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