第8章

Theycompliedinsilence，andthelittlefigurewentonwithitsworkofgummingorgluingtogetherwithacamel\'s-hairbrushcertainpiecesofcardboardandthinwood，previouslycutintovariousshapes。Thescissorsandknivesuponthebenchshowedthatthechildherselfhadcutthem；andthebrightscrapsofvelvetandsilkandribbonalsostrewnuponthebenchshowedthatwhendulystuffed(andstuffingtoowasthere)，shewastocoverthemsmartly。Thedexterityofhernimblefingerswasremarkable，and，asshebroughttwothinedgesaccuratelytogetherbygivingthemalittlebite，shewouldglanceatthevisitorsoutofthecornersofhergreyeyeswithalookthatout-sharpenedallherothersharpness。

\'Youcan\'ttellmethenameofmytrade，I\'llbebound，\'shesaid，aftertakingseveraloftheseobservations。

\'Youmakepincushions，\'saidCharley。

\'WhatelsedoImake?\'

\'Pen-wipers，\'saidBradleyHeadstone。

\'Ha！ha！WhatelsedoImake?You\'reaschoolmaster，butyoucan\'ttellme。\'

\'Youdosomething，\'hereturned，pointingtoacornerofthelittlebench，\'withstraw；butIdon\'tknowwhat。\'

\'Welldoneyou！\'criedthepersonofthehouse。\'Ionlymakepincushionsandpen-wipers，touseupmywaste。Butmystrawreallydoesbelongtomybusiness。Tryagain。WhatdoImakewithmystraw?\'

\'Dinner-mats?\'

\'Aschoolmaster，andsaysdinner-mats！I\'llgiveyouacluetomytrade，inagameofforfeits。IlovemylovewithaBbecauseshe\'sBeautiful；IhatemylovewithaBbecausesheisBrazen；ItookhertothesignoftheBlueBoar，andItreatedherwithBonnets；

hername\'sBouncer，andshelivesinBedlam——Now，whatdoI

makewithmystraw?\'

\'Ladies\'bonnets?\'

\'Fineladies\'，\'saidthepersonofthehouse，noddingassent。\'Dolls\'。

I\'maDoll\'sDressmaker。\'

\'Ihopeit\'sagoodbusiness?\'

Thepersonofthehouseshruggedhershouldersandshookherhead。\'No。Poorlypaid。AndI\'moftensopressedfortime！Ihadadollmarried，lastweek，andwasobligedtoworkallnight。Andit\'snotgoodforme，onaccountofmybackbeingsobadandmylegssoqueer。\'

Theylookedatthelittlecreaturewithawonderthatdidnotdiminish，andtheschoolmastersaid:\'Iamsorryyourfineladiesaresoinconsiderate。\'

\'It\'sthewaywiththem，\'saidthepersonofthehouse，shrugginghershouldersagain。\'Andtheytakenocareoftheirclothes，andtheyneverkeeptothesamefashionsamonth。Iworkforadollwiththreedaughters。Blessyou，she\'senoughtoruinherhusband！\'Thepersonofthehousegaveaweirdlittlelaughhere，andgavethemanotherlookoutofthecornersofhereyes。Shehadanelfinchinthatwascapableofgreatexpression；andwhenevershegavethislook，shehitchedthischinup。Asifhereyesandherchinworkedtogetheronthesamewires。

\'Areyoualwaysasbusyasyouarenow?\'

\'Busier。I\'mslackjustnow。Ifinishedalargemourningorderthedaybeforeyesterday。DollIworkfor，lostacanary-bird。\'Thepersonofthehousegaveanotherlittlelaugh，andthennoddedherheadseveraltimes，aswhoshouldmoralize，\'Ohthisworld，thisworld！\'

\'Areyoualoneallday?\'askedBradleyHeadstone。\'Don\'tanyoftheneighbouringchildren——?\'

\'Ah，lud！\'criedthepersonofthehouse，withalittlescream，asifthewordhadprickedher。\'Don\'ttalkofchildren。Ican\'tbearchildren。Iknowtheirtricksandtheirmanners。\'Shesaidthiswithanangrylittleshakeofhertightfistclosebeforehereyes。

Perhapsitscarcelyrequiredtheteacher-habit，toperceivethatthedoll\'sdressmakerwasinclinedtobebitteronthedifferencebetweenherselfandotherchildren。Butbothmasterandpupilunderstooditso。

\'Alwaysrunningaboutandscreeching，alwaysplayingandfighting，alwaysskip-skip-skippingonthepavementandchalkingitfortheirgames！Oh！Iknowtheirtricksandtheirmanners！\'

Shakingthelittlefistasbefore。\'Andthat\'snotall。Eversooftencallingnamesinthroughaperson\'skeyhole，andimitatingaperson\'sbackandlegs。Oh！Iknowtheirtricksandtheirmanners。

AndI\'lltellyouwhatI\'ddo，topunish\'em。There\'sdoorsunderthechurchintheSquare——blackdoors，leadingintoblackvaults。

Well！I\'dopenoneofthosedoors，andI\'dcram\'emallin，andthenI\'dlockthedoorandthroughthekeyholeI\'dblowinpepper。\'

\'Whatwouldbethegoodofblowinginpepper?\'askedCharleyHexam。

\'Toset\'emsneezing，\'saidthepersonofthehouse，\'andmaketheireyeswater。Andwhentheywereallsneezingandinflamed，I\'dmock\'emthroughthekeyhole。Justasthey，withtheirtricksandtheirmanners，mockapersonthroughaperson\'skeyhole！\'

Anuncommonlyemphaticshakeofherlittlefistclosebeforehereyes，seemedtoeasethemindofthepersonofthehouse；forsheaddedwithrecoveredcomposure，\'No，no，no。Nochildrenforme。Givemegrown-ups。\'

Itwasdifficulttoguesstheageofthisstrangecreature，forherpoorfigurefurnishednocluetoit，andherfacewasatoncesoyoungandsoold。Twelve，oratthemostthirteen，mightbenearthemark。

\'Ialwaysdidlikegrown-ups，\'shewenton，\'andalwayskeptcompanywiththem。Sosensible。Sitsoquiet。Don\'tgoprancingandcaperingabout！AndImeanalwaystokeepamongnonebutgrown-upstillImarry。IsupposeImustmakeupmymindtomarry，oneofthesedays。\'

Shelistenedtoastepoutsidethatcaughtherear，andtherewasasoftknockatthedoor。Pullingatahandlewithinherreach，shesaid，withapleasedlaugh:\'Nowhere，forinstance，isagrown-upthat\'smyparticularfriend！\'andLizzieHexaminablackdressenteredtheroom。

\'Charley！You！\'

Takinghimtoherarmsintheoldway——ofwhichheseemedalittleashamed——shesawnooneelse。

\'There，there，there，Liz，allrightmydear。See！Here\'sMrHeadstonecomewithme。\'

Hereyesmetthoseoftheschoolmaster，whohadevidentlyexpectedtoseeaverydifferentsortofperson，andamurmuredwordortwoofsalutationpassedbetweenthem。Shewasalittleflurriedbytheunexpectedvisit，andtheschoolmasterwasnotathisease。Butheneverwas，quite。

\'ItoldMrHeadstoneyouwerenotsettled，Liz，buthewassokindastotakeaninterestincoming，andsoIbroughthim。Howwellyoulook！\'

Bradleyseemedtothinkso。

\'Ah！Don\'tshe，don\'tshe?\'criedthepersonofthehouse，resumingheroccupation，thoughthetwilightwasfallingfast。\'Ibelieveyoushedoes！Butgoonwithyourchat，oneandall:

Youonetwothree，Mycom-pa-nie，Anddon\'tmindme。\'——

pointingthisimprompturhymewiththreepointsofherthinfore-

finger。

\'Ididn\'texpectavisitfromyou，Charley，\'saidhissister。\'I

supposedthatifyouwantedtoseemeyouwouldhavesenttome，appointingmetocomesomewhereneartheschool，asIdidlasttime。Isawmybrotherneartheschool，sir，\'toBradleyHeadstone，\'becauseit\'seasierformetogothere，thanforhimtocomehere。Iworkaboutmidwaybetweenthetwoplaces。\'

\'Youdon\'tseemuchofoneanother，\'saidBradley，notimprovinginrespectofease。

\'No。\'Witharathersadshakeofherhead。\'Charleyalwaysdoeswell，MrHeadstone?\'

\'Hecouldnotdobetter。Iregardhiscourseasquiteplainbeforehim。\'

\'Ihopedso。Iamsothankful。Sowelldoneofyou，Charleydear！

Itisbetterformenottocome(exceptwhenhewantsme)

betweenhimandhisprospects。Youthinkso，MrHeadstone?\'

Consciousthathispupil-teacherwaslookingforhisanswer，thathehimselfhadsuggestedtheboy\'skeepingalooffromthissister，nowseenforthefirsttimefacetoface，BradleyHeadstonestammered:

\'Yourbrotherisverymuchoccupied，youknow。Hehastoworkhard。Onecannotbutsaythatthelesshisattentionisdivertedfromhiswork，thebetterforhisfuture。Whenheshallhaveestablishedhimself，whythen——itwillbeanotherthingthen。\'

Lizzieshookherheadagain，andreturned，withaquietsmile:\'I

alwaysadvisedhimasyouadvisehim。DidInot，Charley?\'

\'Well，nevermindthatnow，\'saidtheboy。\'Howareyougettingon?\'

\'Verywell，Charley。Iwantfornothing。\'

\'Youhaveyourownroomhere?\'

\'Ohyes。Upstairs。Andit\'squiet，andpleasant，andairy。\'

\'Andshealwayshastheuseofthisroomforvisitors，\'saidthepersonofthehouse，screwinguponeofherlittlebonyfists，likeanopera-glass，andlookingthroughit，withhereyesandherchininthatquaintaccordance。\'Alwaysthisroomforvisitors；haven\'tyou，Lizziedear?\'

IthappenedthatBradleyHeadstonenoticedaveryslightactionofLizzieHexam\'shand，asthoughitcheckedthedoll\'sdressmaker。

Andithappenedthatthelatternoticedhiminthesameinstant；forshemadeadoubleeyeglassofhertwohands，lookedathimthroughit，andcried，withawaggishshakeofherhead:\'Aha！

Caughtyouspying，didI?\'

Itmighthavefallenoutso，anyway；butBradleyHeadstonealsonoticedthatimmediatelyafterthis，Lizzie，whohadnottakenoffherbonnet，ratherhurriedlyproposedthatastheroomwasgettingdarktheyshouldgooutintotheair。Theywentout；thevisitorssayinggood-nighttothedoll\'sdressmaker，whomtheyleft，leaningbackinherchairwithherarmscrossed，singingtoherselfinasweetthoughtfullittlevoice。

\'I\'llsaunteronbytheriver，\'saidBradley。\'Youwillbegladtotalktogether。\'

Ashisuneasyfigurewentonbeforethemamongtheeveningshadows，theboysaidtohissister，petulantly:

\'WhenareyougoingtosettleyourselfinsomeChristiansortofplace，Liz?Ithoughtyouweregoingtodoitbeforenow。\'

\'IamverywellwhereIam，Charley。\'

\'Verywellwhereyouare！IamashamedtohavebroughtMrHeadstonewithme。Howcameyoutogetintosuchcompanyasthatlittlewitch\'s?\'

\'Bychanceatfirst，asitseemed，Charley。ButIthinkitmusthavebeenbysomethingmorethanchance，forthatchild——Yourememberthebillsuponthewallsathome?\'

\'Confoundthebillsuponthewallsathome！Iwanttoforgetthebillsuponthewallsathome，anditwouldbebetterforyoutodothesame，\'grumbledtheboy。\'Well；whatofthem?\'

\'Thischildisthegrandchildoftheoldman。\'

\'Whatoldman?\'

\'Theterribledrunkenoldman，inthelistslippersandthenight-

cap。\'

Theboyasked，rubbinghisnoseinamannerthathalfexpressedvexationathearingsomuch，andhalfcuriositytohearmore:\'Howcameyoutomakethatout?Whatagirlyouare！\'

\'Thechild\'sfatherisemployedbythehousethatemploysme；

that\'showIcametoknowit，Charley。Thefatherislikehisownfather，aweakwretchedtremblingcreature，fallingtopieces，neversober。Butagoodworkmantoo，attheworkhedoes。Themotherisdead。Thispoorailinglittlecreaturehascometobewhatsheis，surroundedbydrunkenpeoplefromhercradle——ifsheeverhadone，Charley。\'

\'Idon\'tseewhatyouhavetodowithher，forallthat，\'saidtheboy。

\'Don\'tyou，Charley?\'

Theboylookeddoggedlyattheriver。TheywereatMillbank，andtheriverrolledontheirleft。Hissistergentlytouchedhimontheshoulder，andpointedtoit。

\'Anycompensation——restitution——nevermindtheword，youknowmymeaning。Father\'sgrave。\'

Buthedidnotrespondwithanytenderness。Afteramoodysilencehebrokeoutinanill-usedtone:

\'It\'llbeaveryhardthing，Liz，if，whenIamtryingmybesttogetupintheworld，youpullmeback。\'

\'I，Charley?\'

\'Yes，you，Liz。Whycan\'tyouletbygonesbebygones?Whycan\'tyou，asMrHeadstonesaidtomethisveryeveningaboutanothermatter，leavewellalone?Whatwehavegottodo，is，toturnourfacesfullinournewdirection，andkeepstraighton。\'

\'Andneverlookback?Noteventotrytomakesomeamends?\'

\'Youaresuchadreamer，\'saidtheboy，withhisformerpetulance。

\'Itwasallverywellwhenwesatbeforethefire——whenwelookedintothehollowdownbytheflare——butwearelookingintotherealworld，now。\'

\'Ah，wewerelookingintotherealworldthen，Charley！\'

\'Iunderstandwhatyoumeanbythat，butyouarenotjustifiedinit。Idon\'twant，asIraisemyselftoshakeyouoff，Liz。Iwanttocarryyouupwithme。That\'swhatIwanttodo，andmeantodo。

IknowwhatIoweyou。IsaidtoMrHeadstonethisveryevening，“Afterall，mysistergotmehere。”Well，then。Don\'tpullmeback，andholdmedown。That\'sallIask，andsurelythat\'snotunconscionable。\'

Shehadkeptasteadfastlookuponhim，andsheansweredwithcomposure:

\'Iamnothereselfishly，Charley。TopleasemyselfIcouldnotbetoofarfromthatriver。\'

\'Norcouldyoubetoofarfromittopleaseme。Letusgetquitofitequally。WhyshouldyoulingeraboutitanymorethanI?Igiveitawideberth。\'

\'Ican\'tgetawayfromit，Ithink，\'saidLizzie，passingherhandacrossherforehead。\'It\'snopurposeofminethatIlivebyitstill。\'

\'Thereyougo，Liz！Dreamingagain！Youlodgeyourselfofyourownaccordinahousewithadrunken——tailor，Isuppose——orsomethingofthesort，andalittlecrookedanticofachild，oroldperson，orwhateveritis，andthenyoutalkasifyouweredrawnordriventhere。Now，dobemorepractical。\'

Shehadbeenpracticalenoughwithhim，insufferingandstrivingforhim；butsheonlylaidherhanduponhisshoulder——notreproachfully——andtappedittwiceorthrice。Shehadbeenusedtodoso，tosoothehimwhenshecarriedhimabout，achildasheavyasherself。Tearsstartedtohiseyes。

\'Uponmyword，Liz，\'drawingthebackofhishandacrossthem，\'I

meantobeagoodbrothertoyou，andtoprovethatIknowwhatI

oweyou。AllIsayis，thatIhopeyou\'llcontrolyourfanciesalittle，onmyaccount。I\'llgetaschool，andthenyoumustcomeandlivewithme，andyou\'llhavetocontrolyourfanciesthen，sowhynotnow?Now，sayIhaven\'tvexedyou。\'

\'Youhaven\'t，Charley，youhaven\'t。\'

\'AndsayIhaven\'thurtyou。\'

\'Youhaven\'t，Charley。\'Butthisanswerwaslessready。

\'SayyouaresureIdidn\'tmeanto。Come！There\'sMrHeadstonestoppingandlookingoverthewallatthetide，tohintthatit\'stimetogo。Kissme，andtellmethatyouknowIdidn\'tmeantohurtyou。\'

Shetoldhimso，andtheyembraced，andwalkedonandcameupwiththeschoolmaster。

\'Butwegoyoursister\'sway，\'heremarked，whentheboytoldhimhewasready。Andwithhiscumbrousanduneasyactionhestifflyofferedherhisarm。Herhandwasjustwithinit，whenshedrewitback。Helookedroundwithastart，asifhethoughtshehaddetectedsomethingthatrepelledher，inthemomentarytouch。

\'Iwillnotgoinjustyet，\'saidLizzie。\'Andyouhaveadistancebeforeyou，andwillwalkfasterwithoutme。\'

BeingbythistimeclosetoVauxhallBridge，theyresolved，inconsequence，totakethatwayovertheThames，andtheylefther；

BradleyHeadstonegivingherhishandatparting，andshethankinghimforhiscareofherbrother。

Themasterandthepupilwalkedon，rapidlyandsilently。Theyhadnearlycrossedthebridge，whenagentlemancamecoollysaunteringtowardsthem，withacigarinhismouth，hiscoatthrownback，andhishandsbehindhim。Somethinginthecarelessmannerofthisperson，andinacertainlazilyarrogantairwithwhichheapproached，holdingpossessionoftwiceasmuchpavementasanotherwouldhaveclaimed，instantlycaughttheboy\'sattention。Asthegentlemanpassedtheboylookedathimnarrowly，andthenstoodstill，lookingafterhim。

\'Whoisitthatyoustareafter?\'askedBradley。

\'Why！\'saidtheboy，withaconfusedandponderingfrownuponhisface，\'ItISthatWrayburnone！\'

BradleyHeadstonescrutinizedtheboyascloselyastheboyhadscrutinizedthegentleman。

\'Ibegyourpardon，MrHeadstone，butIcouldn\'thelpwonderingwhatintheworldbroughtHIMhere！\'

Thoughhesaiditasifhiswonderwerepast——atthesametimeresumingthewalk——itwasnotlostuponthemasterthathelookedoverhisshoulderafterspeaking，andthatthesameperplexedandponderingfrownwasheavyonhisface。

\'Youdon\'tappeartolikeyourfriend，Hexam?\'

\'IDON\'Tlikehim，\'saidtheboy。

\'Whynot?\'

\'Hetookholdofmebythechininapreciousimpertinentway，thefirsttimeIeversawhim，\'saidtheboy。

\'Again，why?\'

\'Fornothing。Or——it\'smuchthesame——becausesomethingI

happenedtosayaboutmysisterdidn\'thappentopleasehim。\'

\'Thenheknowsyoursister?\'

\'Hedidn\'tatthattime，\'saidtheboy，stillmoodilypondering。

\'Doesnow?\'

TheboyhadsolosthimselfthathelookedatMrBradleyHeadstoneastheywalkedonsidebyside，withoutattemptingtoreplyuntilthequestionhadbeenrepeated；thenhenoddedandanswered，\'Yes，sir。\'

\'Goingtoseeher，Idaresay。\'

\'Itcan\'tbe！\'saidtheboy，quickly。\'Hedoesn\'tknowherwellenough。Ishouldliketocatchhimatit！\'

Whentheyhadwalkedonforatime，morerapidlythanbefore，themastersaid，claspingthepupil\'sarmbetweentheelbowandtheshoulderwithhishand:

\'Youweregoingtotellmesomethingaboutthatperson。Whatdidyousayhisnamewas?\'

\'Wrayburn。MrEugeneWrayburn。Heiswhattheycallabarrister，withnothingtodo。Thefirsttimebecametoouroldplacewaswhenmyfatherwasalive。Hecameonbusiness；notthatitwasHISbusiness——HEneverhadanybusiness——hewasbroughtbyafriendofhis。\'

\'Andtheothertimes?\'

\'TherewasonlyoneothertimethatIknowof。Whenmyfatherwaskilledbyaccident，hechancedtobeoneofthefinders。Hewasmooningabout，Isuppose，takinglibertieswithpeople\'schins；

buttherehewas，somehow。Hebroughtthenewshometomysisterearlyinthemorning，andbroughtMissAbbeyPotterson，aneighbour，tohelpbreakittoher。HewasmooningaboutthehousewhenIwasfetchedhomeintheafternoon——theydidn\'tknowwheretofindmetillmysistercouldbebroughtroundsufficientlytotellthem——andthenhemoonedaway。\'

\'Andisthatall?\'

\'That\'sall，sir。\'

BradleyHeadstonegraduallyreleasedtheboy\'sarm，asifhewerethoughtful，andtheywalkedonsidebysideasbefore。Afteralongsilencebetweenthem，Bradleyresumedthetalk。

\'Isuppose——yoursister——\'withacuriousbreakbothbeforeandafterthewords，\'hasreceivedhardlyanyteaching，Hexam?\'

\'Hardlyany，sir。\'

\'Sacrificed，nodoubt，toherfather\'sobjections。Iremembertheminyourcase。Yet——yoursister——scarcelylooksorspeakslikeanignorantperson。\'

\'Lizziehasasmuchthoughtasthebest，MrHeadstone。Toomuch，perhaps，withoutteaching。Iusedtocallthefireathome，herbooks，forshewasalwaysfulloffancies——sometimesquitewisefancies，considering——whenshesatlookingatit。\'

\'Idon\'tlikethat，\'saidBradleyHeadstone。

Hispupilwasalittlesurprisedbythisstrikinginwithsosuddenanddecidedandemotionalanobjection，buttookitasaproofofthemaster\'sinterestinhimself。Itemboldenedhimtosay:

\'Ihaveneverbroughtmyselftomentionitopenlytoyou，MrHeadstone，andyou\'remywitnessthatIcouldn\'tevenmakeupmymindtotakeitfromyoubeforewecameoutto-night；butit\'sapainfulthingtothinkthatifIgetonaswellasyouhope，Ishallbe——Iwon\'tsaydisgraced，becauseIdon\'tmeandisgraced梑ut——

ratherputtotheblushifitwasknown——byasisterwhohasbeenverygoodtome。\'

\'Yes，\'saidBradleyHeadstoneinaslurringway，forhismindscarcelyseemedtotouchthatpoint，sosmoothlydiditglidetoanother，\'andthereisthispossibilitytoconsider。Somemanwhohadworkedhiswaymightcometoadmire——yoursister——andmightevenintimebringhimselftothinkofmarrying——yoursister——anditwouldbeasaddrawbackandaheavypenaltyuponhim，if；

overcominginhismindotherinequalitiesofconditionandotherconsiderationsagainstit，thisinequalityandthisconsiderationremainedinfullforce。\'

\'That\'smuchmyownmeaning，sir。\'

\'Ay，ay，\'saidBradleyHeadstone，\'butyouspokeofamerebrother。Now，thecaseIhavesupposedwouldbeamuchstrongercase；becauseanadmirer，ahusband，wouldformtheconnexionvoluntarily，besidesbeingobligedtoproclaimit:whichabrotherisnot。Afterall，youknow，itmustbesaidofyouthatyoucouldn\'thelpyourself:whileitwouldbesaidofhim，withequalreason，thathecould。\'

\'That\'strue，sir。SometimessinceLizziewasleftfreebyfather\'sdeath，Ihavethoughtthatsuchayoungwomanmightsoonacquiremorethanenoughtopassmuster。AndsometimesIhaveeventhoughtthatperhapsMissPeecher——\'

\'Forthepurpose，IwouldadviseNotMissPeecher，\'BradleyHeadstonestruckinwitharecurrenceofhislatedecisionofmanner。

\'Wouldyoubesokindastothinkofitforme，MrHeadstone?\'

\'Yes，Hexam，yes。I\'llthinkofit。I\'llthinkmaturelyofit。I\'llthinkwellofit。\'

Theirwalkwasalmostasilentoneafterwards，untilitendedattheschool-house。There，oneofneatMissPeecher\'slittlewindows，liketheeyesinneedles，wasilluminated，andinacornernearitsatMaryAnnewatching，whileMissPeecheratthetablestitchedattheneatlittlebodyshewasmakingupbybrownpaperpatternforherownwearing。N。B。MissPeecherandMissPeecher\'spupilswerenotmuchencouragedintheunscholasticartofneedlework，byGovernment。

MaryAnnewithherfacetothewindow，heldherarmup。

\'Well，MaryAnne?\'

\'MrHeadstonecominghome，ma\'am。\'

Inaboutaminute，MaryAnneagainhailed。

\'Yes，MaryAnne?\'

\'Goneinandlockedhisdoor，ma\'am。\'

MissPeecherrepressedasighasshegatheredherworktogetherforbed，andtransfixedthatpartofherdresswhereherheartwouldhavebeenifshehadhadthedresson，withasharp，sharpneedle。

Chapter2

STILLEDUCATIONAL

Thepersonofthehouse，doll\'sdressmakerandmanufacturerofornamentalpincushionsandpen-wipers，satinherquaintlittlelowarm-chair，singinginthedark，untilLizziecameback。Thepersonofthehousehadattainedthatdignitywhileyetofverytenderyearsindeed，throughbeingtheonlytrustworthypersonINthehouse。

\'WellLizzie-Mizzie-Wizzie，\'saidshe，breakingoffinhersong。

\'what\'sthenewsoutofdoors?\'

\'What\'sthenewsindoors?\'returnedLizzie，playfullysmoothingthebrightlongfairhairwhichgrewveryluxuriantandbeautifulontheheadofthedoll\'sdressmaker。

\'Letmesee，saidtheblindman。Whythelastnewsis，thatIdon\'tmeantomarryyourbrother。\'

\'No?\'

\'No-o，\'shakingherheadandherchin。\'Don\'tliketheboy。\'

\'Whatdoyousaytohismaster?\'

\'IsaythatIthinkhe\'sbespoke。\'

Lizziefinishedputtingthehaircarefullybackoverthemisshapenshoulders，andthenlightedacandle。Itshowedthelittleparlourtobedingy，butorderlyandclean。Shestooditonthemantelshelf，remotefromthedressmaker\'seyes，andthenputtheroomdooropen，andthehousedooropen，andturnedthelittlelowchairanditsoccupanttowardstheouterair。Itwasasultrynight，andthiswasafine-weatherarrangementwhentheday\'sworkwasdone。Tocompleteit，sheseatedherselfinachairbythesideofthelittlechair，andprotectinglydrewunderherarmthesparehandthatcreptuptoher。

\'ThisiswhatyourlovingJennyWrencallsthebesttimeinthedayandnight，\'saidthepersonofthehouse。HerrealnamewasFannyCleaver；butshehadlongagochosentobestowuponherselftheappellationofMissJennyWren。

\'Ihavebeenthinking，\'Jennywenton，\'asIsatatworkto-day，whatathingitwouldbe，ifIshouldbeabletohaveyourcompanytillIammarried，oratleastcourted。BecausewhenIamcourted，IshallmakeHimdosomeofthethingsthatyoudoforme。Hecouldn\'tbrushmyhairlikeyoudo，orhelpmeupanddownstairslikeyoudo，andhecouldn\'tdoanythinglikeyoudo；buthecouldtakemyworkhome，andhecouldcallforordersinhisclumsyway。Andheshalltoo。I\'LLtrothimabout，Icantellhim！\'

JennyWrenhadherpersonalvanities——happilyforher——andnointentionswerestrongerinherbreastthanthevarioustrialsandtormentsthatwere，inthefulnessoftime，tobeinflictedupon\'him。\'

\'Whereverhemayhappentobejustatpresent，orwhoeverhemayhappentobe，\'saidMissWren，\'Iknowhistricksandhismanners，andIgivehimwarningtolookout。\'

\'Don\'tyouthinkyouareratherharduponhim?\'askedherfriend，smiling，andsmoothingherhair。

\'Notabit，\'repliedthesageMissWren，withanairofvastexperience。\'Mydear，theydon\'tcareforyou，thosefellows，ifyou\'reNOThardupon\'em。ButIwassayingIfIshouldbeabletohaveyourcompany。Ah！WhatalargeIf！Ain\'tit?\'

\'Ihavenointentionofpartingcompany，Jenny。\'

\'Don\'tsaythat，oryou\'llgodirectly。\'

\'AmIsolittletobereliedupon?\'

\'You\'remoretoberelieduponthansilverandgold。\'Asshesaidit，MissWrensuddenlybrokeoff，screweduphereyesandherchin，andlookedprodigiouslyknowing。\'Aha！

Whocomeshere?

AGrenadier。

Whatdoeshewant?

Apotofbeer。

Andnothingelseintheworld，mydear！\'

Aman\'sfigurepausedonthepavementattheouterdoor。\'MrEugeneWrayburn，ain\'tit?\'saidMissWren。

\'SoIamtold，\'wastheanswer。

\'Youmaycomein，ifyou\'regood。\'

\'Iamnotgood，\'saidEugene，\'butI\'llcomein。\'

HegavehishandtoJennyWren，andhegavehishandtoLizzie，andhestoodleaningbythedooratLizzie\'sside。Hehadbeenstrollingwithhiscigar，hesaid，(itwassmokedoutandgonebythistime，)andhehadstrolledroundtoreturninthatdirectionthathemightlookinashepassed。Hadshenotseenherbrotherto-

night?

\'Yes，\'saidLizzie，whosemannerwasalittletroubled。

Graciouscondescensiononourbrother\'spart！MrEugeneWrayburnthoughthehadpassedmyyounggentlemanonthebridgeyonder。Whowashisfriendwithhim?

\'Theschoolmaster。\'

\'Tobesure。Lookedlikeit。\'

Lizziesatsostill，thatonecouldnothavesaidwhereinthefactofhermannerbeingtroubledwasexpressed；andyetonecouldnothavedoubtedit。Eugenewasaseasyasever；butperhaps，asshesatwithhereyescastdown，itmighthavebeenrathermoreperceptiblethathisattentionwasconcentrateduponherforcertainmoments，thanitsconcentrationuponanysubjectforanyshorttimeeverwas，elsewhere。

\'Ihavenothingtoreport，Lizzie，\'saidEugene。\'But，havingpromisedyouthataneyeshouldbealwayskeptonMrRiderhoodthroughmyfriendLightwood，IlikeoccasionallytorenewmyassurancethatIkeepmypromise，andkeepmyfrienduptothemark。\'

\'Ishouldnothavedoubtedit，sir。\'

\'Generally，Iconfessmyselfamantobedoubted，\'returnedEugene，coolly，\'forallthat。\'

\'Whyareyou?\'askedthesharpMissWren。

\'Because，mydear，\'saidtheairyEugene，\'Iamabadidledog。\'

\'Thenwhydon\'tyoureformandbeagooddog?\'inquiredMissWren。

\'Because，mydear，\'returnedEugene，\'there\'snobodywhomakesitworthmywhile。Haveyouconsideredmysuggestion，Lizzie?\'

Thisinalowervoice，butonlyasifitwereagravermatter；notatalltotheexclusionofthepersonofthehouse。

\'Ihavethoughtofit，MrWrayburn，butIhavenotbeenabletomakeupmymindtoacceptit。\'

\'Falsepride！\'saidEugene。

\'Ithinknot，MrWrayburn。Ihopenot。\'

\'Falsepride！\'repeatedEugene。\'Why，whatelseisit?Thethingisworthnothinginitself。Thethingisworthnothingtome。Whatcanitbeworthtome?YouknowthemostImakeofit。Iproposetobeofsomeusetosomebody——whichIneverwasinthisworld，andnevershallbeonanyotheroccasion——bypayingsomequalifiedpersonofyourownsexandage，somany(orrathersofew)contemptibleshillings，tocomehere，certainnightsintheweek，andgiveyoucertaininstructionwhichyouwouldn\'twantifyouhadn\'tbeenaself-denyingdaughterandsister。Youknowthatit\'sgoodtohaveit，oryouwouldneverhavesodevotedyourselftoyourbrother\'shavingit。Thenwhynothaveit:

especiallywhenourfriendMissJennyherewouldprofitbyittoo?

IfIproposedtobetheteacher，ortoattendthelessons——obviouslyincongruous！——butastothat，Imightaswellbeontheothersideoftheglobe，ornotontheglobeatall。Falsepride，Lizzie。Becausetruepridewouldn\'tshame，orbeshamedby，yourthanklessbrother。Truepridewouldn\'thaveschoolmastersbroughthere，likedoctors，tolookatabadcase。Truepridewouldgotoworkanddoit。Youknowthat，wellenough，foryouknowthatyourowntruepridewoulddoitto-morrow，ifyouhadthewaysandmeanswhichfalsepridewon\'tletmesupply。Verywell。Iaddnomorethanthis。Yourfalsepridedoeswrongtoyourselfanddoeswrongtoyourdeadfather。\'

\'Howtomyfather，MrWrayburn?\'sheasked，withananxiousface。

\'Howtoyourfather?Canyouask！Byperpetuatingtheconsequencesofhisignorantandblindobstinacy。Byresolvingnottosetrightthewronghedidyou。Bydeterminingthatthedeprivationtowhichhecondemnedyou，andwhichheforceduponyou，shallalwaysrestuponhishead。\'

Itchancedtobeasubtlestringtosound，inherwhohadsospokentoherbrotherwithinthehour。Itsoundedfarmoreforcibly，becauseofthechangeinthespeakerforthemoment；thepassingappearanceofearnestness，completeconviction，injuredresentmentofsuspicion，generousandunselfishinterest。Allthesequalities，inhimusuallysolightandcareless，shefelttobeinseparablefromsometouchoftheiroppositesinherownbreast。

Shethought，hadshe，sofarbelowhimandsodifferent，rejectedthisdisinterestedness，becauseofsomevainmisgivingthathesoughtherout，orheededanypersonalattractionsthathemightdescryinher?Thepoorgirl，pureofheartandpurpose，couldnotbeartothinkit。Sinkingbeforeherowneyes，asshesuspectedherselfofit，shedroopedherheadasthoughshehaddonehimsomewickedandgrievousinjury，andbrokeintosilenttears。

\'Don\'tbedistressed，\'saidEugene，very，verykindly。\'IhopeitisnotIwhohavedistressedyou。Imeantnomorethantoputthematterinitstruelightbeforeyou；thoughIacknowledgeIdiditselfishlyenough，forIamdisappointed。\'

Disappointedofdoingheraservice。HowelseCOULDhebedisappointed?

\'Itwon\'tbreakmyheart，\'laughedEugene；\'itwon\'tstaybymeeight-and-fortyhours；butIamgenuinelydisappointed。IhadsetmyfancyondoingthislittlethingforyouandforourfriendMissJenny。Thenoveltyofmydoinganythingintheleastuseful，haditscharms。Isee，now，thatImighthavemanageditbetter。I

mighthaveaffectedtodoitwhollyforourfriendMissJ。Imighthavegotmyselfup，morally，asSirEugeneBountiful。ButuponmysoulIcan\'tmakeflourishes，andIwouldratherbedisappointedthantry。\'

IfhemeanttofollowhomewhatwasinLizzie\'sthoughts，itwasskilfullydone。Ifhefolloweditbymerefortuitouscoincidence，itwasdonebyanevilchance。

\'Itopenedoutsonaturallybeforeme，\'saidEugene。\'Theballseemedsothrownintomyhandsbyaccident！Ihappentobeoriginallybroughtintocontactwithyou，Lizzie，onthosetwooccasionsthatyouknowof。Ihappentobeabletopromiseyouthatawatchshallbekeptuponthatfalseaccuser，Riderhood。I

happentobeabletogiveyousomelittleconsolationinthedarkesthourofyourdistress，byassuringyouthatIdon\'tbelievehim。OnthesameoccasionItellyouthatIamtheidlestandleastoflawyers，butthatIambetterthannone，inacaseIhavenoteddownwithmyownhand，andthatyoumaybealwayssureofmybesthelp，andincidentallyofLightwood\'stoo，inyoureffortstoclearyourfather。So，itgraduallytakesmyfancythatImayhelpyou——soeasily！——toclearyourfatherofthatotherblamewhichI

mentionedafewminutesago，andwhichisajustandrealone。I

hopeIhaveexplainedmyself；forIamheartilysorrytohavedistressedyou。Ihatetoclaimtomeanwell，butIreallydidmeanhonestlyandsimplywell，andIwantyoutoknowit。\'

\'Ihaveneverdoubtedthat，MrWrayburn，\'saidLizzie；themorerepentant，thelessheclaimed。

\'Iamverygladtohearit。Thoughifyouhadquiteunderstoodmywholemeaningatfirst，Ithinkyouwouldnothaverefused。Doyouthinkyouwould?\'

\'I——don\'tknowthatIshould，MrWrayburn。\'

\'Well！Thenwhyrefusenowyoudounderstandit?\'

\'It\'snoteasyformetotalktoyou，\'returnedLizzie，insomeconfusion，\'foryouseealltheconsequencesofwhatIsay，assoonasIsayit。\'

\'Takealltheconsequences，\'laughedEugene，\'andtakeawaymydisappointment。LizzieHexam，asItrulyrespectyou，andasIamyourfriendandapoordevilofagentleman，IprotestIdon\'tevennowunderstandwhyyouhesitate。\'

Therewasanappearanceofopenness，trustfulness，unsuspectinggenerosity，inhiswordsandmanner，thatwonthepoorgirlover；

andnotonlywonherover，butagaincausedhertofeelasthoughshehadbeeninfluencedbytheoppositequalities，withvanityattheirhead。

\'Iwillnothesitateanylonger，MrWrayburn。Ihopeyouwillnotthinktheworseofmeforhavinghesitatedatall。FormyselfandforJenny——youletmeanswerforyou，Jennydear?\'

Thelittlecreaturehadbeenleaningback，attentive，withherelbowsrestingontheelbowsofherchair，andherchinuponherhands。Withoutchangingherattitude，sheanswered，\'Yes！\'sosuddenlythatitratherseemedasifshehadchoppedthemonosyllablethanspokenit。

\'FormyselfandforJenny，Ithankfullyacceptyourkindoffer。\'

\'Agreed！Dismissed！\'saidEugene，givingLizziehishandbeforelightlywavingit，asifhewavedthewholesubjectaway。\'Ihopeitmaynotbeoftenthatsomuchismadeofsolittle！\'

ThenhefelltotalkingplayfullywithJennyWren。\'Ithinkofsettingupadoll，MissJenny，\'hesaid。

\'Youhadbetternot，\'repliedthedressmaker。

\'Whynot?\'

\'Youaresuretobreakit。Allyouchildrendo。\'

\'Butthatmakesgoodfortrade，youknow，MissWren，\'returnedEugene。\'Muchaspeople\'sbreakingpromisesandcontractsandbargainsofallsorts，makesgoodforMYtrade。\'

\'Idon\'tknowaboutthat，\'MissWrenretorted；\'butyouhadbetterbyhalfsetupapen-wiper，andturnindustrious，anduseit。\'

\'Why，ifwewereallasindustriousasyou，littleBusy-Body，weshouldbegintoworkassoonaswecouldcrawl，andtherewouldbeabadthing！\'

\'Doyoumean，\'returnedthelittlecreature，withaflushsuffusingherface，\'badforyourbacksandyourlegs?\'

\'No，no，no，\'saidEugene；shocked——todohimjustice——atthethoughtoftriflingwithherinfirmity。\'Badforbusiness，badforbusiness。Ifweallsettoworkassoonaswecoulduseourhands，itwouldbealloverwiththedolls\'dressmakers。\'

\'There\'ssomethinginthat，\'repliedMissWren；\'youhaveasortofanideainyournoddlesometimes。\'Then，inachangedtone；

\'Talkingofideas，myLizzie，\'theyweresittingsidebysideastheyhadsatatfirst，\'IwonderhowithappensthatwhenIamwork，work，workinghere，allaloneinthesummer-time，Ismellflowers。\'

\'Asacommonplaceindividual，Ishouldsay，\'Eugenesuggestedlanguidly——forhewasgrowingwearyofthepersonofthehouse——

\'thatyousmellflowersbecauseyouDOsmellflowers。\'

\'NoIdon\'t，\'saidthelittlecreature，restingonearmupontheelbowofherchair，restingherchinuponthathand，andlookingvacantlybeforeher；\'thisisnotafloweryneighbourhood。It\'sanythingbutthat。AndyetasIsitatwork，Ismellmilesofflowers。Ismellroses，tillIthinkIseetherose-leaveslyinginheaps，bushels，onthefloor。Ismellfallenleaves，tillIputdownmyhand——so——andexpecttomakethemrustle。IsmellthewhiteandthepinkMayinthehedges，andallsortsofflowersthatIneverwasamong。ForI

haveseenveryfewflowersindeed，inmylife。\'

\'Pleasantfanciestohave，Jennydear！\'saidherfriend:withaglancetowardsEugeneasifshewouldhaveaskedhimwhethertheyweregiventhechildincompensationforherlosses。

\'SoIthink，Lizzie，whentheycometome。AndthebirdsIhear！

Oh！\'criedthelittlecreature，holdingoutherhandandlookingupward，\'howtheysing！\'

Therewassomethinginthefaceandactionforthemoment，quiteinspiredandbeautiful。Thenthechindroppedmusinglyuponthehandagain。

\'Idaresaymybirdssingbetterthanotherbirds，andmyflowerssmellbetterthanotherflowers。ForwhenIwasalittlechild，\'inatoneasthoughitwereagesago，\'thechildrenthatIusedtoseeearlyinthemorningwereverydifferentfromanyothersthatI

eversaw。Theywerenotlikeme；theywerenotchilled，anxious，ragged，orbeaten；theywereneverinpain。Theywerenotlikethechildrenoftheneighbours；theynevermademetrembleallover，bysettingupshrillnoises，andtheynevermockedme。Suchnumbersofthemtoo！Allinwhitedresses，andwithsomethingshiningontheborders，andontheirheads，thatIhaveneverbeenabletoimitatewithmywork，thoughIknowitsowell。Theyusedtocomedowninlongbrightslantingrows，andsayalltogether，“Whoisthisinpain！Whoisthisinpain！“WhenItoldthemwhoitwas，theyanswered，“Comeandplaywithus！“WhenIsaid“I

neverplay！Ican\'tplay！“theysweptaboutmeandtookmeup，andmademelight。Thenitwasalldeliciouseaseandresttilltheylaidmedown，andsaid，alltogether，“Havepatience，andwewillcomeagain。”Whenevertheycameback，IusedtoknowtheywerecomingbeforeIsawthelongbrightrows，byhearingthemask，alltogetheralongwayoff，“Whoisthisinpain！Whoisthisinpain！“AndIusedtocryout，“Omyblessedchildren，it\'spoorme。Havepityonme。Takemeupandmakemelight！“\'

Bydegrees，assheprogressedinthisremembrance，thehandwasraised，thelateecstaticlookreturned，andshebecamequitebeautiful。Havingsopausedforamoment，silent，withalisteningsmileuponherface，shelookedroundandrecalledherself。

\'Whatpoorfunyouthinkme；don\'tyou，MrWrayburn?Youmaywelllooktiredofme。Butit\'sSaturdaynight，andIwon\'tdetainyou。\'

\'Thatistosay，MissWren，\'observedEugene，quitereadytoprofitbythehint，\'youwishmetogo?\'

\'Well，it\'sSaturdaynight，\'shereturned，andmychild\'scominghome。Andmychildisatroublesomebadchild，andcostsmeaworldofscolding。Iwouldratheryoudidn\'tseemychild。\'

\'Adoll?\'saidEugene，notunderstanding，andlookingforanexplanation。

ButLizzie，withherlipsonly，shapingthetwowords，\'Herfather，\'

hedelayednolonger。Hetookhisleaveimmediately。Atthecornerofthestreethestoppedtolightanothercigar，andpossiblytoaskhimselfwhathewasdoingotherwise。Ifso，theanswerwasindefiniteandvague。Whoknowswhatheisdoing，whoiscarelesswhathedoes！

Amanstumbledagainsthimasheturnedaway，whomumbledsomemaudlinapology。Lookingafterthisman，Eugenesawhimgoinatthedoorbywhichhehimselfhadjustcomeout。

Ontheman\'sstumblingintotheroom，Lizzierosetoleaveit。

\'Don\'tgoaway，MissHexam，\'hesaidinasubmissivemanner，speakingthicklyandwithdifficulty。\'Don\'tflyfromunfortunatemaninshatteredstateofhealth。Givepoorinvalidhonourofyourcompany。Itain\'t——ain\'tcatching。\'

Lizziemurmuredthatshehadsomethingtodoinherownroom，andwentawayupstairs。

\'How\'smyJenny?\'saidtheman，timidly。\'How\'smyJennyWren，bestofchildren，objectdearestaffectionsbroken-heartedinvalid?\'

Towhichthepersonofthehouse，stretchingoutherarminanattitudeofcommand，repliedwithirresponsiveasperity:\'Goalongwithyou！Goalongintoyourcorner！Getintoyourcornerdirectly！\'

Thewretchedspectaclemadeasifhewouldhaveofferedsomeremonstrance；butnotventuringtoresistthepersonofthehouse，thoughtbetterofit，andwentandsatdownonaparticularchairofdisgrace。

\'Oh-h-h！\'criedthepersonofthehouse，pointingherlittlefinger，\'Youbadoldboy！Oh-h-hyounaughty，wickedcreature！WHAT

doyoumeanbyit?\'

Theshakingfigure，unnervedanddisjointedfromheadtofoot，putoutitstwohandsalittleway，asmakingoverturesofpeaceandreconciliation。Abjecttearsstoodinitseyes，andstainedtheblotchedredofitscheeks。Theswollenlead-colouredunderliptrembledwithashamefulwhine。Thewholeindecorousthreadbareruin，fromthebrokenshoestotheprematurely-greyscantyhair，grovelled。Notwithanysenseworthytobecalledasense，ofthisdirereversaloftheplacesofparentandchild，butinapitifulexpostulationtobeletofffromascolding。

\'Iknowyourtricksandyourmanners，\'criedMissWren。\'Iknowwhereyou\'vebeento！\'(whichindeeditdidnotrequirediscernmenttodiscover)。\'Oh，youdisgracefuloldchap！\'

Theverybreathingofthefigurewascontemptible，asitlabouredandrattledinthatoperation，likeablunderingclock。

\'Slave，slave，slave，frommorningtonight，\'pursuedthepersonofthehouse，\'andallforthis！WHATdoyoumeanbyit?\'

Therewassomethinginthatemphasized\'What，\'whichabsurdlyfrightenedthefigure。Asoftenasthepersonofthehouseworkedherwayroundtoit——evenassoonashesawthatitwascoming——

hecollapsedinanextradegree。

\'Iwishyouhadbeentakenup，andlockedup，\'saidthepersonofthehouse。\'Iwishyouhadbeenpokedintocellsandblackholes，andrunoverbyratsandspidersandbeetles。Iknowtheirtricksandtheirmanners，andthey\'dhavetickledyounicely。Ain\'tyouashamedofyourself?\'

\'Yes，mydear，\'stammeredthefather。

\'Then，\'saidthepersonofthehouse，terrifyinghimbyagrandmusterofherspiritsandforcesbeforerecurringtotheemphaticword，\'WHATdoyoumeanbyit?\'

\'Circumstancesoverwhichhadnocontrol，\'wasthemiserablecreature\'spleainextenuation。

\'I\'LLcircumstanceyouandcontrolyoutoo，\'retortedthepersonofthehouse，speakingwithvehementsharpness，\'ifyoutalkinthatway。I\'llgiveyouinchargetothepolice，andhaveyoufinedfiveshillingswhenyoucan\'tpay，andthenIwon\'tpaythemoneyforyou，andyou\'llbetransportedforlife。Howshouldyouliketobetransportedforlife?\'

\'Shouldn\'tlikeit。Poorshatteredinvalid。Troublenobodylong，\'

criedthewretchedfigure。

\'Come，come！\'saidthepersonofthehouse，tappingthetablenearherinabusiness-likemanner，andshakingherheadandherchin；

\'youknowwhatyou\'vegottodo。Putdownyourmoneythisinstant。\'

Theobedientfigurebegantorummageinitspockets。

\'Spentafortuneoutofyourwages，I\'llbebound！\'saidthepersonofthehouse。\'Putithere！Allyou\'vegotleft！Everyfarthing！\'

Suchabusinessashemadeofcollectingitfromhisdogs\'-earedpockets；ofexpectingitinthispocket，andnotfindingit；ofnotexpectingitinthatpocket，andpassingitover；offindingnopocketwherethatotherpocketoughttobe！

\'Isthisall?\'demandedthepersonofthehouse，whenaconfusedheapofpenceandshillingslayonthetable。

\'Gotnomore，\'wastheruefulanswer，withanaccordantshakeofthehead。

\'Letmemakesure。Youknowwhatyou\'vegottodo。Turnallyourpocketsinsideout，andleave\'emso！\'criedthepersonofthehouse。

Heobeyed。Andifanythingcouldhavemadehimlookmoreabjectormoredismallyridiculousthanbefore，itwouldhavebeenhissodisplayinghimself。

\'Here\'sbutsevenandeightpencehalfpenny！\'exclaimedMissWren，afterreducingtheheaptoorder。\'Oh，youprodigaloldson！

Nowyoushallbestarved。\'

\'No，don\'tstarveme，\'heurged，whimpering。

\'Ifyouweretreatedasyououghttobe，\'saidMissWren，\'you\'dbefedupontheskewersofcats\'meat；——onlytheskewers，afterthecatshadhadthemeat。Asitis，gotobed。\'

Whenhestumbledoutofthecornertocomply，heagainputoutbothhishands，andpleaded:\'Circumstancesoverwhichnocontrol——\'

\'Getalongwithyoutobed！\'criedMissWren，snappinghimup。

\'Don\'tspeaktome。I\'mnotgoingtoforgiveyou。Gotobedthismoment！\'

Seeinganotheremphatic\'What\'uponitsway，heevadeditbycomplyingandwasheardtoshuffleheavilyupstairs，andshuthisdoor，andthrowhimselfonhisbed。Withinalittlewhileafterwards，Lizziecamedown。

\'Shallwehaveoursupper，Jennydear?\'

\'Ah！blessusandsaveus，weneedhavesomethingtokeepusgoing，\'returnedMissJenny，shrugginghershoulders。

Lizzielaidaclothuponthelittlebench(morehandyforthepersonofthehousethananordinarytable)，andputuponitsuchplainfareastheywereaccustomedtohave，anddrewupastoolforherself。

\'Nowforsupper！Whatareyouthinkingof，Jennydarling?\'

\'Iwasthinking，\'shereturned，comingoutofadeepstudy，\'whatI

woulddotoHim，ifheshouldturnoutadrunkard。\'

\'Oh，buthewon\'t，\'saidLizzie。\'You\'lltakecareofthat，beforehand。\'

\'Ishalltrytotakecareofitbeforehand，buthemightdeceiveme。

Oh，mydear，allthosefellowswiththeirtricksandtheirmannersdodeceive！\'Withthelittlefistinfullaction。\'Andifso，ItellyouwhatIthinkI\'ddo。Whenhewasasleep，I\'dmakeaspoonredhot，andI\'dhavesomeboilingliquorbubblinginasaucepan，andI\'dtakeitouthissing，andI\'dopenhismouthwiththeotherhand——

orperhapshe\'dsleepwithhismouthreadyopen——andI\'dpouritdownhisthroat，andblisteritandchokehim。\'

\'Iamsureyouwoulddonosuchhorriblething，\'saidLizzie。

\'Shouldn\'tI?Well；perhapsIshouldn\'t。ButIshouldliketo！\'

\'Iamequallysureyouwouldnot。\'

\'Notevenliketo?Well，yougenerallyknowbest。Onlyyouhaven\'talwayslivedamongitasIhavelived——andyourbackisn\'tbadandyourlegsarenotqueer。\'

Astheywentonwiththeirsupper，Lizzietriedtobringherroundtothatprettierandbetterstate。But，thecharmwasbroken。Thepersonofthehousewasthepersonofahousefullofsordidshamesandcares，withanupperroominwhichthatabasedfigurewasinfectingeveninnocentsleepwithsensualbrutalityanddegradation。Thedoll\'sdressmakerhadbecomealittlequaintshrew；oftheworld，worldly；oftheearth，earthy。

Poordoll\'sdressmaker！Howoftensodraggeddownbyhandsthatshouldhaveraisedherup；howoftensomisdirectedwhenlosingherwayontheeternalroad，andaskingguidance！Poor，poorlittledoll\'sdressmaker！

Chapter3

APIECEOFWORK

Britannia，sittingmeditatingonefineday(perhapsintheattitudeinwhichsheispresentedonthecoppercoinage)，discoversallofasuddenthatshewantsVeneeringinParliament。ItoccurstoherthatVeneeringis\'arepresentativeman\'——whichcannotinthesetimesbedoubted——andthatHerMajesty\'sfaithfulCommonsareincompletewithouthim。So，BritanniamentionstoalegalgentlemanofheracquaintancethatifVeneeringwill\'putdown\'

fivethousandpounds，hemaywriteacoupleofinitiallettersafterhisnameattheextremelycheaprateoftwothousandfivehundredperletter。ItisclearlyunderstoodbetweenBritanniaandthelegalgentlemanthatnobodyistotakeupthefivethousandpounds，butthatbeingputdowntheywilldisappearbymagicalconjurationandenchantment。

ThelegalgentlemaninBritannia\'sconfidencegoingstraightfromthatladytoVeneering，thuscommissioned，Veneeringdeclareshimselfhighlyflattered，butrequiresbreathingtimetoascertain\'whetherhisfriendswillrallyroundhim。\'Aboveallthings，hesays，itbehoveshimtobeclear，atacrisisofthisimportance，\'whetherhisfriendswillrallyroundhim。\'Thelegalgentleman，intheinterestsofhisclientcannotallowmuchtimeforthispurpose，astheladyratherthinkssheknowssomebodypreparedtoputdownsixthousandpounds；buthesayshewillgiveVeneeringfourhours。

VeneeringthensaystoMrsVeneering，\'Wemustwork，\'andthrowshimselfintoaHansomcab。MrsVeneeringinthesamemomentrelinquishesbabytoNurse；pressesheraquilinehandsuponherbrow，toarrangethethrobbingintellectwithin；ordersoutthecarriage；andrepeatsinadistractedanddevotedmanner，compoundedofOpheliaandanyself-immolatingfemaleofantiquityyoumayprefer，\'Wemustwork。\'

VeneeringhavinginstructedhisdrivertochargeatthePublicinthestreets，liketheLife-GuardsatWaterloo，isdrivenfuriouslytoDukeStreet，SaintJames\'s。There，hefindsTwemlowinhislodgings，freshfromthehandsofasecretartistwhohasbeendoingsomethingtohishairwithyolksofeggs。TheprocessrequiringthatTwemlowshall，fortwohoursaftertheapplication，allowhishairtostickuprightanddrygradually，heisinanappropriatestateforthereceiptofstartlingintelligence；lookingequallyliketheMonumentonFishStreetHill，andKingPriamonacertainincendiaryoccasionnotwhollyunknownasaneatpointfromtheclassics。

\'MydearTwemlow，\'saysVeneering，graspingbothhisbands，asthedearestandoldestofmyfriends——\'

(\'Thentherecanbenomoredoubtaboutitinfuture，\'thinksTwemlow，\'andIAM！\')

\'——Areyouofopinionthatyourcousin，LordSnigsworth，wouldgivehisnameasaMemberofmyCommittee?Idon\'tgosofarastoaskforhislordship；Ionlyaskforhisname。Doyouthinkhewouldgivemehisname?\'

Insuddenlowspirits，Twemlowreplies，\'Idon\'tthinkhewould。\'

\'Mypoliticalopinions，\'saysVeneering，notpreviouslyawareofhavingany，\'areidenticalwiththoseofLordSnigsworth，andperhapsasamatterofpublicfeelingandpublicprinciple，LordSnigswotthwouldgivemehisname。\'

\'Itmightbeso，\'saysTwemlow；\'but——\'Andperplexedlyscratchinghishead，forgetfuloftheyolksofeggs，isthemorediscomfitedbybeingremindedhowstickeyheis。

\'Betweensucholdandintimatefriendsasourselves，\'pursuesVeneering，\'thereshouldinsuchacasebenoreserve。PromisemethatifIaskyoutodoanythingformewhichyoudon\'tliketodo，orfeeltheslightestdifficultyindoing，youwillfreelytellmeso。\'

This，Twemlowissokindastopromise，witheveryappearanceofmostheartilyintendingtokeephisword。

\'WouldyouhaveanyobjectiontowritedowntoSnigsworthyPark，andaskthisfavourofLordSnigsworth?OfcourseifitweregrantedIshouldknowthatIoweditsolelytoyou；whileatthesametimeyouwouldputittoLordSnigsworthentirelyuponpublicgrounds。Wouldyouhaveanyobjection?\'

SaysTwemlow，withhishandtohisforehead，\'Youhaveexactedapromisefromme。\'

\'Ihave，mydearTwemlow。\'

\'Andyouexpectmetokeepithonourably。\'

\'Ido，mydearTwemlow。\'

\'ONthewhole，then；——observeme，\'urgesTwemlowwithgreatnicety，asif；inthecaseofitshavingbeenoffthewhole，hewouldhavedoneitdirectly——\'ONthewhole，ImustbegyoutoexcusemefromaddressinganycommunicationtoLordSnigsworth。\'

\'Blessyou，blessyou！\'saysVeneering；horriblydisappointed，butgraspinghimbybothhandsagain，inaparticularlyferventmanner。

ItisnottobewonderedatthatpoorTwemlowshoulddeclinetoinflictaletteronhisnoblecousin(whohasgoutinthetemper)，inasmuchashisnoblecousin，whoallowshimasmallannuityonwhichhelives，takesitoutofhim，asthephrasegoes，inextremeseverity；puttinghim，whenhevisitsatSnigsworthyPark，underakindofmartiallaw；ordainingthatheshallhanghishatonaparticularpeg，sitonaparticularchair，talkonparticularsubjectstoparticularpeople，andperformparticularexercises:suchassoundingthepraisesoftheFamilyVarnish(nottosayPictures)，andabstainingfromthechoicestoftheFamilyWinesunlessexpresslyinvitedtopartake。

\'Onething，however，ICANdoforyou，\'saysTwemlow；\'andthatis，workforyou。\'

Veneeringblesseshimagain。

\'I\'llgo，\'saysTwemlow，inarisinghurryofspirits，\'totheclub；——letusseenow；whato\'clockisit?\'

\'Twentyminutestoeleven。\'

\'I\'llbe，\'saysTwemlow，\'attheclubbytenminutestotwelve，andI\'llneverleaveitallday。\'

Veneeringfeelsthathisfriendsarerallyingroundhim，andsays，\'Thankyou，thankyou。IknewIcouldrelyuponyou。IsaidtoAnastatiabeforeleavinghomejustnowtocometoyou——ofcoursethefirstfriendIhaveseenonasubjectsomomentoustome，mydearTwemlow——IsaidtoAnastatia，“Wemustwork。”\'

\'Youwereright，youwereright，\'repliesTwemlow。\'Tellme。IsSHEworking?\'

\'Sheis，\'saysVeneering。

\'Good！\'criesTwemlow，politelittlegentlemanthatheis。\'A

woman\'stactisinvaluable。Tohavethedearsexwithus，istohaveeverythingwithus。\'

\'Butyouhavenotimpartedtome，\'remarksVeneering，\'whatyouthinkofmyenteringtheHouseofCommons?\'

\'Ithink，\'rejoinsTwemlow，feelingly，\'thatitisthebestclubinLondon。\'

Veneeringagainblesseshim，plungesdownstairs，rushesintohisHansom，anddirectsthedrivertobeupandattheBritishPublic，andtochargeintotheCity。

MeanwhileTwemlow，inanincreasinghurryofspirits，getshishairdownaswellashecan——whichisnotverywell；for，aftertheseglutinousapplicationsitisrestive，andhasasurfaceonitsomewhatinthenatureofpastry——andgetstotheclubbytheappointedtime。Attheclubhepromptlysecuresalargewindow，writingmaterials，andallthenewspapers，andestablisheshimself；

immoveable，toberespectfullycontemplatedbyPallMall。

Sometimes，whenamanenterswhonodstohim，Twemlowsays，\'DoyouknowVeneering?\'Mansays，\'No；memberoftheclub?\'

Twemlowsays，\'Yes。CominginforPocket-Breaches。\'Mansays，\'Ah！Hopehemayfinditworththemoney！\'yawns，andsauntersout。Towardssixo\'clockoftheafternoon，Twemlowbeginstopersuadehimselfthatheispositivelyjadedwithwork，andthinksitmuchtoberegrettedthathewasnotbroughtupasaParliamentaryagent。

FromTwemlow\'s，VeneeringdashesatPodsnap\'splaceofbusiness。FindsPodsnapreadingthepaper，standing，andinclinedtobeoratoricalovertheastonishingdiscoveryhehasmade，thatItalyisnotEngland。RespectfullyentreatsPodsnap\'spardonforstoppingtheflowofhiswordsofwisdom，andinformshimwhatisinthewind。TellsPodsnapthattheirpoliticalopinionsareidentical。GivesPodsnaptounderstandthathe，Veneering，formedhispoliticalopinionswhilesittingatthefeetofhim，Podsnap。SeeksearnestlytoknowwhetherPodsnap\'willrallyroundhim?\'

SaysPodsnap，somethingsternly，\'Now，firstofall，Veneering，doyouaskmyadvice?\'

Veneeringfaltersthatassooldandsodearafriend——

\'Yes，yes，that\'sallverywell，\'saysPodsnap；\'buthaveyoumadeupyourmindtotakethisboroughofPocket-Breachesonitsownterms，ordoyouaskmyopinionwhetheryoushalltakeitorleaveitalone?\'

Veneeringrepeatsthathisheart\'sdesireandhissoul\'sthirstare，thatPodsnapshallrallyroundhim。

\'Now，I\'llbeplainwithyou，Veneering，\'saysPodsnap，knittinghisbrows。\'YouwillinferthatIdon\'tcareaboutParliament，fromthefactofmynotbeingthere?\'

Why，ofcourseVeneeringknowsthat！OfcourseVeneeringknowsthatifPodsnapchosetogothere，hewouldbethere，inaspaceoftimethatmightbestatedbythelightandthoughtlessasajiffy。

\'Itisnotworthmywhile，\'pursuesPodsnap，becominghandsomelymollified，\'anditisthereverseofimportanttomyposition。Butitisnotmywishtosetmyselfupaslawforanotherman，differentlysituated。YouthinkitISworthYOURwhile，andISimportanttoYOURposition。Isthatso?\'

AlwayswiththeprovisothatPodsnapwillrallyroundhim，Veneeringthinksitisso。

\'Thenyoudon\'taskmyadvice，\'saysPodsnap。\'Good。ThenI

won\'tgiveityou。Butyoudoaskmyhelp。Good。ThenI\'llworkforyou。\'

Veneeringinstantlyblesseshim，andappriseshimthatTwemlowisalreadyworking。Podsnapdoesnotquiteapprovethatanybodyshouldbealreadyworking——regardingitratherinthelightofaliberty——buttoleratesTwemlow，andsaysheisawell-connectedoldfemalewhowilldonoharm。

\'Ihavenothingveryparticulartodoto-day，\'addsPodsnap，\'andI\'llmixwithsomeinfluentialpeople。Ihadengagedmyselftodinner，butI\'llsendMrsPodsnapandgetoffgoingmyself；andI\'lldinewithyouateight。It\'simportantweshouldreportprogressandcomparenotes。Now，letmesee。Yououghttohaveacoupleofactiveenergeticfellows，ofgentlemanlymanners，togoabout。\'

Veneering，aftercogitation，thinksofBootsandBrewer。

\'WhomIhavemetatyourhouse，\'saysPodsnap。\'Yes。They\'lldoverywell。Letthemeachhaveacab，andgoabout。\'

Veneeringimmediatelymentionswhatablessinghefeelsit，topossessafriendcapableofsuchgrandadministrativesuggestions，andreallyiselatedatthisgoingaboutofBootsandBrewer，asanideawearinganelectioneeringaspectandlookingdesperatelylikebusiness。LeavingPodsnap，atahand-gallop，hedescendsuponBootsandBrewer，whoenthusiasticallyrallyroundhimbyatonceboltingoffincabs，takingoppositedirections。ThenVeneeringrepairstothelegalgentlemaninBritannia\'sconfidence，andwithhimtransactssomedelicateaffairsofbusiness，andissuesanaddresstotheindependentelectorsofPocket-Breaches，announcingthatheiscomingamongthemfortheirsuffrages，asthemarinerreturnstothehomeofhisearlychildhood:aphrasewhichisnonetheworseforhisneverhavingbeenneartheplaceinhislife，andnotevennowdistinctlyknowingwhereitis。

MrsVeneering，duringthesameeventfulhours，isnotidle。Nosoonerdoesthecarriageturnout，allcomplete，thansheturnsintoit，allcomplete，andgivestheword\'ToLadyTippins\'s。\'Thatcharmerdwellsoverastaymaker\'sintheBelgravianBorders，withalife-sizemodelinthewindowonthegroundfloorofadistinguishedbeautyinabluepetticoat，stay-laceinhand，lookingoverhershoulderatthetownininnocentsurprise。Aswellshemay，tofindherselfdressingunderthecircumstances。

LadyTippinsathome?LadyTippinsathome，withtheroomdarkened，andherback(likethelady\'sattheground-floorwindow，thoughforadifferentreason)cunninglyturnedtowardsthelight。LadyTippinsissosurprisedbyseeingherdearMrsVeneeringsoearly——inthemiddleofthenight，theprettycreaturecallsit——thathereyelidsalmostgoup，undertheinfluenceofthatemotion。

TowhomMrsVeneeringincoherentlycommunicates，howthatVeneeringhasbeenofferedPocket-Breaches；howthatitisthetimeforrallyinground；howthatVeneeringhassaid\'Wemustwork\'；howthatsheishere，asawifeandmother，toentreatLadyTippinstowork；howthatthecarriageisatLadyTippins\'sdisposalforpurposesofwork；howthatshe，proprietressofsaidbrannewelegantequipage，willreturnhomeonfoot——onbleedingfeetifneedbe——towork(notspecifyinghow)，untilshedropsbythesideofbaby\'scrib。

\'Mylove，\'saysLadyTippins，\'composeyourself；we\'llbringhimin。\'AndLadyTippinsreallydoeswork，andworktheVeneeringhorsestoo；forsheclattersabouttownallday，callinguponeverybodysheknows，andshowingherentertainingpowersandgreenfantoimmenseadvantage，byrattlingonwith，Mydearsoul，whatdoyouthink?Whatdoyousupposemetobe?You\'llneverguess。I\'mpretendingtobeanelectioneeringagent。Andforwhatplaceofallplaces?Pocket-Breaches。Andwhy?

BecausethedearestfriendIhaveintheworldhasboughtit。AndwhoisthedearestfriendIhaveintheworld?AmanofthenameofVeneering。Notomittinghiswife，whoistheotherdearestfriendIhaveintheworld；andIpositivelydeclareIforgottheirbaby，whoistheother。Andwearecarryingonthislittlefarcetokeepupappearances，andisn\'titrefreshing！Then，mypreciouschild，thefunofitisthatnobodyknowswhotheseVeneeringsare，andthattheyknownobody，andthattheyhaveahouseoutoftheTalesoftheGenii，andgivedinnersoutoftheArabianNights。

Curioustosee\'em，mydear?Sayyou\'llknow\'em。Comeanddinewith\'em。Theyshan\'tboreyou。Saywhoshallmeetyou。

We\'llmakeupapartyofourown，andI\'llengagethattheyshallnotinterferewithyouforonesinglemoment。Youreallyoughttoseetheirgoldandsilvercamels。Icalltheirdinner-table，theCaravan。DocomeanddinewithmyVeneerings，myownVeneerings，myexclusiveproperty，thedearestfriendsIhaveintheworld！Andaboveall，mydear，besureyoupromisemeyourvoteandinterestandallsortsofplumpersforPocket-Breaches；

forwecouldn\'tthinkofspendingsixpenceonit，mylove，andcanonlyconsenttobebroughtinbythespontaneousthingummiesoftheincorruptiblewhatdoyoucallums。

Now，thepointofviewseizedbythebewitchingTippins，thatthissameworkingandrallyingroundistokeepupappearances，mayhavesomethinginit，butnotallthetruth。Moreisdone，orconsideredtobedone——whichdoesaswell——bytakingcabs，and\'goingabout，\'thanthefairTippinsknewof。Manyvastvaguereputationshavebeenmade，solelybytakingcabsandgoingabout。ThisparticularlyobtainsinallParliamentaryaffairs。

Whetherthebusinessinhandbetogetamanin，orgetamanout，orgetamanover，orpromotearailway，orjockeyarailway，orwhatelse，nothingisunderstoodtobesoeffectualasscouringnowhereinaviolenthurry——inshort，astakingcabsandgoingabout。

Probablybecausethisreasonisintheair，Twemlow，farfrombeingsingularinhispersuasionthatheworkslikeaTrojan，iscappedbyPodsnap，whoinhisturniscappedbyBootsandBrewer。Ateighto\'clockwhenallthesehardworkersassembletodineatVeneering\'s，itisunderstoodthatthecabsofBootsandBrewermustn\'tleavethedoor，butthatpailsofwatermustbebroughtfromthenearestbaiting-place，andcastoverthehorses\'

legsontheveryspot，lestBootsandBrewershouldhaveinstantoccasiontomountandaway。ThosefleetmessengersrequiretheAnalyticaltoseethattheirhatsaredepositedwheretheycanbelaidholdofataninstant\'snotice；andtheydine(remarkablywellthough)withtheairoffiremeninchargeofanengine，expectingintelligenceofsometremendousconflagration。

MrsVeneeringfaintlyremarks，asdinneropens，thatmanysuchdayswouldbetoomuchforher。

\'Manysuchdayswouldbetoomuchforallofus，\'saysPodsnap；

\'butwe\'llbringhimin！\'

\'We\'llbringhimin，\'saysLadyTippins，sportivelywavinghergreenfan。\'Veneeringforever！\'

\'We\'llbringhimin！\'saysTwemlow。

\'We\'llbringhimin！\'sayBootsandBrewer。

Strictlyspeaking，itwouldbehardtoshowcausewhytheyshouldnotbringhimin，Pocket-Breacheshavingcloseditslittlebargain，andtherebeingnoopposition。However，itisagreedthattheymust\'work\'tothelast，andthatiftheydidnotwork，somethingindefinitewouldhappen。Itislikewiseagreedthattheyareallsoexhaustedwiththeworkbehindthem，andneedtobesofortifiedfortheworkbeforethem，astorequirepeculiarstrengtheningfromVeneering\'scellar。Therefore，theAnalyticalhasorderstoproducethecreamofthecreamofhisbinns，andthereforeitfallsoutthatrallyingbecomesratheratryingwordfortheoccasion；

LadyTippinsbeingobservedgamelytoinculcatethenecessityofrearingroundtheirdearVeneering；Podsnapadvocatingroaringroundhim；BootsandBrewerdeclaringtheirintentionofreelingroundhim；andVeneeringthankinghisdevotedfriendsoneandall，withgreatemotion，forrarullarullingroundhim。

Intheseinspiringmoments，Brewerstrikesoutanideawhichisthegreathitoftheday。Heconsultshiswatch，andsays(likeGuyFawkes)，he\'llnowgodowntotheHouseofCommonsandseehowthingslook。

\'I\'llkeepaboutthelobbyforanhourorso，\'saysBrewer，withadeeplymysteriouscountenance，\'andifthingslookwell，Iwon\'tcomeback，butwillordermycabfornineinthemorning。\'

\'Youcouldn\'tdobetter，\'saysPodsnap。

Veneeringexpresseshisinabilityevertoacknowledgethislastservice。TearsstandinMrsVeneering\'saffectionateeyes。Bootsshowsenvy，losesground，andisregardedaspossessingasecond-

ratemind。Theyallcrowdtothedoor，toseeBreweroff。Brewersaystohisdriver，\'Now，isyourhorseprettyfresh?\'eyeingtheanimalwithcriticalscrutiny。Driversayshe\'sasfreshasbutter。

\'Puthimalongthen，\'saysBrewer；\'HouseofCommons。\'Driverdartsup，Brewerleapsin，theycheerhimashedeparts，andMrPodsnapsays，\'Markmywords，sir。That\'samanofresource；

that\'samantomakehiswayinlife。\'

WhenthetimecomesforVeneeringtodeliveraneatandappropriatestammertothemenofPocket-Breaches，onlyPodsnapandTwemlowaccompanyhimbyrailwaytothatsequesteredspot。ThelegalgentlemanisatthePocket-BreachesBranchStation，withanopencarriagewithaprintedbill\'Veneeringforever\'stuckuponit，asifitwereawall；andtheygloriouslyproceed，amidstthegrinsofthepopulace，toafeeblelittletownhalloncrutches，withsomeonionsandbootlacesunderit，whichthelegalgentlemansaysareaMarket；andfromthefrontwindowofthatedificeVeneeringspeakstothelisteningearth。Inthemomentofhistakinghishatoff，Podsnap，asperagreementmadewithMrsVeneering，telegraphstothatwifeandmother，\'He\'sup。\'

VeneeringloseshiswayintheusualNoThoroughfaresofspeech，andPodsnapandTwemlowsayHearhear！andsometimes，whenhecan\'tbyanymeansbackhimselfoutofsomeveryunluckyNoThoroughfare，\'He-a-a-rHe-a-a-r！\'withanairoffacetiousconviction，asiftheingenuityofthethinggavethemasensationofexquisitepleasure。ButVeneeringmakestworemarkablygoodpoints；sogood，thattheyaresupposedtohavebeensuggestedtohimbythelegalgentlemaninBritannia\'sconfidence，whilebrieflyconferringonthestairs。

Pointthefirstisthis。Veneeringinstitutesanoriginalcomparisonbetweenthecountry，andaship；pointedlycallingtheship，theVesseloftheState，andtheMinistertheManattheHelm。

Veneering\'sobjectistoletPocket-Breachesknowthathisfriendonhisright(Podsnap)isamanofwealth。Consequentlysayshe，\'And，gentlemen，whenthetimbersoftheVesseloftheStateareunsoundandtheManattheHelmisunskilful，wouldthosegreatMarineInsurers，whorankamongourworld-famedmerchant-

princes——wouldtheyinsureher，gentlemen?Wouldtheyunderwriteher?Wouldtheyincurariskinher?Wouldtheyhaveconfidenceinher?Why，gentlemen，ifIappealedtomyhonourablefrienduponmyright，himselfamongthegreatestandmostrespectedofthatgreatandmuchrespectedclass，hewouldanswerNo！\'

Pointthesecondisthis。ThetellingfactthatTwemlowisrelatedtoLordSnigsworth，mustbeletoff。Veneeringsupposesastateofpublicaffairsthatprobablynevercouldbyanypossibilityexist(thoughthisisnotquitecertain，inconsequenceofhispicturebeingunintelligibletohimselfandeverybodyelse)，andthusproceeds。\'Why，gentlemen，ifIweretoindicatesuchaprogrammetoanyclassofsociety，Isayitwouldbereceivedwithderision，wouldbepointedatbythefingerofscorn。IfIindicatedsuchaprogrammetoanyworthyandintelligenttradesmanofyourtown——nay，Iwillherebepersonal，andsayOurtown——whatwouldhereply?Hewouldreply，“Awaywithit！“That\'swhatHEwouldreply，gentlemen。Inhishonestindignationhewouldreply，“Awaywithit！“ButsupposeImountedhigherinthesocialscale。

SupposeIdrewmyarmthroughthearmofmyrespectedfrienduponmyleft，and，walkingwithhimthroughtheancestralwoodsofhisfamily，andunderthespreadingbeechesofSnigsworthyPark，approachedthenoblehall，crossedthecourtyard，enteredbythedoor，wentupthestaircase，and，passingfromroomtoroom，foundmyselfatlastintheaugustpresenceofmyfriend\'snearkinsman，LordSnigsworth。AndsupposeIsaidtothatvenerableearl，“MyLord，Iamherebeforeyourlordship，presentedbyyourlordship\'snearkinsman，myfrienduponmyleft，toindicatethatprogramme；“whatwouldhislordshipanswer?Why，hewouldanswer，“Awaywithit！“That\'swhathewouldanswer，gentlemen。

“Awaywithit！“Unconsciouslyusing，inhisexaltedsphere，theexactlanguageoftheworthyandintelligenttradesmanofourtown，thenearanddearkinsmanofmyfrienduponmyleftwouldanswerinhiswrath，“Awaywithit！“\'

Veneeringfinisheswiththislastsuccess，andMrPodsnaptelegraphstoMrsVeneering，\'He\'sdown。\'

Then，dinnerishadattheHotelwiththelegalgentleman，andthenthereareinduesuccession，nomination，anddeclaration。FinallyMrPodsnaptelegraphstoMrsVeneering，\'Wehavebroughthimin。\'