'Now，youngwoman！'saidasmartly-dressedfemale，lookingoutfromadoorbehindher，'whodoyouwanthere?'
　　'Aladywhoisstoppinginthishouse，'answeredthegirl。
　　'Alady！'wasthereply，accompaniedwithascornfullook。'Whatlady?'
　　'MissMaylie，'saidNancy。
　　Theyoungwoman，whohadbythistime，notedherappearance，repliedonlybyalookofvirtuousdisdain；andsummonedamantoanswerher。Tohim，Nancyrepeatedherrequest。
　　'WhatnameamItosay?'askedthewaiter。
　　'It'sofnousesayingany，'repliedNancy。
　　'Norbusiness?'saidtheman。
　　'No，northatneither，'rejoinedthegirl。'Imustseethelady。'
　　'Come！'saidtheman，pushinghertowardsthedoor。'Noneofthis。Takeyourselfoff。'
　　'IshallbecarriedoutifIgo！'saidthegirlviolently；'andI
　　canmakethatajobthattwoofyouwon'tliketodo。Isn'tthereanybodyhere，'shesaid，lookinground，'thatwillseeasimplemessagecarriedforapoorwretchlikeme?'
　　Thisappealproducedaneffectonagood-tempered-facedman-cook，whowithsomeoftheotherservantswaslookingon，andwhosteppedforwardtointerfere。
　　'Takeitupforher，Joe；can'tyou?'saidthisperson。
　　'What'sthegood?'repliedtheman。'Youdon'tsupposetheyoungladywillseesuchasher；doyou?'
　　ThisallusiontoNancy'sdoubtfulcharacter，raisedavastquantityofchastewrathinthebosomsoffourhousemaids，whoremarked，withgreatfervour，thatthecreaturewasadisgracetohersex；andstronglyadvocatedherbeingthrown，ruthlessly，intothekennel。
　　'Dowhatyoulikewithme，'saidthegirl，turningtothemenagain；'butdowhatIaskyoufirst，andIaskyoutogivethismessageforGodAlmighty'ssake。'
　　Thesoft-heartedcookaddedhisintercession，andtheresultwasthatthemanwhohadfirstappearedundertookitsdelivery。
　　'What'sittobe?'saidtheman，withonefootonthestairs。
　　'ThatayoungwomanearnestlyaskstospeaktoMissMayliealone，'saidNancy；'andthatiftheladywillonlyhearthefirstwordshehastosay，shewillknowwhethertohearherbusiness，ortohaveherturnedoutofdoorsasanimpostor。'
　　'Isay，'saidtheman，'you'recomingitstrong！'
　　'Yougivethemessage，'saidthegirlfirmly；'andletmeheartheanswer。'
　　Themanranupstairs。Nancyremained，paleandalmostbreathless，listeningwithquiveringliptotheveryaudibleexpressionsofscorn，ofwhichthechastehousemaidswereveryprolific；andofwhichtheybecamestillmoreso，whenthemanreturned，andsaidtheyoungwomanwastowalkupstairs。
　　'It'snogoodbeingproperinthisworld，'saidthefirsthousemaid。
　　'Brasscandobetterthanthegoldwhathasstoodthefire，'saidthesecond。
　　Thethirdcontentedherselfwithwondering'whatladieswasmadeof'；andthefourthtookthefirstinaquartetteof'Shameful！'
　　withwhichtheDianasconcluded。
　　Regardlessofallthis:forshehadweightiermattersatheart:
　　Nancyfollowedtheman，withtremblinglimbs，toasmallante-chamber，lightedbyalampfromtheceiling。Herehelefther，andretired。
　　CHAPTERXL
　　ASTRANGEINTERVIEW，WHICHISASEQUELTOTHELASTCHAMBER
　　Thegirl'slifehadbeensquanderedinthestreets，andamongthemostnoisomeofthestewsanddensofLondon，buttherewassomethingofthewoman'soriginalnatureleftinherstill；andwhensheheardalightstepapproachingthedooroppositetothatbywhichshehadentered，andthoughtofthewidecontrastwhichthesmallroomwouldinanothermomentcontain，shefeltburdenedwiththesenseofherowndeepshame，andshrunkasthoughshecouldscarcelybearthepresenceofherwithwhomshehadsoughtthisinterview。
　　Butstrugglingwiththesebetterfeelingswaspride，——theviceofthelowestandmostdebasedcreaturesnolessthanofthehighandself-assured。Themiserablecompanionofthievesandruffians，thefallenoutcastoflowhaunts，theassociateofthescouringsofthejailsandhulks，livingwithintheshadowofthegallowsitself，——eventhisdegradedbeingfelttooproudtobetrayafeeblegleamofthewomanlyfeelingwhichshethoughtaweakness，butwhichaloneconnectedherwiththathumanity，ofwhichherwastinglifehadobliteratedsomany，manytraceswhenaverychild。
　　Sheraisedhereyessufficientlytoobservethatthefigurewhichpresenteditselfwasthatofaslightandbeautifulgirl；then，bendingthemontheground，shetossedherheadwithaffectedcarelessnessasshesaid:
　　'It'sahardmattertogettoseeyou，lady。IfIhadtakenoffence，andgoneaway，asmanywouldhavedone，you'dhavebeensorryforitoneday，andnotwithoutreasoneither。'
　　'Iamverysorryifanyonehasbehavedharshlytoyou，'repliedRose。'Donotthinkofthat。Tellmewhyyouwishedtoseeme。
　　Iamthepersonyouinquiredfor。'
　　Thekindtoneofthisanswer，thesweetvoice，thegentlemanner，theabsenceofanyaccentofhaughtinessordispleasure，tookthegirlcompletelybysurprise，andsheburstintotears。
　　'Oh，lady，lady！'shesaid，claspingherhandspassionatelybeforeherface，'iftherewasmorelikeyou，therewouldbefewerlikeme，——therewould——therewould！'
　　'Sitdown，'saidRose，earnestly。'IfyouareinpovertyorafflictionIshallbetrulygladtorelieveyouifIcan，——I
　　shallindeed。Sitdown。'
　　'Letmestand，lady，'saidthegirl，stillweeping，'anddonotspeaktomesokindlytillyouknowmebetter。Itisgrowinglate。Is——is——thatdoorshut?'
　　'Yes，'saidRose，recoilingafewsteps，asiftobenearerassistanceincasesheshouldrequireit。'Why?'
　　'Because，'saidthegirl，'Iamabouttoputmylifeandthelivesofothersinyourhands。IamthegirlthatdraggedlittleOliverbacktooldFagin'sonthenighthewentoutfromthehouseinPentonville。'
　　'You！'saidRoseMaylie。
　　'I，lady！'repliedthegirl。'Iamtheinfamouscreatureyouhaveheardof，thatlivesamongthethieves，andthatneverfromthefirstmomentIcanrecollectmyeyesandsensesopeningonLondonstreetshaveknownanybetterlife，orkinderwordsthantheyhavegivenme，sohelpmeGod！Donotmindshrinkingopenlyfromme，lady。Iamyoungerthanyouwouldthink，tolookatme，butIamwellusedtoit。Thepoorestwomenfallback，asImakemywayalongthecrowdedpavement。'
　　'Whatdreadfulthingsarethese！'saidRose，involuntarilyfallingfromherstrangecompanion。
　　'ThankHeavenuponyourknees，dearlady，'criedthegirl，'thatyouhadfriendstocareforandkeepyouinyourchildhood，andthatyouwereneverinthemidstofcoldandhunger，andriotanddrunkenness，and——and——somethingworsethanall——asIhavebeenfrommycradle。Imayusetheword，forthealleyandthegutterweremine，astheywillbemydeathbed。'
　　'Ipityyou！'saidRose，inabrokenvoice。'Itwringsmyhearttohearyou！'
　　'Heavenblessyouforyourgoodness！'rejoinedthegirl。'IfyouknewwhatIamsometimes，youwouldpityme，indeed。ButIhavestolenawayfromthosewhowouldsurelymurderme，iftheyknewI
　　hadbeenhere，totellyouwhatIhaveoverheard。DoyouknowamannamedMonks?'
　　'No，'saidRose。
　　'Heknowsyou，'repliedthegirl；'andknewyouwerehere，foritwasbyhearinghimtelltheplacethatIfoundyouout。'
　　'Ineverheardthename，'saidRose。
　　'Thenhegoesbysomeotheramongstus，'rejoinedthegirl，'whichImorethanthoughtbefore。Sometimeago，andsoonafterOliverwasputintoyourhouseonthenightoftherobbery，I——suspectingthisman——listenedtoaconversationheldbetweenhimandFagininthedark。Ifoundout，fromwhatIheard，thatMonks——themanIaskedyouabout，youknow——'
　　'Yes，'saidRose，'Iunderstand。'
　　'——ThatMonks，'pursuedthegirl，'hadseenhimaccidentlywithtwoofourboysonthedaywefirstlosthim，andhadknownhimdirectlytobethesamechildthathewaswatchingfor，thoughI
　　couldn'tmakeoutwhy。AbargainwasstruckwithFagin，thatifOliverwasgotbackheshouldhaveacertainsum；andhewastohavemoreformakinghimathief，whichthisMonkswantedforsomepurposeofhisown。
　　'Forwhatpurpose?'askedRose。
　　'HecaughtsightofmyshadowonthewallasIlistened，inthehopeoffindingout，'saidthegirl；'andtherearenotmanypeoplebesidesmethatcouldhavegotoutoftheirwayintimetoescapediscovery。ButIdid；andIsawhimnomoretilllastnight。'
　　'Andwhatoccurredthen?'
　　'I'lltellyou，lady。Lastnighthecameagain。Againtheywentupstairs，andI，wrappingmyselfupsothatmyshadowwouldnotbetrayme，againlistenedatthedoor。ThefirstwordsIheardMonkssaywerethese:“Sotheonlyproofsoftheboy'sidentitylieatthebottomoftheriver，andtheoldhagthatreceivedthemfromthemotherisrottinginhercoffin。”Theylaughed，andtalkedofhissuccessindoingthis；andMonks，talkingonabouttheboy，andgettingverywild，saidthatthoughhehadgottheyoungdevil'smoneysafelyknow，he'dratherhavehadittheotherway；for，whatagameitwouldhavebeentohavebroughtdowntheboastofthefather'swill，bydrivinghimthrougheveryjailintown，andthenhaulinghimupforsomecapitalfelonywhichFagincouldeasilymanage，afterhavingmadeagoodprofitofhimbesides。'
　　'Whatisallthis！'saidRose。
　　'Thetruth，lady，thoughitcomesfrommylips，'repliedthegirl。'Then，hesaid，withoathscommonenoughinmyears，butstrangetoyours，thatifhecouldgratifyhishatredbytakingtheboy'slifewithoutbringinghisownneckindanger，hewould；
　　but，ashecouldn't，he'dbeuponthewatchtomeethimateveryturninlife；andifhetookadvantageofhisbirthandhistory，hemightharmhimyet。“Inshort，Fagin，“hesays，“Jewasyouare，youneverlaidsuchsnaresasI'llcontriveformyyoungbrother，Oliver。”'
　　'Hisbrother！'exclaimedRose。
　　'Thosewerehiswords，'saidNancy，glancinguneasilyround，asshehadscarcelyceasedtodo，sinceshebegantospeak，foravisionofSikeshauntedherperpetually。'Andmore。Whenhespokeofyouandtheotherlady，andsaiditseemedcontrivedbyHeaven，orthedevil，againsthim，thatOlivershouldcomeintoyourhands，helaughed，andsaidtherewassomecomfortinthattoo，forhowmanythousandsandhundredsofthousandsofpoundswouldyounotgive，ifyouhadthem，toknowwhoyourtwo-leggedspanielwas。'
　　'Youdonotmean，'saidRose，turningverypale，'totellmethatthiswassaidinearnest?'
　　'Hespokeinhardandangryearnest，ifamaneverdid，'repliedthegirl，shakingherhead。'Heisanearnestmanwhenhishatredisup。Iknowmanywhodoworsethings；butI'dratherlistentothemalladozentimes，thantothatMonksonce。Itisgrowinglate，andIhavetoreachhomewithoutsuspicionofhavingbeenonsuchanerrandasthis。Imustgetbackquickly。'
　　'ButwhatcanIdo?'saidRose。'TowhatusecanIturnthiscommunicationwithoutyou?Back！Whydoyouwishtoreturntocompanionsyoupaintinsuchterriblecolors?IfyourepeatthisinformationtoagentlemanwhomIcansummoninaninstantfromthenextroom，youcanbeconsignedtosomeplaceofsafetywithouthalfanhour'sdelay。'
　　'Iwishtogoback，'saidthegirl。'Imustgoback，because——howcanItellsuchthingstoaninnocentladylikeyou?——becauseamongthemenIhavetoldyouof，thereisone:
　　themostdesperateamongthemall；thatIcan'tleave:no，noteventobesavedfromthelifeIamleadingnow。'
　　'Yourhavinginterferedinthisdearboy'sbehalfbefore，'saidRose；'yourcominghere，atsogreatarisk，totellmewhatyouhaveheard；yourmanner，whichconvincesmeofthetruthofwhatyousay；yourevidentcontrition，andsenseofshame；allleadmetobelievethatyoumightyetbereclaimed。Oh！'saidtheearnestgirl，foldingherhandsasthetearscourseddownherface，'donotturnadeafeartotheentreatiesofoneofyourownsex；thefirst——thefirst，Idobelieve，whoeverappealedtoyouinthevoiceofpityandcompassion。Dohearmywords，andletmesaveyouyet，forbetterthings。'
　　'Lady，'criedthegirl，sinkingonherknees，'dear，sweet，angellady，youAREthefirstthateverblessedmewithsuchwordsasthese，andifIhadheardthemyearsago，theymighthaveturnedmefromalifeofsinandsorrow；butitistoolate，itistoolate！'
　　'Itisnevertoolate，'saidRose，'forpenitenceandatonement。'
　　'Itis，'criedthegirl，writhinginagonyofhermind；'Icannotleavehimnow！Icouldnotbehisdeath。'
　　'Whyshouldyoube?'askedRose。
　　'Nothingcouldsavehim，'criedthegirl。'IfItoldotherswhatIhavetoldyou，andledtotheirbeingtaken，hewouldbesuretodie。Heistheboldest，andhasbeensocruel！'
　　'Isitpossible，'criedRose，'thatforsuchamanasthis，youcanresigneveryfuturehope，andthecertaintyofimmediaterescue?Itismadness。'
　　'Idon'tknowwhatitis，'answeredthegirl；'Ionlyknowthatitisso，andnotwithmealone，butwithhundredsofothersasbadandwretchedasmyself。Imustgoback。WhetheritisGod'swrathforthewrongIhavedone，Idonotknow；butIamdrawnbacktohimthrougheverysufferingandillusage；andIshouldbe，Ibelieve，ifIknewthatIwastodiebyhishandatlast。'
　　'WhatamItodo?'saidRose。'Ishouldnotletyoudepartfrommethus。'
　　'Youshould，lady，andIknowyouwill，'rejoinedthegirl，rising。'YouwillnotstopmygoingbecauseIhavetrustedinyourgoodness，andforcednopromisefromyou，asImighthavedone。'
　　'Ofwhatuse，then，isthecommunicationyouhavemade?'saidRose。'Thismysterymustbeinvestigated，orhowwillitsdisclosuretome，benefitOliver，whomyouareanxioustoserve?'
　　'Youmusthavesomekindgentlemanaboutyouthatwillhearitasasecret，andadviseyouwhattodo，'rejoinedthegirl。
　　'ButwherecanIfindyouagainwhenitisnecessary?'askedRose。'Idonotseektoknowwherethesedreadfulpeoplelive，butwherewillyoubewalkingorpassingatanysettledperiodfromthistime?'
　　'Willyoupromisemethatyouwillhavemysecretstrictlykept，andcomealone，orwiththeonlyotherpersonthatknowsit；andthatIshallnotbewatchedorfollowed?'askedthegirl。
　　'Ipromiseyousolemnly，'answeredRose。
　　'EverySundaynight，fromelevenuntiltheclockstrikestwelve，'
　　saidthegirlwithouthesitation，'IwillwalkonLondonBridgeifIamalive。'
　　'Stayanothermoment，'interposedRose，asthegirlmovedhurriedlytowardsthedoor。'Thinkonceagainonyourowncondition，andtheopportunityyouhaveofescapingfromit。Youhaveaclaimonme:notonlyasthevoluntarybearerofthisintelligence，butasawomanlostalmostbeyondredemption。Willyoureturntothisgangofrobbers，andtothisman，whenawordcansaveyou?Whatfascinationisitthatcantakeyouback，andmakeyouclingtowickednessandmisery?Oh！istherenochordinyourheartthatIcantouch！Istherenothingleft，towhichIcanappealagainstthisterribleinfatuation！'
　　'Whenladiesasyoung，andgood，andbeautifulasyouare，'
　　repliedthegirlsteadily，'giveawayyourhearts，lovewillcarryyoualllengths——evensuchasyou，whohavehome，friends，otheradmirers，everything，tofillthem。WhensuchasI，whohavenocertainroofbutthecoffinlid，andnofriendinsicknessordeathbutthehospitalnurse，setourrottenheartsonanyman，andlethimfilltheplacethathasbeenablankthroughallourwretchedlives，whocanhopetocureus?Pityus，lady——pityusforhavingonlyonefeelingofthewomanleft，andforhavingthatturned，byaheavyjudgment，fromacomfortandapride，intoanewmeansofviolenceandsuffering。'
　　'Youwill，'saidRose，afterapause，'takesomemoneyfromme，whichmayenableyoutolivewithoutdishonesty——atalleventsuntilwemeetagain?'
　　'Notapenny，'repliedthegirl，wavingherhand。
　　'Donotcloseyourheartagainstallmyeffortstohelpyou，'
　　saidRose，steppinggentlyforward。'Iwishtoserveyouindeed。'
　　'Youwouldservemebest，lady，'repliedthegirl，wringingherhands，'ifyoucouldtakemylifeatonce；forIhavefeltmoregrieftothinkofwhatIam，to-night，thanIeverdidbefore，anditwouldbesomethingnottodieinthehellinwhichIhavelived。Godblessyou，sweetlady，andsendasmuchhappinessonyourheadasIhavebroughtshameonmine！'
　　Thusspeaking，andsobbingaloud，theunhappycreatureturnedaway；whileRoseMaylie，overpoweredbythisextraordinaryinterview，whichhadmorethesemblanceofarapiddreamthananactualoccurance，sankintoachair，andendeavouredtocollectherwanderingthoughts。
　　CHAPTERXLI
　　CONTAININGFRESHDISCOVERIES，ANDSHOWINGTHATSUPRISES，LIKE
　　MISFORTUNES，SELDOMCOMEALONE
　　Hersituationwas，indeed，oneofnocommontrialanddifficulty。
　　WhileshefeltthemosteagerandburningdesiretopenetratethemysteryinwhichOliver'shistorywasenveloped，shecouldnotbutholdsacredtheconfidencewhichthemiserablewomanwithwhomshehadjustconversed，hadreposedinher，asayoungandguilelessgirl。HerwordsandmannerhadtouchedRoseMaylie'sheart；and，mingledwithherloveforheryoungcharge，andscarcelylessintenseinitstruthandfervour，washerfondwishtowintheoutcastbacktorepentanceandhope。
　　TheypurposedremaininginLondononlythreedays，priortodepartingforsomeweekstoadistantpartofthecoast。Itwasnowmidnightofthefirstday。Whatcourseofactioncouldshedetermineupon，whichcouldbeadoptedineight-and-fortyhours?
　　Orhowcouldshepostponethejourneywithoutexcitingsuspicion?
　　Mr。Losbernewaswiththem，andwouldbeforthenexttwodays；
　　butRosewastoowellacquaintedwiththeexcellentgentleman'simpetuosity，andforesawtooclearlythewrathwithwhich，inthefirstexplosionofhisindignation，hewouldregardtheinstrumentofOliver'srecapture，totrusthimwiththesecret，whenherrepresentationsinthegirl'sbehalfcouldbesecondedbynoexperiencedperson。ThesewereallreasonsforthegreatestcautionandmostcircumspectbehaviourincommunicatingittoMrs。Maylie，whosefirstimpulsewouldinfalliblybetoholdaconferencewiththeworthydoctoronthesubject。Astoresortingtoanylegaladviser，evenifshehadknownhowtodoso，itwasscarcelytobethoughtof，forthesamereason。OncethethoughtoccurredtoherofseekingassistancefromHarry；butthisawakenedtherecollectionoftheirlastparting，anditseemedunworthyofhertocallhimback，when——thetearsrosetohereyesasshepursuedthistrainofreflection——hemighthavebythistimelearnttoforgether，andtobehappieraway。
　　Disturbedbythesedifferentreflections；incliningnowtoonecourseandthentoanother，andagainrecoilingfromall，aseachsuccessiveconsiderationpresenteditselftohermind；Rosepassedasleeplessandanxiousnight。Aftermorecommuningwithherselfnextday，shearrivedatthedesperateconclusionofconsultingHarry。
　　'Ifitbepainfultohim，'shethought，'tocomebackhere，howpainfulitwillbetome！Butperhapshewillnotcome；hemaywrite，orhemaycomehimself，andstudiouslyabstainfrommeetingme——hedidwhenhewentaway。Ihardlythoughthewould；
　　butitwasbetterforusboth。'AndhereRosedroppedthepen，andturnedaway，asthoughtheverypaperwhichwastobehermessengershouldnotseeherweep。
　　Shehadtakenupthesamepen，andlaiditdownagainfiftytimes，andhadconsideredandreconsideredthefirstlineofherletterwithoutwritingthefirstword，whenOliver，whohadbeenwalkinginthestreets，withMr。Gilesforabody-guard，enteredtheroominsuchbreathlesshasteandviolentagitation，asseemedtobetokensomenewcauseofalarm。
　　'Whatmakesyoulooksoflurried?'askedRose，advancingtomeethim。
　　'Ihardlyknowhow；IfeelasifIshouldbechoked，'repliedtheboy。'Ohdear！TothinkthatIshouldseehimatlast，andyoushouldbeabletoknowthatIhavetoldyouthetruth！'
　　'Ineverthoughtyouhadtoldusanythingbutthetruth，'saidRose，soothinghim。'Butwhatisthis?——ofwhomdoyouspeak?'
　　'Ihaveseenthegentleman，'repliedOliver，scarcelyabletoarticulate，'thegentlemanwhowassogoodtome——Mr。Brownlow，thatwehavesooftentalkedabout。'
　　'Where?'askedRose。
　　'Gettingoutofacoach，'repliedOliver，sheddingtearsofdelight，'andgoingintoahouse。Ididn'tspeaktohim——I
　　couldn'tspeaktohim，forhedidn'tseeme，andItrembledso，thatIwasnotabletogouptohim。ButGilesasked，forme，whetherhelivedthere，andtheysaidhedid。Lookhere，'saidOliver，openingascrapofpaper，'hereitis；here'swherehelives——I'mgoingtheredirectly！Oh，dearme，dearme！WhatshallIdowhenIcometoseehimandhearhimspeakagain！'
　　Withherattentionnotalittledistractedbytheseandagreatmanyotherincoherentexclamationsofjoy，Rosereadtheaddress，whichwasCravenStreet，intheStrand。Sheverysoondetermineduponturningthediscoverytoaccount。
　　'Quick！'shesaid。'Tellthemtofetchahackney-coach，andbereadytogowithme。Iwilltakeyoutheredirectly，withoutaminute'slossoftime。Iwillonlytellmyauntthatwearegoingoutforanhour，andbereadyassoonasyouare。'
　　Oliverneedednopromptingtodespatch，andinlittlemorethanfiveminutestheywereontheirwaytoCravenStreet。Whentheyarrivedthere，RoseleftOliverinthecoach，underpretenceofpreparingtheoldgentlemantoreceivehim；andsendinguphercardbytheservant，requestedtoseeMr。Brownlowonverypressingbusiness。Theservantsoonreturned，tobegthatshewouldwalkupstairs；andfollowinghimintoanupperroom，MissMayliewaspresentedtoanelderlygentlemanofbenevolentappearance，inabottle-greencoat。Atnogreatdistancefromwhom，wasseatedanotheroldgentleman，innankeenbreechesandgaiters；whodidnotlookparticularlybenevolent，andwhowassittingwithhishandsclaspedonthetopofathickstick，andhischinproppedthereupon。
　　'Dearme，'saidthegentleman，inthebottle-greencoat，hastilyrisingwithgreatpoliteness，'Ibegyourpardon，younglady——I
　　imagineditwassomeimportunatepersonwho——Ibegyouwillexcuseme。Beseated，pray。'
　　'Mr。Brownlow，Ibelieve，sir?'saidRose，glancingfromtheothergentlemantotheonewhohadspoken。
　　'Thatismyname，'saidtheoldgentleman。'Thisismyfriend，Mr。Grimwig。Grimwig，willyouleaveusforafewminutes?'
　　'Ibelieve，'interposedMissMaylie，'thatatthisperiodofourinterview，Ineednotgivethatgentlemanthetroubleofgoingaway。IfIamcorrectlyinformed，heiscognizantofthebusinessonwhichIwishtospeaktoyou。'
　　Mr。Brownlowinclinedhishead。Mr。Grimwig，whohadmadeoneverystiffbow，andrisenfromhischair，madeanotherverystiffbow，anddroppedintoitagain。
　　'Ishallsurpriseyouverymuch，Ihavenodoubt，'saidRose，naturallyembarrassed；'butyouonceshowedgreatbenevolenceandgoodnesstoaverydearyoungfriendofmine，andIamsureyouwilltakeaninterestinhearingofhimagain。'
　　'Indeed！'saidMr。Brownlow。
　　'OliverTwistyouknewhimas，'repliedRose。
　　Thewordsnosoonerescapedherlips，thanMr。Grimwig，whohadbeenaffectingtodipintoalargebookthatlayonthetable，upsetitwithagreatcrash，andfallingbackinhischair，dischargedfromhisfeatureseveryexpressionbutoneofunmitigatedwonder，andindulgedinaprolongedandvacantstare；
　　then，asifashamedofhavingbetrayedsomuchemotion，hejerkedhimself，asitwere，byaconvulsionintohisformerattitude，andlookingoutstraightbeforehimemittedalongdeepwhistle，whichseemed，atlast，nottobedischargedonemptyair，buttodieawayintheinnermostrecessesofhisstomach。
　　Mr。Browlowwasnolesssurprised，althoughhisastonishmentwasnotexpressedinthesameeccentricmanner。HedrewhischairnearertoMissMaylie's，andsaid，'Domethefavour，mydearyounglady，toleaveentirelyoutofthequestionthatgoodnessandbenevolenceofwhichyouspeak，andofwhichnobodyelseknowsanything；andifyouhaveitinyourpowertoproduceanyevidencewhichwillaltertheunfavourableopinionIwasonceinducedtoentertainofthatpoorchild，inHeaven'snameputmeinpossessionofit。'
　　'Abadone！I'lleatmyheadifheisnotabadone，'growledMr。Grimwig，speakingbysomeventriloquialpower，withoutmovingamuscleofhisface。
　　'Heisachildofanoblenatureandawarmheart，'saidRose，colouring；'andthatPowerwhichhasthoughtfittotryhimbeyondhisyears，hasplantedinhisbreastaffectionsandfeelingswhichwoulddohonourtomanywhohavenumberedhisdayssixtimesover。'
　　'I'monlysixty-one，'saidMr。Grimwig，withthesamerigidface。
　　'And，asthedevil'sinitifthisOliverisnottwelveyearsoldatleast，Idon'tseetheapplicationofthatremark。'
　　'Donotheedmyfriend，MissMaylie，'saidMr。Brownlow；'hedoesnotmeanwhathesays。'
　　'Yes，hedoes，'growledMr。Grimwig。
　　'No，hedoesnot，'saidMr。Brownlow，obviouslyrisinginwrathashespoke。
　　'He'lleathishead，ifhedoesn't，'growledMr。Grimwig。
　　'Hewoulddeservetohaveitknockedoff，ifhedoes，'saidMr。
　　Brownlow。
　　'Andhe'duncommonlyliketoseeanymanoffertodoit，'
　　respondedMr。Grimwig，knockinghisstickuponthefloor。
　　Havinggonethusfar，thetwooldgentlemenseverallytooksnuff，andafterwardsshookhands，accordingtotheirinvariablecustom。
　　'Now，MissMaylie，'saidMr。Brownlow，'toreturntothesubjectinwhichyourhumanityissomuchinterested。Willyouletmeknowwhatintelligenceyouhaveofthispoorchild:allowingmetopromisethatIexhaustedeverymeansinmypowerofdiscoveringhim，andthatsinceIhavebeenabsentfromthiscountry，myfirstimpressionthathehadimposeduponme，andhadbeenpersuadedbyhisformerassociatestorobme，hasbeenconsiderablyshaken。'
　　Rose，whohadhadtimetocollectherthoughts，atoncerelated，inafewnaturalwords，allthathadbefallenOliversinceheleftMr。Brownlow'shouse；reservingNancy'sinformationforthatgentleman'sprivateear，andconcludingwiththeassurancethathisonlysorrow，forsomemonthspast，hadbeennotbeingabletomeetwithhisformerbenefactorandfriend。
　　'ThankGod！'saidtheoldgentleman。'Thisisgreathappinesstome，greathappiness。Butyouhavenottoldmewhereheisnow，MissMaylie。Youmustpardonmyfindingfaultwithyou，——butwhynothavebroughthim?'
　　'Heiswaitinginacoachatthedoor，'repliedRose。
　　'Atthisdoor！'criedtheoldgentleman。Withwhichhehurriedoutoftheroom，downthestairs，upthecoachsteps，andintothecoach，withoutanotherword。
　　Whentheroom-doorclosedbehindhim，Mr。Grimwiglifteduphishead，andconvertingoneofthehindlegsofhischairintoapivot，describedthreedistinctcircleswiththeassistanceofhisstickandthetable；stittinginitallthetime。Afterperformingthisevolution，heroseandlimpedasfastashecouldupanddowntheroomatleastadozentimes，andthenstoppingsuddenlybeforeRose，kissedherwithouttheslightestpreface。
　　'Hush！'hesaid，astheyoungladyroseinsomealarmatthisunusualproceeding。'Don'tbeafraid。I'moldenoughtobeyourgrandfather。You'reasweetgirl。Ilikeyou。Heretheyare！'
　　Infact，ashethrewhimselfatonedexterousdiveintohisformerseat，Mr。Brownlowreturned，accompaniedbyOliver，whomMr。Grimwigreceivedverygraciously；andifthegratificationofthatmomenthadbeentheonlyrewardforallheranxietyandcareinOliver'sbehalf，RoseMayliewouldhavebeenwellrepaid。
　　'Thereissomebodyelsewhoshouldnotbeforgotten，bythebye，'
　　saidMr。Brownlow，ringingthebell。'SendMrs。Bedwinhere，ifyouplease。'
　　Theoldhousekeeperansweredthesummonswithalldispatch；anddroppingacurtseyatthedoor，waitedfororders。
　　'Why，yougetblindereveryday，Bedwin，'saidMr。Brownlow，rathertestily。
　　'Well，thatIdo，sir，'repliedtheoldlady。'People'seyes，atmytimeoflife，don'timprovewithage，sir。'
　　'Icouldhavetoldyouthat，'rejoinedMr。Brownlow；'butputonyourglasses，andseeifyoucan'tfindoutwhatyouwerewantedfor，willyou?'
　　Theoldladybegantorummageinherpocketforherspectacles。
　　ButOliver'spatiencewasnotproofagainstthisnewtrial；andyieldingtohisfirstimpulse，hesprangintoherarms。
　　'Godbegoodtome！'criedtheoldlady，embracinghim；'itismyinnocentboy！'
　　'Mydearoldnurse！'criedOliver。
　　'Hewouldcomeback——Iknewhewould，'saidtheoldlady，holdinghiminherarms。'Howwellhelooks，andhowlikeagentleman'ssonheisdressedagain！Wherehaveyoubeen，thislong，longwhile?Ah！thesamesweetface，butnotsopale；thesamesofteye，butnotsosad。Ihaveneverforgottenthemorhisquietsmile，buthaveseenthemeveryday，sidebysidewiththoseofmyowndearchildren，deadandgonesinceIwasalightsomeyoungcreature。'Runningonthus，andnowholdingOliverfromhertomarkhowhehadgrown，nowclaspinghimtoherandpassingherfingersfondlythroughhishair，thegoodsoullaughedandweptuponhisneckbyturns。
　　LeavingherandOlivertocomparenotesatleisure，Mr。Brownlowledthewayintoanotherroom；andthere，heardfromRoseafullnarrationofherinterviewwithNancy，whichoccasionedhimnolittlesurpriseandperplexity。RosealsoexplainedherreasonsfornotconfidinginherfriendMr。Losberneinthefirstinstance。Theoldgentlemanconsideredthatshehadactedprudently，andreadilyundertooktoholdsolemnconferencewiththeworthydoctorhimself。Toaffordhimanearlyopportunityfortheexecutionofthisdesign，itwasarrangedthatheshouldcallatthehotelateighto'clockthatevening，andthatinthemeantimeMrs。Maylieshouldbecautiouslyinformedofallthathadoccurred。Thesepreliminariesadjusted，RoseandOliverreturnedhome。
　　Rosehadbynomeansoverratedthemeasureofthegooddoctor'swrath。Nancy'shistorywasnosoonerunfoldedtohim，thanhepouredforthashowerofmingledthreatsandexecrations；
　　threatenedtomakeherthefirstvictimofthecombinedingenuityofMessrs。BlathersandDuff；andactuallyputonhishatpreparatorytosallyingforthtoobtaintheassistanceofthoseworthies。And，doubtless，hewould，inthisfirstoutbreak，havecarriedtheintentionintoeffectwithoutamoment'sconsiderationoftheconsequences，ifhehadnotbeenrestrained，inpart，bycorrespondingviolenceonthesideofMr。Brownlow，whowashimselfofanirascibletemperament，andpartybysuchargumentsandrepresentationsasseemedbestcalculatedtodissuadehimfromhishotbrainedpurpose。
　　'Thenwhatthedevilistobedone?'saidtheimpetuousdoctor，whentheyhadrejoinedthetwoladies。'Arewetopassavoteofthankstoallthesevagabonds，maleandfemale，andbegthemtoacceptahundredpounds，orso，apiece，asatriflingmarkofouresteem，andsomeslightacknowledgmentoftheirkindnesstoOliver?'
　　'Notexactlythat，'rejoinedMr。Brownlow，laughing；'butwemustproceedgentlyandwithgreatcare。'
　　'Gentlenessandcare，'exclaimedthedoctor。'I'dsendthemoneandallto——'
　　'Nevermindwhere，'interposedMr。Brownlow。'Butreflectwhethersendingthemanywhereislikelytoattaintheobjectwehaveinview。'
　　'Whatobject?'askedthedoctor。
　　'Simply，thediscoveryofOliver'sparentage，andregainingforhimtheinheritanceofwhich，ifthisstorybetrue，hehasbeenfraudulentlydeprived。'
　　'Ah！'saidMr。Losberne，coolinghimselfwithhispocket-handkerchief；'Ialmostforgotthat。'
　　'Yousee，'pursuedMr。Brownlow；'placingthispoorgirlentirelyoutofthequestion，andsupposingitwerepossibletobringthesescoundrelstojusticewithoutcompromisinghersafety，whatgoodshouldwebringabout?'
　　'Hangingafewofthematleast，inallprobability，'suggestedthedoctor，'andtransportingtherest。'
　　'Verygood，'repliedMr。Brownlow，smiling；'butnodoubttheywillbringthataboutforthemselvesinthefulnessoftime，andifwestepintoforestallthem，itseemstomethatweshallbeperformingaveryQuixoticact，indirectoppositiontoourowninterest——oratleasttoOliver's，whichisthesamething。'
　　'How?'inquiredthedoctor。
　　'Thus。Itisquiteclearthatweshallhaveextremedifficultyingettingtothebottomofthismystery，unlesswecanbringthisman，Monks，uponhisknees。Thatcanonlybedonebystratagem，andbycatchinghimwhenheisnotsurroundedbythesepeople。For，supposehewereapprehended，wehavenoproofagainsthim。Heisnotevensofarasweknow，orasthefactsappeartousconcernedwiththeganginanyoftheirrobberies。
　　Ifhewerenotdischarged，itisveryunlikelythathecouldreceiveanyfurtherpunishmentthanbeingcommittedtoprisonasarogueandvagabond；andofcourseeverafterwardshismouthwouldbesoobstinatelyclosedthathemightaswell，forourpurposes，bedeaf，dumb，blind，andanidiot。'
　　'Then，'saidthedoctorimpetuously，'Iputittoyouagain，whetheryouthinkitreasonablethatthispromisetothegirlshouldbeconsideredbinding；apromisemadewiththebestandkindestintentions，butreally——'
　　'Donotdiscussthepoint，mydearyounglady，pray，'saidMr。
　　Brownlow，interruptingRoseasshewasabouttospeak。'Thepromiseshallbekept。Idon'tthinkitwill，intheslightestdegree，interferewithourproceedings。But，beforewecanresolveuponanyprecisecourseofaction，itwillbenecessarytoseethegirl；toascertainfromherwhethershewillpointoutthisMonks，ontheunderstandingthatheistobedealtwithbyus，andnotbythelaw；or，ifshewillnot，orcannotdothat，toprocurefromhersuchanaccountofhishauntsanddescriptionofhisperson，aswillenableustoidentifyhim。ShecannotbeseenuntilnextSundaynight；thisisTuesday。Iwouldsuggestthatinthemeantime，weremainperfectlyquiet，andkeepthesematterssecretevenfromOliverhimself。'
　　AlthoughMr。Losebernereceivedwithmanywryfacesaproposalinvolvingadelayoffivewholedays，hewasfaintoadmitthatnobettercourseoccurredtohimjustthen；andasbothRoseandMrs。MayliesidedverystronglywithMr。Brownlow，thatgentleman'spropositionwascarriedunanimously。
　　'Ishouldlike，'hesaid，'tocallintheaidofmyfriendGrimwig。Heisastrangecreature，butashrewdone，andmightproveofmaterialassistancetous；Ishouldsaythathewasbredalawyer，andquittedtheBarindisgustbecausehehadonlyonebriefandamotionofcourse，intwentyyears，thoughwhetherthatisrecommendationornot，youmustdetermineforyourselves。'
　　'IhavenoobjectiontoyourcallinginyourfriendifImaycallinmine，'saidthedoctor。
　　'Wemustputittothevote，'repliedMr。Brownlow，'whomayhebe?'
　　'Thatlady'sson，andthisyounglady's——veryoldfriend，'saidthedoctor，motioningtowardsMrs。Maylie，andconcludingwithanexpressiveglanceatherniece。
　　Roseblusheddeeply，butshedidnotmakeanyaudibleobjectiontothismotionpossiblyshefeltinahopelessminority；andHarryMaylieandMr。Grimwigwereaccordinglyaddedtothecommittee。
　　'Westayintown，ofcourse，'saidMrs。Maylie，'whilethereremainstheslightestprospectofprosecutingthisinquirywithachanceofsuccess。Iwillspareneithertroublenorexpenseinbehalfoftheobjectinwhichweareallsodeeplyinterested，andIamcontenttoremainhere，ifitbefortwelvemonths，solongasyouassuremethatanyhoperemains。'
　　'Good！'rejoinedMr。Brownlow。'AndasIseeonthefacesaboutme，adispositiontoinquirehowithappenedthatIwasnotinthewaytocorroborateOliver'stale，andhadsosuddenlyleftthekingdom，letmestipulatethatIshallbeaskednoquestionsuntilsuchtimeasImaydeemitexpedienttoforestallthembytellingmyownstory。Believeme，Imakethisrequestwithgoodreason，forImightotherwiseexcitehopesdestinednevertoberealised，andonlyincreasedifficultiesanddisappointmentsalreadyquitenumerousenough。Come！Supperhasbeenannounced，andyoungOliver，whoisallaloneinthenextroom，willhavebeguntothink，bythistime，thatwehaveweariedofhiscompany，andenteredintosomedarkconspiracytothrusthimforthupontheworld。'
　　Withthesewords，theoldgentlemangavehishandtoMrs。Maylie，andescortedherintothesupper-room。Mr。Losbernefollowed，leadingRose；andthecouncilwas，forthepresent，effectuallybrokenup。
　　CHAPTERXLII
　　ANOLDACQUAINTANCEOFOLIVER'S，EXHIBITINGDECIDEDMARKSOF
　　GENIUS，BECOMESAPUBLICCHARACTERINTHEMETROPOLIS
　　UponthenightwhenNancy，havinglulledMr。Sikestosleep，hurriedonherself-imposedmissiontoRoseMaylie，thereadvancedtowardsLondon，bytheGreatNorthRoad，twopersons，uponwhomitisexpedientthatthishistoryshouldbestowsomeattention。
　　Theywereamanandwoman；orperhapstheywouldbebetterdescribedasamaleandfemale:fortheformerwasoneofthoselong-limbed，knock-kneed，shambling，bonypeople，towhomitisdifficulttoassignanypreciseage，——lookingastheydo，whentheyareyetboys，likeundergrownmen，andwhentheyarealmostmen，likeovergrownboys。Thewomanwasyoung，butofarobustandhardymake，assheneedhavebeentobeartheweightoftheheavybundlewhichwasstrappedtoherback。Hercompanionwasnotencumberedwithmuchluggage，astheremerelydangledfromastickwhichhecarriedoverhisshoulder，asmallparcelwrappedinacommonhandkerchief，andapparentlylightenough。Thiscircumstance，addedtothelengthofhislegs，whichwereofunusualextent，enabledhimwithmucheasetokeepsomehalf-dozenpacesinadvanceofhiscompanion，towhomheoccasionallyturnedwithanimpatientjerkofthehead:asifreproachinghertardiness，andurginghertogreaterexertion。
　　Thus，theyhadtoiledalongthedustyroad，takinglittleheedofanyobjectwithinsight，savewhentheysteppedasidetoallowawiderpassageforthemail-coacheswhichwerewhirlingoutoftown，untiltheypassedthroughHighgatearchway；whentheforemosttravellerstoppedandcalledimpatientlytohiscompanion，'Comeon，can'tyer?Whatalazybonesyerare，Charlotte。'
　　'It'saheavyload，Icantellyou，'saidthefemale，comingup，almostbreathlesswithfatigue。
　　'Heavy！Whatareyertalkingabout?Whatareyermadefor?'
　　rejoinedthemaletraveller，changinghisownlittlebundleashespoke，totheothershoulder。'Oh，thereyerare，restingagain！
　　Well，ifyerain'tenoughtotireanybody'spatienceout，Idon'tknowwhatis！'
　　'Isitmuchfarther?'askedthewoman，restingherselfagainstabank，andlookingupwiththeperspirationstreamingfromherface。
　　'Muchfarther！Yerasgoodasthere，'saidthelong-leggedtramper，pointingoutbeforehim。'Lookthere！ThosearethelightsofLondon。'
　　'They'reagoodtwomileoff，atleast，'saidthewomandespondingly。
　　'Nevermindwhetherthey'retwomileoff，ortwenty，'saidNoahClaypole；forheitwas；'butgetupandcomeon，orI'llkickyer，andsoIgiveyernotice。'
　　AsNoah'srednosegrewredderwithanger，andashecrossedtheroadwhilespeaking，asiffullypreparedtoputhisthreatintoexecution，thewomanrosewithoutanyfurtherremark，andtrudgedonwardbyhisside。
　　'Wheredoyoumeantostopforthenight，Noah?'sheasked，aftertheyhadwalkedafewhundredyards。
　　'HowshouldIknow?'repliedNoah，whosetemperhadbeenconsiderablyimpairedbywalking。
　　'Near，Ihope，'saidCharlotte。
　　'No，notnear，'repliedMr。Claypole。'There！Notnear；sodon'tthinkit。'
　　'Whynot?'
　　'WhenItellyerthatIdon'tmeantodoathing，that'senough，withoutanywhyorbecauseeither，'repliedMr。Claypolewithdignity。
　　'Well，youneedn'tbesocross，'saidhiscompanion。
　　'Aprettythingitwouldbe，wouldn'tittogoandstopattheveryfirstpublic-houseoutsidethetown，sothatSowerberry，ifhecomeupafterus，mightpokeinhisoldnose，andhaveustakenbackinacartwithhandcuffson，'saidMr。Claypoleinajeeringtone。'No！IshallgoandlosemyselfamongthenarroweststreetsIcanfind，andnotstoptillwecometotheveryout-of-the-wayesthouseIcanseteyeson。'Cod，yermaythanksyerstarsI'vegotahead；forifwehadn'tgone，atfirst，thewrongroadapurpose，andcomebackacrosscountry，yer'dhavebeenlockeduphardandfastaweekago，mylady。Andserveyerrightforbeingafool。'
　　'IknowIain'tascunningasyouare，'repliedCharlotte；'butdon'tputalltheblameonme，andsayIshouldhavebeenlockedup。YouwouldhavebeenifIhadbeen，anyway。'
　　'Yertookthemoneyfromthetill，yerknowyerdid，'saidMr。
　　Claypole。
　　'Itookitforyou，Noah，dear，'rejoinedCharlotte。
　　'DidIkeepit?'askedMr。Claypole。
　　'No；youtrustedinme，andletmecarryitlikeadear，andsoyouare，'saidthelady，chuckinghimunderthechin，anddrawingherarmthroughhis。
　　Thiswasindeedthecase；butasitwasnotMr。Claypole'shabittoreposeablindandfoolishconfidenceinanybody，itshouldbeobserved，injusticetothatgentleman，thathehadtrustedCharlottetothisextent，inorderthat，iftheywerepursued，themoneymightbefoundonher:whichwouldleavehimanopportunityofassertinghisinnocenceofanytheft，andwouldgreatlyfacilitatehischancesofescape。Ofcourse，heenteredatthisjuncture，intonoexplanationofhismotives，andtheywalkedonverylovinglytogether。
　　Inpursuanceofthiscautiousplan，Mr。Claypolewenton，withouthalting，untilhearrivedattheAngelatIslington，wherehewiselyjudged，fromthecrowdofpassengersandnumbersofvehicles，thatLondonbeganinearnest。Justpausingtoobservewhichappearedthemostcrowdedstreets，andconsequentlythemosttobeavoided，hecrossedintoSaintJohn'sRoad，andwassoondeepintheobscurityoftheintricateanddirtyways，which，lyingbetweenGray'sInnLaneandSmithfield，renderthatpartofthetownoneofthelowestandworstthatimprovementhasleftinthemidstofLondon。
　　Throughthesestreets，NoahClaypolewalked，draggingCharlotteafterhim；nowsteppingintothekenneltoembraceataglancethewholeexternalcharacterofsomesmallpublic-house；nowjoggingonagain，assomefanciedappearanceinducedhimtobelieveittoopublicforhispurpose。Atlength，hestoppedinfrontofone，morehumbleinappearanceandmoredirtythananyhehadyetseen；and，havingcrossedoverandsurveyeditfromtheoppositepavement，graciouslyannouncedhisintentionofputtingupthere，forthenight。
　　'Sogiveusthebundle，'saidNoah，unstrappingitfromthewoman'sshoulders，andslingingitoverhisown；'anddon'tyerspeak，exceptwhenyerspoketo。What'sthenameofthehouse——t-h-r——threewhat?'
　　'Cripples，'saidCharlotte。
　　'ThreeCripples，'repeatedNoah，'andaverygoodsigntoo。Now，then！Keepcloseatmyheels，andcomealong。'Withtheseinjunctions，hepushedtherattlingdoorwithhisshoulder，andenteredthehouse，followedbyhiscompanion。
　　TherewasnobodyinthebarbutayoungJew，who，withhistwoelbowsonthecounter，wasreadingadirtynewspaper。HestaredveryhardatNoah，andNoahstaredveryhardathim。
　　IfNoahhadbeenattiredinhischarity-boy'sdress，theremighthavebeensomereasonfortheJewopeninghiseyessowide；butashehaddiscardedthecoatandbadge，andworeashortsmock-frockoverhisleathers，thereseemednoparticularreasonforhisappearanceexcitingsomuchattentioninapublic-house。
　　'IsthistheThreeCripples?'askedNoah。
　　'Thatisthedabeofthis'ouse，'repliedtheJew。
　　'Agentlemanwemetontheroad，comingupfromthecountry，recommendedushere，'saidNoah，nudgingCharlotte，perhapstocallherattentiontothismostingeniousdeviceforattractingrespect，andperhapstowarnhertobetraynosurprise。'Wewanttosleephereto-night。'
　　'I'bdotcertaidyoucad，'saidBarney，whowastheattendantsprite；'butI'llidquire。'
　　'Showusthetap，andgiveusabitofcoldmeatandadropofbeerwhileyerinquiring，willyer?'saidNoah。
　　Barneycompliedbyusheringthemintoasmallback-room，andsettingtherequiredviandsbeforethem；havingdonewhich，heinformedthetravellersthattheycouldbelodgedthatnight，andlefttheamiablecoupletotheirrefreshment。
　　Now，thisback-roomwasimmediatelybehindthebar，andsomestepslower，sothatanypersonconnectedwiththehouse，undrawingasmallcurtainwhichconcealedasinglepaneofglassfixedinthewallofthelast-namedapartment，aboutfivefeetfromitsflooring，couldnotonlylookdownuponanyguestsintheback-roomwithoutanygreathazardofbeingobservedtheglassbeinginadarkangleofthewall，betweenwhichandalargeuprightbeamtheobserverhadtothrusthimself，butcould，byapplyinghiseartothepartition，ascertainwithtolerabledistinctness，theirsubjectofconversation。Thelandlordofthehousehadnotwithdrawnhiseyefromthisplaceofespialforfiveminutes，andBarneyhadonlyjustreturnedfrommakingthecommunicationaboverelated，whenFagin，inthecourseofhisevening'sbusiness，cameintothebartoinquireaftersomeofhisyoungpupils。
　　'Hush！'saidBarney:'stradegersidthenextroob。'
　　'Strangers！'repeatedtheoldmaninawhisper。
　　'Ah！Adrubudstoo，'addedBarney。'Frobthecuttry，butsubthiginyourway，orI'bbistaked。'
　　Faginappearedtoreceivethiscommunicationwithgreatinterest。
　　Mountingastool，hecautiouslyappliedhiseyetothepaneofglass，fromwhichsecretposthecouldseeMr。Claypoletakingcoldbeeffromthedish，andporterfromthepot，andadministeringhomoepathicdosesofbothtoCharlotte，whosatpatientlyby，eatinganddrinkingathispleasure。
　　'Aha！'hewhispered，lookingroundtoBarney，'Ilikethatfellow'slooks。He'dbeofusetous；heknowshowtotrainthegirlalready。Don'tmakeasmuchnoiseasamouse，mydear，andletmehear'emtalk——letmehear'em。'
　　Heagainappliedhiseyetotheglass，andturninghiseartothepartition，listenedattentively:withasubtleandeagerlookuponhisface，thatmighthaveappertainedtosomeoldgoblin。
　　'SoImeantobeagentleman，'saidMr。Claypole，kickingouthislegs，andcontinuingaconversation，thecommencementofwhichFaginhadarrivedtoolatetohear。'Nomorejollyoldcoffins，Charlotte，butagentleman'slifeforme:and，ifyerlike，yershallbealady。'
　　'Ishouldlikethatwellenough，dear，'repliedCharlotte；'buttillsain'ttobeemptiedeveryday，andpeopletogetclearoffafterit。'
　　'Tillsbeblowed！'saidMr。Claypole；'there'smorethingsbesidestillstobeemptied。'
　　'Whatdoyoumean?'askedhiscompanion。
　　'Pockets，women'sridicules，houses，mail-coaches，banks！'saidMr。Claypole，risingwiththeporter。
　　'Butyoucan'tdoallthat，dear，'saidCharlotte。
　　'Ishalllookouttogetintocompanywiththemascan，'repliedNoah。'They'llbeabletomakeususefulsomewayoranother。
　　Why，youyourselfareworthfiftywomen；IneverseesuchapreciousslyanddeceitfulcreeturasyercanbewhenIletyer。'
　　'Lor，howniceitistohearyersayso！'exclaimedCharlotte，imprintingakissuponhisuglyface。
　　'There，that'lldo:don'tyerbetooaffectionate，incaseI'mcrosswithyer，'saidNoah，disengaginghimselfwithgreatgravity。'Ishouldliketobethecaptainofsomeband，andhavethewhoppingof'em，andfollering'emabout，unbeknowntothemselves。Thatwouldsuitme，iftherewasgoodprofit；andifwecouldonlygetinwithsomegentlemanofthissort，Isayitwouldbecheapatthattwenty-poundnoteyou'vegot，——especiallyaswedon'tverywellknowhowtogetridofitourselves。'
　　Afterexpressingthisopinion，Mr。Claypolelookedintotheporter-potwithanaspectofdeepwisdom；andhavingwellshakenitscontents，noddedcondescendinglytoCharlotte，andtookadraught，wherewithheappearedgreatlyrefreshed。Hewasmeditatinganother，whenthesuddenopeningofthedoor，andtheappearanceofastranger，interruptedhim。
　　ThestrangerwasMr。Fagin。Andveryamiablehelooked，andaverylowbowhemade，asheadvanced，andsettinghimselfdownatthenearesttable，orderedsomethingtodrinkofthegrinningBarney。
　　'Apleasantnight，sir，butcoolforthetimeofyear，'saidFagin，rubbinghishands。'Fromthecountry，Isee，sir?'
　　'Howdoyerseethat?'askedNoahClaypole。
　　'WehavenotsomuchdustasthatinLondon，'repliedFagin，pointingfromNoah'sshoestothoseofhiscompanion，andfromthemtothetwobundles。
　　'Yerasharpfeller，'saidNoah。'Ha！ha！onlyhearthat，Charlotte！'
　　'Why，oneneedbesharpinthistown，mydear，'repliedtheJew，sinkinghisvoicetoaconfidentialwhisper；'andthat'sthetruth。'
　　Faginfollowedupthisremarkbystrikingthesideofhisnosewithhisrightforefinger，——agesturewhichNoahattemptedtoimitate，thoughnotwithcompletesuccess，inconsequenceofhisownnosenotbeinglargeenoughforthepurpose。However，Mr。
　　Faginseemedtointerprettheendeavourasexpressingaperfectcoincidencewithhisopinion，andputabouttheliquorwhichBarneyreappearedwith，inaveryfriendlymanner。
　　'Goodstuffthat，'observedMr。Claypole，smackinghislips。
　　'Dear！'saidFagin。'Amanneedbealwaysemptyingatill，orapocket，orawoman'sreticule，orahouse，oramail-coach，orabank，ifhedrinksitregularly。'
　　Mr。Claypolenosoonerheardthisextractfromhisownremarksthanhefellbackinhischair，andlookedfromtheJewtoCharlottewithacountenanceofashypalencesandexcessiveterror。
　　'Don'tmindme，mydear，'saidFagin，drawinghischaircloser。
　　'Ha！ha！itwasluckyitwasonlymethatheardyoubychance。
　　Itwasveryluckyitwasonlyme。'
　　'Ididn'ttakeit，'stammeredNoah，nolongerstretchingouthislegslikeanindependentgentleman，butcoilingthemupaswellashecouldunderhischair；'itwasallherdoing；yer'vegotitnow，Charlotte，yerknowyerhave。'
　　'Nomatterwho'sgotit，orwhodidit，mydear，'repliedFagin，glancing，nevertheless，withahawk'seyeatthegirlandthetwobundles。'I'minthatwaymyself，andIlikeyouforit。'
　　'Inwhatway?'askedMr。Claypole，alittlerecovering。
　　'Inthatwayofbusiness，'rejoinedFagin；'andsoarethepeopleofthehouse。You'vehittherightnailuponthehead，andareassafehereasyoucouldbe。ThereisnotasaferplaceinallthistownthanistheCripples；thatis，whenIliketomakeitso。AndIhavetakenafancytoyouandtheyoungwoman；soI'vesaidtheword，andyoumaymakeyourmindseasy。'
　　NoahClaypole'smindmighthavebeenateaseafterthisassurance，buthisbodycertainlywasnot；forheshuffledandwrithedabout，intovariousuncouthpositions:eyeinghisnewfriendmeanwhilewithmingledfearandsuspicion。
　　'I'lltellyoumore，'saidFagin，afterhehadreassuredthegirl，bydintoffriendlynodsandmutteredencouragements。'I
　　havegotafriendthatIthinkcangratifyyourdarlingwish，andputyouintherightway，whereyoucantakewhateverdepartmentofthebusinessyouthinkwillsuityoubestatfirst，andbetaughtalltheothers。'
　　'Yerspeakasifyerwereinearnest，'repliedNoah。
　　'Whatadvantagewoulditbetometobeanythingelse?'inquiredFagin，shrugginghisshoulders。'Here！Letmehaveawordwithyououtside。'
　　'There'snooccasiontotroubleourselvestomove，'saidNoah，gettinghislegsbygradualdegreesabroadagain。'She'lltaketheluggageupstairsthewhile。Charlotte，seetothembundles。'
　　Thismandate，whichhadbeendeliveredwithgreatmajesty，wasobeyedwithouttheslightestdemur；andCharlottemadethebestofherwayoffwiththepackageswhileNoahheldthedooropenandwatchedherout。
　　'She'skepttolerablywellunder，ain'tshe?'heaskedasheresumedhisseat:inthetoneofakeeperwhohadtamedsomewildanimal。
　　'Quiteperfect，'rejoinedFagin，clappinghimontheshoulder。
　　'You'reagenius，mydear。'
　　'Why，IsupposeifIwasn't，Ishouldn'tbehere，'repliedNoah。
　　'But，Isay，she'llbebackifyerlosetime。'
　　'Now，whatdoyouthink?'saidFagin。'Ifyouwastolikemyfriend，couldyoudobetterthanjoinhim?'
　　'Isheinagoodwayofbusiness；that'swhereitis！'respondedNoah，winkingoneofhislittleeyes。
　　'Thetopofthetree；employsapowerofhands；hastheverybestsocietyintheprofession。'
　　'Regulartown-maders?'askedMr。Claypole。
　　'Notacountrymanamong'em；andIdon'tthinkhe'dtakeyou，evenonmyrecommendation，ifhedidn'trunrathershortofassistantsjustnow，'repliedFagin。
　　'ShouldIhavetohandover?'saidNoah，slappinghisbreeches-pocket。
　　'Itcouldn'tpossiblybedonewithout，'repliedFagin，inamostdecidedmanner。
　　'Twentypound，though——it'salotofmoney！'
　　'Notwhenit'sinanoteyoucan'tgetridof，'retortedFagin。
　　'Numberanddatetaken，Isuppose?PaymentstoppedattheBank?
　　Ah！It'snotworthmuchtohim。It'llhavetogoabroad，andhecouldn'tsellitforagreatdealinthemarket。'
　　'WhencouldIseehim?'askedNoahdoubtfully。
　　'To-morrowmorning。'
　　'Where?'
　　'Here。'
　　'Um！'saidNoah。'What'sthewages?'
　　'Livelikeagentleman——boardandlodging，pipesandspiritsfree——halfofallyouearn，andhalfofalltheyoungwomanearns，'repliedMr。Fagin。
　　WhetherNoahClaypole，whoserapacitywasnoneoftheleastcomprehensive，wouldhaveaccededeventotheseglowingterms，hadhebeenaperfectlyfreeagent，isverydoubtful；butasherecollectedthat，intheeventofhisrefusal，itwasinthepowerofhisnewacquaintancetogivehimuptojusticeimmediatelyandmoreunlikelythingshadcometopass，hegraduallyrelented，andsaidhethoughtthatwouldsuithim。
　　'But，yersee，'observedNoah，'asshewillbeabletodoagooddeal，Ishouldliketotakesomethingverylight。'
　　'Alittlefancywork?'suggestedFagin。
　　'Ah！somethingofthatsort，'repliedNoah。'Whatdoyouthinkwouldsuitmenow?Somethingnottootryingforthestrength，andnotverydangerous，youknow。That'sthesortofthing！'
　　'Iheardyoutalkofsomethinginthespywayupontheothers，mydear，'saidFagin。'Myfriendwantssomebodywhowoulddothatwell，verymuch。'
　　'Why，Ididmentionthat，andIshouldn'tmindturningmyhandtoitsometimes，'rejoinedMr。Claypoleslowly；'butitwouldn'tpaybyitself，youknow。'
　　'That'strue！'observedtheJew，ruminatingorpretendingtoruminate。'No，itmightnot。'
　　'Whatdoyouthink，then?'askedNoah，anxiouslyregardinghim。
　　'Somethinginthesneakingway，whereitwasprettysurework，andnotmuchmoreriskthanbeingathome。'
　　'Whatdoyouthinkoftheoldladies?'askedFagin。'There'sagooddealofmoneymadeinsnatchingtheirbagsandparcels，andrunningroundthecorner。'
　　'Don'ttheyholleroutagooddeal，andscratchsometimes?'askedNoah，shakinghishead。'Idon'tthinkthatwouldanswermypurpose。Ain'tthereanyotherlineopen?'
　　'Stop！'saidFagin，layinghishandonNoah'sknee。'Thekinchinlay。'
　　'Thekinchins，mydear，'saidFagin，'istheyoungchildrenthat'ssentonerrandsbytheirmothers，withsixpencesandshillings；andthelayisjusttotaketheirmoneyaway——they'vealwaysgotitreadyintheirhands，——thenknock'emintothekennel，andwalkoffveryslow，asiftherewerenothingelsethematterbutachildfallendownandhurtitself。Ha！ha！ha！'
　　'Ha！ha！'roaredMr。Claypole，kickinguphislegsinanecstasy。
　　'Lord，that'stheverything！'
　　'Tobesureitis，'repliedFagin；'andyoucanhaveafewgoodbeatschalkedoutinCamdenTown，andBattleBridge，andneighborhoodslikethat，wherethey'realwaysgoingerrands；andyoucanupsetasmanykinchinsasyouwant，anyhourintheday。
　　Ha！ha！ha！'
　　Withthis，FaginpokedMr。Claypoleintheside，andtheyjoinedinaburstoflaughterbothlongandloud。
　　'Well，that'sallright！'saidNoah，whenhehadrecoveredhimself，andCharlottehadreturned。'Whattimeto-morrowshallwesay?'
　　'Willtendo?'askedFagin，adding，asMr。Claypolenoddedassent，'WhatnameshallItellmygoodfriend。'
　　'Mr。Bolter，'repliedNoah，whohadpreparedhimselfforsuchemergency。'Mr。MorrisBolter。ThisisMrs。Bolter。'
　　'Mrs。Bolter'shumbleservant，'saidFagin，bowingwithgrotesquepoliteness。'IhopeIshallknowherbetterveryshortly。'
　　'Doyouhearthegentleman，Charlotte?'thunderedMr。Claypole。
　　'Yes，Noah，dear！'repliedMrs。Bolter，extendingherhand。
　　'ShecallsmeNoah，asasortoffondwayoftalking，'saidMr。
　　MorrisBolter，lateClaypole，turningtoFagin。'Youunderstand?'
　　'Ohyes，Iunderstand——perfectly，'repliedFagin，tellingthetruthforonce。'Good-night！Good-night！'
　　Withmanyadieusandgoodwishes，Mr。Faginwenthisway。NoahClaypole，bespeakinghisgoodlady'sattention，proceededtoenlightenherrelativetothearrangementhehadmade，withallthathaughtinessandairofsuperiority，becoming，notonlyamemberofthesternersex，butagentlemanwhoappreciatedthedignityofaspecialappointmentonthekinchinlay，inLondonanditsvicinity。