'Whatisallthis?'criedthegirlinvoluntarily。
　　'Whatisit?'pursuedFagin，madwithrage。'Whentheboy'sworthhundredsofpoundstome，amItolosewhatchancethrewmeinthewayofgettingsafely，throughthewhimsofadrunkengangthatIcouldwhistleawaythelivesof！Andmebound，too，toaborndevilthatonlywantsthewill，andhasthepowerto，to——'
　　Pantingforbreath，theoldmanstammeredforaword；andinthatinstantcheckedthetorrentofhiswrath，andchangedhiswholedemeanour。Amomentbefore，hisclenchedhandshadgraspedtheair；hiseyeshaddilated；andhisfacegrownlividwithpassion；
　　butnow，heshrunkintoachair，and，coweringtogether，trembledwiththeapprehensionofhavinghimselfdisclosedsomehiddenvillainy。Afterashortsilence，heventuredtolookroundathiscompanion。Heappearedsomewhatreassured，onbeholdingherinthesamelistlessattitudefromwhichhehadfirstrousedher。
　　'Nancy，dear！'croakedtheJew，inhisusualvoice。'Didyoumindme，dear?'
　　'Don'tworrymenow，Fagin！'repliedthegirl，raisingherheadlanguidly。'IfBillhasnotdoneitthistime，hewillanother。
　　Hehasdonemanyagoodjobforyou，andwilldomanymorewhenhecan；andwhenhecan'thewon't；sonomoreaboutthat。'
　　'Regardingthisboy，mydear?'saidtheJew，rubbingthepalmsofhishandsnervouslytogether。
　　'Theboymusttakehischancewiththerest，'interruptedNancy，hastily；'andIsayagain，Ihopeheisdead，andoutofharm'sway，andoutofyours，——thatis，ifBillcomestonoharm。AndifTobygotclearoff，Bill'sprettysuretobesafe；forBill'sworthtwoofTobyanytime。'
　　'AndaboutwhatIwassaying，mydear?'observedtheJew，keepinghisglisteningeyesteadilyuponher。
　　'Yourmustsayitalloveragain，ifit'sanythingyouwantmetodo，'rejoinedNancy；'andifitis，youhadbetterwaittillto-morrow。Youputmeupforaminute；butnowI'mstupidagain。'
　　Faginputseveralotherquestions:allwiththesamedriftofascertainingwhetherthegirlhadprofitedbyhisunguardedhints；but，sheansweredthemsoreadily，andwaswithalsoutterlyunmovedbyhissearchinglooks，thathisoriginalimpressionofherbeingmorethanatrifleinliquor，wasconfirmed。Nancy，indeed，wasnotexemptfromafailingwhichwasverycommonamongtheJew'sfemalepupils；andinwhich，intheirtendereryears，theywereratherencouragedthanchecked。
　　Herdisorderedappearance，andawholesaleperfumeofGenevawhichpervadedtheapartment，affordedstongconfirmatoryevidenceofthejusticeoftheJew'ssupposition；andwhen，afterindulginginthetemporarydisplayofviolenceabovedescribed，shesubsided，firstintodullness，andafterwardsintoacompoundoffeelings:undertheinfluenceofwhichsheshedtearsoneminute，andinthenextgaveutterancetovariousexclamationsof'Neversaydie！'anddiverscalculationsastowhatmightbetheamountoftheoddssolongasaladyorgentlemanwashappy，Mr。
　　Fagin，whohadhadconsiderableexperienceofsuchmattersinhistime，saw，withgreatsatisfaction，thatshewasveryfargoneindeed。
　　Havingeasedhismindbythisdiscovery；andhavingaccomplishedhistwofoldobjectofimpartingtothegirlwhathehad，thatnight，heard，andofascertaining，withhisowneyes，thatSikeshadnotreturned，Mr。Faginagainturnedhisfacehomeward:
　　leavinghisyoungfriendasleep，withherheaduponthetable。
　　Itwaswithinanhourofmidnight。Theweatherbeingdark，andpiercingcold，hehadnogreattemptationtoloiter。Thesharpwindthatscouredthestreets，seemedtohaveclearedthemofpassengers，asofdustandmud，forfewpeoplewereabroad，andtheyweretoallappearancehasteningfasthome。ItblewfromtherightquarterfortheJew，however，andstraightbeforeithewent:trembling，andshivering，aseveryfreshgustdrovehimrudelyonhisway。
　　Hehadreachedthecornerofhisownstreet，andwasalreadyfumblinginhispocketforthedoor-key，whenadarkfigureemergedfromaprojectingentrancewhichlayindeepshadow，and，crossingtheroad，glideduptohimunperceived。
　　'Fagin！'whisperedavoiceclosetohisear。
　　'Ah！'saidtheJew，turningquicklyround，'isthat——'
　　'Yes！'interruptedthestranger。'Ihavebeenlingeringherethesetwohours。Wherethedevilhaveyoubeen?'
　　'Onyourbusiness，mydear，'repliedtheJew，glancinguneasilyathiscompanion，andslackeninghispaceashespoke。'Onyourbusinessallnight。'
　　'Oh，ofcourse！'saidthestranger，withasneer。'Well；andwhat'scomeofit?'
　　'Nothinggood，'saidtheJew。
　　'Nothingbad，Ihope?'saidthestranger，stoppingshort，andturningastartledlookonhiscompanion。
　　TheJewshookhishead，andwasabouttoreply，whenthestranger，interruptinghim，motionedtothehouse，beforewhichtheyhadbythistimearrived:remarking，thathehadbettersaywhathehadgottosay，undercover:forhisbloodwaschilledwithstandingaboutsolong，andthewindblewthroughhim。
　　Faginlookedasifhecouldhavewillinglyexcusedhimselffromtakinghomeavisitoratthatunseasonablehour；and，indeed，mutteredsomethingabouthavingnofire；buthiscompanionrepeatinghisrequestinaperemptorymanner，heunlockedthedoor，andrequestedhimtocloseitsoftly，whilehegotalight。
　　'It'sasdarkasthegrave，'saidtheman，gropingforwardafewsteps。'Makehaste！'
　　'Shutthedoor，'whisperedFaginfromtheendofthepassage。Ashespoke，itclosedwithaloudnoise。
　　'Thatwasn'tmydoing，'saidtheotherman，feelinghisway。'Thewindblewitto，oritshutofitsownaccord:oneortheother。
　　Looksharpwiththelight，orIshallknockmybrainsoutagainstsomethinginthisconfoundedhole。'
　　Faginstealthilydescendedthekitchenstairs。Afterashortabsence，hereturnedwithalightedcandle，andtheintelligencethatTobyCrackitwasasleepinthebackroombelow，andthattheboyswereinthefrontone。Beckoningthemantofollowhim，heledthewayupstairs。
　　'Wecansaythefewwordswe'vegottosayinhere，mydear，'
　　saidtheJew，throwingopenadooronthefirstfloor；'andasthereareholesintheshutters，andwenevershowlightstoourneighbours，we'llsetthecandleonthestairs。There！'
　　Withthosewords，theJew，stoopingdown，placedthecandleonanupperflightofstairs，exactlyoppositetotheroomdoor。Thisdone，heledthewayintotheapartment；whichwasdestituteofallmovablessaveabrokenarm-chair，andanoldcouchorsofawithoutcovering，whichstoodbehindthedoor。Uponthispieceoffurniture，thestrangersathimselfwiththeairofawearyman；andtheJew，drawingupthearm-chairopposite，theysatfacetoface。Itwasnotquitedark；thedoorwaspartiallyopen；andthecandleoutside，threwafeeblereflectionontheoppositewall。
　　Theyconversedforsometimeinwhispers。Thoughnothingoftheconversationwasdistinguishablebeyondafewdisjointedwordshereandthere，alistenermighteasilyhaveperceivedthatFaginappearedtobedefendinghimselfagainstsomeremarksofthestranger；andthatthelatterwasinastateofconsiderableirritation。Theymighthavebeentalking，thus，foraquarterofanhourormore，whenMonks——bywhichnametheJewhaddesignatedthestrangemanseveraltimesinthecourseoftheircolloquy——said，raisinghisvoicealittle，'Itellyouagain，itwasbadlyplanned。Whynothavekepthimhereamongtherest，andmadeasneaking，snivellingpickpocketofhimatonce?'
　　'Onlyhearhim！'exclaimedtheJew，shrugginghisshoulders。
　　'Why，doyoumeantosayyoucouldn'thavedoneit，ifyouhadchosen?'demandedMonks，sternly。'Haven'tyoudoneit，withotherboys，scoresoftimes?Ifyouhadhadpatienceforatwelvemonth，atmost，couldn'tyouhavegothimconvicted，andsentsafelyoutofthekingdom；perhapsforlife?'
　　'Whoseturnwouldthathaveserved，mydear?'inquiredtheJewhumbly。
　　'Mine，'repliedMonks。
　　'Butnotmine，'saidtheJew，submissively。'Hemighthavebecomeofusetome。Whentherearetwopartiestoabargain，itisonlyreasonablethattheinterestsofbothshouldbeconsulted；isit，mygoodfriend?'
　　'Whatthen?'demandedMonks。
　　'Isawitwasnoteasytotrainhimtothebusiness，'repliedtheJew；'hewasnotlikeotherboysinthesamecircumstances。'
　　'Cursehim，no！'mutteredtheman，'orhewouldhavebeenathief，longago。'
　　'Ihadnoholduponhimtomakehimworse，'pursuedtheJew，anxiouslywatchingthecountenanceofhiscompanion。'Hishandwasnotin。Ihadnothingtofrightenhimwith；whichwealwaysmusthaveinthebeginning，orwelabourinvain。WhatcouldI
　　do?SendhimoutwiththeDodgerandCharley?Wehadenoughofthat，atfirst，mydear；Itrembledforusall。'
　　'THATwasnotmydoing，'observedMonks。
　　'No，no，mydear！'renewedtheJew。'AndIdon'tquarrelwithitnow；because，ifithadneverhappened，youmightneverhaveclappedeyesontheboytonoticehim，andsoledtothediscoverythatitwashimyouwerelookingfor。Well！Igothimbackforyoubymeansofthegirl；andthenSHEbeginstofavourhim。'
　　'Throttlethegirl！'saidMonks，impatiently。
　　'Why，wecan'taffordtodothatjustnow，mydear，'repliedtheJew，smiling；'and，besides，thatsortofthingisnotinourway；or，oneofthesedays，Imightbegladtohaveitdone。I
　　knowwhatthesegirlsare，Monks，well。Assoonastheboybeginstoharden，she'llcarenomoreforhim，thanforablockofwood。Youwanthimmadeathief。Ifheisalive，Icanmakehimonefromthistime；and，if——if——'saidtheJew，drawingnearertotheother，——'it'snotlikely，mind，——butiftheworstcomestotheworst，andheisdead——'
　　'It'snofaultofmineifheis！'interposedtheotherman，withalookofterror，andclaspingtheJew'sarmwithtremblinghands。'Mindthat。Fagin！Ihadnohandinit。Anythingbuthisdeath，Itoldyoufromthefirst。Iwon'tshedblood；it'salwaysfoundout，andhauntsamanbesides。Iftheyshothimdead，Iwasnotthecause；doyouhearme?Firethisinfernalden！What'sthat?'
　　'What！'criedtheJew，graspingthecowardroundthebody，withbotharms，ashesprungtohisfeet。'Where?'
　　'Yonder！repliedtheman，glaringattheoppositewall。'Theshadow！Isawtheshadowofawoman，inacloakandbonnet，passalongthewainscotlikeabreath！'
　　TheJewreleasedhishold，andtheyrushedtumultuouslyfromtheroom。Thecandle，wastedbythedraught，wasstandingwhereithadbeenplaced。Itshowedthemonlytheemptystaircase，andtheirownwhitefaces。Theylistenedintently:aprofoundsilencereignedthroughoutthehouse。
　　'It'syourfancy，'saidtheJew，takingupthelightandturningtohiscompanion。
　　'I'llswearIsawit！'repliedMonks，trembling。'ItwasbendingforwardwhenIsawitfirst；andwhenIspoke，itdartedaway。'
　　TheJewglancedcontemptuouslyatthepalefaceofhisassociate，and，tellinghimhecouldfollow，ifhepleased，ascendedthestairs。Theylookedintoalltherooms；theywerecold，bare，andempty。Theydescendedintothepassage，andthenceintothecellarsbelow。Thegreendamphunguponthelowwalls；thetracksofthesnailandslugglistenedinthelightofthecandle；butallwasstillasdeath。
　　'Whatdoyouthinknow?'saidtheJew，whentheyhadregainedthepassage。'Besidesourselves，there'snotacreatureinthehouseexceptTobyandtheboys；andthey'resafeenough。Seehere！'
　　Asaproofofthefact，theJewdrewforthtwokeysfromhispocket；andexplained，thatwhenhefirstwentdownstairs，hehadlockedthemin，topreventanyintrusionontheconference。
　　ThisaccumulatedtestimonyeffectuallystaggeredMr。Monks。Hisprotestationshadgraduallybecomelessandlessvehementastheyproceededintheirsearchwithoutmakinganydiscovery；and，now，hegaveventtoseveralverygrimlaughs，andconfesseditcouldonlyhavebeenhisexcitedimagination。Hedeclinedanyrenewaloftheconversation，however，forthatnight:suddenlyrememberingthatitwaspastoneo'clock。Andsotheamiablecoupleparted。
　　CHAPTERXXVII
　　ATONESFORTHEUNPOLITENESSOFAFORMERCHAPTER；WHICHDESERTEDA
　　LADY，MOSTUNCEREMONIOUSLY
　　Asitwouldbe，bynomeans，seemlyinahumbleauthortokeepsomightyapersonageasabeadlewaiting，withhisbacktothefire，andtheskirtsofhiscoatgatheredupunderhisarms，untilsuchtimeasitmightsuithispleasuretorelievehim；andasitwouldstilllessbecomehisstation，orhisgallentrytoinvolveinthesameneglectaladyonwhomthatbeadlehadlookedwithaneyeoftendernessandaffection，andinwhoseearhehadwhisperedsweetwords，which，comingfromsuchaquarter，mightwellthrillthebosomofmaidormatronofwhatsoeverdegree；thehistorianwhosepentracesthesewords——trustingthatheknowshisplace，andthatheentertainsabecomingreverenceforthoseuponearthtowhomhighandimportantauthorityisdelegated——hastenstopaythemthatrespectwhichtheirpositiondemands，andtotreatthemwithallthatduteousceremonywhichtheirexaltedrank，andbyconsequencegreatvirtues，imperativelyclaimathishands。Towardsthisend，indeed，hehadpurposedtointroduce，inthisplace，adissertationtouchingthedivinerightofbeadles，andelucidativeoftheposition，thatabeadlecandonowrong:whichcouldnotfailtohavebeenbothpleasurableandprofitabletotheright-mindedreaderbutwhichheisunfortunatelycompelled，bywantoftimeandspace，topostponetosomemoreconvenientandfittingopportunity；onthearrivalofwhich，hewillbepreparedtoshow，thatabeadleproperlyconstituted:thatistosay，aparochialbeadle，attachedtoaparochailworkhouse，andattendinginhisofficialcapacitytheparochialchurch:is，inrightandvirtueofhisoffice，possessedofalltheexcellencesandbestqualitiesofhumanity；andthattononeofthoseexcellences，canmerecompanies'beadles，orcourt-of-lawbeadles，orevenchapel-of-easebeadlessavethelast，andtheyinaverylowlyandinferiordegree，laytheremotestsustainableclaim。
　　Mr。Bumblehadre-countedtheteaspoons，re-weighedthesugar-tongs，madeacloserinspectionofthemilk-pot，andascertainedtoanicetytheexactconditionofthefurniture，downtotheveryhorse-hairseatsofthechairs；andhadrepeatedeachprocessfullhalfadozentimes；beforehebegantothinkthatitwastimeforMrs。Corneytoreturn。Thinkingbegetsthinking；astherewerenosoundsofMrs。Corney'sapproach，itoccuredtoMr。Bumblethatitwouldbeaninnocentandvirtuouswayofspendingthetime，ifhewerefurthertoallayhiscuriousitybyacursoryglanceattheinteriorofMrs。Corney'schestofdrawers。
　　Havinglistenedatthekeyhole，toassurehimselfthatnobodywasapproachingthechamber，Mr。Bumble，beginningatthebottom，proceededtomakehimselfacquaintedwiththecontentsofthethreelongdrawers:which，beingfilledwithvariousgarmentsofgoodfashionandtexture，carefullypreservedbetweentwolayersofoldnewspapers，speckledwithdriedlavender:seemedtoyieldhimexceedingsatisfaction。Arriving，incourseoftime，attheright-handcornerdrawerinwhichwasthekey，andbeholdingthereinasmallpadlockedbox，which，beingshaken，gaveforthapleasantsound，asofthechinkingofcoin，Mr。Bumblereturnedwithastatelywalktothefireplace；and，resuminghisoldattitude，said，withagraveanddeterminedair，'I'lldoit！'
　　Hefollowedupthisremarkabledeclaration，byshakinghisheadinawaggishmannerfortenminutes，asthoughhewereremonstratingwithhimselfforbeingsuchapleasantdog；andthen，hetookaviewofhislegsinprofile，withmuchseemingpleasureandinterest。
　　Hewasstillplacidlyengagedinthislattersurvey，whenMrs。
　　Corney，hurryingintotheroom，threwherself，inabreathlessstate，onachairbythefireside，andcoveringhereyeswithonehand，placedtheotheroverherheart，andgaspedforbreath。
　　'Mrs。Corney，'saidMr。Bumble，stoopingoverthematron，'whatisthis，ma'am?Hasanythinghappened，ma'am?Prayanswerme:
　　I'mon——on——'Mr。Bumble，inhisalarm，couldnotimmediatelythinkoftheword'tenterhooks，'sohesaid'brokenbottles。'
　　'Oh，Mr。Bumble！'criedthelady，'Ihavebeensodreadfullyputout！'
　　'Putout，ma'am！'exclaimedMr。Bumble；'whohasdaredto——?I
　　know！'saidMr。Bumble，checkinghimself，withnativemajesty，'thisisthemwiciouspaupers！'
　　'It'sdreadfultothinkof！'saidthelady，shuddering。
　　'ThenDON'Tthinkofit，ma'am，'rejoinedMr。Bumble。
　　'Ican'thelpit，'whimperedthelady。
　　'Thentakesomething，ma'am，'saidMr。Bumblesoothingly。'A
　　littleofthewine?'
　　'Notfortheworld！'repliedMrs。Corney。'Icouldn't，——oh！Thetopshelfintheright-handcorner——oh！'Utteringthesewords，thegoodladypointed，distractedly，tothecupboard，andunderwentaconvulsionfrominternalspasms。Mr。Bumblerushedtothecloset；and，snatchingapintgreen-glassbottlefromtheshelfthusincoherentlyindicated，filledatea-cupwithitscontents，andheldittothelady'slips。
　　'I'mbetternow，'saidMrs。Corney，fallingback，afterdrinkinghalfofit。
　　Mr。Bumbleraisedhiseyespiouslytotheceilinginthankfulness；and，bringingthemdownagaintothebrimofthecup，liftedittohisnose。
　　'Peppermint，'exclaimedMrs。Corney，inafaintvoice，smilinggentlyonthebeadleasshespoke。'Tryit！There'salittle——alittlesomethingelseinit。'
　　Mr。Bumbletastedthemedicinewithadoubtfullook；smackedhislips；tookanothertaste；andputthecupdownempty。
　　'It'sverycomforting，'saidMrs。Corney。
　　'Verymuchsoindeed，ma'am，'saidthebeadle。Ashespoke，hedrewachairbesidethematron，andtenderlyinquiredwhathadhappenedtodistressher。
　　'Nothing，'repliedMrs。Corney。'Iamafoolish，excitable，weakcreetur。'
　　'Notweak，ma'am，'retortedMr。Bumble，drawinghischairalittlecloser。'Areyouaweakcreetur，Mrs。Corney?'
　　'Weareallweakcreeturs，'saidMrs。Corney，layingdownageneralprinciple。
　　'Soweare，'saidthebeadle。
　　Nothingwassaidoneitherside，foraminuteortwoafterwards。
　　Bytheexpirationofthattime，Mr。BumblehadillustratedthepositionbyremovinghisleftarmfromthebackofMrs。Corney'schair，whereithadpreviouslyrested，toMrs。Corney'saprong-string，roundwhichisgraduallybecameentwined。
　　'Weareallweakcreeturs，'saidMr。Bumble。
　　Mrs。Corneysighed。
　　'Don'tsigh，Mrs。Corney，'saidMr。Bumble。
　　'Ican'thelpit，'saidMrs。Corney。Andshesighedagain。
　　'Thisisaverycomfortableroom，ma'am，'saidMr。Bumblelookinground。'Anotherroom，andthis，ma'am，wouldbeacompletething。'
　　'Itwouldbetoomuchforone，'murmuredthelady。
　　'Butnotfortwo，ma'am，'rejoinedMr。Bumble，insoftaccents。
　　'Eh，Mrs。Corney?'
　　Mrs。Corneydroopedherhead，whenthebeadlesaidthis；thebeadledroopedhis，togetaviewofMrs。Corney'sface。Mrs。
　　Corney，withgreatpropriety，turnedherheadaway，andreleasedherhandtogetatherpocket-handkerchief；butinsensiblyreplaceditinthatofMr。Bumble。
　　'Theboardallowsyoucoals，don'tthey，Mrs。Corney?'inquiredthebeadle，affectionatelypressingherhand。
　　'Andcandles，'repliedMrs。Corney，slightlyreturningthepressure。
　　'Coals，candles，andhouse-rentfree，'saidMr。Bumble。'Oh，Mrs。Corney，whatanAngelyouare！'
　　Theladywasnotproofagainstthisburstoffeeling。ShesankintoMr。Bumble'sarms；andthatgentlemaninhisagitation，imprintedapassionatekissuponherchastenose。
　　'Suchporochialperfection！'exclaimedMr。Bumble，rapturously。
　　'YouknowthatMr。Sloutisworseto-night，myfascinator?'
　　'Yes，'repliedMrs。Corney，bashfully。
　　'Hecan'tliveaweek，thedoctorsays，'pursuedMr。Bumble。'Heisthemasterofthisestablishment；hisdeathwillcauseawacancy；thatwacancymustbefilledup。Oh，Mrs。Corney，whataprospectthisopens！Whataopportunityforajiningofheartsandhousekeepings！'
　　Mrs。Corneysobbed。
　　'Thelittleword?'saidMr。Bumble，bendingoverthebashfulbeauty。'Theonelittle，little，littleword，myblessedCorney?'
　　'Ye——ye——yes！'sighedoutthematron。
　　'Onemore，'pursuedthebeadle；'composeyourdarlingfeelingsforonlyonemore。Whenisittocomeoff?'
　　Mrs。Corneytwiceessayedtospeak:andtwicefailed。Atlengthsummoningupcourage，shethrewherarmsaroundMr。Bumble'sneck，andsaid，itmightbeassoonaseverhepleased，andthathewas'airresistibleduck。'
　　Mattersbeingthusamicablyandsatisfactorilyarranged，thecontractwassolemnlyratifiedinanotherteacupfulofthepeppermintmixture；whichwasrenderedthemorenecessary，bytheflutterandagitationofthelady'sspirits。Whileitwasbeingdisposedof，sheacquaintedMr。Bumblewiththeoldwoman'sdecease。
　　'Verygood，'saidthatgentleman，sippinghispeppermint；'I'llcallatSowerberry'sasIgohome，andtellhimtosendto-morrowmorning。Wasitthatasfrightenedyou，love?'
　　'Itwasn'tanythingparticular，dear，'saidtheladyevasively。
　　'Itmusthavebeensomething，love，'urgedMr。Bumble。'Won'tyoutellyourownB。?'
　　'Notnow，'rejoinedthelady；'oneofthesedays。Afterwe'remarried，dear。'
　　'Afterwe'remarried！'exclaimedMr。Bumble。'Itwasn'tanyimpudencefromanyofthemmalepaupersas——'
　　'No，no，love！'interposedthelady，hastily。
　　'IfIthoughtitwas，'continuedMr。Bumble；'ifIthoughtasanyoneof'emhaddaredtolifthiswulgareyestothatlovelycountenance——'
　　'Theywouldn'thavedaredtodoit，love，'respondedthelady。
　　'Theyhadbetternot！'saidMr。Bumble，clenchinghisfist。'Letmeseeanyman，porochialorextra-porochial，aswouldpresumetodoit；andIcantellhimthathewouldn'tdoitasecondtime！'
　　Unembellishedbyanyviolenceofgesticulation，thismighthaveseemednoveryhighcomplimenttothelady'scharms；but，asMr。
　　Bumbleaccompaniedthethreatwithmanywarlikegestures，shewasmuchtouchedwiththisproofofhisdevotion，andprotested，withgreatadmiration，thathewasindeedadove。
　　Thedovethenturneduphiscoat-collar，andputonhiscockedhat；and，havingexchangedalongandaffectionateembracewithhisfuturepartner，onceagainbravedthecoldwindofthenight:
　　merelypausing，forafewminutes，inthemalepaupers'ward，toabusethemalittle，withtheviewofsatisfyinghimselfthathecouldfilltheofficeofworkhouse-masterwithneedfulacerbity。
　　Assuredofhisqualifications，Mr。Bumbleleftthebuildingwithalightheart，andbrightvisionsofhisfuturepromotion:whichservedtooccupyhisminduntilhereachedtheshopoftheundertaker。
　　Now，Mr。andMrs。Sowerberryhavinggoneouttoteaandsupper:
　　andNoahClaypolenotbeingatanytimedisposedtotakeuponhimselfagreateramountofphysicalexertionthanisnecessarytoaconvenientperformanceofthetwofunctionsofeatinganddrinking，theshopwasnotclosed，althoughitwaspasttheusualhourofshutting-up。Mr。Bumbletappedwithhiscaneonthecounterseveraltimes；but，attractingnoattention，andbeholdingalightshiningthroughtheglass-windowofthelittleparlouratthebackoftheshop，hemadeboldtopeepinandseewhatwasgoingforward；andwhenhesawwhatwasgoingforward，hewasnotalittlesurprised。
　　Theclothwaslaidforsupper；thetablewascoveredwithbreadandbutter，platesandglasses；aporter-potandawine-bottle。
　　Attheupperendofthetable，Mr。NoahClaypolelollednegligentlyinaneasy-chair，withhislegsthrownoveroneofthearms:anopenclasp-knifeinonehand，andamassofbutteredbreadintheother。ClosebesidehimstoodCharlotte，openingoystersfromabarrel:whichMr。Claypolecondescendedtoswallow，withremarkableavidity。Amorethanordinaryrednessintheregionoftheyounggentleman'snose，andakindoffixedwinkinhisrighteye，denotedthathewasinaslightdegreeintoxicated；thesesymptomswereconfirmedbytheintenserelishwithwhichhetookhisoysters，forwhichnothingbutastrongappreciationoftheircoolingproperties，incasesofinternalfever，couldhavesufficientlyaccounted。
　　'Here'sadeliciousfatone，Noah，dear！'saidCharlotte；'tryhim，do；onlythisone。'
　　'Whatadeliciousthingisaoyster！'remarkedMr。Claypole，afterhehadswallowedit。'Whatapityitis，anumberof'emshouldevermakeyoufeeluncomfortable；isn'tit，Charlotte?'
　　'It'squiteacruelty，'saidCharlotte。
　　'Soitis，'acquiescedMr。Claypole。'An'tyerfondofoysters?'
　　'Notovermuch，'repliedCharlotte。'Iliketoseeyoueat'em，Noahdear，betterthaneating'emmyself。'
　　'Lor！'saidNoah，reflectively；'howqueer！'
　　'Haveanother，'saidCharlotte。'Here'sonewithsuchabeautiful，delicatebeard！'
　　'Ican'tmanageanymore，'saidNoah。'I'mverysorry。Comehere，Charlotte，andI'llkissyer。'
　　'What！'saidMr。Bumble，burstingintotheroom。'Saythatagain，sir。'
　　Charlotteutteredascream，andhidherfaceinherapron。Mr。
　　Claypole，withoutmakinganyfurtherchangeinhispositionthansufferinghislegstoreachtheground，gazedatthebeadleindrunkenterror。
　　'Sayitagain，youwile，owdaciousfellow！'saidMr。Bumble。'Howdareyoumentionsuchathing，sir?Andhowdareyouencouragehim，youinsolentminx?Kissher！'exclaimedMr。Bumble，instrongindignation。'Faugh！'
　　'Ididn'tmeantodoit！'saidNoah，blubbering。'She'salwaysa-kissingofme，whetherIlikeit，ornot。'
　　'Oh，Noah，'criedCharlotte，reproachfully。
　　'Yerare；yerknowyerare！'retortedNoah。'She'salwaysa-doin'ofit，Mr。Bumble，sir；shechucksmeunderthechin，please，sir；andmakesallmanneroflove！'
　　'Silence！'criedMr。Bumble，sternly。'Takeyourselfdownstairs，ma'am。Noah，youshutuptheshop；sayanotherwordtillyourmastercomeshome，atyourperil；and，whenhedoescomehome，tellhimthatMr。Bumblesaidhewastosendaoldwoman'sshellafterbreakfastto-morrowmorning。Doyouhearsir?Kissing！'
　　criedMr。Bumble，holdinguphishands。'Thesinandwickednessofthelowerordersinthisporochialdistrictisfrightful！IfParliamentdon'ttaketheirabominablecoursesunderconsideration，thiscountry'sruined，andthecharacterofthepeasantrygoneforever！'Withthesewords，thebeadlestrode，withaloftyandgloomyair，fromtheundertaker'spremises。
　　Andnowthatwehaveaccompaniedhimsofaronhisroadhome，andhavemadeallnecessarypreparationsfortheoldwoman'sfuneral，letussetonfootafewinquiresafteryoungOliverTwist，andascertainwhetherhebestilllyingintheditchwhereTobyCrackitlefthim。
　　CHAPTERXXVIII
　　LOOKSAFTEROLIVER，ANDPROCEEDSWITHHISADVENTURES
　　'Wolvestearyourthroats！'mutteredSikes，grindinghisteeth。
　　'IwishIwasamongsomeofyou；you'dhowlthehoarserforit。'
　　AsSikesgrowledforththisimprecation，withthemostdesperateferocitythathisdesperatenaturewascapableof，herestedthebodyofthewoundedboyacrosshisbendedknee；andturnedhishead，foraninstant，tolookbackathispursuers。
　　Therewaslittletobemadeout，inthemistanddarkness；buttheloudshoutingofmenvibratedthroughtheair，andthebarkingoftheneighbouringdogs，rousedbythesoundofthealarmbell，resoundedineverydirection。
　　'Stop，youwhite-liveredhound！'criedtherobber，shoutingafterTobyCrackit，who，makingthebestuseofhislonglegs，wasalreadyahead。'Stop！'
　　Therepetitionoftheword，broughtTobytoadeadstand-still。
　　Forhewasnotquitesatisfiedthathewasbeyondtherangeofpistol-shot；andSikeswasinnomoodtobeplayedwith。
　　'Bearahandwiththeboy，'criedSikes，beckoningfuriouslytohisconfederate。'Comeback！'
　　Tobymadeashowofreturning；butventured，inalowvoice，brokenforwantofbreath，tointimateconsiderablereluctanceashecameslowlyalong。
　　'Quicker！'criedSikes，layingtheboyinadryditchathisfeet，anddrawingapistolfromhispocket。'Don'tplaybootywithme。'
　　Atthismomentthenoisegrewlouder。Sikes，againlookinground，coulddiscernthatthemenwhohadgivenchasewerealreadyclimbingthegateofthefieldinwhichhestood；andthatacoupleofdogsweresomepacesinadvanceofthem。
　　'It'sallup，Bill！'criedToby；'dropthekid，andshow'emyourheels。'Withthispartingadvice，Mr。Crackit，preferringthechanceofbeingshotbyhisfriend，tothecertaintyofbeingtakenbyhisenemies，fairlyturnedtail，anddartedoffatfullspeed。Sikesclenchedhisteeth；tookonelookaround；threwovertheprostrateformofOliver，thecapeinwhichhehadbeenhurriedlymuffled；ranalongthefrontofthehedge，asiftodistracttheattentionofthosebehind，fromthespotwheretheboylay；paused，forasecond，beforeanotherhedgewhichmetitatrightangles；andwhirlinghispistolhighintotheair，cleareditatabound，andwasgone。
　　'Ho，ho，there！'criedatremulousvoiceintherear。'Pincher！
　　Neptune！Comehere，comehere！'
　　Thedogs，who，incommonwiththeirmasters，seemedtohavenoparticularrelishforthesportinwhichtheywereengaged，readilyansweredtothecommand。Threemen，whohadbythistimeadvancedsomedistanceintothefield，stoppedtotakecounseltogether。
　　'Myadvice，or，leastways，Ishouldsay，myORDERS，is，'saidthefattestmanoftheparty，'thatwe'mediatelygohomeagain。'
　　'IamagreeabletoanythingwhichisagreeabletoMr。Giles，'
　　saidashorterman；whowasbynomeansofaslimfigure，andwhowasverypaleintheface，andverypolite:asfrightenedmenfrequentlyare。
　　'Ishouldn'twishtoappearill-mannered，gentlemen，'saidthethird，whohadcalledthedogsback，'Mr。Gilesoughttoknow。'
　　'Certainly，'repliedtheshorterman；'andwhateverMr。Gilessays，itisn'tourplacetocontradicthim。No，no，Iknowmysitiwation！Thankmystars，Iknowmysitiwation。'Totellthetruth，thelittlemanDIDseemtoknowhissituation，andtoknowperfectlywellthatitwasbynomeansadesirableone；forhisteethchatteredinhisheadashespoke。
　　'Youareafraid，Brittles，'saidMr。Giles。
　　'Ian't，'saidBrittles。
　　'Youare，'saidGiles。
　　'You'reafalsehood，Mr。Giles，'saidBrittles。
　　'You'realie，Brittles，'saidMr。Giles。
　　Now，thesefourretortsarosefromMr。Giles'staunt；andMr。
　　Giles'staunthadarisenfromhisindignationathavingtheresponsibilityofgoinghomeagain，imposeduponhimselfundercoverofacompliment。Thethirdmanbroughtthedisputetoaclose，mostphilosophically。
　　'I'lltellyouwhatitis，gentlemen，'saidhe，'we'reallafraid。'
　　'Speakforyourself，sir，'saidMr。Giles，whowasthepalestoftheparty。
　　'SoIdo，'repliedtheman。'It'snaturalandpropertobeafraid，undersuchcircumstances。Iam。'
　　'SoamI，'saidBrittles；'onlythere'snocalltotellamanheis，sobounceably。'
　　ThesefrankadmissionssoftenedMr。Giles，whoatonceownedthatHEwasafraid；uponwhich，theyallthreefacedabout，andranbackagainwiththecompletestunanimity，untilMr。Gileswhohadtheshortestwindoftheparty，aswasencumberedwithapitchforkmosthandsomelyinsistedonstopping，tomakeanapologyforhishastinessofspeech。
　　'Butit'swonderful，'saidMr。Giles，whenhehadexplained，'whatamanwilldo，whenhisbloodisup。Ishouldhavecommittedmurder——IknowIshould——ifwe'dcaughtoneofthemrascals。'
　　Astheothertwowereimpressedwithasimilarpresentiment；andastheirblood，likehis，hadallgonedownagain；somespeculationensueduponthecauseofthissuddenchangeintheirtemperament。
　　'Iknowwhatitwas，'saidMr。Giles；'itwasthegate。'
　　'Ishouldn'twonderifitwas，'exclaimedBrittles，catchingattheidea。
　　'Youmaydependuponit，'saidGiles，'thatthatgatestoppedtheflowoftheexcitement。Ifeltallminesuddenlygoingaway，asIwasclimbingoverit。'
　　Byaremarkablecoincidence，theothertwohadbeenvisitedwiththesameunpleasantsensationatthatprecisemoment。Itwasquiteobvious，therefore，thatitwasthegate；especiallyastherewasnodoubtregardingthetimeatwhichthechangehadtakenplace，becauseallthreerememberedthattheyhadcomeinsightoftherobbersattheinstantofitsoccurance。
　　Thisdialoguewasheldbetweenthetwomenwhohadsurprisedtheburglars，andatravellingtinkerwhohadbeensleepinginanouthouse，andwhohadbeenroused，togetherwithhistwomongrelcurs，tojoininthepursuit。Mr。Gilesactedinthedoublecapacityofbutlerandstewardtotheoldladyofthemansion；
　　Brittleswasaladofall-work:who，havingenteredherserviceamerechild，wastreatedasapromisingyoungboystill，thoughhewassomethingpastthirty。
　　Encouragingeachotherwithsuchconverseasthis；but，keepingveryclosetogether，notwithstanding，andlookingapprehensivelyround，wheneverafreshgustrattledthroughtheboughs；thethreemenhurriedbacktoatree，behindwhichtheyhadlefttheirlantern，lestitslightshouldinformthethievesinwhatdirectiontofire。Catchingupthelight，theymadethebestoftheirwayhome，atagoodroundtrot；andlongaftertheirduskyformshadceasedtobediscernible，thelightmighthavebeenseentwinklinganddancinginthedistance，likesomeexhalationofthedampandgloomyatmospherethroughwhichitwasswiftlyborne。
　　Theairgrewcolder，asdaycameslowlyon；andthemistrolledalongthegroundlikeadensecloudofsmoke。Thegrasswaswet；
　　thepathways，andlowplaces，wereallmireandwater；thedampbreathofanunwholesomewindwentlanguidlyby，withahollowmoaning。Still，OliverlaymotionlessandinsensibleonthespotwhereSikeshadlefthim。
　　Morningdrewonapace。Theairbecomemoresharpandpiercing，asitsfirstdullhue——thedeathofnight，ratherthanthebirthofday——glimmeredfaintlyinthesky。Theobjectswhichhadlookeddimandterribleinthedarkness，grewmoreandmoredefined，andgraduallyresolvedintotheirfamiliarshapes。Theraincamedown，thickandfast，andpatterednoisilyamongtheleaflessbushes。But，Oliverfeltitnot，asitbeatagainsthim；forhestilllaystretched，helplessandunconscious，onhisbedofclay。
　　Atlength，alowcryofpainbrokethestillnessthatprevailed；
　　andutteringit，theboyawoke。Hisleftarm，rudelybandagedinashawl，hungheavyanduselessathisside；thebandagewassaturatedwithblood。Hewassoweak，thathecouldscarcelyraisehimselfintoasittingposture；whenhehaddoneso，helookedfeeblyroundforhelp，andgroanedwithpain。Tremblingineveryjoint，fromcoldandexhaustion，hemadeanefforttostandupright；but，shudderingfromheadtofoot，fellprostrateontheground。
　　Afterashortreturnofthestuporinwhichhehadbeensolongplunged，Oliver:urgedbyacreepingsicknessathisheart，whichseemedtowarnhimthatifhelaythere，hemustsurelydie:gotuponhisfeet，andessayedtowalk。Hisheadwasdizzy，andhestaggeredtoandfromlikeadrunkenman。Buthekeptup，nevertheless，and，withhisheaddroopinglanguidlyonhisbreast，wentstumblingonward，heknewnotwhither。
　　Andnow，hostsofbewilderingandconfusedideascamecrowdingonhismind。HeseemedtobestillwalkingbetweenSikesandCrackit，whowereangrilydisputing——fortheverywordstheysaid，soundedinhisears；andwhenhecaughthisownattention，asitwere，bymakingsomeviolentefforttosavehimselffromfalling，hefoundthathewastalkingtothem。Then，hewasalonewithSikes，ploddingonasonthepreviousday；andasshadowypeoplepassedthem，hefelttherobber'sgraspuponhiswrist。
　　Suddenly，hestartedbackatthereportoffirearms；thereroseintotheair，loudcriesandshouts；lightsgleamedbeforehiseyes；allwasnoiseandtumult，assomeunseenhandborehimhurriedlyaway。Throughalltheserapidvisions，thererananundefined，uneasyconsciousofpain，whichweariedandtormentedhimincessantly。
　　Thushestaggeredon，creeping，almostmechanically，betweenthebarsofgates，orthroughhedge-gapsastheycameinhisway，untilhereachedaroad。Heretherainbegantofallsoheavily，thatitrousedhim。
　　Helookedabout，andsawthatatnogreatdistancetherewasahouse，whichperhapshecouldreach。Pityinghiscondition，theymighthavecompassiononhim；andiftheydidnot，itwouldbebetter，hethought，todienearhumanbeings，thaninthelonelyopenfields。Hesummonedupallhisstrengthforonelasttrial，andbenthisfalteringstepstowardsit。
　　Ashedrewnearertothishouse，afeelingcomeoverhimthathehadseenitbefore。Herememberednothingofitsdetails；buttheshapeandaspectofthebuildingseemedfamiliartohim。
　　Thatgardenwall！Onthegrassinside，hehadfallenonhiskneeslastnight，andprayedthetwomen'smercy。Itwastheveryhousetheyhadattemptedtorob。
　　Oliverfeltsuchfearcomeoverhimwhenherecognisedtheplace，that，fortheinstant，heforgottheagonyofhiswound，andthoughtonlyofflight。Flight！Hecouldscarcelystand:andifhewereinfullpossessionofallthebestpowersofhisslightandyouthfulframe，whithercouldhefly?Hepushedagainstthegarden-gate；itwasunlocked，andswungopenonitshinges。Hetotteredacrossthelawn；climbedthesteps；knockedfaintlyatthedoor；and，hiswholestrengthfailinghim，sunkdownagainstoneofthepillarsofthelittleportico。
　　Ithappenedthataboutthistime，Mr。Giles，Brittles，andthetinker，wererecruitingthemselves，afterthefatiguesandterrorsofthenight，withteaandsundries，inthekitchen。NotthatitwasMr。Giles'shabittoadmittotoogreatfamiliaritythehumblerservants:towardswhomitwasratherhiswonttodeporthimselfwithaloftyaffability，which，whileitgratified，couldnotfailtoremindthemofhissuperiorpositioninsociety。But，death，fires，andburglary，makeallmenequals；soMr。Gilessatwithhislegsstretchedoutbeforethekitchenfender，leaninghisleftarmonthetable，while，withhisright，heillustratedacircumstantialandminuteaccountoftherobbery，towhichhisbearersbutespeciallythecookandhousemaid，whowereofthepartylistenedwithbreathlessinterest。
　　'Itwasabouthalf-pasttow，'saidMr。Giles，'orIwouldn'tswearthatitmightn'thavebeenalittlenearerthree，whenI
　　wokeup，and，turningroundinmybed，asitmightbeso，hereMr。Gilesturnedroundinhischair，andpulledthecornerofthetable-clothoverhimtoimitatebed-clothes，IfanciedIheerdanoise。'
　　Atthispointofthenarrativethecookturnedpale，andaskedthehousemaidtoshutthedoor:whoaskedBrittles，whoaskedthetinker，whopretendednottohear。
　　'——Heerdanoise，'continuedMr。Giles。'Isays，atfirst，“Thisisillusion“；andwascomposingmyselfofftosleep，whenIheerdthenoiseagain，distinct。'
　　'Whatsortofanoise?'askedthecook。
　　'Akindofabustingnoise，'repliedMr。Giles，lookingroundhim。
　　'Morelikethenoiseofpowderingaironbaronanutmeg-grater，'
　　suggestedBrittles。
　　'Itwas，whenyouHEERDit，sir，'rejoinedMr。Giles；'but，atthistime，ithadabustingsound。Iturneddowntheclothes'；
　　continuedGiles，rollingbackthetable-cloth，'satupinbed；
　　andlistened。'
　　Thecookandhousemaidsimultaneouslyejaculated'Lor！'anddrewtheirchairsclosertogether。
　　'Iheerditnow，quiteapparent，'resumedMr。Giles。'“Somebody，“
　　Isays，“isforcingofadoor，orwindow；what'stobedone?
　　I'llcallupthatpoorlad，Brittles，andsavehimfrombeingmurderedinhisbed；orhisthroat，“Isays，“maybecutfromhisrighteartohisleft，withouthiseverknowingit。”'
　　Here，alleyeswereturneduponBrittles，whofixedhisuponthespeaker，andstaredathim，withhismouthwideopen，andhisfaceexpressiveofthemostunmitigatedhorror。
　　'Itossedofftheclothes，'saidGiles，throwingawaythetable-cloth，andlookingveryhardatthecookandhousemaid，'gotsoftlyoutofbed；drewonapairof——'
　　'Ladiespresent，Mr。Giles，'murmuredthetinker。
　　'——OfSHOES，sir，'saidGiles，turninguponhim，andlayinggreatemphasisontheword；'seizedtheloadedpistolthatalwaysgoesupstairswiththeplate-basket；andwalkedontiptoestohisroom。“Brittles，“Isays，whenIhadwokehim，“don'tbefrightened！“'
　　'Soyoudid，'observedBrittles，inalowvoice。
　　'“We'redeadmen，Ithink，Brittles，“Isays，'continuedGiles；
　　'“butdon'tbefrightened。”'
　　'WAShefrightened?'askedthecook。
　　'Notabitofit，'repliedMr。Giles。'Hewasasfirm——ah！
　　prettynearasfirmasIwas。'
　　'Ishouldhavediedatonce，I'msure，ifithadbeenme，'
　　observedthehousemaid。
　　'You'reawoman，'retortedBrittles，pluckingupalittle。
　　'Brittlesisright，'saidMr。Giles，noddinghishead，approvingly；'fromawoman，nothingelsewastobeexpected。We，beingmen，tookadarklanternthatwasstandingonBrittle'shob，andgropedourwaydownstairsinthepitchdark，——asitmightbeso。'
　　Mr。Gileshadrisenfromhisseat，andtakentwostepswithhiseyesshut，toaccompanyhisdescriptionwithappropriateaction，whenhestartedviolently，incommonwiththerestofthecompany，andhurriedbacktohischair。Thecookandhousemaidscreamed。
　　'Itwasaknock，'saidMr。Giles，assumingperfectserenity。
　　'Openthedoor，somebody。'
　　Nobodymoved。
　　'Itseemsastrangesortofathing，aknockcomingatsuchatimeinthemorning，'saidMr。Giles，surveyingthepalefaceswhichsurroundedhim，andlookingveryblankhimself；'butthedoormustbeopened。Doyouhear，somebody?'
　　Mr。Giles，ashespoke，lookedatBrittles；butthatyoungman，beingnaturallymodest，probablyconsideredhimselfnobody，andsoheldthattheinquirycouldnothaveanyapplicationtohim；
　　atallevents，hetenderednoreply。Mr。Gilesdirectedanappealingglanceatthetinker；buthehadsuddenlyfallenasleep。Thewomenwereoutofthequestion。
　　'IfBrittleswouldratheropenthedoor，inthepresenceofwitnesses，'saidMr。Giles，afterashortsilence，'Iamreadytomakeone。'
　　'SoamI，'saidthetinker，wakingup，assuddenlyashehadfallenasleep。
　　Brittlescapitualatedontheseterms；andthepartybeingsomewhatre-assuredbythediscoverymadeonthrowingopentheshuttersthatitwasnowbroadday，tooktheirwayupstairs；
　　withthedogsinfront。Thetwowomen，whowereafraidtostaybelow，broughtuptherear。BytheadviceofMr。Giles，theyalltalkedveryloud，towarnanyevil-disposedpersonoutside，thattheywerestronginnumbers；andbyamaster-stokeofpolicy，originatinginthebrainofthesameingeniousgentleman，thedogs'tailswerewellpinched，inthehall，tomakethembarksavagely。
　　Theseprecautionshavingbeentaken，Mr。Gilesheldonfastbythetinker'sarmtopreventhisrunningaway，ashepleasantlysaid，andgavethewordofcommandtoopenthedoor。Brittlesobeyed；thegroup，peepingtimourouslyovereachother'sshoulders，beheldnomoreformidableobjectthanpoorlittleOliverTwist，speechlessandexhausted，whoraisedhisheavyeyes，andmutelysolicitedtheircompassion。
　　'Aboy！'exclaimedMr。Giles，valiantly，pushingthetinkerintothebackground。'What'sthematterwiththe——eh?——Why——Brittles——lookhere——don'tyouknow?'
　　Brittles，whohadgotbehindthedoortoopenit，nosoonersawOliver，thanheutteredaloudcry。Mr。Giles，seizingtheboybyonelegandonearmfortunatelynotthebrokenlimbluggedhimstraightintothehall，anddepositedhimatfulllengthonthefloorthereof。
　　'Hereheis！'bawledGiles，callinginastateofgreatexcitement，upthestaircase；'here'soneofthethieves，ma'am！
　　Here'sathief，miss！Wounded，miss！Ishothim，miss；andBrittlesheldthelight。'
　　'——Inalantern，miss，'criedBrittles，applyingonehandtothesideofhismouth，sothathisvoicemighttravelthebetter。
　　Thetwowomen-servantsranupstairstocarrytheintelligencethatMr。Gileshadcapturedarobber；andthetinkerbusiedhimselfinendeavouringtorestoreOliver，lestheshoulddiebeforehecouldbehanged。Inthemidstofallthisnoiseandcommotion，therewasheardasweetfemalevoice，whichquelleditinaninstant。
　　'Giles！'whisperedthevoicefromthestair-head。
　　'I'mhere，miss，'repliedMr。Giles。'Don'tbefrightened，miss；
　　Iain'tmuchinjured。Hedidn'tmakeaverydesperateresistance，miss！Iwassoontoomanyforhim。'
　　'Hush！'repliedtheyounglady；'youfrightenmyauntasmuchasthethievesdid。Isthepoorcreaturemuchhurt?'
　　'Woundeddesperate，miss，'repliedGiles，withindescribablecomplacency。
　　'Helooksasifhewasa-going，miss，'bawledBrittles，inthesamemannerasbefore。'Wouldn'tyouliketocomeandlookathim，miss，incaseheshould?'
　　'Hush，pray；there'sagoodman！'rejoinedthelady。'Waitquietlyonlyoneinstant，whileIspeaktoaunt。'
　　Withafootstepassoftandgentleasthevoice，thespeakertrippedaway。Shesoonreturned，withthedirectionthatthewoundedpersonwastobecarried，carefully，upstairstoMr。
　　Giles'sroom；andthatBrittleswastosaddletheponyandbetakehimselfinstantlytoChertsey:fromwhichplace，hewastodespatch，withallspeed，aconstableanddoctor。
　　'Butwon'tyoutakeonelookathim，first，miss?'askedMr。
　　Giles，withasmuchprideasifOliverweresomebirdofrareplumage，thathehadskilfullybroughtdown。'Notonelittlepeep，miss?'
　　'Notnow，fortheworld，'repliedtheyounglady。'Poorfellow！
　　Oh！treathimkindly，Gilesformysake！'
　　Theoldservantlookedupatthespeaker，assheturnedaway，withaglanceasproudandadmiringasifshehadbeenhisownchild。Then，bendingoverOliver，hehelpedtocarryhimupstairs，withthecareandsolicitudeofawoman。
　　CHAPTERXXIX
　　HASANINTRODUCTORYACCOUNTOFTHEINMATESOFTHEHOUSE，TOWHICH
　　OLIVERRESORTED
　　Inahandsomeroom:thoughitsfurniturehadrathertheairofold-fashionedcomfort，thanofmodernelegance:theresattwoladiesatawell-spreadbreakfast-table。Mr。Giles，dressedwithscrupulouscareinafullsuitofblack，wasinattendanceuponthem。Hehadtakenhisstationsomehalf-waybetweentheside-boardandthebreakfast-table；and，withhisbodydrawnuptoitsfullheight，hisheadthrownback，andinclinedthemeresttrifleononeside，hisleftlegadvanced，andhisrighthandthrustintohiswaist-coat，whilehislefthungdownbyhisside，graspingawaiter，lookedlikeonewholabouredunderaveryagreeablesenseofhisownmeritsandimportance。
　　Ofthetwoladies，onewaswelladvancedinyears；butthehigh-backedoakenchairinwhichshesat，wasnotmoreuprightthanshe。Dressedwiththeutmostnicetyandprecision，inaquaintmixtureofby-gonecostume，withsomeslightconcessionstotheprevailingtaste，whichratherservedtopointtheoldstylepleasantlythantoimpairitseffect，shesat，inastatelymanner，withherhandsfoldedonthetablebeforeher。Hereyesandagehaddimmedbutlittleoftheirbrightnesswereattentivelyuponheryoungcompanion。
　　Theyoungerladywasinthelovelybloomandspring-timeofwomanhood；atthatage，when，ifeverangelsbeforGod'sgoodpurposesenthronedinmortalforms，theymaybe，withoutimpiety，supposedtoabideinsuchashers。
　　Shewasnotpastseventeen。Castinsoslightandexquisiteamould；somildandgentle；sopureandbeautiful；thatearthseemednotherelement，noritsroughcreaturesherfitcompanions。Theveryintelligencethatshoneinherdeepblueeye，andwasstampeduponhernoblehead，seemedscarcelyofherage，oroftheworld；andyetthechangingexpressionofsweetnessandgoodhumour，thethousandlightsthatplayedabouttheface，andleftnoshadowthere；aboveall，thesmile，thecheerful，happysmile，weremadeforHome，andfiresidepeaceandhappiness。
　　Shewasbusilyengagedinthelittleofficesofthetable。
　　Chancingtoraisehereyesastheelderladywasregardingher，sheplayfullyputbackherhair，whichwassimplybraidedonherforehead；andthrewintoherbeaminglook，suchanexpressionofaffectionandartlessloveliness，thatblessedspiritsmighthavesmiledtolookuponher。
　　'AndBrittleshasbeengoneupwardsofanhour，hashe?'askedtheoldlady，afterapause。
　　'Anhourandtwelveminutes，ma'am，'repliedMr。Giles，referringtoasilverwatch，whichhedrewforthbyablackribbon。
　　'Heisalwaysslow，'remarkedtheoldlady。
　　'Brittlesalwayswasaslowboy，ma'am，'repliedtheattendant。
　　Andseeing，bythebye，thatBrittleshadbeenaslowboyforupwardsofthirtyyears，thereappearednogreatprobabilityofhiseverbeingafastone。
　　'Hegetsworseinsteadofbetter，Ithink，'saidtheelderlady。
　　'Itisveryinexcusableinhimifhestopstoplaywithanyotherboys，'saidtheyounglady，smiling。
　　Mr。Gileswasapparentlyconsideringtheproprietyofindulginginarespectfulsmilehimself，whenagigdroveuptothegarden-gate:outofwhichtherejumpedafatgentleman，whoranstraightuptothedoor:andwho，gettingquicklyintothehousebysomemysteriousprocess，burstintotheroom，andnearlyoverturnedMr。Gilesandthebreakfast-tabletogether。
　　'Ineverheardofsuchathing！'exclaimedthefatgentleman。'MydearMrs。Maylie——blessmysoul——inthesilenceofthenight，too——INEVERheardofsuchathing！'
　　Withtheseexpressionsofcondolence，thefatgentlemanshookhandswithbothladies，anddrawingupachair，inquiredhowtheyfoundthemselves。
　　'Yououghttobedead；positivelydeadwiththefright，'saidthefatgentleman。'Whydidn'tyousend?Blessme，mymanshouldhavecomeinaminute；andsowouldI；andmyassistantwouldhavebeendelighted；oranybody，I'msure，undersuchcircumstances。Dear，dear！Sounexpected！Inthesilenceofthenight，too！'
　　Thedoctorseemedexpeciallytroubledbythefactoftherobberyhavingbeenunexpected，andattemptedinthenight-time；asifitweretheestablishedcustomofgentlemeninthehousebreakingwaytotransactbusinessatnoon，andtomakeanappointment，bypost，adayortwoprevious。
　　'Andyou，MissRose，'saidthedoctor，turningtotheyounglady，'I——'
　　'Oh！verymuchso，indeed，'saidRose，interruptinghim；'butthereisapoorcreatureupstairs，whomauntwishesyoutosee。'
　　'Ah！tobesure，'repliedthedoctor，'sothereis。Thatwasyourhandiwork，Giles，Iunderstand。'
　　Mr。Giles，whohadbeenfeverishlyputtingthetea-cupstorights，blushedveryred，andsaidthathehadhadthathonour。
　　'Honour，eh?'saidthedoctor；'well，Idon'tknow；perhapsit'sashonourabletohitathiefinabackkitchen，astohityourmanattwelvepaces。Fancythathefiredintheair，andyou'vefoughtaduel，Giles。'
　　Mr。Giles，whothoughtthislighttreatmentofthematteranunjustattemptatdiminishinghisglory，answeredrespectfully，thatitwasnotforthelikeofhimtojudgeaboutthat；butheratherthoughtitwasnojoketotheoppositeparty。
　　'Gad，that'strue！'saidthedoctor。'Whereishe?Showmetheway。I'lllookinagain，asIcomedown，Mrs。Maylie。That'sthelittlewindowthathegotinat，eh?Well，Icouldn'thavebelievedit！'
　　Talkingalltheway，hefollowedMr。Gilesupstairs；andwhileheisgoingupstairs，thereadermaybeinformed，thatMr。Losberne，asurgeonintheneighbourhood，knownthroughacircuitoftenmilesroundas'thedoctor，'hadgrownfat，morefromgood-humourthanfromgoodliving:andwasaskindandhearty，andwithalaseccentricanoldbachelor，aswillbefoundinfivetimesthatspace，byanyexploreralive。
　　Thedoctorwasabsent，muchlongerthaneitherheortheladieshadanticipated。Alargeflatboxwasfetchedoutofthegig；
　　andabedroombellwasrungveryoften；andtheservantsranupanddownstairsperpetually；fromwhichtokensitwasjustlyconcludedthatsomethingimportantwasgoingonabove。Atlengthhereturned；andinreplytoananxiousinquiryafterhispatient；lookedverymysterious，andclosedthedoor，carefully。
　　'Thisisaveryextraordinarything，Mrs。Maylie，'saidthedoctor，standingwithhisbacktothedoor，asiftokeepitshut。
　　'Heisnotindanger，Ihope?'saidtheoldlady。
　　'Why，thatwouldNOTbeanextraordinarything，underthecircumstances，'repliedthedoctor；'thoughIdon'tthinkheis。
　　Haveyouseenthethief?'
　　'No，'rejoinedtheoldlady。
　　'Norheardanythingabouthim?'
　　'No。'
　　'Ibegyourpardon，ma'am，interposedMr。Giles；'butIwasgoingtotellyouabouthimwhenDoctorLosbernecamein。'
　　Thefactwas，thatMr。Gileshadnot，atfirst，beenabletobringhismindtotheavowal，thathehadonlyshotaboy。Suchcommendationshadbeenbestoweduponhisbravery，thathecouldnot，forthelifeofhim，helppostponingtheexplanationforafewdeliciousminutes；duringwhichhehadflourished，intheveryzenithofabriefreputationforundauntedcourage。
　　'Rosewishedtoseetheman，'saidMrs。Maylie，'butIwouldn'thearofit。'
　　'Humph！'rejoinedthedoctor。'Thereisnothingveryalarminginhisappearance。Haveyouanyobjectiontoseehiminmypresence?'
　　'Ifitbenecessary，'repliedtheoldlady，'certainlynot。'
　　'ThenIthinkitisnecessary，'saidthedoctor；'atallevents，Iamquitesurethatyouwoulddeeplyregretnothavingdoneso，ifyoupostponedit。Heisperfectlyquietandcomfortablenow。
　　Allowme——MissRose，willyoupermitme?Nottheslightestfear，Ipledgeyoumyhonour！'
　　CHAPTERXXX
　　RELATESWHATOLIVER'SNEWVISITORSTHOUGHTOFHIM
　　Withmanyloquaciousassurancesthattheywouldbeagreeablysurprisedintheaspectofthecriminal，thedoctordrewtheyounglady'sarmthroughoneofhim；andofferinghisdisengagedhandtoMrs。Maylie，ledthem，withmuchceremonyandstateliness，upstairs。
　　'Now，'saidthedoctor，inawhisper，ashesoftlyturnedthehandleofabedroom-door，'letushearwhatyouthinkofhim。Hehasnotbeenshavedveryrecently，buthedon'tlookatallferociousnotwithstanding。Stop，though！Letmefirstseethatheisinvisitingorder。'
　　Steppingbeforethem，helookedintotheroom。Motioningthemtoadvance，heclosedthedoorwhentheyhadentered；andgentlydrewbackthecurtainsofthebed。Uponit，inlieuofthedogged，black-visagedruffiantheyhadexpectedtobehold，therelayamerechild:wornwithpainandexhaustion，andsunkintoadeepsleep。Hiswoundedarm，boundandsplinteredup，wascrosseduponhisbreast；hisheadreclinedupontheotherarm，whichwashalfhiddenbyhislonghair，asitstreamedoverthepillow。
　　Thehonestgentlemanheldthecurtaininhishand，andlookedon，foraminuteorso，insilence。Whilsthewaswatchingthepatientthus，theyoungerladyglidedsoftlypast，andseatingherselfinachairbythebedside，gatheredOliver'shairfromhisface。Asshestoopedoverhim，hertearsfelluponhisforehead。
　　Theboystirred，andsmiledinhissleep，asthoughthesemarksofpityandcompassionhadawakenedsomepleasantdreamofaloveandaffectionhehadneverknown。Thus，astrainofgentlemusic，ortheripplingofwaterinasilentplace，ortheodourofaflower，orthementionofafamiliarword，willsometimescallupsuddendimremembrancesofscenesthatneverwere，inthislife；whichvanishlikeabreath；whichsomebriefmemoryofahappierexistence，longgoneby，wouldseemtohaveawakened；
　　whichnovoluntaryexertionofthemindcaneverrecall。
　　'Whatcanthismean?'exclaimedtheelderlady。'Thispoorchildcanneverhavebeenthepupilofrobbers！'
　　'Vice，'saidthesurgeon，replacingthecurtain，'takesupherabodeinmanytemples；andwhocansaythatafairoutsideshellnotenshrineher?'
　　'Butatsoearlyanage！'urgedRose。
　　'Mydearyounglady，'rejoinedthesurgeon，mournfullyshakinghishead；'crime，likedeath，isnotconfinedtotheoldandwitheredalone。Theyoungestandfairestaretoooftenitschosenvictims。'
　　'But，canyou——oh！canyoureallybelievethatthisdelicateboyhasbeenthevoluntaryassociateoftheworstoutcastsofsociety?'saidRose。
　　Thesurgeonshookhishead，inamannerwhichintimatedthathefeareditwasverypossible；andobservingthattheymightdisturbthepatient，ledthewayintoanadjoiningapartment。
　　'Butevenifhehasbeenwicked，'pursuedRose，'thinkhowyoungheis；thinkthathemayneverhaveknownamother'slove，orthecomfortofahome；thatill-usageandblows，orthewantofbread，mayhavedrivenhimtoherdwithmenwhohaveforcedhimtoguilt。Aunt，dearaunt，formercy'ssake，thinkofthis，beforeyouletthemdragthissickchildtoaprison，whichinanycasemustbethegraveofallhischancesofamendment。Oh！
　　asyouloveme，andknowthatIhaveneverfeltthewantofparentsinyourgoodnessandaffection，butthatImighthavedoneso，andmighthavebeenequallyhelplessandunprotectedwiththispoorchild，havepityuponhimbeforeitistoolate！'
　　'Mydearlove，'saidtheelderlady，asshefoldedtheweepinggirltoherbosom，'doyouthinkIwouldharmahairofhishead?'
　　'Oh，no！'repliedRose，eagerly。
　　'No，surely，'saidtheoldlady；'mydaysaredrawingtotheirclose:andmaymercybeshowntomeasIshowittoothers！
　　WhatcanIdotosavehim，sir?'