'Yoursubject，'saidMortimer，afterlightingacigar，andcomfortinghimselfwithawhiffortwo，'wasscouts，Eugene。'
　　'Exactly。Isn'titdrollthatInevergooutafterdark，butIfindmyselfattended，alwaysbyonescout，andoftenbytwo?'
　　Lightwoodtookhiscigarfromhislipsinsurprise，andlookedathisfriend，asifwithalatentsuspicionthattheremustbeajestorhiddenmeaninginhiswords。
　　'Onmyhonour，no，'saidWrayburn，answeringthelookandsmilingcarelessly；'Idon'twonderatyoursupposingso，butonmyhonour，no。IsaywhatImean。Inevergooutafterdark，butIfindmyselfintheludicroussituationofbeingfollowedandobservedatadistance，alwaysbyonescout，andoftenbytwo。'
　　'Areyousure，Eugene?'
　　'Sure?Mydearboy，theyarealwaysthesame。'
　　'Butthere'snoprocessoutagainstyou。TheJewsonlythreaten。
　　Theyhavedonenothing。Besides，theyknowwheretofindyou，andIrepresentyou。Whytakethetrouble?'
　　'Observethelegalmind！'remarkedEugene，turningroundtothefurnitureagain，withanairofindolentrapture。'Observethedyer'shand，assimilatingitselftowhatitworksin，——orwouldworkin，ifanybodywouldgiveitanythingtodo。Respectedsolicitor，it'snotthat。Theschoolmaster'sabroad。'
　　'Theschoolmaster?'
　　'Ay！Sometimestheschoolmasterandthepupilarebothabroad。
　　Why，howsoonyourustinmyabsence！Youdon'tunderstandyet?
　　Thosefellowswhowerehereonenight。TheyarethescoutsI
　　speakof，asdoingmethehonourtoattendmeafterdark。'
　　'Howlonghasthisbeengoingon?'askedLightwood，opposingaseriousfacetothelaughofhisfriend。
　　'Iapprehendithasbeengoingon，eversinceacertainpersonwentoff。Probably，ithadbeengoingonsomelittletimebeforeI
　　noticedit:whichwouldbringittoaboutthattime。'
　　'Doyouthinktheysupposeyoutohaveinveigledheraway?'
　　'MydearMortimer，youknowtheabsorbingnatureofmyprofessionaloccupations；Ireallyhavenothadleisuretothinkaboutit。'
　　'Haveyouaskedthemwhattheywant?Haveyouobjected?'
　　'WhyshouldIaskthemwhattheywant，dearfellow，whenIamindifferentwhattheywant?WhyshouldIexpressobjection，whenIdon'tobject?'
　　'Youareinyourmostrecklessmood。Butyoucalledthesituationjustnow，aludicrousone；andmostmenobjecttothat，eventhosewhoareutterlyindifferenttoeverythingelse。'
　　'Youcharmme，Mortimer，withyourreadingofmyweaknesses。
　　By-the-by，thatveryword，Reading，initscriticaluse，alwayscharmsme。Anactress'sReadingofachambermaid，adancer'sReadingofahornpipe，asinger'sReadingofasong，amarinepainter'sReadingofthesea，thekettle-drum'sReadingofaninstrumentalpassage，arephraseseveryouthfulanddelightful。I
　　wasmentioningyourperceptionofmyweaknesses。Iowntotheweaknessofobjectingtooccupyaludicrousposition，andthereforeItransferthepositiontothescouts。'
　　'Iwish，Eugene，youwouldspeakalittlemoresoberlyandplainly，ifitwereonlyoutofconsiderationformyfeelinglessateasethanyoudo。'
　　'Thensoberlyandplainly，Mortimer，Igoadtheschoolmastertomadness。Imaketheschoolmastersoridiculous，andsoawareofbeingmaderidiculous，thatIseehimchafeandfretateveryporewhenwecrossoneanother。Theamiableoccupationhasbeenthesolaceofmylife，sinceIwasbaulkedinthemannerunnecessarytorecall。Ihavederivedinexpressiblecomfortfromit。Idoitthus:I
　　strolloutafterdark，strollalittleway，lookinatawindowandfurtivelylookoutfortheschoolmaster。Soonerorlater，Iperceivetheschoolmasteronthewatch；sometimesaccompaniedbyhishopefulpupil；oftener，pupil-less。Havingmadesureofhiswatchingme，Itempthimon，alloverLondon。OnenightIgoeast，anothernightnorth，inafewnightsIgoallroundthecompass。Sometimes，Iwalk；sometimes，Iproceedincabs，drainingthepocketoftheschoolmasterwhothenfollowsincabs。
　　IstudyandgetupabstruseNoThoroughfaresinthecourseoftheday。WithVenetianmysteryIseekthoseNoThoroughfaresatnight，glideintothembymeansofdarkcourts，tempttheschoolmastertofollow，turnsuddenly，andcatchhimbeforehecanretreat。Thenwefaceoneanother，andIpasshimasunawareofhisexistence，andheundergoesgrindingtorments。Similarly，I
　　walkatagreatpacedownashortstreet，rapidlyturnthecorner，and，gettingoutofhisview，asrapidlyturnback。Icatchhimcomingonpost，againpasshimasunawareofhisexistence，andagainheundergoesgrindingtorments。Nightafternighthisdisappointmentisacute，buthopespringseternalinthescholasticbreast，andhefollowsmeagainto-morrow。ThusIenjoythepleasuresofthechase，andderivegreatbenefitfromthehealthfulexercise。WhenIdonotenjoythepleasuresofthechase，foranythingIknowhewatchesattheTempleGateallnight。'
　　'Thisisanextraordinarystory，'observedLightwood，whohadhearditoutwithseriousattention。'Idon'tlikeit。'
　　'Youarealittlehipped，dearfellow，'saidEugene；'youhavebeentoosedentary。Comeandenjoythepleasuresofthechase。'
　　'Doyoumeanthatyoubelieveheiswatchingnow?'
　　'Ihavenottheslightestdoubtheis。'
　　'Haveyouseenhimto-night?'
　　'IforgottolookforhimwhenIwaslastout，'returnedEugenewiththecalmestindifference；'butIdaresayhewasthere。Come！BeaBritishsportsmanandenjoythepleasuresofthechase。Itwilldoyougood。'
　　Lightwoodhesitated；but，yieldingtohiscuriosity，rose。
　　'Bravo！'criedEugene，risingtoo。'Or，ifYoickswouldbeinbetterkeeping，considerthatIsaidYoicks。Looktoyourfeet，Mortimer，forweshalltryyourboots。Whenyouareready，Iam——needIsaywithaHeyHoChivey，andlikewisewithaHarkForward，HarkForward，Tantivy?'
　　'Willnothingmakeyouserious?'saidMortimer，laughingthroughhisgravity。
　　'Iamalwaysserious，butjustnowIamalittleexcitedbythegloriousfactthatasoutherlywindandacloudyskyproclaimahuntingevening。Ready?So。Weturnoutthelampandshutthedoor，andtakethefield。'
　　AsthetwofriendspassedoutoftheTempleintothepublicstreet，EugenedemandedwithashowofcourteouspatronageinwhichdirectionMortimerwouldyouliketheruntobe?'ThereisaratherdifficultcountryaboutBethnalGreen，'saidEugene，'andwehavenottakeninthatdirectionlately。WhatisyouropinionofBethnalGreen?'MortimerassentedtoBethnalGreen，andtheyturnedeastward。'Now，whenwecometoStPaul'schurchyard，'pursuedEugene，'we'llloiterartfully，andI'llshowyoutheschoolmaster。'
　　But，theybothsawhim，beforetheygotthere；alone，andstealingafterthemintheshadowofthehouses，ontheoppositesideoftheway。
　　'Getyourwind，'saidEugene，'forIamoffdirectly。DoesitoccurtoyouthattheboysofMerryEnglandwillbegintodeteriorateinaneducationallight，ifthislastslong?Theschoolmastercan'tattendtomeandtheboystoo。Gotyourwind?Iamoff！'
　　Atwhataratehewent，tobreathetheschoolmaster；andhowhethenloungedandloitered，toputhispatiencetoanotherkindofwear；whatpreposterouswayshetook，withnootherobjectonearththantodisappointandpunishhim；andhowheworehimoutbyeverypieceofingenuitythathiseccentrichumourcoulddevise；
　　allthisLightwoodnoted，withafeelingofastonishmentthatsocarelessamancouldbesowary，andthatsoidleamancouldtakesomuchtrouble。Atlast，faroninthethirdhourofthepleasuresofthechase，whenhehadbroughtthepoordoggingwretchroundagainintotheCity，hetwistedMortimerupafewdarkentries，twistedhimintoalittlesquarecourt，twistedhimsharproundagain，andtheyalmostranagainstBradleyHeadstone。
　　'Andyousee，asIwassaying，Mortimer，'remarkedEugenealoudwiththeutmostcoolness，asthoughtherewerenoonewithinhearingbythemselves:'andyousee，asIwassaying——undergoinggrindingtorments。'
　　Itwasnottoostrongaphrasefortheoccasion。Lookinglikethehuntedandnotthehunter，baffled，worn，withtheexhaustionofdeferredhopeandconsuminghateandangerinhisface，white-
　　lipped，wild-eyed，draggle-haired，seamedwithjealousyandanger，andtorturinghimselfwiththeconvictionthatheshoweditallandtheyexultedinit，hewentbytheminthedark，likeahaggardheadsuspendedintheair:socompletelydidtheforceofhisexpressioncancelhisfigure。
　　MortimerLightwoodwasnotanextraordinarilyimpressibleman，butthisfaceimpressedhim。Hespokeofitmorethanonceontheremainderofthewayhome，andmorethanoncewhentheygothome。
　　Theyhadbeenabedintheirrespectiveroomstwoorthreehours，whenEugenewaspartlyawakenedbyhearingafootstepgoingabout，andwasfullyawakenedbyseeingLightwoodstandingathisbedside。
　　'Nothingwrong，Mortimer?'
　　'No。'
　　'Whatfancytakesyou，then，forwalkingaboutinthenight?'
　　'Iamhorriblywakeful。'
　　'Howcomesthatabout，Iwonder！'
　　'Eugene，Icannotlosesightofthatfellow'sface。'
　　'Odd！'saidEugenewithalightlaugh，'Ican。'Andturnedover，andfellasleepagain。
　　Chapter11
　　INTHEDARK
　　TherewasnosleepforBradleyHeadstoneonthatnightwhenEugeneWrayburnturnedsoeasilyinhisbed；therewasnosleepforlittleMissPeecher。Bradleyconsumedthelonelyhours，andconsumedhimselfinhauntingthespotwherehiscarelessrivallayadreaming；littleMissPeecherworethemawayinlisteningforthereturnhomeofthemasterofherheart，andinsorrowfullypresagingthatmuchwasamisswithhim。YetmorewasamisswithhimthanMissPeecher'ssimplyarrangedlittlework-boxofthoughts，fittedwithnogloomyanddarkrecesses，couldhold。
　　For，thestateofthemanwasmurderous。
　　Thestateofthemanwasmurderous，andheknewit。More；heirritatedit，withakindofperversepleasureakintothatwhichasickmansometimeshasinirritatingawounduponhisbody。Tiedupalldaywithhisdisciplinedshowuponhim，subduedtotheperformanceofhisroutineofeducationaltricks，encircledbyagabblingcrowd，hebrokelooseatnightlikeanill-tamedwildanimal。Underhisdailyrestraint，itwashiscompensation，nothistrouble，togiveaglancetowardshisstateatnight，andtothefreedomofitsbeingindulged。Ifgreatcriminalstoldthetruth——
　　which，beinggreatcriminals，theydonot——theywouldveryrarelytelloftheirstrugglesagainstthecrime。Theirstrugglesaretowardsit。Theybuffetwithopposingwaves，togainthebloodyshore，nottorecedefromit。Thismanperfectlycomprehendedthathehatedhisrivalwithhisstrongestandworstforces，andthatifhetrackedhimtoLizzieHexam，hissodoingwouldneverservehimselfwithher，orserveher。Allhispainsweretaken，totheendthathemightincensehimselfwiththesightofthedetestedfigureinhercompanyandfavour，inherplaceofconcealment。Andheknewaswellwhatactofhiswouldfollowifhedid，asheknewthathismotherhadbornehim。Granted，thathemaynothavehelditnecessarytomakeexpressmentiontohimselfoftheonefamiliartruthanymorethanoftheother。
　　Heknewequallywellthathefedhiswrathandhatred，andthatheaccumulatedprovocationandself-justification，bybeingmadethenightlysportoftherecklessandinsolentEugene。Knowingallthis，——andstillalwaysgoingonwithinfiniteendurance，pains，andperseverance，couldhisdarksouldoubtwhitherhewent?
　　Baffled，exasperated，andweary，helingeredoppositetheTemplegatewhenitclosedonWrayburnandLightwood，debatingwithhimselfshouldhegohomeforthattimeorshouldhewatchlonger。
　　PossessedinhisjealousybythefixedideathatWrayburnwasinthesecret，ifitwerenotaltogetherofhiscontriving，Bradleywasasconfidentofgettingthebetterofhimatlastbysullenlystickingtohim，ashewouldhavebeen——andoftenhadbeen——ofmasteringanypieceofstudyinthewayofhisvocation，bythelikeslowpersistentprocess。Amanofrapidpassionsandsluggishintelligence，ithadservedhimoftenandshouldservehimagain。
　　ThesuspicioncrossedhimasherestedinadoorwaywithhiseyesupontheTemplegate，thatperhapsshewasevenconcealedinthatsetofChambers。ItwouldfurnishanotherreasonforWrayburn'spurposelesswalks，anditmightbe。Hethoughtofitandthoughtofit，untilheresolvedtostealupthestairs，ifthegatekeeperwouldlethimthrough，andlisten。So，thehaggardheadsuspendedintheairflittedacrosstheroad，likethespectreofoneofthemanyheadsersthoisteduponneighbouringTempleBar，andstoppedbeforethewatchman。
　　Thewatchmanlookedatit，andasked:'Whofor?'
　　'MrWrayburn。'
　　'It'sverylate。'
　　'HecamebackwithMrLightwood，Iknow，nearupontwohoursago。Butifhehasgonetobed，I'llputapaperinhisletter-box。I
　　amexpected。'
　　Thewatchmansaidnomore，butopenedthegate，thoughratherdoubtfully。Seeing，however，thatthevisitorwentstraightandfastintherightdirection，heseemedsatisfied。
　　Thehaggardheadfloatedupthedarkstaircase，andsoftlydescendednearertotheflooroutsidetheouterdoorofthechambers。Thedoorsoftheroomswithin，appearedtobestandingopen。Therewereraysofcandlelightfromoneofthem，andtherewasthesoundofafootstepgoingabout。Thereweretwovoices。
　　Thewordstheyutteredwerenotdistinguishable，buttheywereboththevoicesofmen。Inafewmomentsthevoicesweresilent，andtherewasnosoundoffootstep，andtheinnerlightwentout。IfLightwoodcouldhaveseenthefacewhichkepthimawake，staringandlisteninginthedarknessoutsidethedoorashespokeofit，hemighthavebeenlessdisposedtosleep，throughtheremainderofthenight。
　　'Notthere，'saidBradley；'butshemighthavebeen。'Theheadarosetoitsformerheightfromtheground，floateddownthestair-
　　caseagain，andpassedontothegate。Amanwasstandingthere，inparleywiththewatchman。
　　'Oh！'saidthewatchman。'Hereheis！'
　　Perceivinghimselftobetheantecedent，Bradleylookedfromthewatchmantotheman。
　　'ThismanisleavingaletterforMrLightwood，'thewatchmanexplained，showingitinhishand；'andIwasmentioningthatapersonhadjustgoneuptoMrLightwood'schambers。Itmightbethesamebusinessperhaps?'
　　'No，'saidBradley，glancingattheman，whowasastrangertohim。
　　'No，'themanassentedinasurlyway；'myletter——it'swrotebymydaughter，butit'smine——isaboutmybusiness，andmybusinessain'tnobodyelse'sbusiness。'
　　AsBradleypassedoutatthegatewithanundecidedfoot，hehearditshutbehindhim，andheardthefootstepofthemancomingafterhim。
　　''Scuseme，'saidtheman，whoappearedtohavebeendrinkingandratherstumbledathimthantouchedhim，toattracthisattention:
　　'butmightyoubeacquaintedwiththeT'otherGovernor?'
　　'Withwhom?'askedBradley。
　　'With，'returnedtheman，pointingbackwardoverhisrightshoulderwithhisrightthumb，'theT'otherGovernor?'
　　'Idon'tknowwhatyoumean。'
　　'Whylookhere，'hookinghispropositiononhisleft-handfingerswiththeforefingerofhisright。'There'stwoGovernors，ain'tthere?
　　Oneandone，two——LawyerLightwood，myfirstfinger，he'sone，ain'the?Well；mightyoubeacquaintedwithmymiddlefinger，theT'other?'
　　'Iknowquiteasmuchofhim，'saidBradley，withafrownandadistantlookbeforehim，'asIwanttoknow。'
　　'Hooroar！'criedtheman。'HooroarT'othert'otherGovernor。
　　HooroarT'otherestGovernor！Iamofyourwayofthinkin'。'
　　'Don'tmakesuchanoiseatthisdeadhourofthenight。Whatareyoutalkingabout?'
　　'Lookhere，T'otherestGovernor，'repliedtheman，becominghoarselyconfidential。'TheT'otherGovernorhe'salwaysjokedhisjokesaginme，owing，asIbelieve，tomybeingahonestmanasgetsmylivingbythesweatofmybrow。Whichheain't，andhedon't。'
　　'Whatisthattome?'
　　'T'otherestGovernor，'returnedthemaninatoneofinjuredinnocence，'ifyoudon'tcaretohearnomore，don'thearnomore。
　　Youbegunit。Yousaid，andlikewaysshowedprettyplain，asyouwarn'tbynomeansfriendlytohim。ButIdon'tseektoforcemycompanynoryetmyopinionsonnoman。Iamahonestman，that'swhatIam。Putmeinthedockanywhere——Idon'tcarewhere——andIsays，“MyLord，Iamahonestman。”Putmeinthewitness-
　　boxanywhere——Idon'tcarewhere——andIsaysthesametohislordship，andIkissesthebook。Idon'tkissmycoat-cuff；Ikissesthebook。'
　　Itwasnotsomuchindeferencetothesestrongtestimonialstocharacter，asinhisrestlesscastingaboutforanywayorhelptowardsthediscoveryonwhichhewasconcentrated，thatBradleyHeadstonereplied:'Youneedn'ttakeoffence。Ididn'tmeantostopyou。Youweretoo——loudintheopenstreet；thatwasall。'
　　''TotherestGovernor，'repliedMrRiderhood，mollifiedandmysterious，'Iknowwotitistobeloud，andIknowwotitistobesoft。Nat'rallyIdo。ItwouldbeawonderifIdidnot，beingbytheChris'ennameofRoger，whichtookitartermyownfather，whichtookitfromhisownfather，thoughwhichofourfam'lyfusttookitnat'ralIwillnotinanywaysmisleadyoubyundertakin'tosay。
　　Andwishingthatyourelthmaybebetterthanyourlooks，whichyourinsidemustbebadindeedifit'sonthefootingofyourout。'
　　Startledbytheimplicationthathisfacerevealedtoomuchofhismind，Bradleymadeanefforttoclearhisbrow。Itmightbeworthknowingwhatthisstrangeman'sbusinesswaswithLightwood，orWrayburn，orboth，atsuchanunseasonablehour。Hesethimselftofindout，forthemanmightprovetobeamessengerbetweenthosetwo。
　　'YoucallattheTemplelate，'heremarked，withalumberingshowofease。
　　'WishImaydie，'criedMrRiderhood，withahoarselaugh，'ifI
　　warn'tagoin'tosaytheself-samewordstoyou，T'otherestGovernor！'
　　'Itchancedsowithme，'saidBradley，lookingdisconcertedlyabouthim。
　　'Anditchancedsowithme，'saidRiderhood。'ButIdon'tmindtellingyouhow。WhyshouldImindtellingyou?I'maDeputyLock-keeperuptheriver，andIwasoffdutyyes'day，andIshallbeonto-morrow。'
　　'Yes?'
　　'Yes，andIcometoLondontolookartermyprivateaffairs。MyprivateaffairsistogetappintedtotheLockasreg'larkeeperatfusthand，andtohavethelawofabustedB'low-Bridgesteamerwhichdrowndedofme。Iain'tagoin'tobedrowndedandnotpaidforit！'
　　Bradleylookedathim，asthoughhewereclaimingtobeaGhost。
　　'Thesteamer，'saidMrRiderhood，obstinately，'runmedownanddrowndedofme。Interferenceonthepartofotherpartiesbroughtmeround；butIneverasked'emtobringmeround，noryetthesteamerneverasked'emtoit。Imeantobepaidforthelifeasthesteamertook。'
　　'WasthatyourbusinessatMrLightwood'schambersinthemiddleofthenight?'askedBradley，eyeinghimwithdistrust。
　　'Thatandtogetawritingtobefust-handLockKeeper。A
　　recommendationinwritingbeinglookedfor，whoelseoughttogiveittome?AsIsaysintheletterinmydaughter'shand，withmymarkputtoittomakeitgoodinlaw，Whobutyou，LawyerLightwood，oughttohandoverthisherestifficate，andwhobutyououghttogoinfordamagesonmyaccountagintheSteamer?ForasIsaysundermymarkIhavehadtroubleenoughalongofyouandyourfriend。Ifyou，LawyerLightwood，hadbackedmegoodandtrue，andiftheT'otherGovernorhadtookmedowncorrectI
　　saysundermymark，Ishouldhavebeenworthmoneyatthepresenttime，insteadofhavingabarge-loadofbadnameschuckedatme，andbeingforcedtoeatmywords，whichisaunsatisfyingsortoffoodwoteveraman'sappetite！Andwhenyoumentionthemiddleofthenight，T'otherestGovernor，'growledMrRiderhood，windinguphismonotonoussummaryofhiswrongs，'throwyoureyeonthisherebundleundermyarm，andbearinmindthatI'mawalkingbacktomyLock，andthattheTemplelaiduponmylineofroad。'
　　BradleyHeadstone'sfacehadchangedduringthislatterrecital，andhehadobservedthespeakerwithamoresustainedattention。
　　'Doyouknow，'saidhe，afterapause，duringwhichtheywalkedonsidebyside，'thatIbelieveIcouldtellyouyourname，ifItried?'
　　'Proveyouropinion，'wastheanswer，accompaniedwithastopandastare。'Try。'
　　'YournameisRiderhood。'
　　'I'mblestifitain't，'returnedthatgentleman。'ButIdon'tknowyour'n。'
　　'That'squiteanotherthing，'saidBradley。'Ineversupposedyoudid。'
　　AsBradleywalkedonmeditating，theRoguewalkedonathissidemuttering。Thepurportofthemutteringwas:'thatRogueRiderhood，byGeorge！seemedtobemadepublicpropertyon，now，andthateverymanseemedtothinkhimselffreetohandlehisnameasifitwasaStreetPump。'Thepurportofthemeditatingwas:'Hereisaninstrument。CanIuseit?'
　　TheyhadwalkedalongtheStrand，andintoPallMall，andhadturnedup-hilltowardsHydeParkCorner；BradleyHeadstonewaitingonthepaceandleadofRiderhood，andleavinghimtoindicatethecourse。Soslowweretheschoolmaster'sthoughts，andsoindistincthispurposeswhentheywerebuttributarytotheoneabsorbingpurposeorratherwhen，likedarktreesunderastormysky，theyonlylinedthelongvistaattheendofwhichhesawthosetwofiguresofWrayburnandLizzieonwhichhiseyeswerefixed——
　　thatatleastagoodhalf-milewastraversedbeforehespokeagain。
　　Eventhen，itwasonlytoask:
　　'WhereisyourLock?'
　　'Twentymileandodd——callitfive-and-twentymileandodd，ifyoulike——upstream，'wasthesullenreply。
　　'Howisitcalled?'
　　'PlashwaterWeirMillLock。'
　　'SupposeIwastoofferyoufiveshillings；whatthen?'
　　'Why，then，I'dtakeit，'saidMrRiderhood。
　　Theschoolmasterputhishandinhispocket，andproducedtwohalf-crowns，andplacedtheminMrRiderhood'spalm:whostoppedataconvenientdoorsteptoringthemboth，beforeacknowledgingtheirreceipt。
　　'There'sonethingaboutyou，T'otherestGovernor，'saidRiderhood，faringonagain，'aslookswellandgoesfur。You'reareadymoneyman。Now；'whenhehadcarefullypocketedthecoinsonthatsideofhimselfwhichwasfurthestfromhisnewfriend；'what'sthisfor?'
　　'Foryou。'
　　'Why，o'courseIknowTHAT，'saidRiderhood，asarguingsomethingthatwasself-evident。'O'courseIknowverywellasnomaninhisrightsenseswouldsupposeasanythinkwouldmakemegiveitupaginwhenI'doncegotit。Butwhatdoyouwantforit?'
　　'Idon'tknowthatIwantanythingforit。OrifIdowantanythingforit，Idon'tknowwhatitis。'Bradleygavethisanswerinastolid，vacant，andself-communingmanner，whichMrRiderhoodfoundveryextraordinary。
　　'YouhavenogoodwilltowardsthisWrayburn，'saidBradley，comingtothenameinareluctantandforcedway，asifheweredraggedtoit。
　　'No。'
　　'NeitherhaveI。'
　　Riderhoodnodded，andasked:'Isitforthat?'
　　'It'sasmuchforthatasanythingelse。It'ssomethingtobeagreedwith，onasubjectthatoccupiessomuchofone'sthoughts。'
　　'Itdon'tagreewithYOU，'returnedMrRiderhood，bluntly。'No！Itdon't，T'otherestGovernor，andit'snousealookin'asifyouwantedtomakeoutthatitdid。Itellyouitranklesinyou。Itranklesinyou，rustsinyou，andpisonsyou。'
　　'Saythatitdoesso，'returnedBradleywithquiveringlips；'istherenocauseforit?'
　　'Causeenough，I'llbetapound！'criedMrRiderhood。
　　'Haven'tyouyourselfdeclaredthatthefellowhasheapedprovocations，insults，andaffrontsonyou，orsomethingtothateffect?Hehasdonethesamebyme。Heismadeofvenomousinsultsandaffronts，fromthecrownofhisheadtothesoleofhisfoot。Areyousohopefulorsostupid，asnottoknowthatheandtheotherwilltreatyourapplicationwithcontempt，andlighttheircigarswithit?'
　　'Ishouldn'twonderiftheydid，byGeorge！'saidRiderhood，turningangry。
　　'Iftheydid！Theywill。Letmeaskyouaquestion。Iknowsomethingmorethanyournameaboutyou；IknewsomethingaboutGafferHexam。Whendidyoulastseteyesuponhisdaughter?'
　　'WhendidIlastseteyesuponhisdaughter，T'otherestGovernor?'
　　repeatedMrRiderhood，growingintentionallyslowerofcomprehensionastheotherquickenedinhisspeech。
　　'Yes。Nottospeaktoher。Toseeher——anywhere?'
　　TheRoguehadgotthecluehewanted，thoughhehelditwithaclumsyhand。Lookingperplexedlyatthepassionateface，asifheweretryingtoworkoutasuminhismind，heslowlyanswered:
　　'Iain'tseteyesuponher——neveronce——notsincethedayofGaffer'sdeath。'
　　'Youknowherwell，bysight?'
　　'IshouldthinkIdid！Noonebetter。'
　　'Andyouknowhimaswell?'
　　'Who'shim?'askedRiderhood，takingoffhishatandrubbinghisforehead，ashedirectedadulllookathisquestioner。
　　'Cursethename！Isitsoagreeabletoyouthatyouwanttohearitagain?'
　　'Oh！HIM！'saidRiderhood，whohadcraftilyworkedtheschoolmasterintothiscorner，thathemightagaintakenoteofhisfaceunderitsevilpossession。'I'dknowHIMamongathousand。'
　　'Didyou——'Bradleytriedtoaskitquietly；but，dowhathemightwithhisvoice，hecouldnotsubduehisface；——'didyoueverseethemtogether?'
　　TheRoguehadgottheclueinbothhandsnow。
　　'Isee'emtogether，T'otherestGovernor，ontheverydaywhenGafferwastowedashore。'
　　Bradleycouldhavehiddenareservedpieceofinformationfromthesharpeyesofawholeinquisitiveclass，buthecouldnotveilfromtheeyesoftheignorantRiderhoodthewithheldquestionnextinhisbreast。'Youshallputitplainifyouwantitanswered，'thoughttheRogue，doggedly；'Iain'ta-goingawolunteering。'
　　'Well！washeinsolenttohertoo?'askedBradleyafterastruggle。
　　'Ordidhemakeashowofbeingkindtoher?'
　　'Hemadeashowofbeingmostuncommonkindtoher，'saidRiderhood。'ByGeorge！nowI——'
　　Hisflyingoffatatangentwasindisputablynatural。Bradleylookedathimforthereason。
　　'NowIthinkofit，'saidMrRiderhood，evasively，forhewassubstitutingthosewordsfor'NowIseeyousojealous，'whichwasthephrasereallyinhismind；'P'r'apshewentandtookmedownwrong，apurpose，onaccounto'beingsweetuponher！'
　　Thebasenessofconfirminghiminthissuspicionorpretenceofoneforhecouldnothavereallyentertainedit，wasaline'sbreadthbeyondthemarktheschoolmasterhadreached。Thebasenessofcommuningandintriguingwiththefellowwhowouldhavesetthatstainuponher，anduponherbrothertoo，wasattained。Theline'sbreadthfurther，laybeyond。Hemadenoreply，butwalkedonwithaloweringface。
　　Whathemightgainbythisacquaintance，hecouldnotworkoutinhisslowandcumbrousthoughts。Themanhadaninjuryagainsttheobjectofhishatred，andthatwassomething；thoughitwaslessthanhesupposed，fortheredweltinthemannosuchdeadlyrageandresentmentasburnedinhisownbreast。Themanknewher，andmightbyafortunatechanceseeher，orhearofher；thatwassomething，asenlistingonepairofeyesandearsthemore。Themanwasabadman，andwillingenoughtobeinhispay。Thatwassomething，forhisownstateandpurposewereasbadasbadcouldbe，andheseemedtoderiveavaguesupportfromthepossessionofacongenialinstrument，thoughitmightneverbeused。
　　Suddenlyhestoodstill，andaskedRiderhoodpoint-blankifheknewwhereshewas?Clearly，hedidnotknow。HeaskedRiderhoodifhewouldbewilling，incaseanyintelligenceofher，orofWrayburnasseekingherorassociatingwithher，shouldfallinhisway，tocommunicateitifitwerepaidfor?Hewouldbeverywillingindeed。Hewas'agin'emboth，'hesaidwithanoath，andforwhy?'Causetheyhadbothstoodbetwixthimandhisgettinghislivingbythesweatofhisbrow。
　　'Itwillnotbelongthen，'saidBradleyHeadstone，aftersomemorediscoursetothiseffect，'beforeweseeoneanotheragain。Hereisthecountryroad，andhereistheday。Bothhavecomeuponmebysurprise。'
　　'But，T'otherestGovernor，'urgedMrRiderhood，'Idon'tknowwheretofindyou。'
　　'Itisofnoconsequence。Iknowwheretofindyou，andI'llcometoyourLock。'
　　'But，T'otherestGovernor，'urgedMrRiderhoodagain，'nolucknevercomeyetofadryacquaintance。Let'swetit，inamouth-fillofrumandmilk，T'otherestGovernon'
　　Bradleyassenting，wentwithhimintoanearlypublic-house，hauntedbyunsavourysmellsofmustyhayandstalestraw，wherereturningcarts，farmers'men，gauntdogs，fowlsofabeerybreed，andcertainhumannightbirdsflutteringhometoroost，weresolacingthemselvesaftertheirseveralmanners；andwherenotoneofthenightbirdshoveringaboutthesloppybarfailedtodiscernataglanceinthepassion-wastednightbirdwithrespectablefeathers，theworstnightbirdofall。
　　Aninspirationofaffectionforahalf-drunkencartergoinghiswayledtoMrRiderhood'sbeingelevatedonahighheapofbasketsonawaggon，andpursuinghisjourneyrecumbentonhisbackwithhisheadonhisbundle。Bradleythenturnedtoretracehissteps，andby-and-bystruckoffthroughlittle-traversedways，andby-and-
　　byreachedschoolandhome。Upcamethesuntofindhimwashedandbrushed，methodicallydressedindecentblackcoatandwaistcoat，decentformalblacktie，andpepper-and-saltpantaloons，withhisdecentsilverwatchinitspocket，anditsdecenthair-guardroundhisneck:ascholastichuntsmancladforthefield，withhisfreshpackyelpingandbarkingaroundhim。
　　Yetmorereallybewitchedthanthemiserablecreaturesofthemuch-lamentedtimes，whoaccusedthemselvesofimpossibilitiesunderacontagionofhorrorandthestronglysuggestiveinfluencesofTorture，hehadbeenriddenhardbyEvilSpiritsinthenightthatwasnewlygone。Hehadbeenspurredandwhippedandheavilysweated。IfarecordofthesporthadusurpedtheplacesofthepeacefultextsfromScriptureonthewall，themostadvancedofthescholarsmighthavetakenfrightandrunawayfromthemaster。
　　Chapter12
　　MEANINGMISCHIEF
　　Upcamethesun，steamingalloverLondon，andinitsgloriousimpartialityevencondescendingtomakeprismaticsparklesinthewhiskersofMrAlfredLammleashesatatbreakfast。Inneedofsomebrighteningfromwithout，wasMrAlfredLammle，forhehadtheairofbeingdullenoughwithin，andlookedgrievouslydiscontented。
　　MrsAlfredLammlefacedherlord。Thehappypairofswindlers，withthecomfortabletiebetweenthemthateachhadswindledtheother，satmoodilyobservantofthetablecloth。Thingslookedsogloomyinthebreakfast-room，albeitonthesunnysideofSackvilleStreet，thatanyofthefamilytradespeopleglancingthroughtheblindsmighthavetakenthehinttosendinhisaccountandpressforit。Butthis，indeed，mostofthefamilytradespeoplehadalreadydone，withoutthehint。
　　'Itseemstome，'saidMrsLammle，'thatyouhavehadnomoneyatall，eversincewehavebeenmarried。'
　　'Whatseemstoyou，'saidMrLammle，'tohavebeenthecase，maypossiblyhavebeenthecase。Itdoesn'tmatter。'
　　WasitthespecialityofMrandMrsLammle，ordoesiteverobtainwithotherlovingcouples?Inthesematrimonialdialoguestheyneveraddressedeachother，butalwayssomeinvisiblepresencethatappearedtotakeastationaboutmidwaybetweenthem。
　　Perhapstheskeletoninthecupboardcomesouttobetalkedto，onsuchdomesticoccasions?
　　'Ihaveneverseenanymoneyinthehouse，'saidMrsLammletotheskeleton，'exceptmyownannuity。ThatIswear。'
　　'Youneedn'ttakethetroubleofswearing，'saidMrLammletotheskeleton；'oncemore，itdoesn'tmatter。Youneverturnedyourannuitytosogoodanaccount。'
　　'Goodanaccount！Inwhatway?'askedMrsLammle。
　　'Inthewayofgettingcredit，andlivingwell，'saidMrLammle。
　　Perhapstheskeletonlaughedscornfullyonbeingintrustedwiththisquestionandthisanswer；certainlyMrsLammledid，andMrLammledid。
　　'Andwhatistohappennext?'askedMrsLammleoftheskeleton。
　　'Smashistohappennext，'saidMrLammletothesameauthority。
　　Afterthis，MrsLammlelookeddisdainfullyattheskeleton——butwithoutcarryingthelookontoMrLammle——anddroopedhereyes。
　　Afterthat，MrLammledidexactlythesamething，anddroopedHISeyes。Aservantthenenteringwithtoast，theskeletonretiredintothecloset，andshutitselfup。
　　'Sophronia，'saidMrLammle，whentheservanthadwithdrawn。
　　Andthen，verymuchlouder:'Sophronia！'
　　'Well?'
　　'Attendtome，ifyouplease。'Heeyedhersternlyuntilshedidattend，andthenwenton。'Iwanttotakecounselwithyou。Come，come；nomoretrifling。Youknowourleagueandcovenant。Wearetoworktogetherforourjointinterest，andyouareasknowingahandasIam。Weshouldn'tbetogether，ifyouwerenot。What'stobedone?Wearehemmedintoacorner。Whatshallwedo?'
　　'Haveyounoschemeonfootthatwillbringinanything?'
　　MrLammleplungedintohiswhiskersforreflection，andcameouthopeless:'No；asadventurersweareobligedtoplayrashgamesforchancesofhighwinnings，andtherehasbeenarunofluckagainstus。'
　　Shewasresuming，'Haveyounothing——'whenhestoppedher。
　　'We，Sophronia。We，we，we。'
　　'Havewenothingtosell?'
　　'Deuceabit。IhavegivenaJewabillofsaleonthisfurniture，andhecouldtakeitto-morrow，to-day，now。Hewouldhavetakenitbeforenow，Ibelieve，butforFledgeby。'
　　'WhathasFledgebytodowithhim?'
　　'Knewhim。CautionedmeagainsthimbeforeIgotintohisclaws。
　　Couldn'tpersuadehimthen，inbehalfofsomebodyelse。'
　　'DoyoumeanthatFledgebyhasatallsoftenedhimtowardsyou?'
　　'Us，Sophronia。Us，us，us。'
　　'Towardsus?'
　　'ImeanthattheJewhasnotyetdonewhathemighthavedone，andthatFledgebytakesthecreditofhavinggothimtoholdhishand。'
　　'DoyoubelieveFledgeby?'
　　'Sophronia，Ineverbelieveanybody。Ineverhave，mydear，sinceI
　　believedyou。Butitlookslikeit。'
　　Havinggivenherthisback-handedreminderofhermutinousobservationstotheskeleton，MrLammlerosefromtable——perhaps，thebettertoconcealasmile，andawhitedintortwoabouthisnose——andtookaturnonthecarpetandcametothehearthrug。
　　'IfwecouldhavepackedthebruteoffwithGeorgiana；——buthowever；that'sspilledmilk。'
　　AsLammle，standinggatheringuptheskirtsofhisdressing-gownwithhisbacktothefire，saidthis，lookingdownathiswife，sheturnedpaleandlookeddownattheground。Withasenseofdisloyaltyuponher，andperhapswithasenseofpersonaldanger——
　　forshewasafraidofhim——evenafraidofhishandandafraidofhisfoot，thoughhehadneverdoneherviolence——shehastenedtoputherselfrightinhiseyes。
　　'Ifwecouldborrowmoney，Alfred——'
　　'Begmoney，borrowmoney，orstealmoney。Itwouldbeallonetous，Sophronia，'herhusbandstruckin。
　　'——Then，wecouldweatherthis?'
　　'Nodoubt。Toofferanotheroriginalandundeniableremark，Sophronia，twoandtwomakefour。'
　　But，seeingthatshewasturningsomethinginhermind，hegathereduptheskirtsofhisdressing-gownagain，and，tuckingthemunderonearm，andcollectinghisamplewhiskersinhisotherhand，kepthiseyeuponher，silently。
　　'Itisnatural，Alfred，'shesaid，lookingupwithsometimidityintohisface，'tothinkinsuchanemergencyoftherichestpeopleweknow，andthesimplest。'
　　'Justso，Sophronia。'
　　'TheBoffins。'
　　'Justso，Sophronia。'
　　'Istherenothingtobedonewiththem?'
　　'Whatistheretobedonewiththem，Sophronia?'
　　Shecastaboutinherthoughtsagain，andhekepthiseyeuponherasbefore。
　　'OfcourseIhaverepeatedlythoughtoftheBoffins，Sophronia，'heresumed，afterafruitlesssilence；'butIhaveseenmywaytonothing。Theyarewellguarded。ThatinfernalSecretarystandsbetweenthemand——peopleofmerit。'
　　'Ifhecouldbegotridof?'saidshe，brighteningalittle，aftermorecastingabout。
　　'Taketime，Sophronia，'observedherwatchfulhusband，inapatronizingmanner。
　　'IfworkinghimoutofthewaycouldbepresentedinthelightofaservicetoMrBoffin?'
　　'Taketime，Sophronia。'
　　'Wehaveremarkedlately，Alfred，thattheoldmanisturningverysuspiciousanddistrustful。'
　　'Miserlytoo，mydear；whichisfarthemostunpromisingforus。
　　Nevertheless，taketime，Sophronia，taketime。'
　　Shetooktimeandthensaid:
　　'Supposeweshouldaddressourselvestothattendencyinhimofwhichwehavemadeourselvesquitesure。Supposemyconscience——'
　　'Andweknowwhataconscienceitis，mysoul。Yes?'
　　'SupposemyconscienceshouldnotallowmetokeeptomyselfanylongerwhatthatupstartgirltoldmeoftheSecretary'shavingmadeadeclarationtoher。SupposemyconscienceshouldobligemetorepeatittoMrBoffin。'
　　'Iratherlikethat，'saidLammle。
　　'SupposeIsorepeatedittoMrBoffin，astoinsinuatethatmysensitivedelicacyandhonour——'
　　'Verygoodwords，Sophronia。'
　　'——AstoinsinuatethatOURsensitivedelicacyandhonour，'sheresumed，withabitterstressuponthephrase，'wouldnotallowustobesilentpartiestosomercenaryanddesigningaspeculationontheSecretary'spart，andsogrossabreachoffaithtowardshisconfidingemployer。SupposeIhadimpartedmyvirtuousuneasinesstomyexcellenthusband，andhehadsaid，inhisintegrity，“Sophronia，youmustimmediatelydisclosethistoMrBoffin。”'
　　'Oncemore，Sophronia，'observedLammle，changingthelegonwhichhestood，'Iratherlikethat。'
　　'Youremarkthatheiswellguarded，'shepursued。'Ithinksotoo。
　　ButifthisshouldleadtohisdischarginghisSecretary，therewouldbeaweakplacemade。'
　　'Goonexpounding，Sophronia。Ibegintolikethisverymuch。'
　　'Having，inourunimpeachablerectitude，donehimtheserviceofopeninghiseyestothetreacheryofthepersonhetrusted，weshallhaveestablishedaclaimuponhimandaconfidencewithhim。
　　Whetheritcanbemademuchof，orlittleof，wemustwait——
　　becausewecan'thelpit——tosee。Probablyweshallmakethemostofitthatistobemade。'
　　'Probably，'saidLammIe。
　　'Doyouthinkitimpossible，'sheasked，inthesamecoldplottingway，'thatyoumightreplacetheSecretary?'
　　'Notimpossible，Sophronia。Itmightbebroughtabout。Atanyrateitmightbeskilfullyledupto。'
　　Shenoddedherunderstandingofthehint，asshelookedatthefire。
　　'MrLammle，'shesaid，musingly:notwithoutaslightironicaltouch:'MrLammlewouldbesodelightedtodoanythinginhispower。MrLammle，himselfamanofbusinessaswellasacapitalist。MrLammle，accustomedtobeintrustedwiththemostdelicateaffairs。MrLammle，whohasmanagedmyownlittlefortunesoadmirably，butwho，tobesure，begantomakehisreputationwiththeadvantageofbeingamanofproperty，abovetemptation，andbeyondsuspicion。'
　　MrLammlesmiled，andevenpattedheronthehead。Inhissinisterrelishofthescheme，ashestoodaboveher，makingitthesubjectofhiscogitations，heseemedtohavetwiceasmuchnoseonhisfaceashehadeverhadinhislife。
　　Hestoodpondering，andshesatlookingatthedustyfirewithoutmoving，forsometime。But，themomenthebegantospeakagainshelookedupwithawinceandattendedtohim，asifthatdouble-
　　dealingofhershadbeeninhermind，andthefearwererevivedinherofhishandorhisfoot。
　　'Itappearstome，Sophronia，thatyouhaveomittedonebranchofthesubject。Perhapsnot，forwomenunderstandwomen。Wemightoustthegirlherself?'
　　MrsLammleshookherhead。'Shehasanimmenselystrongholduponthemboth，Alfred。Nottobecomparedwiththatofapaidsecretary。
　　'Butthedearchild，'saidLammle，withacrookedsmile，'oughttohavebeenopenwithherbenefactorandbenefactress。Thedarlingloveoughttohavereposedunboundedconfidenceinherbenefactorandbenefactress。'
　　Sophroniashookherheadagain。
　　'Well！Womenunderstandwomen，'saidherhusband，ratherdisappointed。'Idon'tpressit。Itmightbethemakingofourfortunetomakeacleansweepofthemboth。Withmetomanagetheproperty，andmywifetomanagethepeople——Whew！'
　　Againshakingherhead，shereturned:'Theywillneverquarrelwiththegirl。Theywillneverpunishthegirl。Wemustacceptthegirl，relyuponit。'
　　'Well！'criedLammle，shrugginghisshoulders，'sobeit:onlyalwaysrememberthatwedon'twanther。'
　　'Now，thesoleremainingquestionis，'saidMrsLammle，'whenshallIbegin?'
　　'Youcannotbegintoosoon，Sophronia。AsIhavetoldyou，theconditionofouraffairsisdesperate，andmaybeblownuponatanymoment。'
　　'ImustsecureMrBoffinalone，Alfred。Ifhiswifewaspresent，shewouldthrowoiluponthewaters。IknowIshouldfailtomovehimtoanangryoutburst，ifhiswifewasthere。Andastothegirlherself——asIamgoingtobetrayherconfidence，sheisequallyoutofthequestion。'
　　'Itwouldn'tdotowriteforanappointment?'saidLammle。
　　'No，certainlynot。TheywouldwonderamongthemselveswhyI
　　wrote，andIwanttohavehimwhollyunprepared。'
　　'Call，andasktoseehimalone?'suggestedLammle。
　　'Iwouldrathernotdothateither。Leaveittome。Sparemethelittlecarriageforto-day，andforto-morrowifIdon'tsucceedto-
　　day，andI'lllieinwaitforhim。'
　　Itwasbarelysettledwhenamanlyformwasseentopassthewindowsandheardtoknockandring。'Here'sFledgeby，'saidLammle。'Headmiresyou，andhasahighopinionofyou。I'llbeout。CoaxhimtousehisinfluencewiththeJew。HisnameisRiah，oftheHouseofPubseyandCo。'Addingthesewordsunderhisbreath，lestheshouldbeaudibleintheerectearsofMrFledgeby，throughtwokeyholesandthehall，Lammle，makingsignalsofdiscretiontohisservant，wentsoftlyupstairs。
　　'MrFledgeby，'saidMrsLammle，givinghimaverygraciousreception，'sogladtoseeyou！MypoordearAlfred，whoisgreatlyworriedjustnowabouthisaffairs，wentoutratherearly。DearMrFledgeby，dositdown。'
　　DearMrFledgebydidsitdown，andsatisfiedhimselfor，judgingfromtheexpressionofhiscountenance，DISsatisfiedhimselfthatnothingnewhadoccurredinthewayofwhisker-sproutsincehecameroundthecornerfromtheAlbany。
　　'DearMrFledgeby，itwasneedlesstomentiontoyouthatmypoordearAlfredismuchworriedabouthisaffairsatpresent，forhehastoldmewhatacomfortyouaretohiminhistemporarydifficulties，andwhatagreatserviceyouhaverenderedhim。'
　　'Oh！'saidMrFledgeby。
　　'Yes，'saidMrsLammle。
　　'Ididn'tknow，'remarkedMrFledgeby，tryinganewpartofhischair，'butthatLammlemightbereservedabouthisaffairs。'
　　'Nottome，'saidMrsLammle，withdeepfeeling。
　　'Oh，indeed?'saidFledgeby。
　　'Nottome，dearMrFledgeby。Iamhiswife。'
　　'Yes。I——Ialwaysunderstoodso，'saidMrFledgeby。
　　'AndasthewifeofAlfred，mayI，dearMrFledgeby，whollywithouthisauthorityorknowledge，asIamsureyourdiscernmentwillperceive，entreatyoutocontinuethatgreatservice，andoncemoreuseyourwell-earnedinfluencewithMrRiahforalittlemoreindulgence?ThenameIhaveheardAlfredmention，tossinginhisdreams，ISRiah；isitnot?'
　　'ThenameoftheCreditorisRiah，'saidMrFledgehy，witharatheruncompromisingaccentonhisnoun-substantive。'SaintMaryAxe。
　　PubseyandCo。'
　　'Ohyes！'exclaimedMrsLammle，claspingherhandswithacertaingushingwildness。'PubseyandCo。！'
　　'Thepleadingofthefeminine——'MrFledgebybegan，andtherestucksolongforawordtogetonwith，thatMrsLammleofferedhimsweetly，'Heart?'
　　'No，'saidMrFledgeby，'Gender——iseverwhatamanisboundtolistento，andIwishitrestedwithmyself。ButthisRiahisanastyone，MrsLammle；hereallyis。'
　　'NotifYOUspeaktohim，dearMrFledgeby。'
　　'Uponmysoulandbodyheis！'saidFledgeby。
　　'Try。Tryoncemore，dearestMrFledgeby。Whatisthereyoucannotdo，ifyouwill！'
　　'Thankyou，'saidFledgeby，'you'reverycomplimentarytosayso。
　　Idon'tmindtryinghimagain，atyourrequest。ButofcourseI
　　can'tanswerfortheconsequences。Riahisatoughsubject，andwhenhesayshe'lldoathing，he'lldoit。'
　　'Exactlyso，'criedMrsLammle，'andwhenhesaystoyouhe'llwait，he'llwait。'
　　'Sheisadevilishcleverwoman，'thoughtFledgeby。'Ididn'tseethatopening，butshespiesitoutandcutsintoitassoonasit'smade。'
　　'Inpointoffact，dearMrFledgeby，'MrsLammlewentoninaveryinterestingmanner，'nottoaffectconcealmentofAlfred'shopes，toyouwhoaresomuchhisfriend，thereisadistantbreakinhishorizon。'
　　ThisfigureofspeechseemedrathermysterioustoFascinationFledgeby，whosaid，'There'sawhatinhis——eh?'
　　'Alfred，dearMrFledgeby，discussedwithmethisverymorningbeforehewentout，someprospectshehas，whichmightentirelychangetheaspectofhispresenttroubles。'
　　'Really?'saidFledgeby。
　　'Oyes！'HereMrsLammlebroughtherhandkerchiefintoplay。
　　'Andyouknow，dearMrFledgeby——youwhostudythehumanheart，andstudytheworld——whatanafflictionitwouldbetolosepositionandtolosecredit，whenabilitytotideoveraveryshorttimemightsaveallappearances。'
　　'Oh！'saidFledgeby。'Thenyouthink，MrsLammle，thatifLammlegottime，hewouldn'tburstup?——Touseanexpression，'MrFledgebyapologeticallyexplained，'whichisadoptedintheMoneyMarket。'
　　'Indeedyes。Truly，truly，yes！'
　　'Thatmakesallthedifference，'saidFledgeby。'I'llmakeapointofseeingRiahatonce。'
　　'Blessingsonyou，dearestMrFledgeby！'
　　'Notatall，'saidFledgeby。Shegavehimherhand。'Thehand，'
　　saidMrFledgeby，'ofalovelyandsuperior-mindedfemaleisevertherepaymentofa——'
　　'Nobleaction！'saidMrsLammle，extremelyanxioustogetridofhim。
　　'Itwasn'twhatIwasgoingtosay，'returnedFledgeby，whoneverwould，underanycircumstances，acceptasuggestedexpression，'butyou'reverycomplimentary。MayIimprinta——aone——uponit?
　　Goodmorning！'
　　'Imaydependuponyourpromptitude，dearestMrFledgeby?'
　　SaidFledgeby，lookingbackatthedoorandrespectfullykissinghishand，'Youmaydependuponit。'
　　Infact，MrFledgebyspedonhiserrandofmercythroughthestreets，atsobriskaratethathisfeetmighthavebeenwingedbyallthegoodspiritsthatwaitonGenerosity。Theymighthavetakenuptheirstationinhisbreast，too，forhewasblitheandmerry。
　　Therewasquiteafreshtrillinhisvoice，when，arrivingatthecounting-houseinStMaryAxe，andfindingitforthemomentempty，hetrolledforthatthefootofthestaircase:'Now，Judah，whatareyouuptothere?'
　　Theoldmanappeared，withhisaccustomeddeference。
　　'Halloa！'saidFledgeby，fallingback，withawink。'Youmeanmischief，Jerusalem！'
　　Theoldmanraisedhiseyesinquiringly。
　　'Yesyoudo，'saidFledgeby。'Oh，yousinner！Oh，youdodger！
　　What！You'regoingtoactuponthatbillofsaleatLammle's，areyou?Nothingwillturnyou，won'tit?Youwon'tbeputoffforanothersingleminute，won'tyou?'
　　Orderedtoimmediateactionbythemaster'stoneandlook，theoldmantookuphishatfromthelittlecounterwhereitlay。
　　'Youhavebeentoldthathemightpullthroughit，ifyoudidn'tgointowin，Wide-Awake；haveyou?'saidFledgeby。'Andit'snotyourgamethatheshouldpullthroughit；ain'tit?Youhavinggotsecurity，andtherebeingenoughtopayyou?Oh，youJew！'
　　Theoldmanstoodirresoluteanduncertainforamoment，asiftheremightbefurtherinstructionsforhiminreserve。
　　'DoIgo，sir?'heatlengthaskedinalowvoice。
　　'Asksmeifheisgoing！'exclaimedFledgeby。'Asksme，asifhedidn'tknowhisownpurpose！Asksme，asifhehadn'tgothishatonready！Asksme，asifhissharpoldeye——why，itcutslikeaknife——wasn'tlookingathiswalking-stickbythedoor！'
　　'DoIgo，sir?'
　　'Doyougo?'sneeredFledgeby。'Yes，youdogo。Toddle，Judah！'
　　Chapter13
　　GIVEADOGABADNAME，ANDHANGHIM
　　FascinationFledgeby，leftaloneinthecounting-house，strolledaboutwithhishatononeside，whistling，andinvestigatingthedrawers，andpryinghereandthereforanysmallevidencesofhisbeingcheated，butcouldfindnone。'Nothismeritthathedon'tcheatme，'wasMrFledgeby'scommentarydeliveredwithawink，'butmyprecaution。'HethenwithalazygrandeurassertedhisrightsaslordofPubseyandCo。bypokinghiscaneatthestoolsandboxes，andspittinginthefireplace，andsoloiteredroyallytothewindowandlookedoutintothenarrowstreet，withhissmalleyesjustpeeringoverthetopofPubseyandCo。'sblind。Asablindinmoresensesthanone，itremindedhimthathewasaloneinthecounting-housewiththefrontdooropen。Hewasmovingawaytoshutit，lestheshouldbeinjudiciouslyidentifiedwiththeestablishment，whenhewasstoppedbysomeonecomingtothedoor。
　　Thissomeonewasthedolls'dressmaker，withalittlebasketonherarm，andhercrutchstickinherhand。HerkeeneyeshadespiedMrFledgebybeforeMrFledgebyhadespiedher，andhewasparalysedinhispurposeofshuttingherout，notsomuchbyherapproachingthedoor，asbyherfavouringhimwithashowerofnods，theinstanthesawher。ThisadvantagesheimprovedbyhobblingupthestepswithsuchdespatchthatbeforeMrFledgebycouldtakemeasuresforherfindingnobodyathome，shewasfacetofacewithhiminthecounting-house。
　　'HopeIseeyouwell，sir，'saidMissWren。'MrRiahin?'
　　Fledgebyhaddroppedintoachair，intheattitudeofonewaitingwearily。'Isupposehewillbebacksoon，'hereplied；'hehascutoutandleftmeexpectinghimback，inanoddway。Haven'tIseenyoubefore?'
　　'Oncebefore——ifyouhadyoureyesight，'repliedMissWren；theconditionalclauseinanunder-tone。
　　'Whenyouwerecarryingonsomegamesupatthetopofthehouse。Iremember。How'syourfriend?'
　　'Ihavemorefriendsthanone，sir，Ihope，'repliedMissWren。
　　'Whichfriend?'
　　'Nevermind，'saidMrFledgeby，shuttinguponeeye，'anyofyourfriends，allyourfriends。Aretheyprettytolerable?'
　　Somewhatconfounded，MissWrenparriedthepleasantry，andsatdowninacornerbehindthedoor，withherbasketinherlap。By-
　　and-by，shesaid，breakingalongandpatientsilence:
　　'Ibegyourpardon，sir，butIamusedtofindMrRiahatthistime，andsoIgenerallycomeatthistime。Ionlywanttobuymypoorlittletwoshillings'worthofwaste。Perhapsyou'llkindlyletmehaveit，andI'lltrotofftomywork。'
　　'Iletyouhaveit?'saidFledgeby，turninghisheadtowardsher；forhehadbeensittingblinkingatthelight，andfeelinghischeek。
　　'Why，youdon'treallysupposethatIhaveanythingtodowiththeplace，orthebusiness；doyou?'
　　'Suppose?'exclaimedMissWren。'Hesaid，thatday，youwerethemaster！'
　　'Theoldcockinblacksaid?Riahsaid?Why，he'dsayanything。'
　　'Well；butyousaidsotoo，'returnedMissWren。'Oratleastyoutookonlikethemaster，anddidn'tcontradicthim。'
　　'Oneofhisdodges，'saidMrFledgeby，withacoolandcontemptuousshrug。'He'smadeofdodges。Hesaidtome，“Comeuptothetopofthehouse，sir，andI'llshowyouahandsomegirl。ButIshallcallyouthemaster。”SoIwentuptothetopofthehouseandheshowedmethehandsomegirlverywellworthlookingatshewas，andIwascalledthemaster。I
　　don'tknowwhy。Idaresayhedon't。Helovesadodgeforitsownsake；being，'addedMrFledgeby，aftercastingaboutforanexpressivephrase，'thedodgerestofallthedodgers。'
　　'Ohmyhead！'criedthedolls'dressmaker，holdingitwithbothherhands，asifitwerecracking。'Youcan'tmeanwhatyousay。'
　　'Ican，mylittlewoman，retortedFledgeby，'andIdo，Iassureyou。
　　ThisrepudiationwasnotonlyanactofdeliberatepolicyonFledgeby'spart，incaseofhisbeingsurprisedbyanyothercaller，butwasalsoaretortuponMissWrenforherover-sharpness，andapleasantinstanceofhishumourasregardedtheoldJew。'HehasgotabadnameasanoldJew，andheispaidfortheuseofit，andI'llhavemymoney'sworthoutofhim。'ThiswasFledgeby'shabitualreflectioninthewayofbusiness，anditwassharpenedjustnowbytheoldman'spresumingtohaveasecretfromhim:
　　thoughofthesecretitself，asannoyingsomebodyelsewhomhedisliked，hebynomeansdisapproved。
　　MissWrenwithafallencountenancesatbehindthedoorlookingthoughtfullyattheground，andthelongandpatientsilencehadagainsetinforsometime，whentheexpressionofMrFledgeby'sfacebetokenedthatthroughtheupperportionofthedoor，whichwasofglass，hesawsomeonefalteringonthebrinkofthecounting-house。Presentlytherewasarustleandatap，andthensomemorerustlingandanothertap。Fledgebytakingnonotice，thedoorwasatlengthsoftlyopened，andthedriedfaceofamildlittleelderlygentlemanlookedin。
　　'MrRiah?'saidthisvisitor，verypolitely。
　　'Iamwaitingforhim，sir，'returnedMrFledgeby。'Hewentoutandleftmehere。Iexpecthimbackeveryminute。Perhapsyouhadbettertakeachair。'
　　Thegentlemantookachair，andputhishandtohisforehead，asifhewereinamelancholyframeofmind。MrFledgebyeyedhimaside，andseemedtorelishhisattitude。
　　'Afineday，sir，'remarkedFledgeby。
　　ThelittledriedgentlemanwassooccupiedwithhisowndepressedreflectionsthathedidnotnoticetheremarkuntilthesoundofMrFledgeby'svoicehaddiedoutofthecounting-house。Thenhestarted，andsaid:'Ibegyourpardon，sir。Ifearyouspoketome?'
　　'Isaid，'remarkedFledgeby，alittlelouderthanbefore，'itwasafineday。'
　　'Ibegyourpardon。Ibegyourpardon。Yes。'
　　Againthelittledriedgentlemanputhishandtohisforehead，andagainMrFledgebyseemedtoenjoyhisdoingit。Whenthegentlemanchangedhisattitudewithasigh，Fledgebyspakewithagrin。
　　'MrTwemlow，Ithink?'
　　Thedriedgentlemanseemedmuchsurprised。
　　'HadthepleasureofdiningwithyouatLammle's，'saidFledgeby。
　　'Evenhavethehonourofbeingaconnexionofyours。Anunexpectedsortofplacethistomeetin；butoneneverknows，whenonegetsintotheCity，whatpeopleonemayknockupagainst。Ihopeyouhaveyourhealth，andareenjoyingyourself。'
　　Theremighthavebeenatouchofimpertinenceinthelastwords；
　　ontheotherhand，itmighthavebeenbutthenativegraceofMrFledgeby'smanner。MrFledgebysatonastoolwithafootontherailofanotherstool，andhishaton。MrTwemlowhaduncoveredonlookinginatthedoor，andremainedso。NowtheconscientiousTwemlow，knowingwhathehaddonetothwartthegraciousFledgeby，wasparticularlydisconcertedbythisencounter。Hewasasillateaseasagentlemanwellcouldbe。HefelthimselfboundtoconducthimselfstifflytowardsFledgeby，andhemadehimadistantbow。Fledgebymadehissmalleyessmallerintakingspecialnoteofhismanner。Thedolls'dressmakersatinhercornerbehindthedoor，withhereyesonthegroundandherhandsfoldedonherbasket，holdinghercrutch-stickbetweenthem，andappearingtotakenoheedofanything。
　　'He'salongtime，'mutteredMrFledgeby，lookingathiswatch。
　　'Whattimemayyoumakeit，MrTwemlow?'
　　MrTwemlowmadeittenminutespasttwelve，sir。
　　'Asnearasatoucher，'assentedFledgeby。'Ihope，MrTwemlow，yourbusinessheremaybeofamoreagreeablecharacterthanmine。'
　　'Thankyou，sir，'saidMrTwemlow。
　　Fledgebyagainmadehissmalleyessmaller，asheglancedwithgreatcomplacencyatTwemlow，whowastimorouslytappingthetablewithafoldedletter。
　　'WhatIknowofMrRiah，'saidFledgeby，withaverydisparagingutteranceofhisname，'leadsmetobelievethatthisisabouttheshopfordisagreeablebusiness。IhavealwaysfoundhimthebitingestandtightestscrewinLondon。'
　　MrTwemlowacknowledgedtheremarkwithalittledistantbow。
　　Itevidentlymadehimnervous。
　　'Somuchso，'pursuedFledgeby，'thatifitwasn'ttobetruetoafriend，nobodyshouldcatchmewaitinghereasingleminute。Butifyouhavefriendsinadversity，standbythem。That'swhatIsayandactupto。'
　　TheequitableTwemlowfeltthatthissentiment，irrespectiveoftheutterer，demandedhiscordialassent。'Youareveryright，sir，'herejoinedwithspirit。'Youindicatethegenerousandmanlycourse。
　　'Gladtohaveyourapprobation，'returnedFledgeby。'It'sacoincidence，MrTwemlow；'herehedescendedfromhisperch，andsaunteredtowardshim；'thatthefriendsIamstandingbyto-dayarethefriendsatwhosehouseImetyou！TheLammles。She'saverytakingandagreeablewoman?'
　　ConsciencesmotethegentleTwemlowpale。'Yes，'hesaid。'Sheis。'
　　'Andwhensheappealedtomethismorning，tocomeandtrywhatIcoulddotopacifytheircreditor，thisMrRiah——thatIcertainlyhavegainedsomelittleinfluencewithintransactingbusinessforanotherfriend，butnothinglikesomuchasshesupposes——andwhenawomanlikethatspoketomeasherdearestMrFledgeby，andshedtears——whywhatcouldIdo，youknow?'
　　Twemlowgasped'Nothingbutcome。'
　　'Nothingbutcome。AndsoIcame。Butwhy，'saidFledgeby，puttinghishandsinhispocketsandcounterfeitingdeepmeditation，'whyRiahshouldhavestartedup，whenItoldhimthattheLammlesentreatedhimtoholdoveraBillofSalehehasonalltheireffects；andwhyheshouldhavecutout，sayinghewouldbebackdirectly；andwhyheshouldhaveleftmeherealonesolong；I
　　cannotunderstand。'
　　ThechivalrousTwemlow，KnightoftheSimpleHeart，wasnotinaconditiontoofferanysuggestion。Hewastoopenitent，tooremorseful。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehehaddoneanunderhandedaction，andhehaddonewrong。Hehadsecretlyinterposedagainstthisconfidingyoungman，fornobetterrealreasonthanbecausetheyoungman'swayswerenothisways。
　　But，theconfidingyoungmanproceededtoheapcoalsoffireonhissensitivehead。
　　'Ibegyourpardon，MrTwemlow；youseeIamacquaintedwiththenatureoftheaffairsthataretransactedhere。IsthereanythingI
　　candoforyouhere?Youhavealwaysbeenbroughtupasagentleman，andneverasamanofbusiness；'anothertouchofpossibleimpertinenceinthisplace；'andperhapsyouarebutapoormanofbusiness。Whatelseistobeexpected！'
　　'IamevenapoorermanofbusinessthanIamaman，sir，'returnedTwemlow，'andIcouldhardlyexpressmydeficiencyinastrongerway。IreallydonotsomuchasclearlyunderstandmypositioninthematteronwhichIambroughthere。Buttherearereasonswhichmakemeverydelicateofacceptingyourassistance。Iamgreatly，greatly，disinclinedtoprofitbyit。Idon'tdeserveit。'
　　Goodchildishcreature！Condemnedtoapassagethroughtheworldbysuchnarrowlittledimly-lightedways，andpickingupsofewspecksorspotsontheroad！
　　'Perhaps，'saidFledgeby，'youmaybealittleproudofenteringonthetopic，——havingbeenbroughtupasagentleman。'
　　'It'snotthat，sir，'returnedTwemlow，'it'snotthat。IhopeI
　　distinguishbetweentrueprideandfalsepride。'
　　'Ihavenoprideatall，myself，'saidFledgeby，'andperhapsIdon'tcutthingssofineastoknowonefromt'other。ButIknowthisisaplacewhereevenamanofbusinessneedshiswitsabouthim；andifminecanbeofanyusetoyouhere，you'rewelcometothem。'
　　'Youareverygood，'saidTwemlow，faltering。'ButIammostunwilling——'
　　'Idon't，youknow，'proceededFledgebywithanill-favouredglance，'entertainthevanityofsupposingthatmywitscouldbeofanyusetoyouinsociety，buttheymightbehere。Youcultivatesocietyandsocietycultivatesyou，butMrRiah'snotsociety。Insociety，MrRiahiskeptdark；eh，MrTwemlow?'
　　Twemlow，muchdisturbed，andwithhishandflutteringabouthisforehead，replied:'Quitetrue。'
　　Theconfidingyoungmanbesoughthimtostatehiscase。TheinnocentTwemlow，expectingFledgebytobeastoundedbywhatheshouldunfold，andnotforaninstantconceivingthepossibilityofitshappeningeveryday，buttreatingofitasaterriblephenomenonoccurringinthecourseofages，relatedhowthathehadhadadeceasedfriend，amarriedcivilofficerwithafamily，whohadwantedmoneyforchangeofplaceonchangeofpost，andhowhe，Twemlow，had'givenhimhisname，'withtheusual，butintheeyesofTwemlowalmostincredibleresultthathehadbeenlefttorepaywhathehadneverhad。How，inthecourseofyears，hehadreducedtheprincipalbytriflingsums，'having，'saidTwemlow，'alwaystoobservegreateconomy，beingintheenjoymentofafixedincomelimitedinextent，andthatdependingonthemunificenceofacertainnobleman，'andhadalwayspinchedthefullinterestoutofhimselfwithpunctualpinches。Howhehadcome，incourseoftime，tolookuponthisoneonlydebtofhislifeasaregularquarterlydrawback，andnoworse，when'hisname'
　　hadsomewayfallenintothepossessionofMrRiah，whohadsenthimnoticetoredeemitbypayingupinfull，inoneplumpsum，ortaketremendousconsequences。This，withhazyremembrancesofhowhehadbeencarriedtosomeofficeto'confessjudgment'asherecollectedthephrase，andhowhehadbeencarriedtoanotherofficewherehislifewasassuredforsomebodynotwhollyunconnectedwiththesherrytradewhomherememberedbytheremarkablecircumstancethathehadaStraduariusviolintodisposeof，andalsoaMadonna，formedthesumandsubstanceofMrTwemlow'snarrative。ThroughwhichstalkedtheshadowoftheawfulSnigsworth，eyedafaroffbymoney-lendersasSecurityintheMist，andmenacingTwemlowwithhisbaronialtruncheon。
　　Toall，MrFledgebylistenedwiththemodestgravitybecomingaconfidingyoungmanwhoknewitallbeforehand，and，whenitwasfinished，seriouslyshookhishead。'Idon'tlike，MrTwemlow，'saidFledgeby，'Idon'tlikeRiah'scallingintheprincipal。Ifhe'sdeterminedtocallitin，itmustcome。'
　　'Butsupposing，sir，'saidTwemlow，downcast，'thatitcan'tcome?'
　　'Then，'retortedFledgeby，'youmustgo，youknow。'
　　'Where?'askedTwemlow，faintly。
　　'Toprison，'returnedFledgeby。WhereatMrTwemlowleanedhisinnocentheaduponhishand，andmoanedalittlemoanofdistressanddisgrace。
　　'However，'saidFledgeby，appearingtopluckuphisspirits，'we'llhopeit'snotsobadasthatcomesto。Ifyou'llallowme，I'llmentiontoMrRiahwhenhecomesin，whoyouare，andI'lltellhimyou'remyfriend，andI'llsaymysayforyou，insteadofyoursayingitforyourself；Imaybeabletodoitinamorebusiness-likeway。Youwon'tconsideritaliberty?'
　　'Ithankyouagainandagain，sir，'saidTwemlow。'Iamstrong，strongly，disinclinedtoavailmyselfofyourgenerosity，thoughmyhelplessnessyields。ForIcannotbutfeelthatI——toputitinthemildestformofspeech——thatIhavedonenothingtodeserveit。'
　　'WhereCANhebe?'mutteredFledgeby，referringtohiswatchagain。'WhatCANhehavegoneoutfor?Didyoueverseehim，MrTwemlow?'
　　'Never。'
　　'HeisathoroughJewtolookat，butheisamorethoroughJewtodealwith。He'sworstwhenhe'squiet。Ifhe'squiet，Ishalltakeitasaverybadsign。Keepyoureyeuponhimwhenhecomesin，and，ifhe'squiet，don'tbehopeful。Hereheis！——Helooksquiet。'
　　Withthesewords，whichhadtheeffectofcausingtheharmlessTwemlowpainfulagitation，MrFledgebywithdrewtohisformerpost，andtheoldmanenteredthecounting-house。
　　'Why，MrRiah，'saidFledgeby，'Ithoughtyouwerelost！'
　　Theoldman，glancingatthestranger，stoodstock-still。Heperceivedthathismasterwasleadinguptotheordershewastotake，andhewaitedtounderstandthem。
　　'Ireallythought，'repeatedFledgebyslowly，'thatyouwerelost，MrRiah。Why，nowIlookatyou——butno，youcan'thavedoneit；no，youcan'thavedoneit！'
　　Hatinhand，theoldmanliftedhishead，andlookeddistressfullyatFledgebyasseekingtoknowwhatnewmoralburdenhewastobear。
　　'Youcan'thaverushedouttogetthestartofeverybodyelse，andputinthatbillofsaleatLammle's?'saidFledgeby。'Sayyouhaven't，MrRiah。'
　　'Sir，Ihave，'repliedtheoldmaninalowvoice。
　　'Ohmyeye！'criedFledgeby。'Tut，tut，tut！Dear，dear，dear！Well！
　　Iknewyouwereahardcustomer，MrRiah，butIneverthoughtyouwereashardasthat。'
　　'Sir，'saidtheoldman，withgreatuneasiness，'IdoasIamdirected。Iamnottheprincipalhere。Iambuttheagentofasuperior，andIhavenochoice，nopower。'
　　'Don'tsayso，'retortedFledgeby，secretlyexultantastheoldmanstretchedouthishands，withashrinkingactionofdefendinghimselfagainstthesharpconstructionofthetwoobservers。'Don'tplaythetuneofthetrade，MrRiah。You'vearighttogetinyourdebts，ifyou'redeterminedtodoit，butdon'tpretendwhateveryoneinyourlineregularlypretends。Atleast，don'tdoittome。
　　Whyshouldyou，MrRiah?YouknowIknowallaboutyou。'
　　Theoldmanclaspedtheskirtofhislongcoatwithhisdisengagedhand，anddirectedawistfullookatFledgeby。
　　'Anddon't，'saidFledgeby，'don't，Ientreatyouasafavour，MrRiah，besodevilishmeek，forIknowwhat'llfollowifyouare。
　　Lookhere，MrRiah。ThisgentlemanisMrTwemlow。'
　　TheJewturnedtohimandbowed。Thatpoorlambbowedinreturn；polite，andterrified。
　　'Ihavemadesuchafailure，'proceededFledgeby，'intryingtodoanythingwithyouformyfriendLammle，thatI'vehardlyahopeofdoinganythingwithyouformyfriendandconnexionindeedMrTwemlow。ButIdothinkthatifyouwoulddoafavourforanybody，youwouldforme，andIwon'tfailforwantoftrying，andI'vepassedmypromisetoMrTwemlowbesides。Now，MrRiah，hereisMrTwemlow。Alwaysgoodforhisinterest，alwayscominguptotime，alwayspayinghislittleway。Now，whyshouldyoupressMrTwemlow?Youcan'thaveanyspiteagainstMrTwemlow！WhynotbeeasywithMrTwemlow?'
　　TheoldmanlookedintoFledgeby'slittleeyesforanysignofleavetobeeasywithMrTwemlow；buttherewasnosigninthem。
　　'MrTwemlowisnoconnexionofyours，MrRiah，'saidFledgeby；
　　'youcan'twanttobeevenwithhimforhavingthroughlifegoneinforagentlemanandhungontohisFamily。IfMrTwemlowhasacontemptforbusiness，whatcanitmattertoyou?'
　　'Butpardonme，'interposedthegentlevictim，'Ihavenot。I
　　shouldconsideritpresumption。'
　　'There，MrRiah！'saidFledgeby，'isn'tthathandsomelysaid?
　　Come！MaketermswithmeforMrTwemlow。'
　　Theoldmanlookedagainforanysignofpermissiontosparethepoorlittlegentleman。No。MrFledgebymeanthimtoberacked。
　　'Iamverysorry，MrTwemlow，'saidRiah。'Ihavemyinstructions。Iaminvestedwithnoauthorityfordivergingfromthem。Themoneymustbepaid。'
　　'Infullandslapdown，doyoumean，MrRiah?'askedFledgeby，tomakethingsquiteexplicit。
　　'Infull，sir，andatonce，'wasRiah'sanswer。