下载辰思小说免费APP
\'Yourlawyer，MrBoffin，\'returnedLightwood，makingaveryshortnoteofitwithaveryrustypen，\'hasthegratificationoftakingtheinstruction。Thereisanother?\'
\'Thereisjustoneother，andnomore。Makemeascompactalittlewillascanbereconciledwithtightness，leavingthewholeofthepropertyto“mybelovedwife，HeneriettyBoffin，soleexecutrix“。
Makeitasshortasyoucan，usingthosewords；butmakeittight。\'
AtsomelosstofathomMrBoffin\'snotionsofatightwill，Lightwoodfelthisway。
\'Ibegyourpardon，butprofessionalprofunditymustbeexact。
Whenyousaytight——\'
\'Imeantight，\'MrBoffinexplained。
\'Exactlyso。Andnothingcanbemorelaudable。ButisthetightnesstobindMrsBoffintoanyandwhatconditions?\'
\'BindMrsBoffin?\'interposedherhusband。\'No！Whatareyouthinkingof！WhatIwantis，tomakeitallherssotightasthatherholdofitcan\'tbeloosed。\'
\'Hersfreely，todowhatshelikeswith?Hersabsolutely?\'
\'Absolutely?\'repeatedMrBoffin，withashortsturdylaugh。\'Hah！
Ishouldthinkso！ItwouldbehandsomeinmetobegintobindMrsBoffinatthistimeofday！\'
Sothatinstruction，too，wastakenbyMrLightwood；andMrLightwood，havingtakenit，wasintheactofshowingMrBoffinout，whenMrEugeneWrayburnalmostjostledhiminthedoor-
way。ConsequentlyMrLightwoodsaid，inhiscoolmanner，\'Letmemakeyoutwoknowntooneanother，\'andfurthersignifiedthatMrWrayburnwascounsellearnedinthelaw，andthat，partlyinthewayofbusinessandpartlyinthewayofpleasure，hehadimpartedtoMrWrayburnsomeoftheinterestingfactsofMrBoffin\'sbiography。
\'Delighted，\'saidEugene——thoughhedidn\'tlookso——\'toknowMrBoffin。\'
\'Thankee，sir，thankee，\'returnedthatgentleman。\'AndhowdoYOUlikethelaw?\'
\'A——notparticularly，\'returnedEugene。
\'Toodryforyou，eh?Well，Isupposeitwantssomeyearsofstickingto，beforeyoumasterit。Butthere\'snothinglikework。
Lookatthebees。\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，\'returnedEugene，withareluctantsmile，\'butwillyouexcusemymentioningthatIalwaysprotestagainstbeingreferredtothebees?\'
\'Doyou！\'saidMrBoffin。
\'Iobjectonprinciple，\'saidEugene，\'asabiped——\'
\'Asawhat?\'askedMrBoffin。
\'Asatwo-footedcreature；——Iobjectonprinciple，asatwo-footedcreature，tobeingconstantlyreferredtoinsectsandfour-footedcreatures。Iobjecttobeingrequiredtomodelmyproceedingsaccordingtotheproceedingsofthebee，orthedog，orthespider，orthecamel。Ifullyadmitthatthecamel，forinstance，isanexcessivelytemperateperson；buthehasseveralstomachstoentertainhimselfwith，andIhaveonlyone。Besides，Iamnotfittedupwithaconvenientcoolcellartokeepmydrinkin。\'
\'ButIsaid，youknow，\'urgedMrBoffin，ratheratalossforananswer，\'thebee。\'
\'Exactly。AndmayIrepresenttoyouthatit\'sinjudicioustosaythebee?Forthewholecaseisassumed。Concedingforamomentthatthereisanyanalogybetweenabee，andamaninashirtandpantaloons(whichIdeny)，andthatitissettledthatthemanistolearnfromthebee(whichIalsodeny)，thequestionstillremains，whatishetolearn?Toimitate?Ortoavoid?Whenyourfriendsthebeesworrythemselvestothathighlyflutteredextentabouttheirsovereign，andbecomeperfectlydistractedtouchingtheslightestmonarchicalmovement，arewementolearnthegreatnessofTuft-
hunting，orthelittlenessoftheCourtCircular?Iamnotclear，MrBoffin，butthatthehivemaybesatirical。\'
\'Atallevents，theywork，\'saidMrBoffin。
\'Ye-es，\'returnedEugene，disparagingly，\'theywork；butdon\'tyouthinktheyoverdoit?Theyworksomuchmorethantheyneed——
theymakesomuchmorethantheycaneat——theyaresoincessantlyboringandbuzzingattheironeideatillDeathcomesuponthem——
thatdon\'tyouthinktheyoverdoit?Andarehumanlabourerstohavenoholidays，becauseofthebees?AndamInevertohavechangeofair，becausethebeesdon\'t?MrBoffin，Ithinkhoneyexcellentatbreakfast；but，regardedinthelightofmyconventionalschoolmasterandmoralist，Iprotestagainstthetyrannicalhumbugofyourfriendthebee。Withthehighestrespectforyou。\'
\'Thankee，\'saidMrBoffin。\'Morning，morning！\'
But，theworthyMrBoffinjoggedawaywithacomfortlessimpressionhecouldhavedispensedwith，thattherewasadealofunsatisfactorinessintheworld，besideswhathehadrecalledasappertainingtotheHarmonproperty。AndhewasstilljoggingalongFleetStreetinthisconditionofmind，whenhebecameawarethathewascloselytrackedandobservedbyamanofgenteelappearance。
\'Nowthen?\'saidMrBoffin，stoppingshort，withhismeditationsbroughttoanabruptcheck，\'what\'sthenextarticle?\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，MrBoffin。\'
\'Mynametoo，eh?Howdidyoucomebyit?Idon\'tknowyou。\'
\'No，sir，youdon\'tknowme。\'
MrBoffinlookedfullattheman，andthemanlookedfullathim。
\'No，\'saidMrBoffin，afteraglanceatthepavement，asifitweremadeoffacesandheweretryingtomatchtheman\'s，\'IDON\'T
knowyou。\'
\'Iamnobody，\'saidthestranger，\'andnotlikelytobeknown；butMrBoffin\'swealth——\'
\'Oh！that\'sgotaboutalready，hasit?\'mutteredMrBoffin。
\'——Andhisromanticmannerofacquiringit，makehimconspicuous。
Youwerepointedouttometheotherday。\'
\'Well，\'saidMrBoffin，\'IshouldsayIwasadisappintmenttoyouwhenIWASpintedout，ifyourpolitenesswouldallowyoutoconfessit，forIamwellawareIamnotmuchtolookat。Whatmightyouwantwithme?Notinthelaw，areyou?\'
\'No，sir。\'
\'Noinformationtogive，forareward?\'
\'No，sir。\'
Theremayhavebeenamomentarymantlinginthefaceofthemanashemadethelastanswer，butitpasseddirectly。
\'IfIdon\'tmistake，youhavefollowedmefrommylawyer\'sandtriedtofixmyattention。Sayout！Haveyou?Orhaven\'tyou?\'
demandedMrBoffin，ratherangry。
\'Yes。\'
\'Whyhaveyou?\'
\'Ifyouwillallowmetowalkbesideyou，MrBoffin，Iwilltellyou。
Wouldyouobjecttoturnasideintothisplace——IthinkitiscalledClifford\'sInn——wherewecanhearoneanotherbetterthanintheroaringstreet?\'
(\'Now，\'thoughtMrBoffin，\'ifheproposesagameatskittles，ormeetsacountrygentlemanjustcomeintoproperty，orproducesanyarticleofjewelleryhehasfound，I\'llknockhimdown！\'Withthisdiscreetreflection，andcarryinghisstickinhisarmsmuchasPunchcarrieshis，MrBoffinturnedintoClifford\'sInnaforesaid。)
\'MrBoffin，IhappenedtobeinChanceryLanethismorning，whenIsawyougoingalongbeforeme。Itookthelibertyoffollowingyou，tryingtomakeupmymindtospeaktoyou，tillyouwentintoyourlawyer\'s。ThenIwaitedoutsidetillyoucameout。\'
(\'Don\'tquitesoundlikeskittles，noryetcountrygentleman，noryetjewellery，\'thoughtMrBoffin，\'butthere\'snoknowing。\')
\'Iamafraidmyobjectisaboldone，Iamafraidithaslittleoftheusualpracticalworldaboutit，butIventureit。Ifyouaskme，orifyouaskyourself——whichismorelikely——whatemboldensme，I
answer，Ihavebeenstronglyassured，thatyouareamanofrectitudeandplaindealing，withthesoundestofsoundhearts，andthatyouareblessedinawifedistinguishedbythesamequalities。\'
\'YourinformationistrueofMrsBoffin，anyhow，\'wasMrBoffin\'sanswer，ashesurveyedhisnewfriendagain。Therewassomethingrepressedinthestrangeman\'smanner，andhewalkedwithhiseyesontheground——thoughconscious，forallthat，ofMrBoffin\'sobservation——andhespokeinasubduedvoice。Buthiswordscameeasily，andhisvoicewasagreeableintone，albeitconstrained。
\'WhenIadd，Icandiscernformyselfwhatthegeneraltonguesaysofyou——thatyouarequiteunspoiledbyFortune，andnotuplifted——I
trustyouwillnot，asamanofanopennature，suspectthatImeantoflatteryou，butwillbelievethatallImeanistoexcusemyself，thesebeingmyonlyexcusesformypresentintrusion。\'
(\'Howmuch?\'thoughtMrBoffin。\'Itmustbecomingtomoney。
Howmuch?\')
\'Youwillprobablychangeyourmannerofliving，MrBoffin，inyourchangedcircumstances。Youwillprobablykeepalargerhouse，havemanymatterstoarrange，andbebesetbynumbersofcorrespondents。IfyouwouldtrymeasyourSecretary——\'
\'AsWHAT?\'criedMrBoffin，withhiseyeswideopen。
\'YourSecretary。\'
\'Well，\'saidMrBoffin，underhisbreath，\'that\'saqueerthing！\'
\'Or，\'pursuedthestranger，wonderingatMrBoffin\'swonder，\'ifyouwouldtrymeasyourmanofbusinessunderanyname，Iknowyouwouldfindmefaithfulandgrateful，andIhopeyouwouldfindmeuseful。Youmaynaturallythinkthatmyimmediateobjectismoney。Notso，forIwouldwillinglyserveyouayear——twoyears——
anytermyoumightappoint——beforethatshouldbegintobeaconsiderationbetweenus。\'
\'Wheredoyoucomefrom?\'askedMrBoffin。
\'Icome，\'returnedtheother，meetinghiseye，\'frommanycountries。\'
Boffin\'sacquaintanceswiththenamesandsituationsofforeignlandsbeinglimitedinextentandsomewhatconfusedinquality，heshapedhisnextquestiononanelasticmodel。
\'From——anyparticularplace?\'
\'Ihavebeeninmanyplaces。\'
\'Whathaveyoubeen?\'askedMrBoffin。
Hereagainhemadenogreatadvance，forthereplywas，\'Ihavebeenastudentandatraveller。\'
\'Butifitain\'talibertytoplumpitout，\'saidMrBoffin，\'whatdoyoudoforyourliving?\'
\'Ihavementioned，\'returnedtheother，withanotherlookathim，andasmile，\'whatIaspiretodo。IhavebeensupersededastosomeslightintentionsIhad，andImaysaythatIhavenowtobeginlife。\'
Notverywellknowinghowtogetridofthisapplicant，andfeelingthemoreembarrassedbecausehismannerandappearanceclaimedadelicacyinwhichtheworthyMrBoffinfearedhehimselfmightbedeficient，thatgentlemanglancedintothemouldylittleplantationorcat-preserve，ofClifford\'sInn，asitwasthatday，insearchofasuggestion。Sparrowswerethere，catswerethere，dry-rotandwet-rotwerethere，butitwasnototherwiseasuggestivespot。
\'Allthistime，\'saidthestranger，producingalittlepocket-bookandtakingoutacard，\'Ihavenotmentionedmyname。MynameisRokesmith。IlodgeatoneMrWilfer\'s，atHolloway。\'
MrBoffinstaredagain。
\'FatherofMissBellaWilfer?\'saidhe。
\'MylandlordhasadaughternamedBella。Yes；nodoubt。\'
Now，thisnamehadbeenmoreorlessinMrBoffin\'sthoughtsallthemorning，andfordaysbefore；thereforehesaid:
\'That\'ssingular，too！\'unconsciouslystaringagain，pastallboundsofgoodmanners，withthecardinhishand。\'Though，by-the-bye，I
supposeitwasoneofthatfamilythatpintedmeout?\'
\'No。Ihaveneverbeeninthestreetswithoneofthem。\'
\'Heardmetalkedofamong\'em，though?\'
\'No。Ioccupymyownrooms，andhaveheldscarcelyanycommunicationwiththem。\'
\'Odderandodder！\'saidMrBoffin。\'Well，sir，totellyouthetruth，I
don\'tknowwhattosaytoyou。\'
\'Saynothing，\'returnedMrRokesmith；\'allowmetocallonyouinafewdays。Iamnotsounconscionableastothinkitlikelythatyouwouldacceptmeontrustatfirstsight，andtakemeoutoftheverystreet。Letmecometoyouforyourfurtheropinion，atyourleisure。\'
\'That\'sfair，andIdon\'tobject，\'saidMrBoffin；\'butitmustbeonconditionthatit\'sfullyunderstoodthatInomoreknowthatIshalleverbeinwantofanygentlemanasSecretary——itWASSecretaryyousaid；wasn\'tit?\'
\'Yes。\'
AgainMrBoffin\'seyesopenedwide，andhestaredattheapplicantfromheadtofoot，repeating\'Queer！——You\'resureitwasSecretary?
Areyou?\'
\'IamsureIsaidso。\'——
\'AsSecretary，\'repeatedMrBoffin，meditatingupontheword；\'I
nomoreknowthatImayeverwantaSecretary，orwhatnot，thanI
dothatIshalleverbeinwantofthemaninthemoon。MeandMrsBoffinhavenotevensettledthatweshallmakeanychangeinourwayoflife。MrsBoffin\'sinclinationscertainlydotendtowardsFashion；but，beingalreadysetupinafashionablewayattheBower，shemaynotmakefurtheralterations。However，sir，asyoudon\'tpressyourself，Iwishtomeetyousofarassaying，byallmeanscallattheBowerifyoulike。Callinthecourseofaweekortwo。Atthesametime，IconsiderthatIoughttoname，inadditiontowhatIhavealreadynamed，thatIhaveinmyemploymentaliteraryman——WITHawoodenleg——asIhavenothoughtsofpartingfrom。\'
\'IregrettohearIaminsomesortanticipated，\'MrRokesmithanswered，evidentlyhavinghearditwithsurprise；\'butperhapsotherdutiesmightarise?\'
\'Yousee，\'returnedMrBoffin，withaconfidentialsenseofdignity，\'astomyliteraryman\'sduties，they\'reclear。Professionallyhedeclinesandhefalls，andasafriendhedropsintopoetry。\'
WithoutobservingthatthesedutiesseemedbynomeanscleartoMrRokesmith\'sastonishedcomprehension，MrBoffinwenton:
\'Andnow，sir，I\'llwishyougood-day。YoucancallattheBoweranytimeinaweekortwo。It\'snotaboveamileorsofromyou，andyourlandlordcandirectyoutoit。Butashemaynotknowitbyit\'snewnameofBoffin\'sBower，say，whenyouinquireofhim，it\'sHarmon\'s；willyou?\'
\'Harmoon\'s，\'repeatedMrRokesmith，seemingtohavecaughtthesoundimperfectly，\'Harmarn\'s。Howdoyouspellit?\'
\'Why，astothespellingofit，\'returnedMrBoffin，withgreatpresenceofmind，\'that\'sYOURlookout。Harmon\'sisallyou\'vegottosaytoHIM。Morning，morning，morning！\'Andsodeparted，withoutlookingback。
Chapter9
MRANDMRSBOFFININCONSULTATION
Betakinghimselfstraighthomeward，MrBoffin，withoutfurtherletorhindrance，arrivedattheBower，andgaveMrsBoffin(inawalkingdressofblackvelvetandfeathers，likeamourningcoach-
horse)anaccountofallhehadsaidanddonesincebreakfast。
\'Thisbringsusround，mydear，\'hethenpursued，\'tothequestionweleftunfinished:namely，whetherthere\'stobeanynewgo-inforFashion。\'
\'Now，I\'lltellyouwhatIwant，Noddy，\'saidMrsBoffin，smoothingherdresswithanairofimmenseenjoyment，\'IwantSociety。\'
\'FashionableSociety，mydear?\'
\'Yes！\'criedMrsBoffin，laughingwiththegleeofachild。\'Yes！
It\'snogoodmybeingkeptherelikeWax-Work；isitnow?\'
\'PeoplehavetopaytoseeWax-Work，mydear，\'returnedherhusband，\'whereas(thoughyou\'dbecheapatthesamemoney)theneighboursiswelcometoseeYOUfornothing。\'
\'Butitdon\'tanswer，\'saidthecheerfialMrsBoffin。\'Whenweworkedliketheneighbours，wesuitedoneanother。Nowwehaveleftworkoff；wehaveleftoffsuitingoneanother。\'
\'What，doyouthinkofbeginningworkagain?\'MrBoffinhinted。
\'Outofthequestion！Wehavecomeintoagreatfortune，andwemustdowhat\'srightbyourfortune；wemustactuptoit。\'
MrBoffin，whohadadeeprespectforhiswife\'sintuitivewisdom，replied，thoughratherpensively:\'Isupposewemust。\'
\'It\'sneverbeenacteduptoyet，and，consequently，nogoodhascomeofit，\'saidMrsBoffin。
\'True，tothepresenttime，\'MrBoffinassented，withhisformerpensiveness，ashetookhisseatuponhissettle。\'Ihopegoodmaybecomingofitinthefuturetime。Towardswhich，what\'syourviews，oldlady?\'
MrsBoffin，asmilingcreature，broadoffigureandsimpleofnature，withherhandsfoldedinherlap，andwithbuxomcreasesinherthroat，proceededtoexpoundherviews。
\'Isay，agoodhouseinagoodneighbourhood，goodthingsaboutus，goodliving，andgoodsociety。Isay，livelikeourmeans，withoutextravagance，andbehappy。\'
\'Yes。Isaybehappy，too，\'assentedthestillpensiveMrBoffin。
\'Lor-a-mussy！\'exclaimedMrsBoffin，laughingandclappingherhands，andgailyrockingherselftoandfro，\'whenIthinkofmeinalightyellowchariotandpair，withsilverboxestothewheels——\'
\'Oh！youwasthinkingofthat，wasyou，mydear?\'
\'Yes！\'criedthedelightedcreature。\'Andwithafootmanupbehind，withabaracross，tokeephislegsfrombeingpoled！Andwithacoachmanupinfront，sinkingdownintoaseatbigenoughforthreeofhim，allcoveredwithupholsteryingreenandwhite！Andwithtwobayhorsestossingtheirheadsandsteppinghigherthantheytrotlong-ways！Andwithyouandmeleaningbackinside，asgrandasninepence！Oh-h-h-hMy！Hahahahaha！\'
MrsBoffinclappedherhandsagain，rockedherselfagain，beatherfeetuponthefloor，andwipedthetearsoflaughterfromhereyes。
\'Andwhat，myoldlady，\'inquiredMrBoffin，whenhealsohadsympatheticallylaughed:\'what\'syourviewsonthesubjectoftheBower?\'
\'Shutitup。Don\'tpartwithit，butputsomebodyinit，tokeepit。\'
\'Anyotherviews?\'
\'Noddy，\'saidMrsBoffin，comingfromherfashionablesofatohissideontheplainsettle，andhookinghercomfortablearmthroughhis，\'NextIthink——andIreallyhavebeenthinkingearlyandlate——ofthedisappointedgirl；herthatwassocruellydisappointed，youknow，bothofherhusbandandhisriches。Don\'tyouthinkwemightdosomethingforher?Havehertolivewithus?Orsomethingofthatsort?\'
\'Ne-veroncethoughtofthewayofdoingit！\'criedMrBoffin，smitingthetableinhisadmiration。\'Whatathinkingsteam-ingeinthisoldladyis。Andshedon\'tknowhowshedoesit。Neitherdoestheingein！\'
MrsBoffinpulledhisnearestear，inacknowledgmentofthispieceofphilosophy，andthensaid，graduallytoningdowntoamotherlystrain:\'Last，andnotleast，Ihavetakenafancy。YourememberdearlittleJohnHarmon，beforehewenttoschool?Overyonderacrosstheyard，atourfire?Nowthatheispastallbenefitofthemoney，andit\'scometous，Ishouldliketofindsomeorphanchild，andtaketheboyandadopthimandgivehimJohn\'sname，andprovideforhim。Somehow，itwouldmakemeeasier，Ifancy。Sayit\'sonlyawhim——\'
\'ButIdon\'tsayso，\'interposedherhusband。
\'No，butdeary，ifyoudid——\'
\'IshouldbeaBeastifIdid，\'herhusbandinterposedagain。
\'That\'sasmuchastosayyouagree?Goodandkindofyou，andlikeyou，deary！Anddon\'tyoubegintofinditpleasantnow，\'saidMrsBoffin，oncemoreradiantinhercomelywayfromheadtofoot，andoncemoresmoothingherdresswithimmenseenjoyment，\'don\'tyoubegintofinditpleasantalready，tothinkthatachildwillbemadebrighter，andbetter，andhappier，becauseofthatpoorsadchildthatday?Andisn\'titpleasanttoknowthatthegoodwillbedonewiththepoorsadchild\'sownmoney?\'
\'Yes；andit\'spleasanttoknowthatyouareMrsBoffin，\'saidherhusband，\'andit\'sbeenapleasantthingtoknowthismanyandmanyayear！\'ItwasruintoMrsBoffin\'saspirations，but，havingsospoken，theysatsidebyside，ahopelesslyUnfashionablepair。
Thesetwoignorantandunpolishedpeoplehadguidedthemselvessofaronintheirjourneyoflife，byareligioussenseofdutyanddesiretodoright。Tenthousandweaknessesandabsurditiesmighthavebeendetectedinthebreastsofboth；tenthousandvanitiesadditional，possibly，inthebreastofthewoman。Butthehardwrathfulandsordidnaturethathadwrungasmuchworkoutofthemascouldbegotintheirbestdays，foraslittlemoneyascouldbepaidtohurryontheirworst，hadneverbeensowarpedbutthatitknewtheirmoralstraightnessandrespectedit。Initsowndespite，inaconstantconflictwithitselfandthem，ithaddoneso。
Andthisistheeternallaw。For，Eviloftenstopsshortatitselfanddieswiththedoerofit；butGood，never。
Throughhismostinveteratepurposes，thedeadJailerofHarmonyJailhadknownthesetwofaithfulservantstobehonestandtrue。
Whileheragedatthemandreviledthemforopposinghimwiththespeechofthehonestandtrue，ithadscratchedhisstonyheart，andhehadperceivedthepowerlessnessofallhiswealthtobuythemifhehadaddressedhimselftotheattempt。So，evenwhilehewastheirgripingtaskmasterandnevergavethemagoodword，hehadwrittentheirnamesdowninhiswill。So，evenwhileitwashisdailydeclarationthathemistrustedallmankind——andsorelyindeedhedidmistrustallwhoboreanyresemblancetohimself——hewasascertainthatthesetwopeople，survivinghim，wouldbetrustworthyinallthingsfromthegreatesttotheleast，ashewasthathemustsurelydie。
MrandMrsBoffin，sittingsidebyside，withFashionwithdrawntoanimmeasurabledistance，felltodiscussinghowtheycouldbestfindtheirorphan。MrsBoffinsuggestedadvertisementinthenewspapers，requestingorphansansweringannexeddescriptiontoapplyattheBoweronacertainday；butMrBoffinwiselyapprehendingobstructionoftheneighbouringthoroughfaresbyorphanswarms，thiscoursewasnegatived。MrsBoffinnextsuggestedapplicationtotheirclergymanforalikelyorphan。MrBoffinthinkingbetterofthisscheme，theyresolvedtocalluponthereverendgentlemanatonce，andtotakethesameopportunityofmakingacquaintancewithMissBellaWilfer。Inorderthatthesevisitsmightbevisitsofstate，MrsBoffin\'sequipagewasorderedout。
Thisconsistedofalonghammer-headedoldhorse，formerlyusedinthebusiness，attachedtoafour-wheeledchaiseofthesameperiod，whichhadlongbeenexclusivelyusedbytheHarmonyJailpoultryasthefavouritelaying-placeofseveraldiscreethens。Anunwontedapplicationofcorntothehorse，andofpaintandvarnishtothecarriage，whenbothfellinasapartoftheBoffinlegacy，hadmadewhatMrBoffinconsideredaneatturn-outofthewhole；andadriverbeingadded，inthepersonofalonghammer-headedyoungmanwhowasaverygoodmatchforthehorse，leftnothingtobedesired。He，too，hadbeenformerlyusedinthebusiness，butwasnowentombedbyanhonestjobbingtailorofthedistrictinaperfectSepulchreofcoatandgaiters，sealedwithponderousbuttons。
Behindthisdomestic，MrandMrsBoffintooktheirseatsinthebackcompartmentofthevehicle:whichwassufficientlycommodious，buthadanundignifiedandalarmingtendency，ingettingoveraroughcrossing，tohiccupitselfawayfromthefrontcompartment。OntheirbeingdescriedemergingfromthegatesoftheBower，theneighbourhoodturnedoutatdoorandwindowtosalutetheBoffins。Amongthosewhowereeverandagainleftbehind，staringaftertheequipage，weremanyyouthfulspirits，whohaileditinstentoriantoneswithsuchcongratulationsas\'Nod-dyBof-fin！\'\'Bof-fin\'smon-ey！\'\'Downwiththedust，Bof-fin！\'andothersimilarcompliments。These，thehammer-headedyoungmantookinsuchillpartthatheoftenimpairedthemajestyoftheprogressbypullingupshort，andmakingasthoughhewouldalighttoexterminatetheoffenders；apurposefromwhichheonlyallowedhimselftobedissuadedafterlongandlivelyargumentswithhisemployers。
AtlengththeBowerdistrictwasleftbehind，andthepeacefuldwellingoftheReverendFrankMilveywasgained。TheReverendFrankMilvey\'sabodewasaverymodestabode，becausehisincomewasaverymodestincome。Hewasofficiallyaccessibletoeveryblunderingoldwomanwhohadincoherencetobestowuponhim，andreadilyreceivedtheBoffins。Hewasquiteayoungman，expensivelyeducatedandwretchedlypaid，withquiteayoungwifeandhalfadozenquiteyoungchildren。Hewasunderthenecessityofteachingandtranslatingfromtheclassics，toekeouthisscantymeans，yetwasgenerallyexpectedtohavemoretimetosparethantheidlestpersonintheparish，andmoremoneythantherichest。
Heacceptedtheneedlessinequalitiesandinconsistenciesofhislife，withakindofconventionalsubmissionthatwasalmostslavish；andanydaringlaymanwhowouldhaveadjustedsuchburdensashis，moredecentlyandgraciously，wouldhavehadsmallhelpfromhim。
Withareadypatientfaceandmanner，andyetwithalatentsmilethatshowedaquickenoughobservationofMrsBoffin\'sdress，MrMilvey，inhislittlebook-room——chargedwithsoundsandcriesasthoughthesixchildrenabovewerecomingdownthroughtheceiling，andtheroastinglegofmuttonbelowwerecomingupthroughthefloor——listenedtoMrsBoffin\'sstatementofherwantofanorphan。
\'Ithink，\'saidMrMilvey，\'thatyouhaveneverhadachildofyourown，MrandMrsBoffin?\'
Never。
\'But，liketheKingsandQueensintheFairyTales，Isupposeyouhavewishedforone?\'
Inageneralway，yes。
MrMilveysmiledagain，asheremarkedtohimself\'Thosekingsandqueenswerealwayswishingforchildren。\'Itoccurringtohim，perhaps，thatiftheyhadbeenCurates，theirwishesmighthavetendedintheoppositedirection。
\'Ithink，\'hepursued，\'wehadbettertakeMrsMilveyintoourCouncil。Sheisindispensabletome。Ifyouplease，I\'llcallher。\'
So，MrMilveycalled，\'Margaretta，mydear！\'andMrsMilveycamedown。Apretty，brightlittlewoman，somethingwornbyanxiety，whohadrepressedmanyprettytastesandbrightfancies，andsubstitutedintheirstead，schools，soup，flannel，coals，andalltheweek-daycaresandSundaycoughsofalargepopulation，youngandold。AsgallantlyhadMrMilveyrepressedmuchinhimselfthatnaturallybelongedtohisoldstudiesandoldfellow-students，andtakenupamongthepoorandtheirchildrenwiththehardcrumbsoflife。
\'MrandMrsBoffin，mydear，whosegoodfortuneyouhaveheardof。\'
MrsMilvey，withthemostunaffectedgraceintheworld，congratulatedthem，andwasgladtoseethem。Yetherengagingface，beinganopenaswellasaperceptiveone，wasnotwithoutherhusband\'slatentsmile。
\'MrsBoffinwishestoadoptalittleboy，mydear。\'
MrsMilvey，lookingratheralarmed，herhusbandadded:
\'Anorphan，mydear。\'
\'Oh！\'saidMrsMilvey，reassuredforherownlittleboys。
\'AndIwasthinking，Margaretta，thatperhapsoldMrsGoody\'sgrandchildmightanswerthepurpose。
\'OhmyDEARFrank！IDON\'Tthinkthatwoulddo！\'
\'No?\'
\'OhNO！\'
ThesmilingMrsBoffin，feelingitincumbentonhertotakepartintheconversation，andbeingcharmedwiththeemphaticlittlewifeandherreadyinterest，hereofferedheracknowledgmentsandinquiredwhattherewasagainsthim?
\'IDON\'Tthink，\'saidMrsMilvey，glancingattheReverendFrank\'——
andIbelievemyhusbandwillagreewithmewhenheconsidersitagain——thatyoucouldpossiblykeepthatorphancleanfromsnuff。
BecausehisgrandmothertakessoMANYounces，anddropsitoverhim。\'
\'Buthewouldnotbelivingwithhisgrandmotherthen，Margaretta，\'saidMrMilvey。
\'No，Frank，butitwouldbeimpossibletokeepherfromMrsBoffin\'shouse；andtheMOREtherewastoeatanddrinkthere，theoftenershewouldgo。AndsheISaninconvenientwoman。I
HOPEit\'snotuncharitabletorememberthatlastChristmasEveshedrankelevencupsoftea，andgrumbledallthetime。AndsheisNOTagratefulwoman，Frank。Yourecollectheraddressingacrowdoutsidethishouse，aboutherwrongs，when，onenightafterwehadgonetobed，shebroughtbackthepetticoatofnewflannelthathadbeengivenher，becauseitwastooshort。\'
\'That\'strue，\'saidMrMilvey。\'Idon\'tthinkthatwoulddo。WouldlittleHarrison——\'
\'Oh，FRANK！\'remonstratedhisemphaticwife。
\'Hehasnograndmother，mydear。\'
\'No，butIDON\'TthinkMrsBoffinwouldlikeanorphanwhosquintssoMUCH。\'
\'That\'strueagain，\'saidMrMilvey，becominghaggardwithperplexity。\'Ifalittlegirlwoulddo——\'
\'But，myDEARFrank，MrsBoffinwantsaboy。\'
\'That\'strueagain，\'saidMrMilvey。\'TomBockerisaniceboy\'
(thoughtfully)。
\'ButIDOUBT，Frank，\'MrsMilveyhinted，afteralittlehesitation，\'ifMrsBoffinwantsanorphanQUITEnineteen，whodrivesacartandwaterstheroads。\'
MrMilveyreferredthepointtoMrsBoffininalook；onthatsmilinglady\'sshakingherblackvelvetbonnetandbows，heremarked，inlowerspirits，\'that\'strueagain。\'
\'Iamsure，\'saidMrsBoffin，concernedatgivingsomuchtrouble，\'thatifIhadknownyouwouldhavetakensomuchpains，sir——andyoutoo，ma\'am——Idon\'tthinkIwouldhavecome。\'
\'PRAYdon\'tsaythat！\'urgedMrsMilvey。
\'No，don\'tsaythat，\'assentedMrMilvey，\'becausewearesomuchobligedtoyouforgivingusthepreference。\'WhichMrsMilveyconfirmed；andreallythekind，conscientiouscouplespoke，asiftheykeptsomeprofitableorphanwarehouseandwerepersonallypatronized。\'Butitisaresponsibletrust，\'addedMrMilvey，\'anddifficulttodischarge。Atthesametime，wearenaturallyveryunwillingtolosethechanceyousokindlygiveus，andifyoucouldaffordusadayortwotolookaboutus，——youknow，Margaretta，wemightcarefullyexaminetheworkhouse，andtheInfantSchool，andyourDistrict。\'
\'TobeSURE！\'saidtheemphaticlittlewife。
\'Wehaveorphans，Iknow，\'pursuedMrMilvey，quitewiththeairasifhemighthaveadded，\'instock，\'andquiteasanxiouslyasifthereweregreatcompetitioninthebusinessandhewereafraidoflosinganorder，\'overattheclay-pits；buttheyareemployedbyrelationsorfriends，andIamafraiditwouldcomeatlasttoatransactioninthewayofbarter。Andevenifyouexchangedblanketsforthechild——orbooksandfiring——itwouldbeimpossibletopreventtheirbeingturnedintoliquor。\'
Accordingly，itwasresolvedthatMrandMrsMilveyshouldsearchforanorphanlikelytosuit，andasfreeaspossiblefromtheforegoingobjections，andshouldcommunicateagainwithMrsBoffin。Then，MrBoffintookthelibertyofmentioningtoMrMilveythatifMrMilveywoulddohimthekindnesstobeperpetuallyhisbankertotheextentof\'atwenty-poundnoteorso，\'
tobeexpendedwithoutanyreferencetohim，hewouldbeheartilyobliged。Atthis，bothMrMilveyandMrsMilveywerequiteasmuchpleasedasiftheyhadnowantsoftheirown，butonlyknewwhatpovertywas，inthepersonsofotherpeople；andsotheinterviewterminatedwithsatisfactionandgoodopiniononallsides。
\'Now，oldlady，\'saidMrBoffin，astheyresumedtheirseatsbehindthehammer-headedhorseandman:\'havingmadeaveryagreeablevisitthere，we\'lltryWilfer\'s。\'
Itappeared，ontheirdrawingupatthefamilygate，thattotryWilfer\'swasathingmoreeasilyprojectedthandone，onaccountoftheextremedifficultyofgettingintothatestablishment；threepullsatthebellproducingnoexternalresult；thougheachwasattendedbyaudiblesoundsofscamperingandrushingwithin。Atthefourthtug——vindictivelyadministeredbythehammer-headedyoungman——
MissLaviniaappeared，emergingfromthehouseinanaccidentalmanner，withabonnetandparasol，asdesigningtotakeacontemplativewalk。Theyoungladywasastonishedtofindvisitorsatthegate，andexpressedherfeelingsinappropriateaction。
\'Here\'sMrandMrsBoffin！\'growledthehammer-headedyoungmanthroughthebarsofthegate，andatthesametimeshakingit，asifhewereonviewinaMenagerie；\'they\'vebeenherehalfanhour。\'
\'Whodidyousay?\'askedMissLavinia。
\'MrandMrsBOFFIN\'returnedtheyoungman，risingintoaroar。
MissLaviniatrippedupthestepstothehouse-door，trippeddownthestepswiththekey，trippedacrossthelittlegarden，andopenedthegate。\'Pleasetowalkin，\'saidMissLavinia，haughtily。\'Ourservantisout。\'
MrandMrsBoffincomplying，andpausinginthelittlehalluntilMissLaviniacameuptoshowthemwheretogonext，perceivedthreepairsoflisteninglegsuponthestairsabove。MrsWilfer\'slegs，MissBella\'slegs，MrGeorgeSampson\'slegs。
\'MrandMrsBoffin，Ithink?\'saidLavinia，inawarningvoice。
StrainedattentiononthepartofMrsWilfer\'slegs，ofMissBella\'slegs，ofMrGeorgeSampson\'slegs。
\'Yes，Miss。\'
\'Ifyou\'llstepthisway——downthesestairs——I\'llletMaknow。\'
ExcitedflightofMrsWilfer\'slegs，ofMissBella\'slegs，ofMrGeorgeSampson\'slegs。
Afterwaitingsomequarterofanhouraloneinthefamilysitting-
room，whichpresentedtracesofhavingbeensohastilyarrangedafterameal，thatonemighthavedoubtedwhetheritwasmadetidyforvisitors，orclearedforblindman\'sbuff，MrandMrsBoffinbecameawareoftheentranceofMrsWilfer，majesticallyfaint，andwithacondescendingstitchinherside:whichwashercompanymanner。
\'Pardonme，\'saidMrsWilfer，afterthefirstsalutations，andassoonasshehadadjustedthehandkerchiefunderherchin，andwavedherglovedhands，\'towhatamIindebtedforthishonour?\'
\'Tomakeshortofit，ma\'am，\'returnedMrBoffin，\'perhapsyoumaybeacquaintedwiththenamesofmeandMrsBoffin，ashavingcomeintoacertainproperty。\'
\'Ihaveheard，sir，\'returnedMrsWilfer，withadignifiedbendofherhead，\'ofsuchbeingthecase。\'
\'AndIdaresay，ma\'am，\'pursuedMrBoffin，whileMrsBoffinaddedconfirmatorynodsandsmiles，\'youarenotverymuchinclinedtotakekindlytous?\'
\'Pardonme，\'saidMrsWilfer。\'\'TwereunjusttovisituponMrandMrsBoffin，acalamitywhichwasdoubtlessadispensation。\'Thesewordswererenderedthemoreeffectivebyaserenelyheroicexpressionofsuffering。
\'That\'sfairlymeant，Iamsure，\'remarkedthehonestMrBoffin；
\'MrsBoffinandme，ma\'am，areplainpeople，andwedon\'twanttopretendtoanything，noryettogoroundandroundatanythingbecausethere\'salwaysastraightwaytoeverything。Consequently，wemakethiscalltosay，thatweshallbegladtohavethehonourandpleasureofyourdaughter\'sacquaintance，andthatweshallberejoicedifyourdaughterwillcometoconsiderourhouseinthelightofherhomeequallywiththis。Inshort，wewanttocheeryourdaughter，andtogivehertheopportunityofsharingsuchpleasuresasweareagoingtotakeourselves。Wewanttobriskherup，andbriskherabout，andgiveherachange。\'
\'That\'sit！\'saidtheopen-heartedMrsBoffin。\'Lor！Let\'sbecomfortable。\'
MrsWilferbentherheadinadistantmannertoherladyvisitor，andwithmajesticmonotonyrepliedtothegentleman:
\'Pardonme。Ihaveseveraldaughters。WhichofmydaughtersamItounderstandisthusfavouredbythekindintentionsofMrBoffinandhislady?\'
\'Don\'tyousee?\'theever-smilingMrsBoffinputin。\'Naturally，MissBella，youknow。\'
\'Oh-h！\'saidMrsWilfer，withaseverelyunconvincedlook。\'MydaughterBellaisaccessibleandshallspeakforherself。\'Thenopeningthedooralittleway，simultaneouslywithasoundofscuttlingoutsideit，thegoodladymadetheproclamation，\'SendMissBellatome！\'whichproclamation，thoughgrandlyformal，andonemightalmostsayheraldic，tohear，wasinfactenunciatedwithhermaternaleyesreproachfullyglaringonthatyoungladyintheflesh——andinsomuchofitthatshewasretiringwithdifficultyintothesmallclosetunderthestairs，apprehensiveoftheemergenceofMrandMrsBoffin。
\'TheavocationsofR。W。，myhusband，\'MrsWilferexplained，onresumingherseat，\'keephimfullyengagedintheCityatthistimeoftheday，orhewouldhavehadthehonourofparticipatinginyourreceptionbeneathourhumbleroof。\'
\'Verypleasantpremises！\'saidMrBoffin，cheerfully。
\'Pardonme，sir，\'returnedMrsWilfer，correctinghim，\'itistheabodeofconsciousthoughindependentPoverty。\'
Findingitratherdifficulttopursuetheconversationdownthisroad，MrandMrsBoffinsatstaringatmid-air，andMrsWilfersatsilentlygivingthemtounderstandthateverybreathshedrewrequiredtobedrawnwithaself-denialrarelyparalleledinhistory，untilMissBellaappeared:whomMrsWilferpresented，andtowhomsheexplainedthepurposeofthevisitors。
\'Iammuchobligedtoyou，Iamsure，\'saidMissBella，coldlyshakinghercurls，\'butIdoubtifIhavetheinclinationtogooutatall。\'
\'Bella！\'MrsWilferadmonishedher；\'Bella，youmustconquerthis。\'
\'Yes，dowhatyourMasays，andconquerit，mydear，\'urgedMrsBoffin，\'becauseweshallbesogladtohaveyou，andbecauseyouaremuchtooprettytokeepyourselfshutup。\'Withthat，thepleasantcreaturegaveherakiss，andpattedheronherdimpledshoulders；MrsWilfersittingstifflyby，likeafunctionarypresidingoveraninterviewprevioustoanexecution。
\'Wearegoingtomoveintoanicehouse，\'saidMrsBoffin，whowaswomanenoughtocompromiseMrBoffinonthatpoint，whenhecouldn\'tverywellcontestit；\'andwearegoingtosetupanicecarriage，andwe\'llgoeverywhereandseeeverything。Andyoumustn\'t，\'seatingBellabesideher，andpattingherhand，\'youmustn\'tfeeladisliketoustobeginwith，becausewecouldn\'thelpit，youknow，mydear。\'
Withthenaturaltendencyofyouthtoyieldtocandourandsweettemper，MissBellawassotouchedbythesimplicityofthisaddressthatshefranklyreturnedMrsBoffin\'skiss。Notatalltothesatisfactionofthatgoodwomanoftheworld，hermother，whosoughttoholdtheadvantageousgroundofobligingtheBoffinsinsteadofbeingobliged。
\'Myyoungestdaughter，Lavinia，\'saidMrsWilfer，gladtomakeadiversion，asthatyoungladyreappeared。\'MrGeorgeSampson，afriendofthefamily。\'
Thefriendofthefamilywasinthatstageoftenderpassionwhichboundhimtoregardeverybodyelseasthefoeofthefamily。Heputtheroundheadofhiscaneinhismouth，likeastopper，whenhesatdown。Asifhefelthimselffulltothethroatwithaffrontingsentiments。AndheeyedtheBoffinswithimplacableeyes。
\'Ifyouliketobringyoursisterwithyouwhenyoucometostaywithus，\'saidMrsBoffin，\'ofcourseweshallbeglad。Thebetteryoupleaseyourself，MissBella，thebetteryou\'llpleaseus。\'
\'Oh，myconsentisofnoconsequenceatall，Isuppose?\'criedMissLavinia。
\'Lavvy，\'saidhersister，inalowvoice，\'havethegoodnesstobeseenandnotheard。\'
\'No，Iwon\'t，\'repliedthesharpLavinia。\'I\'mnotachild，tobetakennoticeofbystrangers。\'
\'YouAREachild。\'
\'I\'mnotachild，andIwon\'tbetakennoticeof。“Bringyoursister，“
indeed！\'
\'Lavinia！\'saidMrsWilfer。\'Hold！Iwillnotallowyoutoutterinmypresencetheabsurdsuspicionthatanystrangers——Icarenotwhattheirnames——canpatronizemychild。Doyoudaretosuppose，youridiculousgirl，thatMrandMrsBoffinwouldenterthesedoorsuponapatronizingerrand；or，iftheydid，wouldremainwithinthem，onlyforonesingleinstant，whileyourmotherhadthestrengthyetremaininginhervitalframetorequestthemtodepart?Youlittleknowyourmotherifyoupresumetothinkso。\'
\'It\'sallveryfine，\'Laviniabegantogrumble，whenMrsWilferrepeated:
\'Hold！Iwillnotallowthis。Doyounotknowwhatisduetoguests?Doyounotcomprehendthatinpresumingtohintthatthisladyandgentlemancouldhaveanyideaofpatronizinganymemberofyourfamily——Icarenotwhich——youaccusethemofanimpertinencelittlelessthaninsane?\'
\'NevermindmeandMrsBoffin，ma\'am，\'saidMrBoffin，smilingly:\'wedon\'tcare。\'
\'Pardonme，butIdo，\'returnedMrsWilfer。
MissLavinialaughedashortlaughasshemuttered，\'Yes，tobesure。\'
\'AndIrequiremyaudaciouschild，\'proceededMrsWilfer，withawitheringlookatheryoungest，onwhomithadnottheslightesteffect，\'topleasetobejusttohersisterBella；torememberthathersisterBellaismuchsoughtafter；andthatwhenhersisterBellaacceptsanattention，sheconsidersherselftobeconferringqui-i-iteasmuchhonour，\'——thiswithanindignantshiver，——\'asshereceives。\'
But，hereMissBellarepudiated，andsaidquietly，\'Icanspeakformyself；youknow，ma。Youneedn\'tbringMEin，please。\'
\'Andit\'sallverywellaimingatothersthroughconvenientme，\'
saidtheirrepressibleLavinia，spitefully；\'butIshouldliketoaskGeorgeSampsonwhathesaystoit。\'
\'MrSampson，\'proclaimedMrsWilfer，seeingthatyounggentlemantakehisstopperout，andsodarklyfixinghimwithhereyesasthatheputitinagain:\'MrSampson，asafriendofthisfamilyandafrequenterofthishouse，is，Iampersuaded，fartoowell-bredtointerposeonsuchaninvitation。\'
ThisexaltationoftheyounggentlemanmovedtheconscientiousMrsBoffintorepentanceforhavingdonehimaninjusticeinhermind，andconsequentlytosayingthatsheandMrBoffinwouldatanytimebegladtoseehim；anattentionwhichhehandsomelyacknowledgedbyreplying，withhisstopperunremoved，\'Muchobligedtoyou，butI\'malwaysengaged，dayandnight。\'
However，BellacompensatingforalldrawbacksbyrespondingtotheadvancesoftheBoffinsinanengagingway，thateasypairwereonthewholewellsatisfied，andproposedtothesaidBellathatassoonastheyshouldbeinaconditiontoreceiveherinamannersuitabletotheirdesires，MrsBoffinshouldreturnwithnoticeofthefact。ThisarrangementMrsWilfersanctionedwithastatelyinclinationofherheadandwaveofhergloves，aswhoshouldsay，\'Yourdemeritsshallbeoverlooked，andyoushallbemercifullygratified，poorpeople。\'
\'By-the-bye，ma\'am，\'saidMrBoffin，turningbackashewasgoing，\'youhavealodger?\'
\'Agentleman，\'MrsWilferanswered，qualifyingthelowexpression，\'undoubtedlyoccupiesourfirstfloor。\'
\'ImaycallhimOurMutualFriend，\'saidMrBoffin。\'WhatsortofafellowISOurMutualFriend，now?Doyoulikehim?\'
\'MrRokesmithisverypunctual，veryquiet，averyeligibleinmate。\'
\'Because，\'MrBoffinexplained，\'youmustknowthatI\'mnotparticularlywellacquaintedwithOurMutualFriend，forIhaveonlyseenhimonce。Yougiveagoodaccountofhim。Isheathome?\'
\'MrRokesmithisathome，\'saidMrsWilfer；\'indeed，\'pointingthroughthewindow，\'therehestandsatthegardengate。Waitingforyou，perhaps?\'
\'Perhapsso，\'repliedMrBoffin。\'Sawmecomein，maybe。\'
Bellahadcloselyattendedtothisshortdialogue。AccompanyingMrsBoffintothegate，sheascloselywatchedwhatfollowed。
\'Howareyou，sir，howareyou?\'saidMrBoffin。\'ThisisMrsBoffin。MrRokesmith，thatItoldyouof；mydear。\'
Shegavehimgoodday，andhebestirredhimselfandhelpedhertoherseat，andthelike，withareadyhand。
\'Good-byeforthepresent，MissBella，\'saidMrsBoffin，callingoutaheartyparting。\'Weshallmeetagainsoon！AndthenIhopeI
shallhavemylittleJohnHarmontoshowyou。\'
MrRokesmith，whowasatthewheeladjustingtheskirtsofherdress，suddenlylookedbehindhim，andaroundhim，andthenlookedupather，withafacesopalethatMrsBoffincried:
\'Gracious！\'Andafteramoment，\'What\'sthematter，sir?\'
\'HowcanyoushowhertheDead?\'returnedMrRokesmith。
\'It\'sonlyanadoptedchild。OneIhavetoldherof。OneI\'mgoingtogivethenameto！\'
\'Youtookmebysurprise，\'saidMrRokesmith，\'anditsoundedlikeanomen，thatyoushouldspeakofshowingtheDeadtoonesoyoungandblooming。\'
Now，BellasuspectedbythistimethatMrRokesmithadmiredher。
Whethertheknowledge(foritwasratherthatthansuspicion)
causedhertoinclinetohimalittlemore，oralittleless，thanshehaddoneatfirst；whetheritrenderedhereagertofindoutmoreabouthim，becauseshesoughttoestablishreasonforherdistrust，orbecauseshesoughttofreehimfromit；wasasyetdarktoherownheart。Butatmosttimesheoccupiedagreatamountofherattention，andshehadsetherattentioncloselyonthisincident。
Thatheknewitaswellasshe，sheknewaswellashe，whentheywerelefttogetherstandingonthepathbythegardengate。
\'Thoseareworthypeople，MissWilfer。\'
\'Doyouknowthemwell?\'askedBella。
Hesmiled，reproachingher，andshecoloured，reproachingherself——both，withtheknowledgethatshehadmeanttoentraphimintoananswernottrue——whenhesaid\'IknowOFthem。\'
\'Truly，hetoldushehadseenyoubutonce。\'
\'Truly，Isupposedhedid。\'
Bellawasnervousnow，andwouldhavebeengladtorecallherquestion。
\'Youthoughtitstrangethat，feelingmuchinterestedinyou，I
shouldstartatwhatsoundedlikeaproposaltobringyouintocontactwiththemurderedmanwholiesinhisgrave。Imighthaveknown——ofcourseinamomentshouldhaveknown——thatitcouldnothavethatmeaning。Butmyinterestremains。\'
Re-enteringthefamily-roominameditativestate，MissBellawasreceivedbytheirrepressibleLaviniawith:
\'There，Bella！AtlastIhopeyouhavegotyourwishesrealized——byyourBoffins。You\'llberichenoughnow——withyourBoffins。Youcanhaveasmuchflirtingasyoulike——atyourBoffins。Butyouwon\'ttakeMEtoyourBoffins，Icantellyou——youandyourBoffinstoo！\'
\'If，\'quothMrGeorgeSampson，moodilypullinghisstopperout，\'MissBella\'sMrBoffincomesanymoreofhisnonsensetoME，I
onlywishhimtounderstand，asbetwixtmanandman，thathedoesitathisper——\'andwasgoingtosayperil；butMissLavinia，havingnoconfidenceinhismentalpowers，andfeelinghisorationtohavenodefiniteapplicationtoanycircumstances，jerkedhisstopperinagain，withasharpnessthatmadehiseyeswater。
AndnowtheworthyMrsWilfer，havingusedheryoungestdaughterasalay-figurefortheedificationoftheseBoffins，becameblandtoher，andproceededtodevelopherlastinstanceofforceofcharacter，whichwasstillinreserve。Thiswas，toilluminatethefamilywithherremarkablepowersasaphysiognomist；powersthatterrifiedR。W。wheneverletloose，asbeingalwaysfraughtwithgloomandevilwhichnoinferiorpresciencewasawareof。
AndthisMrsWilfernowdid，beitobserved，injealousyoftheseBoffins，intheverysamemomentswhenshewasalreadyreflectinghowshewouldflourishtheseverysameBoffinsandthestatetheykept，overtheheadsofherBoffinlessfriends。
\'Oftheirmanners，\'saidMrsWilfer，\'Isaynothing。Oftheirappearance，Isaynothing。OfthedisinterestednessoftheirintentionstowardsBella，Isaynothing。Butthecraft，thesecrecy，thedarkdeepunderhandedplotting，writteninMrsBoffin\'scountenance，makemeshudder。\'
Asanincontrovertibleproofthatthosebalefulattributeswereallthere，MrsWilfershudderedonthespot。
Chapter10
AMARRIAGECONTRACT
ThereisexcitementintheVeneeringmansion。Thematureyoungladyisgoingtobemarried(powderandall)tothematureyounggentleman，andsheistobemarriedfromtheVeneeringhouse，andtheVeneeringsaretogivethebreakfast。TheAnalytical，whoobjectsasamatterofprincipletoeverythingthatoccursonthepremises，necessarilyobjectstothematch；buthisconsenthasbeendispensedwith，andaspring-vanisdeliveringitsloadofgreenhouseplantsatthedoor，inorderthatto-morrow\'sfeastmaybecrownedwithflowers。
Thematureyoungladyisaladyofproperty。Thematureyounggentlemanisagentlemanofproperty。Heinvestshisproperty。Hegoes，inacondescendingamateurishway，intotheCity，attendsmeetingsofDirectors，andhastodowithtrafficinShares。Asiswellknowntothewiseintheirgeneration，trafficinSharesistheonethingtohavetodowithinthisworld。Havenoantecedents，noestablishedcharacter，nocultivation，noideas，nomanners；
haveShares。HaveSharesenoughtobeonBoardsofDirectionincapitalletters，oscillateonmysteriousbusinessbetweenLondonandParis，andbegreat。Wheredoeshecomefrom?Shares。
Whereishegoingto?Shares。Whatarehistastes?Shares。Hasheanyprinciples?Shares。WhatsqueezeshimintoParliament?
Shares。Perhapsheneverofhimselfachievedsuccessinanything，neveroriginatedanything，neverproducedanything?Sufficientanswertoall；Shares。OmightyShares！Tosetthoseblaringimagessohigh，andtocauseussmallervermin，asundertheinfluenceofhenbaneoropium，tocryout，nightandday，\'Relieveusofourmoney，scatteritforus，buyusandsellus，ruinus，onlywebeseechyetakerankamongthepowersoftheearth，andfattenonus\'！
WhiletheLovesandGraceshavebeenpreparingthistorchforHymen，whichistobekindledto-morrow，MrTwemlowhassufferedmuchinhismind。ItwouldseemthatboththematureyoungladyandthematureyounggentlemanmustindubitablybeVeneering\'soldestfriends。Wardsofhis，perhaps?Yetthatcanscarcelybe，fortheyareolderthanhimself。Veneeringhasbeenintheirconfidencethroughout，andhasdonemuchtolurethemtothealtar。HehasmentionedtoTwemlowhowhesaidtoMrsVeneering，\'Anastatia，thismustbeamatch。\'HehasmentionedtoTwemlowhowheregardsSophroniaAkershem(thematureyounglady)inthelightofasister，andAlfredLammle(thematureyounggentleman)inthelightofabrother。TwemlowhasaskedhimwhetherhewenttoschoolasajuniorwithAlfred?Hehasanswered，\'Notexactly。\'WhetherSophroniawasadoptedbyhismother?Hehasanswered，\'Notpreciselyso。\'Twemlow\'shandhasgonetohisforeheadwithalostair。
But，twoorthreeweeksago，Twemlow，sittingoverhisnewspaper，andoverhisdry-toastandweaktea，andoverthestable-yardinDukeStreet，StJames\'s，receivedahighly-perfumedcocked-hatandmonogramfromMrsVeneering，entreatingherdearestMrT。，ifnotparticularlyengagedthatday，tocomelikeachariningsoulandmakeafourthatdinnerwithdearMrPodsnap，forthediscussionofaninterestingfamilytopic；thelastthreewordsdoublyunderlinedandpointedwithanoteofadmiration。
AndTwemlowreplying，\'Notengaged，andmorethandelighted，\'
goes，andthistakesplace:
\'MydearTwemlow，\'saysVeneering，\'yourreadyresponsetoAnastatia\'sunceremoniousinvitationistrulykind，andlikeanold，oldfriend。YouknowourdearfriendPodsnap?\'
TwemlowoughttoknowthedearfriendPodsnapwhocoveredhimwithsomuchconfusion，andhesayshedoesknowhim，andPodsnapreciprocates。Apparently，Podsnaphasbeensowroughtuponinashorttime，astobelievethathehasbeenintimateinthehousemany，many，manyyears。Inthefriendliestmannerheismakinghimselfquiteathomewithhisbacktothefire，executingastatuetteoftheColossusatRhodes。TwemlowhasbeforenoticedinhisfeeblewayhowsoontheVeneeringguestsbecomeinfectedwiththeVeneeringfiction。Not，however，thathehastheleastnotionofitsbeinghisowncase。
\'Ourfriends，AlfredandSophronia，\'pursuesVeneeringtheveiledprophet:\'ourfriendsAlfredandSophronia，youwillbegladtohear，mydearfellows，aregoingtobemarried。AsmywifeandI
makeitafamilyaffairtheentiredirectionofwhichwetakeuponourselves，ofcourseourfirststepistocommunicatethefacttoourfamilyfriends。\'
(\'Oh！\'thinksTwemlow，withhiseyesonPodsnap，\'thenthereareonlytwoofus，andhe\'stheother。\')
\'Ididhope，\'Veneeringgoeson，\'tohavehadLadyTippinstomeetyou；butsheisalwaysinrequest，andisunfortunatelyengaged。\'
(\'Oh！\'thinksTwemlow，withhiseyeswandering，\'thentherearethreeofus，andSHE\'Stheother。\')
\'MortimerLightwood，\'resumesVeneering，\'whomyoubothknow，isoutoftown；buthewrites，inhiswhimsicalmanner，thatasweaskhimtobebridegroom\'sbestmanwhentheceremonytakesplace，hewillnotrefuse，thoughhedoesn\'tseewhathehastodowithit。\'
(\'Oh！\'thinksTwemlow，withhiseyesrolling，\'thentherearefourofus，andHE\'Stheother。\')
\'BootsandBrewer，\'observesVeneering，\'whomyoualsoknow，I
havenotaskedto-day；butIreservethemfortheoccasion。\'
(\'Then，\'thinksTwemlow，withhiseyesshut，\'therearesi——\'ButherecollapsesanddoesnotcompletelyrecoveruntildinnerisoverandtheAnalyticalhasbeenrequestedtowithdraw。)
\'Wenowcome，\'saysVeneering，\'tothepoint，therealpoint，ofourlittlefamilyconsultation。Sophronia，havinglostbothfatherandmother，hasnoonetogiveheraway。\'
\'Giveherawayyourself，\'saysPodsnap。
\'MydearPodsnap，no。Forthreereasons。Firstly，becauseI
couldn\'ttakesomuchuponmyselfwhenIhaverespectedfamilyfriendstoremember。Secondly，becauseIamnotsovainastothinkthatIlookthepart。Thirdly，becauseAnastatiaisalittlesuperstitiousonthesubjectandfeelsaversetomygivingawayanybodyuntilbabyisoldenoughtobemarried。\'
\'Whatwouldhappenifhedid?\'PodsnapinquiresofMrsVeneering。
\'MydearMrPodsnap，it\'sveryfoolishIknow，butIhaveaninstinctivepresentimentthatifHamiltongaveawayanybodyelsefirst，hewouldnevergiveawaybaby。\'ThusMrsVeneering；withheropenhandspressedtogether，andeachofhereightaquilinefingerslookingsoverylikeheroneaquilinenosethatthebran-newjewelsonthemseemnecessaryfordistinction\'ssake。
\'But，mydearPodsnap，\'quothVeneering，\'thereISatriedfriendofourfamilywho，Ithinkandhopeyouwillagreewithme，Podsnap，isthefriendonwhomthisagreeabledutyalmostnaturallydevolves。Thatfriend，\'sayingthewordsasifthecompanywereaboutahundredandfiftyinnumber，\'isnowamongus。ThatfriendisTwemlow。\'
\'Certainly！\'FromPodsnap。
\'Thatfriend，\'Veneeringrepeatswithgreaterfirmness，\'isourdeargoodTwemlow。AndIcannotsufficientlyexpresstoyou，mydearPodsnap，thepleasureIfeelinhavingthisopinionofmineandAnastatia\'ssoreadilyconfirmedbyyou，thatotherequallyfamiliarandtriedfriendwhostandsintheproudposition——Imeanwhoproudlystandsintheposition——orIoughtrathertosay，whoplacesAnastatiaandmyselfintheproudpositionofhimselfstandinginthesimpleposition——ofbaby\'sgodfather。\'And，indeed，VeneeringismuchrelievedinmindtofindthatPodsnapbetraysnojealousyofTwemlow\'selevation。
So，ithascometopassthatthespring-vanisstrewingflowersontherosyhoursandonthestaircase，andthatTwemlowissurveyingthegroundonwhichheistoplayhisdistinguishedpartto-
morrow。Hehasalreadybeentothechurch，andtakennoteofthevariousimpedimentsintheaisle，undertheauspicesofanextremelydrearywidowwhoopensthepews，andwhoselefthandappearstobeinastateofacuterheumatism，butisinfactvoluntarilydoubleduptoactasamoney-box。
AndnowVeneeringshootsoutoftheStudywhereinheisaccustomed，whencontemplative，togivehismindtothecarvingandgildingofthePilgrimsgoingtoCanterbury，inordertoshowTwemlowthelittleflourishhehaspreparedforthetrumpetsoffashion，describinghowthatontheseventeenthinstant，atStJames\'sChurch，theReverendBlankBlank，assistedbytheReverendDashDash，unitedinthebondsofmatrimony，AlfredLammleEsquire，ofSackvilleStreet，Piccadilly，toSophronia，onlydaughterofthelateHoratioAkershem，Esquire，ofYorkshire。
AlsohowthefairbridewasmarriedfromthehouseofHamiltonVeneering，Esquire，ofStucconia，andwasgivenawaybyMelvinTwemlow，Esquire，ofDukeStreet，StJames\'s，secondcousintoLordSnigsworth，ofSnigsworthyPark。Whileperusingwhichcomposition，TwemlowmakessomeopaqueapproachtoperceivingthatiftheReverendBlankBlankandtheReverendDashDashfail，afterthisintroduction，tobecomeenrolledinthelistofVeneering\'sdearestandoldestfriends，theywillhavenonebutthemselvestothankforit。
Afterwhich，appearsSophronia(whomTwemlowhasseentwiceinhislifetime)，tothankTwemlowforcounterfeitingthelateHoratioAkershemEsquire，broadlyofYorkshire。Andafterher，appearsAlfred(whomTwemlowhasseenonceinhislifetime)，todothesameandtomakeapastysortofglitter，asifhewereconstructedforcandle-lightonly，andhadbeenletoutintodaylightbysomegrandmistake。Andafterthat，comesMrsVeneering，inapervadinglyaquilinestateoffigure，andwithtransparentlittleknobsonhertemper，likethelittletransparentknobonthebridgeofhernose，\'Wornoutbyworryandexcitement，\'asshetellsherdearMrTwemlow，andreluctantlyrevivedwithcuracoabytheAnalytical。Andafterthat，thebridesmaidsbegintocomebyrail-
roadfromvariouspartsofthecountry，andtocomelikeadorablerecruitsenlistedbyasergeantnotpresent；for，onarrivingattheVeneeringdepot，theyareinabarrackofstrangers。
So，TwemlowgoeshometoDukeStreet，StJames\'s，totakeaplateofmuttonbrothwithachopinit，andalookatthemarriage-
service，inorderthathemaycutinattherightplaceto-morrow；
andheislow，andfeelsitdullovertheliverystable-yard，andisdistinctlyawareofadintinhisheart，madebythemostadorableoftheadorablebridesmaids。For，thepoorlittleharmlessgentlemanoncehadhisfancy，liketherestofus，andshedidn\'tanswer(assheoftendoesnot)，andhethinkstheadorablebridesmaidislikethefancyasshewasthen(whichsheisnotatall)，andthatifthefancyhadnotmarriedsomeoneelseformoney，buthadmarriedhimforlove，heandshewouldhavebeenhappy(whichtheywouldn\'thavebeen)，andthatshehasatendernessforhimstill(whereashertoughnessisaproverb)。Broodingoverthefire，withhisdriedlittleheadinhisdriedlittlehands，andhisdriedlittleelbowsonhisdriedlittleknees，Twemlowismelancholy。
\'NoAdorabletobearmecompanyhere！\'thinkshe。\'NoAdorableattheclub！Awaste，awaste，awaste，myTwemlow！\'Andsodropsasleep，andhasgalvanicstartsalloverhim。
Betimesnextmorning，thathorribleoldLadyTippins(relictofthelateSirThomasTippins，knightedinmistakeforsomebodyelsebyHisMajestyKingGeorgetheThird，who，whileperformingtheceremony，wasgraciouslypleasedtoobserve，\'What，what，what?
Who，who，who?Why，why，why?\')beginstobedyedandvarnishedfortheinterestingoccasion。Shehasareputationforgivingsmartaccountsofthings，andshemustbeatthesepeople\'searly，mydear，tolosenothingofthefun。Whereaboutinthebonnetanddraperyannouncedbyhername，anyfragmentoftherealwomanmaybeconcealed，isperhapsknowntohermaid；butyoucouldeasilybuyallyouseeofher，inBondStreet；oryoumightscalpher，andpeelher，andscrapeher，andmaketwoLadyTippinsesoutofher，andyetnotpenetratetothegenuinearticle。
Shehasalargegoldeye-glass，hasLadyTippins，tosurveytheproceedingswith。Ifshehadoneineacheye，itmightkeepthatotherdroopinglidup，andlookmoreuniform。Butperennialyouthisinherartificialflowers，andherlistofloversisfull。
\'Mortimer，youwretch，\'saysLadyTippins，turningtheeyeglassaboutandabout，\'whereisyourcharge，thebridegroom?\'
\'Giveyoumyhonour，\'returnsMortimer，\'Idon\'tknow，andIdon\'tcare。\'
\'Miserable！Isthatthewayyoudoyourduty?\'
\'Beyondanimpressionthatheistosituponmykneeandbesecondedatsomepointofthesolemnities，likeaprincipalataprizefight，IassureyouIhavenonotionwhatmydutyis，\'returnsMortimer。
Eugeneisalsoinattendance，withapervadingairuponhimofhavingpresupposedtheceremonytobeafuneral，andofbeingdisappointed。ThesceneistheVestry-roomofStJames\'sChurch，withanumberofleatheryoldregistersonshelves，thatmightbeboundinLadyTippinses。
But，hark！Acarriageatthegate，andMortimer\'smanarrives，lookingratherlikeaspuriousMephistophelesandanunacknowledgedmemberofthatgentleman\'sfamily。WhomLadyTippins，surveyingthroughhereye-glass，considersafineman，andquiteacatch；andofwhomMortimerremarks，inthelowestspirits，asheapproaches，\'Ibelievethisismyfellow，confoundhim！\'Morecarriagesatthegate，andlotherestofthecharacters。
WhomLadyTippins，standingonacushion，surveyingthroughtheeye-glass，thuschecksoff。\'Bride；five-and-fortyifaday，thirtyshillingsayard，veilfifteenpound，pocket-handkerchiefapresent。
Bridesmaids；keptdownforfearofoutshiningbride，consequentlynotgirls，twelveandsixpenceayard，Veneering\'sflowers，snub-
nosedoneratherprettybuttooconsciousofherstockings，bonnetsthreepoundten。Twemlow；blessedreleaseforthedearmanifshereallywashisdaughter，nervousevenunderthepretencethatsheis，wellhemaybe。MrsVeneering；neversawsuchvelvet，saytwothousandpoundsasshestands，absolutejeweller\'swindow，fathermusthavebeenapawnbroker，orhowcouldthesepeopledoit?
Attendantunknowns；pokey。\'
Ceremonyperformed，registersigned，LadyTippinsescortedoutofsacrededificebyVeneering，carriagesrollingbacktoStucconia，servantswithfavoursandflowers，Veneering\'shousereached，drawing-roomsmostmagnificent。Here，thePodsnapsawaitthehappyparty；MrPodsnap，withhishair-brushesmadethemostof；
thatimperialrocking-horse，MrsPodsnap，majesticallyskittish。
Here，too，areBootsandBrewer，andthetwootherBuffers；eachBufferwithaflowerinhisbutton-hole，hishaircurled，andhisglovesbuttonedontight，apparentlycomeprepared，ifanythinghadhappenedtothebridegroom，tobemarriedinstantly。Here，too，thebride\'sauntandnextrelation；awidowedfemaleofaMedusasort，inastoneycap，glaringpetrifactionatherfellow-
creatures。Here，too，thebride\'strustee；anoilcake-fedstyleofbusiness-gentlemanwithmooneyspectacles，andanobjectofmuchinterest。Veneeringlaunchinghimselfuponthistrusteeashisoldestfriend(whichmakesseven，Twemlowthought)，andconfidentiallyretiringwithhimintotheconservatory，itisunderstoodthatVeneeringishisco-trustee，andthattheyarearrangingaboutthefortune。BuffersareevenoverheardtowhisperThir-tyThou-sandPou-nds！withasmackandarelishsuggestiveoftheveryfinestoysters。Pokeyunknowns，amazedtofindhowintimatelytheyknowVeneering，pluckupspirit，foldtheirarms，andbegintocontradicthimbeforebreakfast。WhattimeMrsVeneering，carryingbabydressedasabridesmaid，flitsaboutamongthecompany，emittingflashesofmany-colouredlightningfromdiamonds，emeralds，andrubies。
TheAnalytical，incourseoftimeachievingwhathefeelstobeduetohimselfinbringingtoadignifiedconclusionseveralquarrelshehasonhandwiththepastrycook\'smen，announcesbreakfast。
Dining-roomnolessmagnificentthandrawing-room；tablessuperb；allthecamelsout，andallladen。Splendidcake，coveredwithCupids，silver，andtrue-lovers\'knots。Splendidbracelet，producedbyVeneeringbeforegoingdown，andclaspeduponthearrnofbride。YetnobodyseemstothinkmuchmoreoftheVeneeringsthaniftheywereatolerablelandlordandlandladydoingthethinginthewayofbusinessatsomuchahead。Thebrideandbridegroomtalkandlaughapart，ashasalwaysbeentheirmanner；andtheBuffersworktheirwaythroughthedisheswithsystematicperseverance，ashasalwaysbeenTHEIRmanner；
andthepokeyunknownsareexceedinglybenevolenttooneanotherininvitationstotakeglassesofchampagne；butMrsPodsnap，archinghermaneandrockinghergrandest，hasafarmoredeferentialaudiencethanMrsVeneering；andPodsnapallbutdoesthehonours。
Anotherdismalcircumstanceis，thatVeneering，havingthecaptivatingTippinsononesideofhimandthebride\'sauntontheother，findsitimmenselydifficulttokeepthepeace。For，Medusa，besidesunmistakinglyglaringpetrifactionatthefascinatingTippins，followseverylivelyremarkmadebythatdearcreature，withanaudiblesnort:whichmaybereferabletoachroniccoldinthehead，butmayalsobereferabletoindignationandcontempt。
Andthissnortbeingregularinitsreproduction，atlengthcomestobeexpectedbythecompany，whomakeembarrassingpauseswhenitisfallingdue，andbywaitingforit，renderitmoreemphaticwhenitcomes。ThestoneyaunthaslikewiseaninjuriouswayofrejectingalldisheswhereofLadyTippinspartakes:sayingaloudwhentheyareprofferedtoher，\'No，no，no，notforme。Takeitaway！\'Aswithasetpurposeofimplyingamisgivingthatifnourisheduponsimilarmeats，shemightcometobelikethatcharmer，whichwouldbeafatalconsummation。Awareofherenemy，LadyTippinstriesayouthfulsallyortwo，andtriestheeye-
glass；but，fromtheimpenetrablecapandsnortingarmourofthestoneyauntallweaponsreboundpowerless。
Anotherobjectionablecircumstanceis，thatthepokeyunknownssupporteachotherinbeingunimpressible。Theypersistinnotbeingfrightenedbythegoldandsilvercamels，andtheyarebandedtogethertodefytheelaboratelychasedice-pails。Theyevenseemtouniteinsomevagueutteranceofthesentimentthatthelandlordandlandladywillmakeaprettygoodprofitoutofthis，andtheyalmostcarrythemselveslikecustomers。Noristherecompensatinginfluenceintheadorablebridesmaids；for，havingverylittleinterestinthebride，andnoneatallinoneanother，thoselovelybeingsbecome，eachoneofherownaccount，depreciatinglycontemplativeofthemillinerypresent；whilethebridegroom\'sman，exhausted，inthebackofhischair，appearstobeimprovingtheoccasionbypenitentiallycontemplatingallthewronghehaseverdone；thedifferencebetweenhimandhisfriendEugene，being，thatthelatter，inthebackofHISchair，appearstobecontemplatingallthewronghewouldliketodo——particularlytothepresentcompany。
Inwhichstateofaffairs，theusualceremoniesratherdroopandflag，andthesplendidcakewhencutbythefairhandofthebridehasbutanindigestibleappearance。However，allthethingsindispensabletobesaidaresaid，andallthethingsindispensabletobedonearedone(includingLadyTippins\'syawning，fallingasleep，andwakinginsensible)，andthereishurriedpreparationforthenuptialjourneytotheIsleofWight，andtheouterairteemswithbrassbandsandspectators。Infullsightofwhom，themalignantstaroftheAnalyticalhaspre-ordainedthatpainandridiculeshallbefallhim。Forhe，standingonthedoorstepstogracethedeparture，issuddenlycaughtamostprodigiousthumponthesideofhisheadwithaheavyshoe，whichaBufferinthehall，champagne-flushedandwildofaim，hasborrowedonthespurofthemomentfromthepastrycook\'sporter，tocastafterthedepartingpairasanauspiciousomen。
Sotheyallgoupagainintothegorgeousdrawing-rooms——allofthemflushedwithbreakfast，ashavingtakenscarlatinasociably——
andtherethecombinedunknownsdomalignantthingswiththeirlegstoottomans，andtakeasmuchaspossibleoutofthesplendidfurniture。Andso，LadyTippins，quiteundeterminedwhethertodayisthedaybeforeyesterday，orthedayafterto-morrow，ortheweekafternext，fadesaway；andMortimerLightwoodandEugenefadeaway，andTwemlowfadesaway，andthestoneyauntgoesaway——shedeclinestofade，provingrocktothelast——andeventheunknownsareslowlystrainedoff，anditisallover。
Allover，thatistosay，forthetimebeing。But，thereisanothertimetocome，anditcomesinaboutafortnight，anditcomestoMrandMrsLammleonthesandsatShanklin，intheIsleofWight。
MrandMrsLammlehavewalkedforsometimeontheShanklinsands，andonemayseebytheirfootprintsthattheyhavenotwalkedarminarm，andthattheyhavenotwalkedinastraighttrack，andthattheyhavewalkedinamoodyhumour；for，theladyhasproddedlittlespirtingholesinthedampsandbeforeherwithherparasol，andthegentlemanhastrailedhisstickafterhim。AsifhewereoftheMephistophelesfamilyindeed，andhadwalkedwithadroopingtail。
\'Doyoumeantotellme，then，Sophronia——\'
Thushebeginsafteralongsilence，whenSophroniaflashesfiercely，andturnsuponhim。
\'Don\'tputituponME，sir。Iaskyou，doYOUmeantotellme?\'
MrLammlefallssilentagain，andtheywalkasbefore。MrsLammleopenshernostrilsandbitesherunder-lip；MrLammletakeshisgingerouswhiskersinhislefthand，and，bringingthemtogether，frownsfurtivelyathisbeloved，outofathickgingerousbush。
\'DoImeantosay！\'MrsLammleafteratimerepeats，withindignation。\'Puttingitonme！Theunmanlydisingenuousness！\'
MrLammlestops，releaseshiswhiskers，andlooksather。\'Thewhat?\'
MrsLammlehaughtilyreplies，withoutstopping，andwithoutlookingback。\'Themeanness。\'
Heisathersideagaininapaceortwo，andheretorts，\'Thatisnotwhatyousaid。Yousaiddisingenuousness。\'
\'WhatifIdid?\'
\'Thereisno“if“inthecase。Youdid。\'
\'Idid，then。Andwhatofit?\'
\'Whatofit?\'saysMrLammle。\'Haveyouthefacetoutterthewordtome?\'
\'Theface，too！\'repliedMrsLammle，staringathimwithcoldscorn。\'Pray，howdareyou，sir，utterthewordtome?\'
\'Ineverdid。\'
Asthishappenstobetrue，MrsLammleisthrownonthefeminineresourceofsaying，\'Idon\'tcarewhatyouutteredordidnotutter。\'
Afteralittlemorewalkingandalittlemoresilence，MrLammlebreaksthelatter。
\'Youshallproceedinyourownway。YouclaimarighttoaskmedoImeantotellyou。DoImeantotellyouwhat?\'
\'Thatyouareamanofproperty?\'
\'No。\'
\'Thenyoumarriedmeonfalsepretences?\'
\'Sobeit。Nextcomeswhatyoumeantosay。Doyoumeantosayyouareawomanofproperty?\'
\'No。\'
\'Thenyoumarriedmeonfalsepretences。\'
\'Ifyouweresodullafortune-hunterthatyoudeceivedyourself，orifyouweresogreedyandgraspingthatyouwereover-willingtobedeceivedbyappearances，isitmyfault，youadventurer?\'theladydemands，withgreatasperity。
\'IaskedVeneering，andhetoldmeyouwererich。\'
\'Veneering！\'withgreatcontempt。\'AndwhatdoesVeneeringknowaboutme！\'
\'Washenotyourtrustee?\'
\'No。Ihavenotrustee，buttheoneyousawonthedaywhenyoufraudulentlymarriedme。Andhistrustisnotaverydifficultone，foritisonlyanannuityofahundredandfifteenpounds。Ithinktherearesomeoddshillingsorpence，ifyouareveryparticular。\'
MrLammlebestowsabynomeanslovinglookuponthepartnerofhisjoysandsorrows，andhemutterssomething；butcheckshimself。
\'Questionforquestion。Itismyturnagain，MrsLammle。Whatmadeyousupposemeamanofproperty?\'
\'Youmademesupposeyouso。Perhapsyouwilldenythatyoualwayspresentedyourselftomeinthatcharacter?\'
\'Butyouaskedsomebody，too。Come，MrsLammle，admissionforadmission。Youaskedsomebody?\'
\'IaskedVeneering。\'
\'AndVeneeringknewasmuchofmeasheknewofyou，orasanybodyknowsofhim。\'
Aftermoresilentwalking，thebridestopsshort，tosayinapassionatemanner:
\'IneverwillforgivetheVeneeringsforthis！\'
\'NeitherwillI，\'returnsthebridegroom。
Withthat，theywalkagain；she，makingthoseangryspirtsinthesand；he，draggingthatdejectedtail。Thetideislow，andseemstohavethrownthemtogetherhighonthebareshore。Agullcomessweepingbytheirheadsandfloutsthem。Therewasagoldensurfaceonthebrowncliffsbutnow，andbeholdtheyareonlydampearth。Atauntingroarcomesfromthesea，andthefar-outrollersmountupononeanother，tolookattheentrappedimpostors，andtojoininimpishandexultantgambols。
\'Doyoupretendtobelieve，\'MrsLammleresumes，sternly，\'whenyoutalkofmymarryingyouforworldlyadvantages，thatitwaswithintheboundsofreasonableprobabilitythatIwouldhavemarriedyouforyourself?\'
