so do the corrupt affecknow it while I am yet alive, then tell him. But, tions of the flesh war with our trusts and tasks; you will not think that; and in such case, will you but, he always respected me and ordered himself promise me to spare me until I am dead?" dutifully to me. He does to this hour. With an "I am so sorry, and what I have read has so con- empty place in his heart that he has never known fused my thoughts," returned Little Dorrit, " that I the meaning of, he has turned away from me, and can scarcely give you a steady answer. If I should gone his separate road; but even that he has done be quite sure that to be acquainted with it will do considerately and with deference. These have been Mr. Clennam no good-" his relations toward me. Yours have been of a "I know you are attached to him, and will make much slighter kind, spread over a much shorter him the first consideration. It is right that he time. When you have sat at your needle in my should be the first consideration. I asithat. But, room, you have been in fear of me, but you have having regarded him, and still finlding tiat you may supposed me to have been doing you a kindness; spare me for the little time I shall remain on earth, you are better informed now, and know me to have will you do it?" done you an injury. Your misconstruction and mis"I will." understanding of the cause in which, and the mo"GOD bless you!" tives with which, I have worked out this work, is -She stood ill the shadow so that she was only a lighter to endure than this would be. I would not, veiled form to Little Dorrit in the light; but, the for any worldly recompense I can imagine, have him sound of her voice, in saying those three grateful in a moment, however blindly, throw me down from words, was at once fervent and broken. Broken by the station I have held before him all his life, and emotion as unfamiliar to her frozen eyes as action change me altogether, into something he would cast to her frozen limbs. out of his respect, and think detected and exposed. 340 LITTLE DORBIT. Let him do it, if it must be done, when I am not Little Dorrit yielded willingly. She glided away here to see it. Let me never feel, while I am still into the prison for a few moments, returned, and alive, that I die before his face, and utterly perish said she was ready to go. They went out by anaway from him, like one consumed by lightning and other staircase, avoiding the lodge; and coming into swallowed by an earthquake." the front court-yard, now all quiet and deserted, Her pride was very strong in her, the pain of it gained the street. and of her old passions was very sharp with her, It was one of those summer evenings when there when she thus expressed herself. Not less so, when is no greater darkness than a long twilight. The she added: vista of street and bridge was plain to see, and the "Even now, I see you shrink from me, as if I had sky was serene and beautiful. People stood and sat been cruel." at their doors, playing with children and enjoying Little Dorrit could not gainsay it. She tried not the evening; numbers were walking for air; the to show it, but she recoiled with dread from the worry of the day had almost worried itself out, and state of mind that had burned so fiercely and lasted few but themselves were hurried. As they crossed so 10ong. It presented itself to her, with no sophistry the bridge, the clear steeples of the many churches upon it, in its own plain nature. looked as if they had advanced out of the murk that "I have done,"' said Mrs. Clennam, "what it was usually enshrouded them and come much nearer. given to me to do. I have set myself against evil; The smoke that rose into the sky had lost its dingy not against good. I have been an instrument of hue and taken a brightness upon it. The beauties severity against sin. Have not mere sinners like of the sunset had not faded from the long light films myself been commissioned to lay it low in all time?" of cloud that lay at peace in the horizon. From a "In all time?" repeated Little Dorrit. radiant centre over the whole length and breadth "Even if my own wrong had prevailed with me, of the tranquil firmament, great shoots of light and my own vengeance had moved je, could I have streamed among the early stars, like signs of the found no justification? None in the old days when blessed later covenant of peace and hope that the innocent perished with the guilty, a thousand changed the crown of thorns into a glory. to one'? When the wrath of the hater of the un- Less remarkable, now that she was not' alone and righteous was not slaked even in blood, and yet it was* darker, Mrs. Clennam hurried on at Little found favor?" Dorrit's side, unmolested. They left the great " Oh, Mrs. Clennam, Mrs. Clennam," said Little thoroughfare at the turning by which she had enterDorrit, "angry feelings and unforgiving deeds are ed it, and wound their way down among the silent, no comfort and no guide to you and me. My life empty, cross-streets. Their feet were at the gatehas been passed in this poor prison, and my teaching way, when there was a sudden noise like thunder. has been very defective; but, let me implore you to " What' was that? Let us make haste in," cried remember later and better days. Be guided only Mrs. Clennam. by the healer of the sick, the raiser of the dead, the They were in the gate-way. Little Dorrit, with friend of -all who were afflicted and forlorn, the a piercing cry, held her back. patient Master who shed tears of compassion for our In one swift instant the old house was before infirmities. We can not but be right if we put all them, with the man lying smoking in the window; the rest away, and do every thing in remembrance another thundering sound, and it heaved, surged of Him. There is no vengeance and no infliction outward, opened asunder in fifty places, collapsed, of suffering in His life, I am sure. There can be no and fell. Deafened by the noise, stifled, choked, and confusion in following Him, and seeking for no other blinded by the dust, they hid their faces and stood footsteps, I am certain!" rooted to the spot. The dust storm, driving beIn the softened light of the window, looking from tween them and the placid sky, parted for a moment the scene of her early trials to the shining sky, she and showed them the stars. As they looked up, was not in stronger opposition to the black figure wildly crying for help, the great pile of chimneys in the shade, than the life and doctrine on which which was then alone left standing, like a tower in she rested were to that figure's history. It bent its a whirlwind, rocked, broke, and hailed itself down head low again, and said not a word. It remained upon the heap of ruin, as if every tumbling fragment thus, until the first warning bell began to ring. were intent on burying the crushed wretch deeper. "Hark!" cried Mrs. Clennam, starting, "I said I So blackened by the flying particles of rubbish as had another petition. It is one that does not admit to be unrecognizable, they ran back from the gateof delay. The man who brought you this packet way into the street crying and shrieking. There, and possesses these proofs, is now waiting at my Mrs. Clennam dropped upon the stones; and she house, to be bought off. I can keep this from Ar- never from 4hat hour moved so much as a finger thur, only by buying him off. He asks a large sum; again, or had the power to speak one word. For more than I can get together to pay him, without upward of three years she reclined in her wheeled having time..He refuses to make any abatement, chair, looking attentively at those about her, and because his threat is, that if he fails with me he will appearing to understand what they said; but the come to you. Will you return with me and show rigid silence she had so long held was evermore enhim that you already know it? Will you return forced upon her, and, except that she could move with me and try to prevail with him'? Will you her eyes and faintly express a negative and affirmacome and help me with him? Do not refuse what I tive with her head, she lived and died a statue. ask in Arthur's name, though I dare not ask it for Affery had been looking for them at the prison, Arthur's sake!" and had caught sight of them at a distance on the PANCEXS AND THlE PA.TRIARCH. 341 bridge. She came up to receive her old mistress in This was taken in ill part by a great many people, ller arms, to help to carry her into a neighboring who persisted in believing that Flintwinch was lyhouse, and to be faithful to her. The mystery of ing somewhere among the London geological formathe noises was out now; Affery, like greater peo- tions. Nor was their belief much shaken by repeatple, had always been right in her facts, and always ed intelligence which came over in course of time, wrong in the theories she deduced from them. that an old man, who wore the tie of his neckeloth When the storm of dust had cleared away and the under one ear, and who was very well knowi to be summer night was calm again, numbers of people an Englishman, consorted with the Dutchmen on the choked up every avenue of access, and parties of quaint banks of the canals at the Hague, and in the diggers were formed to relieve one another in dig- drinking-shops of Amsterdam, under the style and ging among the ruins. There had been a hundred designation of Mynheer von Flyntevynge. people in the house at the time of its fall, there had been fifty, there had been fifteen, there had been two. Rumor finally settled the number at two-the foreigner and Mr. Flintwinch. The diggers dug all through the short night by CHAPTER XXXII. flaring pipes of gas, and on a level with the early sun, and deeper and deeper below it as it rose into its zenith, and aslant of it as it declined, and on a A RTHUR continuing to lie very ill in the Marlevel with it again as it departed. Sturdy digging, A shalsea, and Mr. Rugg descrying no break in and shoveling, and carrying away, in carts, barrows, the legal sky affording a hope of his enlargement, and baskets, went on without intermission, by night Mr. Pancks suffered desperately from self-reproaches. and by day; but, it was night for the second time If it had not been for those infallible figures which when they found the dirty heap of rubbish that had proved that Arthur, instead of pining in imprisonbeen the foreigner, before his head had been shivered ment, ought to be promenading in a carriage and to atoms, like so much glass, by the great beam that pair, and that Mr. Pancks, instead of being restrictlay upon him, crushing him. ed to his clerkly wages, ought to have from three to Still, they had not come upon Flintwinch yet; five thousand pounds of his own, at his immediate so, the sturdy digging and shoveling and carrying disposal, that unhappy arithmetician would probaaway went on without intermission by night and bly have taken to his bed, and there have made one by day. It got about that the old house had had of the many obscure persons who have turned their famous cellarage (which indeed was true), and that faces to the wall and died, as a last sacrifice to the Flintwinch had been in a cellar at the moment, or late Mr. Merdle's greatness. Solely supported by had had time to escape into one, and that he was his unimpugnable calculations, Mr. Pancks led an safe under its strong arch, and even that he had unhappy and restless life; constantly carrying his been heard to cry, in hollow, subterranean, suffo- figures about with him' in his hat, and not only gocated notes, " Here I am!" At the opposite extrem- nlug over them himself on every possible occasion, ity of the town it was even known that the excava- but entreating every human being he could lay hold tors had been able to open a communication with of to go over them with him, and observe what a him through a pipe, and that he had received both clear case it was. Down in Bleeding Heart Yard, soup and brandy by that channel, and that he had there was scarcely an inhabitant of any note to said with admirable fortitude that he was All right, whom Mr. Panlcks had not imparted his demonstramy lads, with the exception of his collar-bone. But, tion, and, as figures are catching, a kind of cipherthe digging and shoveling and carrying away went ing measles broke out in that locality, under the inon without intermission, until the ruins were all fluence of which the whole Yard was light-headed. dug out and the cellars opened to the light; and The more restless Mr.Pancks grew in his mind, still no Flintwinch, living or dead, all right, or all the more impatient he became of the Patriarch. In wrong, had been turned up by pick or spade. their later conferences, his snorting had assumed an It began, then, to be perceived that Flintwinch irritable sound which boded the Patriarch no good; had not been there at the time of the fall; and it likewise, Mr. Pancks had on several occasions looked began then to be perceived that he had been rather harder at the Patriarchal bumps than was quite recbusy elsewhere, converting securities into as much oncilable with the fact of his not being a painter, or money as could be got for them on the shortest a peruke-maker in search of the living model. notice, and turning to his own exclusive account, his However, he steamed in and out of his little back authority to act for the Firm. Affery, remembering Dock, according as he was wanted or not wanted in that the clever one had said he would explain him- the Patriarchal presence, and business had gone on self further in four-and-twenty hours' time, deter- in its customary course. Bleeding Heart Yard had mined for her part that his taking himself off within been harrowed by Mr. Pancks, and cropped by Mr. that period with all he could get, was the final satis- Casby, at the regular seasons; Mr. Pancks had taken factory sum and substance of his promised explana- all the drudgery and all the dirt of the business as tion; but she held her peace, devoutly thankful to his share; Mr. Casby had taken all the profits, all be quit of him. As it seemed reasonable to conclude the ethereal vapor, and all the moonshine, as his that a man who had never been buried could not be share; and, in the form of words which that benevounburied, the diggers gave him up when their task lent beamer generally employed on Saturday evenwas done, and did not dig down for him into the ings, when he twirled his fat thumbs after striking depths of the earth. the week's balance, "every thing had been satisfac 342 LITTLE DORRIT. tory to all parties-all parties-satisfactory, sir, to all pleased. Besides calling much too often to inall parties." quire for Mrs. Clennam-Mrs. Clennam, who is not The Dock of the Steam-Tug Pancks had a leaden just now in circumstances that are by any means roof, which, frying in the very hot sunshine, may calculated to-to be satisfactory to all parties, she have heated the vessel. Be that as it may, one goes, Mr. Pancks, unless I am much deceived, to inglowing Saturday evening, on being hailed by the quire for Mr. Clennam in jail. In jail!" lumbering bottle-green ship, the Tug instantly came "He's laid up, you know," said Pancks. "Perworking out of the Dock in a highly heated condi- haps it's kind." tion. "Pooh, pooh, Mr. Pancks. She has nothing to do "Mr. Pancks," was the Patriarchal remark, "you with that, nothing to do with that. I can't allow it. have been remiss, you have been remiss, sir." Let him pay his debts and come out, come out; pay " What do you mean by that?" was the short re- his debts, and come out." joinder. Although Mr. Pancks's hair was standing up like The Patriarchal state, always a state of calmness strong wire, he gave it another double-handed imand composure, was so particularly serene that even- pulse in the perpendicular direction, and smiled at ing as to be provoking. Every body else within the his proprietor in a most hideous manner. bills of mortality was hot; but the Patriarch was " You will please to mention to my daughter, Mr. perfectly cool. Every body was thirsty, and the Pancks, that I can't allow it, can't allow it," said the Patriarch Was drinking. There was a fragrance of Patriarch, blandly. limes or lemons about him; and he had made a drink "Oh!" said Pancks. "You couldn't mention it of golden sherry, which shone in a large tumbler, as yourself?" if he were drinking the evening sunshine. This was "No, sir, no; you are paid to mention it," the bad, but not the worst. The worst was, that with blundering old booby could not resist the temptahis big blue eyes, and his polished head, and his long tion of trying it again, " and you must mention it white hair, and his bottle-green legs stretched out to pay, mention it to pay." before him, terminating in his easy shoes easily "Oh!" said Pancks. "Any thing more?" crossed at the instep, he had a radiant appearance " Yes, sir. It appears to me, Mr. Paucks, that you of having in his extensive benevolence made the yourself are too often and too much in that direcdrink for the human species, while he himself want- tion. I recommend you, Mr. Pancks, to dismiss from ed nothing but his own milk of human kindness. your attention both your own losses and other peoWherefore, Mr. Pancks said, " What do you mean ple's losses, and to mind your business, mind your by that?" and put his hair up with both hands, in a business." highly portentous manner. Mr. Pancks acknowledged this recommendation "I mean, Mr. Pancks, that you must be sharper with such an extraordinarily abrupt, short, and loud with the people, sharper with the people, much utterance of the monosyllable " Oh!" that even the sharper with the people, sir. You don't squeeze unwieldy Patriarch moved his blue eyes in somethem. You don't squeeze them. Your receipts are thing of a hurry, to look at him. Mr. Pancks, with not up to the mark. You must squeeze them, sir, or a sniff of corresponding intensity, then addedl, "Any our connection will not continue to be as satisfac- thing more?" tory as I could wish it to be, to all parties. All "Not at present, sir, not at present. I am going," parties." said the. Patriarch, finishing his mixture, and rising "Don't I squeeze'em?" retorted Mr. Pancks. with an amiable air, "to take a little stroll, a little "What else am I made for?" stroll. Perhaps I shall find you here when I come "You are made for nothing else, Mr. Pancks. - You back. If not, sir, duty, duty; squeeze, squeeze, are made to do your duty, but you don't do your squeeze, on Monday; squeeze on Monday!" duty. You are paid to squeeze, and you must Mr. Panclks, after another stiffening of his hair, squeeze to pay." The Patriarch so much surprised looked on at the Patriarchal assumption of the himself by this brilliant turn, after Dr. Johnson, broad-brimmed hat, with a momentary appearance which he had not in the least expected or intended, of indecision contending with a sense of injury. He that he laughed aloud; and repeated with great sat- was also hotter than at first, and breathed harder., isfaction, as he twirled his thumbs and nodded at But he suffered Mr. Casby to go out, without offerhis youthful portrait, " Paid to squeeze, sir, and must ing any further remark, and then took a peep at him squeeze to pay." over the little green window-blinds. "I thought " Oh!" said Pancks. "Any thing more?" so," he observed. "I knew where you were bound "Yes, sir, yes, sir. Something more. You will to. Good!" He then steamed back to his Dock, please, Mr. Pancks, to squeeze the Yard again, the put it carefully in order, took down his hat, looked first thing on Monday morning." round the Dock, said "Good-bye!" and puffed away "Oh!" said Pancks; "An't that too soon? I on his own account. He steered straight for Mrs. squeezed it dry to-day." Plornish's end of Bleeding Heart Yard, and arrived " Nonsense, sir. Not near the mark, not near the there, at the top of the steps, hotter than ever. mark." At the top of the steps, resisting Mrs. Plornish's "Oh!" said Pancks, watching him as he benevo- invitations to come and sit along with father in lently gulped down a good draught of his mixture. Happy Cottage-which to his relief were not so nu-'Any thing more?" merous as they would have been on any other night "Yes, sir, yes, sir, something more. I am not at than Saturday, when the connection who so galall pleased, Mr. Pancks, with my daughter; not at lantly supported the business with every thing but 3MR. PANCKS'S ORATION. 343 money gave their orders freely-at the top of the centre of a press, all eyes and ears; windows were steps, Mr. Pancks remained until he beheld the Pa- thrown open, and door-steps were thronged. triarch, who always entered the Yard at the other " What do you pretend to be?" said Mr. Pancks. end, slowly advancing, beaming, and surrounded by "What's your moral game? What do you go in suitors. Then Mr. Pancks descended and bore down for? Benevolence, an't it? You benevolent I" Here upon him, with his utmost pressure of steam on. Mr. Pancks, apparently without the intention of hitThe Patriarch, approaching with his usual be- ting him, but merely to relieve his mind and expend nignity, was surprised to see Mr. Pancks, but sup- his superfluous power in wholesome exercise, aimed posed him to have been stimulated to an immedi- a blow at the bumpy head, which the bumpy head ate squeeze instead of postponing that operation ducked to avoid. This singular performance was until Monday. The population of the Yard were repeated, to the ever-increasing admiration of the astonished at the meeting, for the two powers had spectators, at the end of every succeeding article of never been seen there together, within the memory Mr. Pancks's oration. Of the oldest Bleeding Heart. But, they were over- "I have discharged myself from your service, lMr. Paillll ks and the Patriarch were instantly the They'll tell you Palles, I believe." a trigger of his right thumb and forefinger, applied sufferer by both, I don't know that I wouldn't as. Having taken this little liberty with the Patri- a philanthropic sneak. You're a shabby deceivMr. Pancks and -the Patriarch were instantly the They'll tell you Pancks, I believe." 344 LITTLE DORRIT. This was confirmed with cries of "Certainly," and be expected of him? Did any body ever find boiled "Hear!" mutton and caper-sauce growing in a cocoa-nut?" "But I tell you, good people - Casby! This None of the Bleeding Hearts ever had, it was clear mound of meekness, this lump of love, this bottle- from the alacrity of their response. green smiler, this is your driver!" said Pancks. " If "Well," said Mr. Pancks, " and neither will you you want to see the man who would flay you alive find in Grubbers like myself, under Proprietors like — here he is! Don't look for him in me, at thirty this, pleasant qualities. I've been a Grubber from shillings a week, but look for him in Casby, at I a boy. What has my life been? Fag and grind, don't know how much a year!" fag and grind, turn the wheel, turn the wheel! I " Good!" cried several voices. " Hear Mr. Pancks!" haven't been agreeable to myself, and I haven't been "Hear Mr. Pancks?" cried that gentleman (after likely to be agreeable to any body else. If I was a repeating the popular performance). " Yes, I should shilling a week less useful in ten years' time, this think so! It's almost time to hear Mr. Pancks. Mr. impostor would give me a shilling a week less; if Pancks has come down into the Yard to-night, on as useful a man could be got at sixpence cheaper, he purpose that you should hear him. Pancks is only would be taken in my place at sixpence cheaper. the WXorks; but here's the Winder!" Bargain and sale, bless you! Fixed principles! It The audience would have gone over to Mr. Pancks, is a mighty fine sign-post, is The Casby's Head," said as one man, woman, and child, but for the long, gray, Mr. Pancks, surveying it with any thing rather than silken locks, and the broad-brimmed hat. admiration; " but the real name of the House is the "Here's the Stop," said Pancks, "that sets the Sham's Arms. Its motto is, Keep the Grubber altune to be ground. And there is but one tune, and ways at it. Is any gentleman present," said Mr. its name is Grind, Grind, Grind! Here's the Pro- Pancks, breaking off and looking round, " acquaintprietor, and here's his Grubber. Why, good people, ed with the English Grammar?" when he comes smoothly spinning through the Yard Bleeding Heart Yard was shy of claiming that acto-night, like a slow-going benevolent Humming- quaintance. Top, and when you come about him with your com- "It's no matter," said Mr. Pancks. "I I merely wish plaints of the Grubber, you don't know what a cheat to remark that the task this Proprietor has set me, the Proprietor is! What do you think of his show- has been never to leave off conjugating the Impering himself to-night, that I may have all the blame ative Mood Present Tense of the verb To keep alon Monday? What do you think of his having had ways at it. Keep thou always at it. Let him keep me over the coals this very evening, became I don't always at it. Keep we or do we keep always at it. squeeze you enough? What do you think of my Keep ye or do ye or you keep always at it. Let being, at the present moment, under special orders them keep always at it. Here is your benevolent to squeeze you dry on Monday?" Patriarch of a Casby, and there is his golden rule. The reply was given in a murmur of 4" Shame!" He is uncommonly improving to look at, and I am and c" Shabby!" not. at all so. He is as sweet as honey, and I am " Shabby?" snorted Pancks. " Yes, I should think as dull as ditch-water. He provides the pitch, and so i! The lot that your Casby belongs to, is the shab- I handle it, and it sticks to me. Now," said Mr. biest of all the lots. Setting their Grubbers on, at a Pancks, closing upon the late Proprietor again, from wretched pittance% to do what they're ashamed and whom he had withdrawn a little for the better disafraid to do and pretend not to do, but what they play of him to the Yard: " as I am not accustomed will have done, or give a man no rest! Imposing to speak in public, and as I have made a rather on you to give their Grubbers nothing but blame, lengthy speech, all circumstances considered, I shall and to give them nothing but credit! Why, the bring my observations to a close by requesting you worst-looking cheat in all this town who gets the to get out of this." value of eighteen-pence under false pretenses, an't The Last of the Patriarchs had been so seized by half such a cheat as this sign-post of The Casby's assault, and required so much room to catch an idea Head here!" in, and so much more room to turn it in, that he had Cries of "That's true!" and " No more he ain't!" not a word to offer in reply. He appeared to be "And see what you get of these fellows, besides," meditating some Patriarchal way out of his delicate said Pancks. "See what more you get of these position, when Mr. Pancks, once more suddenly apprecious Humming-Tops, revolving among you with plying the trigger to his hat, shot it off again with such smoothness that you've no idea of the pattern his former dexterity. On the preceding occasion, one painted on'em, or the little window in'em! I wish or two of the Bleeding Heart Yarders had obsequito call your attention to myself for a moment. I ously picked it up and handed it to its owner; but an't an agreeable style of chap, I know that very Mr. Pancks had now so far impressed his audience, well." that the Patriarch had to turn and stoop for it himself. The auditory were divided on this point; its more Quick as lightning, Mr. Pancks, who, for some mouncompromising members crying, "No, you are not," ments, had had his right hand in his coat-pocket, and its politer materials, "Yes, you are." whipped out a pair of shears, swooped upon the " I am, in general," said Mr. Pancks, "a dry, un- Patriarch behind, and snipped off short the sacred comfortable, dreary Plodder and Grubber. That's locks that flowed upon his shoulders. In a paryour humble servant. There's his full-length por- oxysm of animosity and rapidity, Mr. Pancks then trait, painted by himself and presented to you, war- caught the broad-brimmed hat out of the astounded ranted a likeness! But what's a man to be, with Patriarch's hand, cut it down into a mere stew-pan, such a man as this for his Proprietor? What can and fixed it on the Patriarch's head. SOCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. 345 Before the frightful results of this desperate action, pointment on the face of this earth, so many people Mr. Pancks himself recoiled in consternation. A bare- were (as the warmth of her Testimonials evinced) so polled, goggle-eyed, big-headed, lumbering person- perfectly satisfied-or who was so very unfortunate age stood staring at him, not in the least impressive, inhaving a large circle of ardent and distinguished not in the least venerable, who seemed to have start- admirers, who never themselves happened to want ed out of the earth to ask what was become of Cas- her, in any capacity. by. After staring at this phantom in return, in si- On the first crash of the eminent Mr. Merdle's delent awe, Mr. Pancks threw down his shears, and fled cease, many important persons had been unable to for a place of hiding, where he might lie sheltered determine whether they should cut Mrs. Merdle, or from the consequences of his crime. Mr. Pancks comfort her. As it seemed, however, essential to the deemed it prudent to use all possible dispatch in strength of their own case that they should admit making off, though he was pursued by nothing but her to have been cruelly deceived, they graciously the sound of laughter in Bleeding Heart Yard, rip- made the admission, and continued to know her. It pling through the air, and making it ring again. followed that Mrs. Merdle, as a woman of fashion and good-breeding, who had been sacrificed to the wiles of a vulgar barbarian (for Mr. Merdle was found out from the crown of his head to the sole CHAPTER XXXIII. of his foot, the moment he was found out in his pocket), must be actively championed by her order, for her order's sake. She returned this fealty, by THE changes of a fevered room are slow and flue- causing it to be understood that she was even more tuating; but the changes of the fevered world incensed against the felonious shade of the deceased are rapid and irrevocable. than any body else was; thus, on the whole, she came It was Little Dorrit's lot to wait upon both kinds out of her furnace like a wise woman, and did exceedof change. The Marshalsea walls, during a portion ingly well. of every day, again embraced her in their shadows Mr. Sparkler's lordship was fortunately one of as their child while she thought for Clennam, worked those shelves on which a gentleman is considered to for him, watched him, and only left him still to de- be put away for life, unless there should be reasons vote her utmost love and care to him. Her part in for hoisting him up with the Barnacle crane to a the life outside the gate urged its pressing claims more lucrative height. That patriotic servant acupon her, too, and her patience untiringly respond- cordingly stuck to his colors (the Standard of four ed to them. Here was Fanny, proud, fitful, whim- Quarterings), and was a perfect Nelson in respect of sical, further advanced in that disqualified state for nailing them to the mast. On the profits of his ingoing into society which had so much fretted her on trepidity, Mrs. Sparkler and Mrs. Merdle, inhabiting the evening of the tortoise-shell knife, resolved al- different floors of the genteel little temple of inconways to want comfort, resolved not to be comforted, venience to which the smell of the day-before-yesresolved to be deeply wronged, and resolved that no- terday's soup and coach-horses was as constant as body should have the audacity to think her so. Here Death to man, arrayed themselves to fight it out in was her brother, a weak, proud, tipsy, young old the lists of Society, sworn rivals. And Little Dorrit, man, shaking from head to foot, talking as indis- seeing all these things as they developed themselves, tinctly as if some of the money he plumed himself could not but wonder, anxiously, into what back upon had got into his mouth and couldn't be got corner of the genteel establishment Fanny's children out, unable to walk alone in any act of his life, and would be poked by-and-by, and who-would take care patronizing the sister whom he selfishly loved (he of those unborn little victims. always had that negative merit, ill-starred and ill- Arthur being far too ill to be spoken with on sublaunched Tip!) because he suffered her to lead him. jects of emotion or anxiety, and his recovery greatHere was Mrs. Merdle in gauzy mourning-the orig- ly depending on the repose into which his weakness inal cap whereof had possibly been rent to pieces in could be hushed, Little Dorrit's sole reliance during a fit of grief, but had certainly yielded to a highly this heavy period was on Mr. Meagles. He was still becoming article from the Parisian market-war- abroad; but she had written to him, through his ring with Fanny foot to foot, and breastinug her with daughter, immediately after first seeing Arthur in her desolate bosom every hour in the day. Here the Marshalsea, and since, confiding her uneasiness was poor Mr. Sparkler, not knowing how to keep to him, on the points on which she was most anxthe peace between them, but humbly inclining to ions, but especially on one. To that one, the conthe opinion that they could do no better than agree tinued absence of Mr. Meagles abroad, instead of his that they were both remarkably fine women, and comforting presence in the Marshalsea, was referathat there was no nonsense about either of them- ble. for which gentle recommendation they united in Without disclosing the precise nature of the docufalling upon him frightfully. Then, too, here was ments that had fallen into Rigaud's hands, Little Mrs. General, got home from foreign parts, sending Dorrit had confided the general outline of that story,a Prune and a Prism by post every other day, de- to Mr. Meagles, to whom she had also recounted his rnanding a new Testimonial by way of recommen- fate. The old cautious habits of the scales and dation to some vacant appointment or other. Of scoop at once showed Mr. Meagles the importance of which remarkable gentlewoman it may be finally recovering the original papers; wherefore he wrote observed, that there surely never was a gentlewom- back to Little Dorrit, strongly confirming her in the an of whose transcendent fitness for any vacant ap- solicitude she expressed on that head, and adding 346 LITTLE DORRIT. that he would not come over to England "without But, in his own tongue, and in his own head, making some attempt to trace them out." Mr. Meagles was a clear, shrewd, persevering man. By this time, Mr. Henry Gowan had made up his When he had " worked round," as he called it, to mind that it would be agreeable to him not to know Paris in his pilgrimage, and had wholly failed in it the Meagleses. He was so considerate as to lay no so far, he was not disheartened. "The nearer to injunctions on his wife in that particular; but, he England. I follow him, you see, Mother," argued Mr. mentioned to Mr. Meagles that personally they did Meagles, "the nearer I am likely to come to the panot appear to him to get on together, and that he pers, whether they turn up or no. Because it is only thought it would be a good thing if-politely, and reasonable to conclude that he would deposit them without any scene, or any thing of that sort-they somewhere where they would be safe from people agreed that they were the best fellows in the world, over in England, and where they would yet be acbut were best apart. Poor Mr. Meagles, who was cessible to himself, don't you see?" already sensible that he did not advance his daugh- At Paris, Mr. Meagles found a letter from Little ter's happiness by being constantly slighted in her Dorrit, lying waiting for him; in which she menpresence, said, " Good, Henry! You are my Pet's hus- tioned that she had been able to talk for a minute band; you have displaced me, in the course of na- or two with Mr. Clennaml about this man who was ture; if you wish it, good!" This arrangement in- no more; and that when she told Mr. Clennam that volved the contingent advantage, which perhaps his friend Mr. Meagles who was on his way to see Henry Gowan had not foreseen, that both Mr. and him had an interest in ascertaining something about Mrs. Meagles were more liberal than before to their the man if he could, he had asked her to tell Mr. daughter, when their communication was only with Meagles that he had been known to Miss Wadte, then her and her young child; and that his high spirit living in such a street at Calais. ".Oho!" said Mr. found itself better provided with money, without Meagles. being under the degrading necessity of knowing As soon afterward as might be, in those Diligence whence it came. days, Mr. Meagles rang the cracked bell at the crackMr. Meagles, at such a period, naturally seized an ed gate, and it jarred open, and the peasant-woman occupation with great ardor. He knew from his stood in the dark door-way, saying," Ice-say! Seer! daughter the various towns which Rigaud had been Who?" In acknowledgment of whose address, Mr. haunting, and the various hotels at which he had Meagles murmured to himself that there was some been living for some time back. The occupation he sense about these Calais people, who really did know set himself was, to visit these with all discretion and something of what you and themselves were up to; speed, and, in the event of finding anywhere that he and returned, " Miss Wade, my dear." He was then had left a bill unpaid, and a box or parcel behind, to shown into the presence of Miss Wade. pay such bill, and bring away such box or parcel. " It's some time since we met," said Mr. Meagles, With no other attendant than Mother, Mr. Meagles clearing his throat; " I hope you have been pretty went upon his pilgrimage, and encountered a num- well, Miss Wade?" ber of adventures. Not the least of his difficulties Without hoping that he or any body else had been was, that he never knew what was said to him, and pretty well, Miss Wade asked him to what she was that he pursued his inquiries among people who indebted for the honor of seeing him again? Mr. never knew what he said to them. Still, with an Meagles, in the mean while glanced all round the unshaken confidence that the English tongue was room, without observing any thing in the shape of a somehow the mother tongue of the whole world, only box. the people weretoo stupid to know it, Mr. Meagles "Why, the truth is, Miss Wade," said Mr. Meagles, harangued inn-keepers in the most voluble manner, in a comfortable, managing, not to say coaxing entered into loud explanations of the most complica- voice, " it is possible that you may be able to throw ted sort, and utterly renounced replies in the native a light upon a little something that is at present language of the respondents, on the ground that dark. Any unpleasant by-gones between us, are bythey were " all bosh." Sometimes interpreters were gones, I hope. Can't be helped now. You recollect called in; whom Mr. Meagles addressed in such idio- my daughter? Time changes so! A mother!" matic terms of speech, as instantly to extinguish and In his innocence, Mr. Meagles could not have shut up-which made the matter worse. On a bal- struck a worse key-note. He paused for any expresance of the account, however, it may be doubted sion bf interest, but paused in vain. whether he lost much; for, although he found no' That is not the subject you wished to enter on?" property, he found so many debts and various asso- she said, after a cold silence. ciations of discredit with the proper name, which "No, no," returned Mr. Meagles. "No. I thought was the only word he made intelligible, that he was your good-nature might —" almost everywhere overwhelmed with injurious ac- "I thought you knew," she interrupted, with a cusations. On no fewer than four occasions, the po- smile, "that my good-nature is not to be calculated lice were called in to receive denunciations of Mr. upon?" Meagles as a Knight of Industry, a good-for-nothing, "Don't say so," said Mr. Meagles; " you do yourand a thief; all of which opprobrious language he self an injustice. However, to come to the point." bore with the best temper (having no idea what it For he was sensible of having gained nothing by meant), and was in the most ignominious manner approaching it in a roundabout way. " I have heard escorted to steamboats and public carriages, to be from my friend Clennam, who, you will be sorry to got rid of, talking all the while, like a cheerful and hear, has been and still is very ill-" fluent Briton as he was, with Mother -under his arm. THe paused again, and again she was silent. y. Z!)~~~9'r"`' b ~ ~ N-V 1Ih ~IV~V THE Q UESTION. 347 " —That you had some knowledge of one Blandois, it shone like a sun, took it to the Hotel where he lately killed in London by a violent accident. Now, had left Mrs. Meagles, and where he made the Redon't mistake me! I know it was a slight knowl- port: " Beaten, Mother; no effects!" He took it edge," said Mr. Meagles, dexterously forestalling an next to the London Steam-Packet, which sailed in angry interruption which he saw about to break. the night; and next to the Marshalsea. "I am fully aware of that. It was a slight knowl- The faithful John was on duty, when Father and edge, I know. But the question is," Mr. Meagles's Mother Meagles presented themselves at the wicket voice here became comfortable again, " did he, on his toward night-fall. Miss Dorrit was not there then, way to England last time, leave a box of papers, or he said; but she had been there in the morning, and a bundle of papers, or some papers or other in some invariably came in the evening. Mr. Clennam was receptacle or other —any papers-with you: begging slowly mending; and Maggy and Mrs. Plornish and you to allow him to leave them here for a short time, Mr. Baptist took care of him by turns. Miss Dorrit until he wanted them?" was sure to come back that evening before the bell "The question is?" she repeated. Whose ques- rang. There was the room the Marshal had lent her, tion is?" up stairs, in which they could wait for her, if they "Mine," said Mr. Meagles. "And not only mine pleased. Mistrustful that it might be hazardous to but Clennam's question, and other people's question. Arthur to see him without preparation, Mr. Meagles Now, I am sure," continued Mr. Meagles, whose heart accepted the offer; and they were left shut up in the was overflowing with Pet, "that you can't have any room, looking down through its barred window into unkind feeling toward my daughter; it's impossible. the jail. Well! It's her question, too; being one in which The cramped area of the prison had such an effect a particular friend of hers is nearly interested So on Mrs. Meagles that she began to weep, and such here I am, frankly to say that is the question, and an effect on Mr. Meagles that he began to gasp for to ask, Now, did he?" air. He was walking up and down the room, pant"Upon my word," she returned, "I seem to be a ing, and making himself worse by laboriously fanmark for every body who knew any thing of a man ning himself with his handkerchief, when he turned I once in my life hired, and paid, and dismissed, to toward the opening door. aim their questions at!" "Eh? Good gracious!" said Mr. Meagles, "this * "Now, don't," remonstrated Mr. Meagles, " don't! is not Miss Dorrit! Why, Mother, look! TattyDon't take offense, because it's the plainest question coram!" in the world, and might be asked of any one. The No other. And in Tattycoram's arms was an iron documents I refer to were not his own, were wrong- box some two feet square. Such a box had Affery fully obtained, might at some time or other be Flintwinch seen in the first of her dreams, going troublesome to an innocent person to have in keep- out of the old house in the dead of the night, under ing, and are sought by the people to whom they Double's arm. This, Tattycoram put on the ground really belong. He passed through Calais going to at her old master's feet; this, Tattycoram fell on her London, and there were reasons why he should not knees by, and beat her hands upon, crying half in take them with him then, why he should wish to be exultation and half in despair, half in laughter and able to put his hand upon them readily, and why he half in tears, "Pardon, dear Master, take me back, should distrust leaving them with people of his own dear Mistress, here it is!" sort. Did he-leave them here? I declare if I knew "Tatty!" exclaimed Mr. Meagles. how to avoid giving you offense, I would take any "What you wanted!" said Tattycoram. "Here pains to do it. I put the question personally, but it is! I was put in the next room not to see you. there's nothing personal in it. I might put it to any I heard you ask her about it, I heard her say she one; I have put it already to many people. Did he hadn't got it, I was there when he left it, and I leave them here? Dicl he leave any thing here?" took it at bed-time and brought it away. Here it "No."' is!" "Then unfortunately, Miss Wade, you know noth- "Why, my girl," cried Mr. Meagles, more breathing about them?" less than before, "how did you come over?" "I know nothing about them. I have now an- "I came in the boat with you. I was sitting swered your unaccountable question. He did not wrapped up at the other end. When you took a leave them here, and I know nothing about them." coach at the wharf, I took another coach and fol" There!" said Mr. Meagles, rising, "I am sorry for lowed you here. She never would have given it it; that's over; and I hope there is not much harm up, after what you had said to her about its being done.-Tattycoram well, Miss Wade?" wanted; she would sooner have sunk it in the sea, " Harriet well? Oh yes!" or burned it. But, here it is!" " I have put my foot in it again," said Mr. Meagles, The glow and rapture that the girl was in, with thus corrected. " I can't keep my foot out of it, here, her " Here it is!" it seems. Perhaps, if I had thought twice about it, " She never wanted it to be left, I must say that I might never have given her the jingling name. for her; but he left it, and I know well that after But, when one means to be good-natured and sportive what you said, and after her denying it, she never with young people, one doesn't think twice. Her would have given it up. But here it is! Dear old friend leaves a kind word for her, Miss Wade, if Master, dear Mistress, take me back again, and give you should think proper to deliver it." me back the dear old name! Let this intercede for She said nothing as to that; and Mr. Meagles, me. Here it is!" taking his honest face out of the dull room, where Father and Mother Meagles never deserved their 348 LITTLE DORRIT. names better, than when they took the headstrong be. I only mean to say, that, after what I have gone foundling-girl into their protection again. through, I hope I shall never be quite so bad again, "Oh! I have been so wretched!" cried Tattycoram, and that I shall get better by very slow degrees. weeping much more, after that, than before; " al- I'll try very hard. I won't stop at five-and-twenty, ways so unhappy, and so repentant! I was afraid sir. I'll count five-and-twenty hundred, five-andof her, from the first time I ever saw her. I knew twenty thousand!" she had got a power over me, through understand- Another opening of the door, and Tattycoram subing what was bad in me, so well. It was a madness sided, and Little Dorrit caine in, and Mr. Meagles in me, and she could raise it whenever she liked. I with pride and joy produced the box, and her gentle used to think, when I got into that state, that peo- face was lighted up with grateful happiness and joy. ple were all against me because of my first begin- The secret was safe now! She could keep her own ning; and the kinder they were to me, the worse part of it from him; he should never know of her fault I found in them. I made it out that they tri- loss; in time to come, he should know all that was ulnphed above me, and that they wanted to make of import to himself; but he should never know THIS TATTYOORAM PUT ON THE GROUND AT HER OLD MASTER'S FrEET. me envy them, when I know-when I even knew what concerned her, only. That was all passed, all then, if I would-that they never thought of such a forgiven, all forgotten. thing. And my beautiful young mistress not so hap- "Now, my dear Miss Dorrit," said Mr. Meagles; py as she ought to have been, and I gone away from "I am a man of business-or at least was-and I her! Such a brute and wretch as she must think am going to take my measures promptly, in that me! But you'll say a word to her for me, and ask character. Had I better see Arthur to-night?" her to be as forgiving as you two are? For, I am "I think not to-night. I will go to his room and not so bad as I was," pleaded Tattycoram; "I am ascertain how he is. But I think it will be better bad enough, but not so bad as I was, indeed. I have not to see him to-night." had Miss Wade before me all this time, as if it was "I am much of your opinion, my dear," said Mr. my own self grown ripe-turning every thing the Meagles, "and therefore I have not been any nearer wrong way, and twisting all good into evil. I have to him than this dismal room. Then I shall probahad her before me all this time, finding no pleasure bly not see him for some little time to come. But in ahy thing but keeping me as miserable, suspicious, I'll explain what I mean when you come back." and tormenting as herself. Not that she had much She left the room. Mr. Meagles, looking through to do, to do that," cried Tattycoram, in a closing the bars of the window, saw her pass out of the'great burst of istress " for I was bad as bad as bad could Lodge below him into the prison-yard. He said, THIE MARSHALSEA PRISONER. 349 gently, "Tattycoramn, come to me a moment, my good to reason; because I can't live without breathing girl." freely; and I can't breathe freely, until Arthur is She went up to the window. out of this Marshalsea. I am stifled at the present "You see that young lady who was here just now moment, and have scarcely breath enough to say -that little, quiet, fragile figure passing along there, this much, and to carry this precious box down Tatty? Look. The people stand out of the way to stairs for you." let her go by. The men-see the poor, shabby fel- They got into the street as the bell began to ring, lows-pull off their hats to her quite politely, and Mr. Meagles carrying the box. Little Dorrit had no now she glides in at that door-way. See her, Tatty- conveyance there: which rather surprised him. He coram?" called a coach for her, and she got into it, and he "Yes, sir." placed the box beside her when she was seated. In "I have heard tell, Tatty, that she was once regu- her joy and gratitude she kissed his hand. larly called the child of this place. She was born "I don't: like that, my dear," said Mr. Meagles. here, and lived here many years. I can't breathe "It goes against my feeling of what's right, that here. A doleful place, to be born and bred in, Tat- you should do homage to me- at the Marshalsea tycoram?" Gate." "Yes indeed, sir!" She bent forward, and kissed his cheek.' If she had constantly thought of herself, and "You remind me of the days," said Mr. Meagles, settled with herself that every body visited this suddenly drooping - "but she's very fond of him, place upon her, turned it against her, and cast it at and hides his faults, and thinks that no one sees her, she would have led an irritable and probably a them-and he certainly is well connected, and of a useless existence. Yet I have heard tell, Tattyco- very good family!" ram, that her young life has been one of active res- It was the only comfort he had in the loss of his ignation, goodness, and noble service. Shall I tell daughter, and if he made the most of it, who could you what I consider those eyes of hers that were blame him? here just now, to have always looked at, to get that expression?"' " Yes, if you please, sir.". CHAPTER XXXIV. "Duty, Tattycoram. Begin it early, and do it GONE. well; and there is no antecedent to it, in any origin or station, that will tell against us with the Al- N a healthy autumn day, the Marshalsea prisonmighty, or with ourselves." - er, weak, but otherwise restored, sat listening to They remained at the window, Mother joining a voicethat readtohim. On a healthy autumn day; them and pitying the prisoners, until she was seen when the summer fruits had ripened and waned, coming back. She was soon in the room and rec- when the green perspectives of hops had been laid ommended that Arthur, whom she had left calm and low by the busy pickers, when the apples clustering composed, should not be Visited that night. in the orchards were russet, and the berries of the " Good!" said Mr. Meagles, cheerily. " I have not mountain ash were crimson among the yellowing foa doubt that's best. I shall trust my remembrances liage. Already in the woods, glimpses of the hardy then, my sweet nurse, in your hands, and I well know winter that was coming, were to be caught through they couldn't be in better. I am off again to-mor- unaccustomd openings among the boughs where row morning." the prospect shone defined and clear, free from the Little Dorrit, surprised, asked him where? bloom of the drowsy summer weather, which had "My dear," said Mr. Meagles, " I can't live with- rested on it as the bloom lies on the plum. So, from out breathing. This place has taken my breath the sea-shore the ocean was no longer to be seen lyaway, and I shall never get it back again until Ar- ing asleep in the heat, but its thousand sparkling thur is out of this place." eyes were open, and its whole breadth was in joyful "How is that a reason for going off again to-mor- animation, from the cool sand on the beach to the row morning?" little sails on the horizon, drifting away like au" You shall understand," said Mr. Meagles. "To- tumn-tinted leaves that had drifted from the trees. night we three will put up at a City Hotel. To- Changeless and barren, looking ignorantly at all morrow morning, Mother and Tattycoram will go the seasons with its fixed, pinched face of poverty down to Twickenham, where Mrs. Tickit, sitting at- and care, the prison had not a touch of any of these tended by Dr. Buchan, in the parlor window, will beauties on it. Blossom what would, its bricks and think them a couple of ghosts; and I shall go abroad bars bore uniformly the same dead crop. Yet Clenagain for Doyce. We must have Dan here. Now, I nam, listening to the voice as it read to him, heard tell you, my love, it's of no use writing and plan- in it-all that great Nature was doing, heard in it all ning and conditionally speculating, upon this and the soothing songs she sings to man. At no Moththat and the other, at uncertain intervals and dis- er's knee but hers, had he ever dwelt in his youth tances; we must have Doyce here. I devote my- on hopeful promises, on playful fancies, on the barself, at day-break to-morrow morning, to bringing vests of tenderness and humility that lie hidden in Doyce here. It's nothing to me to go and find him. the early-fostered seeds of the imagination; on the I'm an old traveler, and all foreign languages and oaks of retreat from blighting winds, that have the customs are alike to me-I never understand any germs of their strong roots in nursery acorns. But, thing about any of'em. Therefore I can't be put in the tones of the voice that read to him, there were to any inconvenience. Go at once I must it stands memories of an old feeling of such things, and echoes 350 LITTLE DORRIT. of every merciful and loving whisper that had ever that papa gave her when she married, was lost as stolen to him in his life. your money was lost. It was in the same hands, When the voice stopped, he put his hand over his and it is all gone." eyes, murmuring that the light was strong upon Arthur was more shocked than surprised to hear them. it. " I had hoped it might not be so bad," he said; Little Dorrit put the book by, and presently arose "but I had feared a heavy loss there, knowing the quietly to shade the window. Maggy sat at her connection between her husband and the defaulter." needle-work in her old place. The light softened, "Yes. It is all gone. I am very sorry for FanLittle Dorrit brought her chair closer to his side. ny; very, very, very sorry for poor Fanny. Mlly poor "This will soon be over now, dear Mr. Clennam. brother, too!" Not only are Mr. Doyce's letters to you so full of "Had he property in the same hands?" friendship and encouragement, but Mr. Rugg says "Yes! And it is all gone. —How much do you his letters to him are so full of help, and that every think my own great fortune is?" body (now a little anger is past) is so considerate, As Arthur looked at her inquiringly, with a new and speaks so well of you, that it will soon be over apprehension on him, she withdrew her hand, and now." laid her face down on the spot where it had rested. " Dear girl. Dear heart. Good angel!" "I have nothing in the world. I am as poor as "You praise me far too much. And yet it is such when I lived here. When papa came over to Enan exquisite pleasure to me to hear you speak so gland, he confided every thing he had to the same feelingly, and to -and to see," said Little Dorrit, hands, and it is all swept away. Oh, my dearest raising her eyes to his, "how deeply you mean it, and best, are you quite sure you will not share my that I can not say Don't." fortune with me now?" He lifted her hand to his lips.' Locked in his arms, held to his heart, with his "' You have been here many, many times, when I manly tears upon her own cheek, she drew the slight have not seen you, Little Dorrit?" hand round his neck, and clasped it in its fellow"Yes, I have been here sometimes when I have hand. not come into the room." "Never to part, my dearest Arthur; never any "Very often?" more until the last! I never was rich before, I nev"Rather often," said Little Dorrit, timidly. er was proud before, I never was happy before; I am "Every day?" rich in being taken by you, I am proud in having "I think," said Little Dorrit, after hesitating, been resigned by you, I am happy in being with you "that I have been here at least twice every day." in this prison, as I should be happy in coming back He might have released the little light hand, af- to it with you, if it should be the will of GOD, and ter fervently kissing it again; but that, with a very comforting and serving you with all my love and gentle lingering where it was, it seemed to court be- truth. I am yours anywhere, everywhere! I love ing retained. He took it in both of his, and it lay you dearly! I would rather pass my life here with softly on his breast. you, and go out daily, working for our bread, than I " Dear Little Dorrit, it is not my imprisonment would have the greatest fortune that ever was told, only that will soon be over. This sacrifice of you and be the greatest lady that ever was honored. must be ended. We must learn to part again, and Oh, if poor papa may only know how blest at last to take our different ways so wide aWnder. You my heart is, in this room where he suffered for so have not forgotten what we said together, when you many years!" came back?" "Oh no, I have not forgotten it. But something Maggy had of course been staring from the first, has been- You feel quite strong to-day, don't you?" and had of course been crying her eyes out, long be"Quite strong." fore this. Maggy was now so overjoyed that, after The hand he held crept up a little nearer to his hugging her little mother with all her might, she face. went down stairs like a clog-hornpipe to find some"Do you feel quite strong enough to know what body or other to whom to impart her gladness. a great fortune I have got?" Whom should Maggy meet but Flora and Mr. F.'s "I shall be very glad to be told. No fortune can Aunt opportunely coming in? And whom else, as be too great or good for Little Dorrit." a consequence of that meeting, should Little Dorrit "I have been anxiously waiting to tell you. I find waiting for herself, when, a good two or three have been longing and longing to tell you. You are hours afterward, she went out? sure you will not take it?" Flora's eyes were a little red, and she seemed " Never!" rather out of spirits. Mr. F.'s Aunt was so stiffened "You are quite sure you will not take half of it?" that she had the appearance of being past bending, "Never, dear Little Dorrit!" by any means short of powerful mechanical pressAs she looked at him silently, there was something ure. Her bonnet was cocked up behind in a terin her affectionate face that he did not quite com- rific manner; and her stony reticule was as rigid as prehend; something that could have broken into if it had been petrified by the Gorgon's head, and tears in a moment, and yet that was happy and had got it at that moment inside. With these irnproud. posing attributes, Mr. F.'s Aunt, publicly seated on "You will be sorry to hear what I have to tell the steps of the Marshal's official residence, had been you about Fanny. Poor Fanny has lost every thing. for the two or three hours in question a great boon She has nothing left but her husband's income. All to the younger inhabitants of the Borough, whose .MR. F.'S AUNTT FULL OF LITE. 351 sallies of humor she had considerably flushed her- pie-shop where they very civilly fetched something self by resenting, at the point of her umbrella, from warm in a tumbler from the hotel and really very time to time. nice hours after hours to keep him company over " Painfully aware, Miss Dorrit, I am sure," said the way without his knowing it." Flora, " that to propose an adjournment to any place Flora really had tears in her eyes now, and they to one so far removed by fortune and so courted and showed her to great advantage. caressed by the best society must ever appear in- "Over and above which," said Flora, "I earnestly truding even if not a pie-shop far below your pres- beg you as the dearest thing that ever was if you'll ent sphere and a back parlor though a civil man but still excuse the familiarity from one who moves in if for the sake of Arthur-can not overcome it more very different circles to let Arthur understand that improper now than ever late Doyce and Clennam- I don't know after all whether it wasn't all nonone last remark I might wish to make one last ex- sense between us though pleasant at the time and planation I might wish to offer perhaps your good- trying too and certainly Mr. F. did work a change nature might excuse under pretense of three kidney and the spell being broken nothing could be expectones the humble place of conversation." ed to take place without weaving it afresh which Rightly interpreting this rather obscure speech, various circumstances have combined to prevent of Little Dorrit returned that she was quite at Flora's which perhaps not the least powerful was that it disposition. Flora accordingly led the way across was not to be, I am not prepared to say that if it the road to the pie-shop in question; Mr. F.'s Aunt had been agreeable to Arthur and had brought it-. stalking across in the rear, and putting herself in the self about naturally in the first instance I should way of being run over, with a perseverance worthy not have been very glad being of a lively disposiof a better cause. tion and moped at home where papa undcoubtedly When the "three kidney ones," which were to be is the most aggravating of his sex and not improved blind to the conversation, were set before them on since having been cut down by the hand of the Inthree little tin platters, each kidney one ornament- cendiary into something of which I never saw the ed with a hole at the top, into which the civil man counterpart in all my life but jealousy is not my poured hot gravy out of a spouted can as if he were character nor ill-will though many faults." feeding three lamps, Flora took out her pocket- Without having been able closely to follow Mrs. handkerchief. Finching through this labyrinth, Little Dorrit un"If Fancy's fair dreams," she began, "have ever derstoodl its purpose, and cordially accepted the pictured that when Arthur —can not overcome it trust. pray excuse me- was restored to freedom even a "The withered chaplet my dear," said Flora, with pie as far from flaky as the present and so deficient great enjoyment, "is then perished the column is in kidney as to be in that respect like a minced nut- crumbled and the pyramid is standing upside ldown meg might not prove unacceptable if offered by the upon its what's-his-name call it not giddiness call it hand of true regard such visions have forever fled not weakness call it not folly I must now retire into and all is canceled but being aware that tender re- privacy and look upon the ashes of departed joys no lations are in contemplation beg to state that I more but taking the further liberty of paying for the heartily wish well to both and find no fault with pastry which has formed the humble pretext of our either not the least, it may be withering to know interview will forever say Adieu!" that ere the hand of Time had made me much less Mr. F.'s Aunt, who had eaten her pie with great slim than formerly and dreadfully red on the slight- solemnity, and who had been elaborating some grievest exertion particularly after eating I well know ous scheme of injury in her mind, since her first aswhen it takes the form of a rash it might have been sumption of that public position on the Marshal's and was not through the interruption of parents steps, took the present opportunity of addressing and mental torpor succeeded until the mysterious the following Sibyllic apostrophe to the relict of clue was held by Mr. F. still I would not be ungen- her late nephew. erous to either and I heartily wish well to both." "Bring him for'ard, and. I'll chuck him out o' Little Dorrit took her hand, and thanked her for winder!" all her old kindness. Flora tried in vain to soothe the excellent woman, "Call it not kindness," returned Flora, giving her by explaining that they were going home to dinner. an honest kiss, "for you always were the best and Mr. F.'s Aunt persisted in replying, "Bring him fordearest little thing that ever was if I may take the'ard, and I'll chuck him out o' winder!" Having reliberty and even in a money point of view a saving iterated this deomandl an immense number of times, being Conscience itself though I must add much with a sustained glare of defiance at Little Dorrit, more agreeable than mine ever was to me for though Mr. F.'s Aunt folded her arms, and sat down in the not I hope more burdened than other people's yet I corner of the pie-shop parlor: steadfastly refusing have always found it far readier to make one un- to budge until such time as " he" should have been comfortable than comfortable and evidently taking " brought for'ard," and the chucking portion of his a greater pleasure in doing it but I am wandering, destiny accomplished. one hope I wish to express ere yet the closing scene In this condition of things, Flora confided to Litdraws in and it is that I do trust for the sake of old tle Dorrit that she had not seen Mr. F.'s Aunt so fill -times and old sincerity that Arthur will know that of life and character for weeks; that she would find I didn't desert him in his misfortunes but that I it necessary to remain there " hours perhaps," until came backward andl forwardc constantly to ask if I the inexorable old lady could be softened; and that could do any thing for him and that I sat in the she could manage her best alone. They parted, 352 LITTLE DORRIT. therefore, in the friendliest manner, and with the ashamed to look you in the face this day —but you kindest feeling on both sides. were not in company trim at the moment, and I had Mr. F.'s Aunt holding out like a grim fortress, to start off again to catch Doyce." and Flora becoming in need of refreshment, a mes- "Poor Doyce?" sighed Arthur. senger was dispatched to the hotel for the tumbler "Don't call him names that he don't deserve," already glanced at, which was afterward replenish- said Mr. Meagles. "He's not poor; he's doing well ed. With the aid of its contents, a newspaper, and enough. Doyce is a wonderful fellow over there. some skimming of the cream of the pie-stock, Flora I assure you, he is making out his case like a house got through the remainder of the day in perfect afire. He has fallen on his legs, has Dan. Where good-humor.; though occasionally embarrassed by they don't want things done and find a man to do the consequences of an idle rumor which circulated'em, that man's off his legs; but where they do want among the credulous infants of the neighborhood, things done and find a man to do'em, that man's on to the effect that an old lady had sold herself to the his legs. You won't have occasion to trouble the pie-shop, to be made up, and was then sitting in the Circumlocution Office any more. Let me tell you, pie-shop parlor, declining to complete her contract. Dan has done without'em!" This attracted so many young persons of both sexes, "What a load you take from my mind!" cried Arand, when the shades of evening began to fall, occa- thur. "What happiness you give me i" sioned so much interruption to the business, that "Happiness?" retorted'Mr. Meagles. "Don't talk the merchant became very pressing in his proposals about happiness till you see Dan. I assure you, that Mr. F.'s Aunt should be removed. A convey- Dan is directing works and executing labors over ance was accordingly brought to the door, which, yonder, that it would make your hair stand on end by the joint efforts of the merchant and Flora, this to look at. He's no public offender, bless you, now! remarkable woman was at last induced to enter; He's medaled and ribboned, and starred and crossed, though not without even then putting her head out and I don't-know-what all'd, like a born nobleman. of the window, and demanding to have him " brought But we mustn't talk about that over here." for'ard" forthe purpose originallymentioned. As she " Why not?" was observed at this time to direct baleful glances "Oh, egad!" said Mr. Meagles, shaking his head toward the Marshalsea, it has been supposed that this very seriously, " he must hide all those things under admirably consistent female intended by " him," Ar- lock and key when he comes over here. They won't thur Clennam. This, however, is nlere speculation; do, over here. In that particular, Britannia is a who the person was who, for the satisfaction of Mr. Britannia in the Manger-won't give her children F.'s Aunt's- mind, ought to have been brought for- such distinctions herself, and won't allow them to ward, and never was brought forward, will never be be seen when they are given by other countries. positively known. No, no, Dan!" said Mr. Meagles, shaking his head again. "That won't do here!" The autumn days went on, and Little Dorrit " If you had brought me (except for Doyce's sake) never came to the Marshalsea now, and went away twice what I have lost," cried Arthur, " you would without seeing him. No, no, no. not have given me the pleasure that you give me in One morning, as Arthur listened for the light feet, this news." that every morning ascended winged to his heart, "Why, of course, of course," assented Mr. Meagles. bringing the heavenly brightness of a new love into " Of course I know that, my good fellow, and therethe room where the old love had wrought so hard fore I come out with it in the first burst. Now, to and been so true; one morning, as he listened, he go back, about catching Doyce. I caught Doyce. heard her coming, not alone. Ran against him, among a lot of those dirty brown "Dear Arthur," said her delighted voice outside dogs in women's night-caps a great deal too big for the door, "I have some one here. May I bring some'em, calling themselves Arabs and all sorts of incoone in?" herent races. You know'em! Well! He was comHe had thought from the tread there were two ing straight to me, and I was going straight to him, with her. He answered "Yes," and she came in and so we came back together." with Mr. Meagles. Sun-browned and jolly Mr. Mea- "Doyce in England?" exclaimed Arthur. gles looked, and he opened his arms and folded Ar- "There!" said Mr. Meagles, throwing open his thur in them, like a sun-browned and jolly father. arms. " I am the worst man in the world to man"Now, I am all right," said Mr. Meagles, after a age a thing of this sort. I don't know what I minute or so. "Now, it's over. Arthur, my dear should have done if I had been in the diplomatic fellow, confess at once that you expected me before." line-right, perhaps! The long and the short of it "I did," said Arthur; "but Amy told me- " is, Arthur, we have both been in England this fort"Little Dorrit. Never any other name." (It was night. And if you go on to ask where Doyce is at she who whispered it.) the present moment, why, my plain answer is-here "-BLut my Little Dorrit told me that, without he is! And now I can breathe again, at last!" asking for any further explanation, I was not to ex- Doyce darted in from behind the door, caught Arpect you until I saw you." thur by both hands, and said the rest for himself. "And now you see me, my boy," said Mr. Meagles,'C There are only three branches of my subject, my shaking him by the hand stoutly; "and now you dear Clennam," said Doyce, proceeding to mold them shall have any explanation and every explanation. severally, with his plastic thumb, on the palm of his The fact is, I was here-came straight to you from hand, "and they're soon disposed of. First, not a the Allongers and Marshongers, or I should be word more from you about the past. There was an HER HAPPY WEDDING-DA Y. 353 error in your calculations. I know what that is. It "I asked her to do it. I have taken such an odd affects the whole machine, and failure is the con- fancy. I want you to burn something for me." sequence. You will profit by the failure, and will "What?" avoid it another time. I have done a similar thing "Only this folded paper. If you will put it in myself, in construction, often. Every failure teaches the fire with your own hand, just as it is, my fancy a man something, if he will learn; and you are too will be gratified." sensible a man not to learn from this failure. So "Superstitious, darling Little Dorrit? Is it a much for firstly. Secondly. I was sorry you should charm?" have taken it so heavily to heart, and reproached "It is any thing you like best, my own," she anyourself so severely; I was traveling home night swered, laughing with glistening eyes, and standing and day to put matters right, with the assistance on tiptoe to kiss him, "if you will only humor me of our friend, when I fell in with our friend, as he when the fire burns up." has informed you. Thirdly. We two agreed, that, So they stood before the fire, waiting: Clennam after what you had undergone, after your distress with his arm about her waist, and the fire shining, of mind, and after your illness, it would be a pleas- as fire in that same place had often shone, in Little ant surprise if we could so far keep quiet as to get Dorrit's eyes. "Is it bright enough now?" said Arthings perfectly arranged without your knowledge, thur. " Quite bright enough now," said Little Dorrit. and then come and say that all the affairs were " Does the charm want any words to be said?" asked smooth, and every thing was right, that the busi- Arthur, as he held the paper over the flame. " You can ness stood in greater want of you than ever it did, say (if you don't mind)' I love you!"' answered Little and that a new and prosperous career was opened Dorrit. So he said it, and the paper burned away. before you and me as partners. That's thirdly. But They passed very quietly along the yard; for, no you know we always make an allowance for friction, one was there, though many heads were stealthily and so I have reserved space to close in. My dear peeping from the windows. Only one face, familiar Clennam, I thoroughly confide in you; you have it of old, was in the Lodge. When they had both acin your power to be quite as useful to me, as I have, costed it, and spoken many kind words, Little Doror have had, it in my power to be useful to you; rit turned back one last time with her hand stretched your old place awaits you, and wants you very much; out, saying," Good-bye, good John! I hope you will there is nothing to detain you here, one half-hour live very happy, dear!" longer." Then they went up the steps of the neighboring There was silence, which was not broken until Saint George's Church, and went up to the altar, Arthur had stood for some time at the window with where Daniel Doyce was waiting in his paternal his back toward them, and until his little wife that character. And there was Little Dorrit's old friend was to be, had gone to him and staid by him. who had given her the Burial Register for a pillow: "I made a remark a little while ago," said Daniel full of admiration that she should come back to them Doyce then, "which I am inclined to think was an to be married, after all. incorrect one. I said there was nothing to detain And they were married, with the sun shining on you here, Clennam, half an hour longer. Am I mis- them through the painted figure of Our Saviour on taken in supposing that you would rather not leave the window. And they went into the very room here till to-morrow morning? Do I know, without where Little Dorrit had slumbered after her parbeing very wise, where you would like to go, direct ty, to sign the Marriage Register. And there, Mr. from these walls and from this room?" Pancks (destined to be chief clerk to Doyce and "You do," returned Arthur. "It has been our Clennam, and afterward partner in the house), sinkcherished purpose." ing the Incendiary in the peaceful friend, looked "Very well!" said Doyce. "Then, if this young in at the door to see it done, with Flora gallantly lady will do me the honor of regarding me for four- supported on one arm and Maggy on the other, and and-twenty hours in the light of a father, and will a background of John Chivery and father, and othtake a ride with me now toward Saint Paul's Church- er turnkeys, who had run round for the moment, deyard, I dare say I know what we want to get there." serting the parent Marshalsea for its happy child. Little Dorrit and he went out together soon after- Nor had Flora the least signs of seclusion upon her, ward, and Mr. Meagles lingered behind to say a word notwithstanding her recent declaration; but, on the to his friend. contrary, was wonderfully smart, and enjoyed the " I think, Arthur, you will not want Mother and ceremonies mightily, though in a fluttered way. me in the morning and we will keep away. It might Little Dorrit's old friend held the inkstand as she set Mother thinking about Pet; she's a soft-hearted signed her name, and the clerk paused in taking off woman. She's best at the cottage, and I'll stay there the good clergyman's surplice, and all the witnesses and keep her company." looked on with special interest. " For you see," said With that they parted for the time. And the day Little Dorrit's old friend, "this young lady is one of ended, and the night ended, and the morning came, our curiosities, and has come now to the third voland Little Dorrit, simply dressed as usual, and hav- ume of our Registers. Her birth is what I call the ing no one with her but Maggy, came into the pris- first volume; she lay asleep on this very floor, with on with the sunshine. The poor room was a happy her pretty head on what I call the second volume; room that morning. Where in the world was there and she's now a-writing her little name as a bride, a room so full of quiet joy! in what I call the third volume." " My dear love," said Arthur. " Why does Maggy They all gave place when the signing was done, light the fire? We shall be gone directly." and Little Dorrit and her husband walked out of 23 354 LITTLE DORRIT. the church alone. They paused for a moment on years, who was never vexed by the great exactions the steps of the portico, looking at the fresh per- he made of her, in return for the riches he might spective of the street in the autumn morning sun's have given her if he had ever had them, and who bright rays, and then went down. lovingly closed his eyes upon the Marshalsea and Went down into a modest life of usefulness and all its blighted fruits. They went quietly down happiness. Went down to give a mother's care, in into the roaring streets, inseparable and blessed; the fullness of time, to Fanny's neglected children and as they passed along in sunshine and shade, no less than to their own, and to leave that lady go- the noisy and the eager, and the arrogant and the ing into Society forever and a day. Went down to froward and the vain, fretted, and chafed, and made give a tender nurse and friend to Tip for some few their usual uproar. (