diff options
Diffstat (limited to '11227-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/11227-h.htm | 8317 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/bolder.jpg | bin | 0 -> 15531 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/david.jpg | bin | 0 -> 22154 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/deputy.jpg | bin | 0 -> 17766 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/dotheboys.jpg | bin | 0 -> 25965 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/jo.jpg | bin | 0 -> 24641 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/kit.jpg | bin | 0 -> 25775 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/oliver.jpg | bin | 0 -> 18982 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/paul.jpg | bin | 0 -> 10852 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/pip.jpg | bin | 0 -> 17854 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/tim.jpg | bin | 0 -> 25195 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11227-h/images/tommy.jpg | bin | 0 -> 22757 bytes |
12 files changed, 8317 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/11227-h/11227-h.htm b/11227-h/11227-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8fd51ef --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/11227-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8317 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ten Boys From Dickens, + by Kate Dickinson Sweetser. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {margin-left: 12%; margin-right: 12%; background-color: white} + H1,H2,H4 {text-align: center; } + hr {align=center; width= 50%;} + .ind {margin-left: 2%} + .toc { text-align=center;} + .ctr { text-align: center; } + --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11227 ***</div> + +<h1> + TEN BOYS from<br /> + DICKENS +</h1> +<h2> + By<br /> + Kate Dickinson Sweetser +</h2> +<p> </p> +<center> +<h3> + Illustrated by<br /> + George Alfred Williams +</h3> +<h3> + 1901 +</h3> +</center> +<p> </p> +<hr> +<h2> + PREFACE +</h2> +<hr> +<p> + In this small volume there are presented as complete stories the + boy-lives portrayed in the works of Charles Dickens. The boys are + followed only to the threshold of manhood, and in all cases the original + text of the story has been kept, except where of necessity a phrase or + paragraph has been inserted to connect passages;—while the net-work of + characters with which the boys are surrounded in the books from which + they are taken, has been eliminated, except where such characters seem + necessary to the development of the story in hand. +</p> +<p> + Charles Dickens was a loyal champion of all boys, and underlying his pen + pictures of them was an earnest desire to remedy evils which he had + found existing in London and its suburbs. Poor Jo, who was always being + "moved on," David Copperfield, whose early life was a picture of + Dickens' own childhood, workhouse-reared Oliver, and the miserable + wretches at Dotheboy Hall were no mere creations of an author's vivid + imagination. They were descriptions of living boys, the victims of + tyranny and oppression which Dickens felt he must in some way alleviate. + And so he wrote his novels with the histories in them which affected + the London public far more deeply, of course, than they affect us, and + awakened a storm of indignation and protest. +</p> +<p> + Schools, work-houses, and other public institutions were subjected to a + rigorous examination, and in consequence several were closed, while all + were greatly improved. Thus, in his sketches of boy-life, Dickens + accomplished his object. +</p> +<p> + My aim is to bring these sketches, with all their beauty and pathos, to + the notice of the young people of to-day. If through this volume any boy + or girl should be aroused to a keener interest in the great writer, and + should learn to love him and his work, my labour will be richly repaid. +</p> +<p> + KATE DICKINSON SWEETSER +</p> +<p> </p> +<hr> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<hr> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH1">TINY TIM</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH2">OLIVER TWIST</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH3">TOMMY TRADDLES</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH4">"DEPUTY"</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH5">DOTHEBOYS HALL</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH6">DAVID COPPERFIELD</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH7">KIT NUBBLES</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH8">JO, THE CROSSING SWEEPER</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH9">PAUL DOMBEY</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#CH10">PIP</a></p> +<p> </p> +<hr> +<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> +<hr> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-1"> + Tiny Tim and his Father +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-2"> + Oliver Twist +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-3"> + Tommy Traddles +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-4"> + Deputy +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-5"> + Dotheboys Hall +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-6"> + Bolder, Cobbey, Graymarsh, Mobb's +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-7"> + Little Em'ly and David Copperfield +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-8"> + Kit Nubbles +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-9"> + Jo, the Crossing Sweeper +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-10"> + Paul Dombey and His Sister +</a> +</p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-11"> + Pip and Miss Haversham +</a> +</p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH1"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + TINY TIM +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-1"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/tim.jpg" width="368" height="253" + alt="Tiny Tim and his Father" ></p> +<h4>Tiny Tim and his Father</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + TINY TIM +</h3> +<p> + Charles Dickens has given us no picture of Tiny Tim, but at the thought + of him comes a vision of a delicate figure, less boy than spirit. We + seem to see a face oval in shape and fair in colouring. We see eyes + deep-set and grey, shaded by lashes as dark as the hair parted from the + middle of his low forehead. We see a sunny, patient smile which from + time to time lights up his whole face, and a mouth whose firm, strong + lines reveal clearly the beauty of character, and the happiness of + disposition, which were Tiny Tim's. +</p> +<p> + He was a rare little chap indeed, and a prime favourite as well. Ask the + Crachits old and young, whose smile they most desired, whose applause + they most coveted, whose errands they almost fought with one another to + run, whose sadness or pain could most affect the family happiness, and + with one voice they would answer, "Tim's!" +</p> +<p> + It was Christmas Day, and in all the suburbs of London there was to be + no merrier celebration than at the Crachits. To be sure, Bob Crachit had + but fifteen "Bob" himself a week on which to clothe and feed all the + little Crachits, but what they lacked in luxuries they made up in + affection and contentment, and would not have changed places, one of + them, with any king or queen. +</p> +<p> + While Bob took Tiny Tim to church, preparations for the feast were + going on at home. Mrs. Crachit was dressed in a twice-turned gown, but + brave in ribbons which are cheap and make a goodly show for sixpence; + and she laid the cloth, assisted by Belinda, second of her daughters, + also brave in ribbons, while Master Peter Crachit plunged a fork into a + saucepan full of potatoes, getting the corners of his monstrous shirt + collar (Bob's private property, conferred upon his son and heir in + honour of the day) into his mouth, but rejoiced to find himself so + finely dressed, and yearning to show his linen in the fashionable Parks. +</p> +<p> + Two smaller Crachits, boy and girl, came tearing in, screaming that + outside the baker's they had smelt the goose, and known it for their + own; and basking in luxurious thoughts of sage and onions, these young + Crachits danced about the table, and exalted Master Peter Crachit to the + skies, while he (not proud, although his collar almost choked him) blew + the fire, until the slow potatoes, bubbling up, knocked loudly at the + saucepan-lid to be let out and peeled. +</p> +<p> + "What has ever got your precious father, then?" said Mrs. Crachit. "And + your brother, Tiny Tim! And Martha warn't as late last Christmas Day by + half an hour!" +</p> +<p> + "Here's Martha, mother!" cried the two young Crachits. "<i>Hurrah</i>! + there's <i>such</i> a goose, Martha!" +</p> +<p> + "Why, bless your heart alive, dear, how late you are!" said Mrs. + Crachit, kissing the daughter, who lived away from home, a dozen times. + "Well, never mind as long as you are come!" +</p> +<p> + "There's father coming!" cried the two young Crachits, who were + everywhere at once. "<i>Hide</i>, Martha, <i>hide</i>!" +</p> +<p> + So Martha hid herself, and in came little Bob, the father, with at least + three feet of comforter hanging down before him, and his threadbare + clothes darned up and brushed to look seasonable; and Tiny Tim upon his + shoulder. Why was the child thus carried? Alas for Tiny Tim, he bore a + little crutch and had his limbs supported by an iron frame! Patient + little Tim,—never was he heard to utter a fretful or complaining word. + No wonder they cherished him so tenderly! +</p> +<p> + "Why, where's our Martha?" cried Bob Crachit looking round. +</p> +<p> + "Not coming!" said Mrs. Crachit. +</p> +<p> + "Not coming?" said Bob, with a sudden declension in his high spirits; + for he had been Tim's blood horse all the way from church, and had come + home rampant. +</p> +<p> + "Not coming upon Christmas Day!" +</p> +<p> + Martha didn't like to see him disappointed, if it were only in joke; so + she ran out from behind the closet door, and ran into his arms, while + the two young Crachits hustled Tiny Tim, and bore him off into the + wash-house, that he might hear the pudding singing in the copper. +</p> +<p> + "And how did little Tim behave?" asked Mrs. Crachit; when she had + rallied Bob on his credulity, and Bob had hugged his daughter to his + heart's content. +</p> +<p> + "As good as gold," said Bob, "and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, + sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever + heard. He told me, coming home, that 'he hoped the people saw him in the + church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to + remember upon Christmas Day, Who made lame beggars walk and blind men + see.'" +</p> +<p> + Bob's voice was tremulous when he told them this, and it trembled more + when he said that Tiny Tim was growing strong and hearty. +</p> +<p> + His active little crutch was heard upon the floor, and back came Tiny + Tim before another word was spoken, escorted by his brother and sister + to his stool before the fire; and while Bob compounded some hot mixture + in a jug and put it on the hob to simmer, Master Peter and the two + young Crachits went to fetch the goose, with which they soon returned in + high procession. +</p> +<p> + Such a bustle ensued that you might have thought the goose the rarest of + all birds, and in truth it <i>was</i> something very like it in that house. + Mrs. Crachit made the gravy hissing hot; Master Peter mashed the + potatoes with incredible vigour; Miss Belinda sweetened up the apple + sauce; Martha dusted the hot plates; Bob took Tiny Tim beside him in a + corner at the table; the two young Crachits set chairs for everybody, + not forgetting themselves, and mounting guard upon their posts, crammed + spoons into their mouths, lest they should shriek for goose before their + turn came to be helped. At last the dishes were set on and grace was + said. It was succeeded by a breathless pause, as Mrs. Crachit, looking + slowly along the carving knife, prepared to plunge it in the breast. + When she did one murmur of delight arose all round the board, and even + Tiny Tim, excited by the two young Crachits, beat on the table with the + handle of his knife, and feebly cried "Hurrah!" +</p> +<p> + There never was such a goose! its tenderness and size, flavour and + cheapness, were the themes of universal admiration. Eked out by + apple-sauce and mashed potatoes, every one had enough, and the youngest + Crachits were steeped in sage and onion to the eyebrows! But now, the + plates being changed, Mrs. Crachit left the room alone—too nervous to + bear witnesses—to take the pudding up, and bring it in. +</p> +<p> + Suppose it should not be done enough! Suppose it should break in turning + out! All sorts of horrors were supposed. +</p> +<p> + Hallo! a great deal of steam! The pudding was out of the copper, and in + half a minute Mrs. Crachit entered, flushed, but smiling proudly, with + the pudding blazing in ignited brandy, and with Christmas holly stuck + into the top. +</p> +<p> + Its appearance was hailed with cheers and with exclamations of joyous + admiration. Then, when it was safely landed upon the table, what a + racket and clatter there was! Such stories and songs and jokes, and such + riotous applause no one can imagine who was not there to see and hear! +</p> +<p> + At last the dinner was all done, the cloth was cleared, the hearth + swept, and the fire made up. The compound in the jug being tasted and + pronounced perfect, apples and oranges were put upon the table and a + shovelful of chestnuts on the fire. Then all the Crachit family drew + round the hearth, Tiny Tim very close to his father's side, upon his + little stool, while he gave them a song in his plaintive little voice, + about a lost child, and sang it very well indeed. +</p> +<p> + At Bob Crachit's elbow stood the family display of glass; two tumblers + and a custard cup without a handle. These held the hot stuff from the + jug, however, as well as golden goblets would have done, and Bob served + it out with beaming looks, while the chestnuts sputtered and cracked + noisily. Then Bob proposed: +</p> +<p class="ind"> + "<i>A merry Christmas to us all, my dears,—God bless us</i>!" +</p> +<p> + which was just what was needed to bring the joy and enthusiasm to a + climax. Cheer after cheer went up, over and over the toast was + re-echoed, and then one was added for the family ogre, Bob's hard + employer, Mr. Scrooge, and one for old and for young, for sick and for + well, for Father Christmas and for Father Crachit and for all the little + Crachits;—for everyone everywhere who had heard the holiday bells, + there was a toast given. Then when the uproar ceased for a moment, low + and sweet spoke Tiny Tim alone: +</p> +<p class="ind"> + "<i>God bless us every one!"</i> +</p> +<p> + Clearly it rang out in the earnest childish voice. There was a sudden + hush of the merriment, while Bob's arm stole round his son with a firmer + grasp and for a moment the shadow of a coming Christmas fell upon him, + when the little stool would be vacant and the little crutch unused. +</p> +<p> + Spirit of Tiny Tim, thy childish essence was from God! Thou didst not + know that in the benediction of lives like thine, is given the answer to + such prayers. Much did thy loved ones learn from thee; much can the + world learn of the nobility of patience from thy sweet child life. + Unawares thou wert thyself an answer to thy Christmas prayer: +</p> +<p class="ind"> + "<i>God bless us every one!"</i> +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH2"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + OLIVER TWIST +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-2"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/oliver.jpg" width="286" height="248" + alt="Oliver Twist" ></p> +<h4>Oliver Twist</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + OLIVER TWIST +</h3> +<p> + Oliver Twist was the child of an unknown woman who died in the workhouse + of an English village, almost as soon as her babe drew his first breath. + The mother's name being unknown, the workhouse officials called the + child Oliver Twist, under which title he grew up. For nine years he was + farmed out at a branch poorhouse, where with twenty or thirty other + children he bore all the miseries consequent on neglect, abuse, and + starvation. He was then removed to the workhouse proper to be taught a + useful trade. +</p> +<p> + His ninth birthday found him a pale, thin child, diminutive in stature, + and decidedly small in circumference, but possessed of a good sturdy + spirit, which was not broken by the policy of the officials who tried to + get as much work out of the paupers as possible, and to keep them on as + scant a supply of food as would sustain life. +</p> +<p> + The boys were fed in a large stone hall, with a copper at one end, out + of which the gruel was ladled at meal-times. Of this festive composition + each boy had one porringer, and no more—except on occasions of great + public rejoicing, when he had two ounces and a quarter of bread besides. + The bowls never wanted washing. The boys polished them with their spoons + till they shone again; and when they had performed this operation, they + would sit staring at the copper, as if they could have devoured the very + bricks of which it was composed; sucking their fingers, with the view of + catching up any stray splashes of gruel that might have been cast + thereon. +</p> +<p> + Boys have generally excellent appetites. Oliver Twist and his + companions suffered the tortures of slow starvation for three months: at + last they got so voracious and wild that one boy hinted darkly that + unless he had another basin of gruel a day, he was afraid he might some + night happen to eat the boy who slept next him. He had a wild, hungry, + eye; and they implicitly believed him. A council was held; lots were + cast who should walk up to the master, and ask for more, and it fell to + Oliver Twist. +</p> +<p> + The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The gruel was served + out, and a long grace was said. The gruel disappeared; the boys + whispered each other, and winked at Oliver; while his next neighbours + nudged him. Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless + with misery. He rose and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in + hand, said, somewhat alarmed at his own temerity: +</p> +<p> + "Please, sir, I want some more!" +</p> +<p> + The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in + stupified astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then + clung for support to the copper. The assistants were paralysed with + wonder; the boys with fear. +</p> +<p> + "What?" said the master at length, in a faint voice. +</p> +<p> + "Please, sir," replied Oliver, "I want some more." +</p> +<p> + The master aimed a blow at Oliver's head with the ladle; pinioned him in + his arms; and shrieked for the beadle, and when that gentleman appeared, + an animated discussion took place. Oliver was ordered into instant + confinement; and a bill was next morning pasted on the outside of the + gate, offering a reward of five pounds to any body who would take Oliver + Twist off the hands of the parish. In other words, five pounds, and + Oliver Twist were offered to any man or woman who wanted an apprentice + to any trade, business, or calling. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Sowerberry, the parish undertaker, finally applied for the prize, + and carried Oliver away with him, which, for the poor boy, was a matter + of falling from the frying pan into the fire, and in his short career as + undertaker's assistant he even sighed for the workhouse,—miserable as + his life there had been. At the undertaker's, Oliver's bed was in the + shop. The atmosphere seemed tainted with the smell of coffins. The + recess behind the counter in which his mattress was thrust, looked like + a grave. His food was broken bits left from the meals of others, and his + constant companion was an older boy, Noah Claypole, who, although a + charity boy himself, was not a workhouse orphan, and therefore + considered himself in a position above Oliver. He made Oliver's days + hideous with his abuse, which the younger boy bore as quietly as he + could, until the day when Noah made a sneering remark about Oliver's + dead mother. That was too much. Crimson with fury, Oliver started up, + seized Noah by the throat, shook him till his teeth chattered, and then + with one heavy blow, felled him to the ground. +</p> +<p> + This brought about a violent scene, for Noah accused Oliver of + attempting to murder him, and Mrs. Sowerberry, the maid, and the + beadle,—who had been hastily summoned,—agreed that Oliver was a + hardened wretch, only fit for confinement, and he was accordingly placed + in the cellar, till the undertaker came in, when he was dragged out + again to have the story retold. To do Mr. Sowerberry justice, he would + have been kindly disposed towards Oliver, but for the prejudice of his + wife against the boy. However, to satisfy her, he gave Oliver a sound + beating, and shut him up in the back kitchen until night, when, amidst + the jeers and pointings of Noah and Mrs. Sowerberry, he was ordered + up-stairs to his dismal bed. +</p> +<p> + It was then, alone, in the silence of the gloomy workshop, that Oliver + gave way to his feelings, wept bitterly, and resolved no longer to bear + such treatment. Softly he undid the fastenings of the door, and looked + abroad. It was a cold night. The stars seemed, to the boy's eyes, + farther from the earth than he had ever seen them before; there was no + wind; and the sombre shadows looked sepulchral and death-like, from + being so still. He softly reclosed the door, and having availed himself + of the expiring light of the candle to tie up in a handkerchief the few + articles of wearing apparel he had, sat himself down to wait for + morning. +</p> +<p> + With the first ray of light, Oliver arose, and again unbarred the door. + One timid look around,—one minute's pause of hesitation,—he had closed + it behind him. +</p> +<p> + He looked to the right, and to the left, uncertain whither to fly. He + remembered to have seen the waggons, as they went out, toiling up the + hill, so he took the same route; and arriving at a footpath which he + knew led out into the road, struck into it, and walked quickly on. +</p> +<p> + For seven long days he tramped in the direction of London, tasting + nothing but such scraps of meals as he could beg from the occasional + cottages by the roadside. On the seventh morning he limped slowly into + the little town of Barnet, and as he was resting for a few moments on + the steps of a public-house, a boy crossed over, and walking close to + him, said, +</p> +<p> + "Hullo! my covey! What's the row?" +</p> +<p> + The boy who addressed this inquiry to the young wayfarer, was about his + own age: but one of the queerest looking boys that Oliver had ever seen. + He was a snub-nosed, flat-browed, common-faced boy enough; and as dirty + a juvenile as one would wish to see; but he had about him all the airs + and manners of a man. He was short, with bow-legs, and little, sharp, + ugly, eyes. His hat was stuck on the top of his head, and he wore a + man's coat that reached nearly to his heels. +</p> +<p> + "Hullo, my covey! What's the row?" said this strange young gentleman to + Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "I am very hungry and tired," replied Oliver; the tears standing in his + eyes as he spoke. "I have walked a long way. I have been walking these + seven days." +</p> +<p> + "Going to London?" inquired the strange boy. +</p> +<p> + "Yes." +</p> +<p> + "Got any lodgings?" +</p> +<p> + "No." +</p> +<p> + "Money?" +</p> +<p> + "No." +</p> +<p> + The strange boy whistled; and put his arms into his pockets. +</p> +<p> + "Do you live in London?" inquired Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I do when I'm at home," replied the boy. "I suppose you want some + place to sleep in to-night, don't you?" +</p> +<p> + Upon Oliver answering in the affirmative, the strange boy, whose name + was Jack Dawkins, said, "I've got to be in London to-night; and I know a + 'spectable old genelman as lives there, wot'll give you lodgings for + nothink, and never ask for the change—that is, if any genelman he knows + interduces you." +</p> +<p> + This offer of shelter was too tempting to be resisted, and Oliver + trudged off with his new friend. Into the city they passed, and through + the worst and darkest streets, the sight of which filled Oliver with + alarm. At length they reached the door of a house, which Jack entered, + drawing Oliver after him, into its dark passage-way, and closing the + door after them. +</p> +<p> + Oliver, groping his way with one hand, and having the other firmly + grasped by his companion, ascended with much difficulty the dark and + broken stairs, which his conductor mounted with an expedition that + showed he was well acquainted with them. He threw open the door of a + back-room and drew Oliver in after him. +</p> +<p> + The walls and ceiling of the room were perfectly black with age and + dirt. There was a clothes-horse, over which a great number of silk + handkerchiefs were hanging; and a deal table before the fire; upon which + were a candle, stuck in a ginger-beer bottle, two or three pewter pots, + a loaf and butter, and a plate. In a frying pan, which was on the fire, + some sausages were cooking, and standing over them, with a toasting-fork + in his hand, was a very old shrivelled Jew, whose villanous-looking and + repulsive face was obscured by a quantity of matted red hair. +</p> +<p> + Several rough beds, made of old sacks, were huddled side by side on the + floor. Seated round the table were four or five boys, none older than + Jack Dawkins, familiarly called the Dodger. The boys all crowded about + their associate, as he whispered a few words to the Jew; and then they + turned round and grinned at Oliver. So did the Jew himself, + toasting-fork in hand. +</p> +<p> + "This is him, Fagin," said Jack Dawkins; "my friend Oliver Twist." +</p> +<p> + The Jew, making a low bow to Oliver, took him by the hand, and hoped he + should have the honour of his intimate acquaintance. Upon this the young + gentlemen came round him, and shook his hand very hard, especially the + one in which he held his little bundle. +</p> +<p> + "We are very glad to see you, Oliver, very," said the Jew. "Dodger take + off the sausages; and draw a tub near the fire for Oliver. Ah, you're + a-staring at the pocket-handkerchiefs! eh, my dear? There are a good + many of 'em, ain't there? We've just looked 'em out ready for the wash; + that's all, Oliver, that's all. Ha! ha! ha!" +</p> +<p> + The latter part of this speech was hailed by a boisterous shout from + the boys, who, Oliver found, were all pupils of the merry old gentleman. + In the midst of which they went to supper. +</p> +<p> + Oliver ate his share, and the Jew then mixed him a glass of hot gin and + water, telling him he must drink it off directly because another + gentleman wanted the tumbler. Oliver did as he was desired. Immediately + afterwards, he felt himself gently lifted on to one of the sacks; and + then he sunk into a deep sleep. +</p> +<p> + It was late next morning when Oliver awoke, from a sound, long sleep. + There was no other person in the room but the old Jew, who was boiling + some coffee in a saucepan for breakfast, and whistling softly to himself + as he stirred it. He would stop every now and then to listen when there + was the least noise below; and, when he had satisfied himself, he would + go on, whistling and stirring again, as before. +</p> +<p> + When the coffee was done, the Jew drew the saucepan to the hob, then he + turned and looked at Oliver, and called him by name, but the boy did not + answer, and was to all appearances asleep. After satisfying himself upon + this head, the Jew stepped gently to the door, which he fastened. He + then drew forth as it seemed to Oliver, from some trap in the floor a + small box, which he placed carefully on the table. His eyes glistened as + he raised the lid, and looked in. Dragging an old chair to the table, he + sat down, and took from it a magnificent gold watch, sparkling with + jewels. +</p> +<p> + At least half a dozen more were severally drawn forth from the same box, + besides rings, brooches, bracelets, and other articles of jewellery, of + such magnificent materials, and costly workmanship, that Oliver had no + idea, even of their names. +</p> +<p> + At length the bright, dark eyes of the Jew, which had been staring + vacantly before him, fell on Oliver's face; the boy's eyes were fixed + on his in mute curiosity; and, although the recognition was only for an + instant,—it was enough to show the man that he had been observed. He + closed the lid of the box with a loud crash; and, laying his hand on a + bread knife which was on the table, started furiously up. +</p> +<p> + "What's that?" said the Jew. "What do you watch me for? Why are you + awake? What have you seen? Speak out, boy! Quick—quick! for your life!" +</p> +<p> + "I wasn't able to sleep any longer, sir," replied Oliver meekly. "I am + very sorry if I have disturbed you, sir." +</p> +<p> + "You were not awake an hour ago?" said the Jew, scowling fiercely. +</p> +<p> + "No! No indeed!" replied Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "Are you sure?" cried the Jew, with a still fiercer look than before, + and a threatening attitude. +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word I was not, sir," replied Oliver, earnestly. "I was not, + indeed, sir." +</p> +<p> + "Tush, tush, my dear!" said the Jew, abruptly resuming his old manner. + "Of course I know that, my dear, I only tried to frighten you. You're a + brave boy. Ha! ha! you're a brave boy, Oliver!" +</p> +<p> + The Jew rubbed his hands with a chuckle, but glanced uneasily at the + box, notwithstanding. +</p> +<p> + "Did you see any of these pretty things, my dear?" said the Jew. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," replied Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said Fagin, turning rather pale. "They—they're mine, Oliver; my + little property. All I have to live upon in my old age. The folks call + me a miser, my dear. Only a miser; that's all." +</p> +<p> + Oliver thought the old gentleman must be a decided miser to live in such + a dirty place, with so many watches; but thinking that perhaps his + fondness for the Dodger and the other boys, cost him a good deal of + money, he only cast a deferential look at the Jew, and asked if he might + get up. Permission being granted him, he got up, walked across the room, + and stooped for an instant to raise the water-pitcher. When he turned + his head, the box was gone. +</p> +<p> + Presently the Dodger returned with a friend, Charley Bates, and the four + sat down to a breakfast of coffee, and some hot rolls, and ham, which + the Dodger had brought home in the crown of his hat. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said the Jew, "I hope you've been at work this morning, my + dears?" +</p> +<p> + "Hard," replied the Dodger. +</p> +<p> + "As Nails," added Charley Bates. +</p> +<p> + "Good boys, good boys!" said the Jew. "What have <i>you</i> got, Dodger?" +</p> +<p> + "A couple of pocket-books," replied the young gentleman. +</p> +<p> + "Lined?" inquired the Jew, with eagerness. +</p> +<p> + "Pretty well," replied the Dodger, producing two pocket-books. +</p> +<p> + "And what have you got, my dear?" said Fagin to Charley Bates. +</p> +<p> + "Wipes," replied Master Bates; at the same time producing four + pocket-handkerchiefs. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said the Jew, inspecting them closely; "they 're very good ones, + very. You haven't marked them well, though, Charley; so the marks shall + be picked out with a needle, and we'll teach Oliver how to do it. Shall + us, Oliver, eh?" +</p> +<p> + "If you please, sir," said Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "You'd like to be able to make pocket-handkerchiefs as easy as Charley + Bates, wouldn't you, my dear?" said the Jew. +</p> +<p> + "Very much indeed, if you'll teach me, sir," replied Oliver. +</p> +<p> + Master Bates saw something so exquisitely ludicrous in this reply, that + he burst into a laugh; which laugh, meeting the coffee he was drinking, + and carrying it down some wrong channel, very nearly terminated in his + suffocation. +</p> +<p> + "He is so jolly green!" said Charley, when he recovered, as an apology + to the company for his unpolite behaviour. +</p> +<p> + When the breakfast was cleared away, the merry old gentleman and the two + boys played at a very curious and uncommon game, which was performed in + this way. Fagin, placing a snuff-box in one pocket of his trousers, a + notecase in the other, and a watch in his waistcoat pocket, with a + guard-chain round his neck, and sticking a mock diamond pin in his + shirt, buttoned his coat tight round him, and putting his spectacle-case + and handkerchief in his pockets, trotted up and down with a stick, in + imitation of the manner in which old gentlemen walk about the streets. + Sometimes he stopped at the fire-place, and sometimes at the door, + making believe that he was staring with all his might into shop windows. + At such times he would look constantly round him, for fear of thieves, + and would keep slapping all his pockets in turn, to see that he hadn't + lost anything, in such a very funny and natural manner, that Oliver + laughed till the tears ran down his face. +</p> +<p> + All this time, the two boys followed him closely about; getting out of + his sight so nimbly, that it was impossible to follow their motions. At + last, the Dodger trod upon his toes accidentally, while Charley Bates + stumbled up against him behind; and in that one moment they took from + him, with the most extraordinary rapidity, snuff-box, note-case, + watch-guard, chain, shirt-pin, pocket-handkerchief—even the + spectacle-case. If the old gentleman felt a hand in one of his pockets, + he cried out where it was; and then the game began all over again. +</p> +<p> + When this game had been played a great many times, a couple of young + women came in; one of whom was named Bet, and the other Nancy, and + afterwards Oliver discovered that they also were pupils of Fagin's as + well as the boys. +</p> +<p> + Later the young people went out, leaving Oliver alone with the Jew, who + was pacing up and down the room. +</p> +<p> + "Is my handkerchief hanging out of my pocket, my dear?" said the Jew, + stopping short, in front of Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "Yes sir," said Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "See if you can take it out, without my feeling it: as you saw them do + when we were at play." +</p> +<p> + Oliver held up the bottom of the pocket with one hand, as he had seen + the Dodger hold it, and drew the handkerchief lightly out of it with the + other. +</p> +<p> + "Is it gone?" cried the Jew. +</p> +<p> + "Here it is, sir," said Oliver, showing it in his hand. +</p> +<p> + "You're a clever boy, my dear," said the playful old gentleman, patting + Oliver on the head approvingly. "I never saw a sharper lad. Here's a + shilling for you. If you go on in this way, you'll be the greatest man + of the time. And now come here, and I'll show you how to take the marks + out of the handkerchiefs." +</p> +<p> + Oliver wondered what picking the old gentleman's pocket in play, had to + do with his chances of being a great man. But, thinking that the Jew, + being so much his senior, must know best, he followed him quietly to the + table, and was soon deeply involved in his new study. +</p> +<p> + For many days Oliver remained in the Jew's room, picking marks out of + the pocket-handkerchiefs. But at length, he began to languish, and + entreated Fagin to allow him to go out to work with his two companions. + So, one morning, he obtained permission to go out, under the + guardianship of Charley Bates and the Dodger. +</p> +<p> + The three boys sallied out; the Dodger with his coat-sleeves tucked up, + and his hat cocked as usual; Master Bates sauntering along with his + hands in his pockets; and Oliver between them, wondering where they were + going, and what branch of manufacture he would be instructed in, first. +</p> +<p> + They were just emerging from a narrow court, when the Dodger made a + sudden stop; and, laying his finger on his lip, drew his companions back + again with the greatest caution. +</p> +<p> + "What's the matter?" demanded Oliver. +</p> +<p> + "Hush!" replied the Dodger. "Do you see that old cove at the + book-stall?" +</p> +<p> + "The old gentleman over the way?" said Oliver. "Yes, I see him." +</p> +<p> + "He'll do," said the Dodger. +</p> +<p> + "A prime plant," observed Master Charley Bates. +</p> +<p> + Oliver looked from one to the other, with the greatest surprise; but + could not ask any questions, for the two boys walked stealthily across + the road, and slunk close behind the old gentleman. Oliver walked a few + paces behind them, looking on in silent amazement. +</p> +<p> + The old gentleman had taken up a book from the stall; and there he + stood: reading away, perfectly absorbed, and saw not the book-stall, nor + the street, nor the boys, nor anything but the book itself. What was + Oliver's horror and alarm to see the Dodger plunge his hand into the old + gentleman's pocket, and draw from thence a handkerchief! To see him hand + the same to Charley Bates; and finally to behold them, both, running + away round the corner at full speed! +</p> +<p> + In an instant the whole mystery of the handkerchiefs, and the watches, + and the jewels, and the Jew, rushed upon the boy's mind. He stood, for a + moment, with the blood tingling through all his veins from terror; then, + confused and frightened, he took to his heels. +</p> +<p> + In the very instant when Oliver began to run, the old gentleman, + putting his hand to his pocket, and missing his handkerchief, turned + sharp round. Seeing the boy scudding away at such a rapid pace, he very + naturally concluded him to be the depredator, and, shouting "Stop + thief!" with all his might, made off after him, book in hand. The Dodger + and Master Bates, who had merely retired into the first doorway round + the corner, no sooner heard the cry, and saw Oliver running, than they + issued forth with great promptitude; and, shouting, "Stop thief! Stop + thief!" too, joined in the pursuit like good citizens. +</p> +<p> + "Stop thief!" The cry is taken up by a hundred voices, the tradesman, + the carman, the butcher, the baker, the milkman, the school-boy, follow + in hot pursuit. Away they run, pell-mell, helter-skelter, slap-dash: + tearing, yelling: screaming, knocking down the passengers as they turn + the corners, splashing through the mud, and rattling along the + pavements, following after the wretched, breathless, panting child, + gaining upon him every instant. Stopped at last! A clever blow! He is + down upon the pavement, covered with mud and dust, looking wildly round + upon the heap of faces that surround him. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said the old gentleman, "I am afraid that is the boy. Poor + fellow! he has hurt himself!" +</p> +<p> + Just then a police officer appeared and dragged the half fainting boy + off, the old gentleman walking beside him, Oliver protesting his + innocence as they went. At the police station Oliver was searched in + vain, and then locked in a cell for a time, while the old gentleman sat + outside waiting, and read his book. Presently the boy was brought out + before the Magistrate; and the policeman and the old gentleman preferred + their charges against him. While the case was proceeding, Oliver fell to + the floor in a fainting fit, and as he lay there the Magistrate uttered + his penance, "He stands committed for three months of hard labour. Clear + the office!" A couple of men were about to carry the insensible boy to + his cell, when an elderly man rushed hastily into the office. "Stop, + stop!" he said. "Don't take him away! I saw it all. I keep the + book-stall. I saw three boys loitering on the opposite side of the way + when this gentleman was reading. The robbery was committed by another + boy. I saw it done; and I saw that this boy was perfectly amazed and + stupified by it!" +</p> +<p> + Having by this time recovered a little breath, the bookstall keeper + proceeded to relate in a more coherent manner the exact circumstances of + the robbery, in consequence of which explanation Oliver Twist was + discharged, and carried off, still white and faint, in a coach, by the + kind-hearted old gentleman whose name was Brownlow, who seemed to feel + himself responsible for the boy's condition, and resolved to have him + cared for in his own home. +</p> +<p> + After Charley Bates and the Dodger had seen Oliver dragged away by the + police officer, they scoured off with great rapidity. Coming to a halt + Master Bates burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. +</p> +<p> + "What's the matter?" inquired the Dodger. +</p> +<p> + "I can't help it," said Charley, "I can't help it! To see him splitting + away at that pace, and cutting round the corners, and knocking up + against the posts, and starting on again as if he was made of iron, and + me with the wipe in my pocket, singing out arter him—oh, my eye!" The + vivid imagination of Master Bates presented the scene before him in too + strong colours, and he rolled upon a door-step and laughed louder than + before. +</p> +<p> + "What'll Fagin say?" inquired the Dodger, and the question sobered + Master Bates at once, as both boys stood in great dread of the Jew. And + their worst fears were realised. Fagin was livid with rage at the loss + of his promising pupil, as well as fearful of the disclosures he might + make. After long consultation on the subject, it was agreed by the band + that Nancy was to go to the police station in a disguised dress, to find + out what had been done with Oliver, for whom she was to search as her + "dear little lost brother." +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile Oliver lay for many days burning with fever and unconscious of + his surroundings, in the quietly comfortable home of Mr. Brownlow at + Pentonville. At length, weak, and thin, and pallid, he awoke from what + seemed a dream, and found himself being nursed by Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. + Brownlow's motherly old house-keeper, and visited constantly by the + doctor. Gradually he grew stronger, and soon could sit up a little. + Those were happy, peaceful days of his recovery, the only happy ones he + had ever known. Everybody was so kind and gentle that it seemed like + Heaven itself, as he sat by the fireside in the house-keeper's room. On + the wall hung a portrait of a beautiful, mild, lady with sorrowful eyes, + of which Oliver was the living copy. Every feature was the same—to Mr. + Brownlow's intense astonishment, as he gazed from it to Oliver. +</p> +<p> + Later, Oliver heard the history of the portrait and his own connection + with it. +</p> +<p> + When he was strong enough to put his clothes on, Mr. Brownlow caused a + complete new suit, and a new cap, and a new pair of shoes, to be + provided for him. Oliver gave his old clothes to one of the servants who + had been kind to him, and she sold them to a Jew who came to the house. +</p> +<p> + One evening Mr. Brownlow sent up word to have Oliver come down into his + study and see him for a little while,—so Mrs. Bedwin helped him to + prepare himself, and although there was not even time to crimp the + little frill that bordered his shirt-collar, he looked so delicate and + handsome, that she surveyed him with great complacency. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Brownlow was reading, but when he saw Oliver, he pushed the book + away, and told him to come near, and sit down, which Oliver did. Then + the old gentleman began to talk kindly of what Oliver's future was to + be. Instantly the boy became pallid with fright, and implored Mr. + Brownlow to let him stay with him, as a servant, as anything, only not + to send him out into the streets again, and the old gentleman, touched + by the appeal, assured the boy that unless he should deceive him, he + would be his faithful friend. He then asked Oliver to relate the whole + story of his life, which he was beginning to do when an old friend of + Mr. Brownlow's—a Mr. Grimwig,—entered. +</p> +<p> + He was an eccentric old man, and was loud in his exclamations of + distrust in this boy whom Mr. Brownlow was harbouring. +</p> +<p> + "I'll answer for that boy's truth with my life!" said Mr. Brownlow, + knocking the table. +</p> +<p> + "And I for his falsehood with my head!" rejoined Mr. Grimwig, knocking + the table also. +</p> +<p> + "We shall see!" said Mr. Brownlow, checking his rising anger. +</p> +<p> + "We will!" said Mr. Grimwig, with a provoking smile; "we will." +</p> +<p> + Just then Mrs. Bedwin brought in some books which had been bought of the + identical book stall-keeper who has already figured in this history. Mr. + Brownlow was greatly disturbed that the boy who brought them had not + waited, as there were some other books to be returned. +</p> +<p> + "Send Oliver with them," suggested Mr. Grimwig, "he will be sure to + deliver them safely, you know!" +</p> +<p> + "Yes; do let me take them, if you please, sir," said Oliver "I'll run + all the way, sir." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Brownlow was about to refuse to have Oliver go out, when Mr. + Grimwig's malicious cough made him change his mind, and let the boy go. +</p> +<p> + "You are to say," said Mr. Brownlow, "that you have brought those books + back; and that you have come to pay the four pound ten I owe him. This + is a five-pound note, so you will have to bring me back ten shilling + change." +</p> +<p> + "I won't be ten minutes, sir," replied Oliver, eagerly, as with a + respectful bow he left the room. Mrs. Bedwin watched him out of sight + exclaiming, "Bless his sweet face!"—while Oliver looked gaily round, + and nodded before he turned the corner. +</p> +<p> + Then Mr. Brownlow drew out his watch and waited, while Mr. Grimwig + asserted that the boy would never be back. "He has a new suit of clothes + on his back; a set of valuable books under his arm; and a five-pound + note in his pocket. He'll join his old friends the thieves, and laugh at + you. If ever that boy returns to this house, sir," said Mr. Grimwig, + "I'll eat my head!" +</p> +<p> + It grew so dark that the figures on the dial-plate were scarcely + discernible. The gas lamps were lighted; Mrs. Bedwin was waiting + anxiously at the open door; the servant had run up the street twenty + times to see if there were any traces of Oliver; and still the two old + gentlemen sat, perseveringly, in the dark parlour, with the watch + between them, waiting—but Oliver did not come. +</p> +<p> + He meanwhile, had walked along, on his way to the bookstall, thinking + how happy and contented he ought to feel, when he was startled by a + young woman screaming out very loud, "Oh, my dear brother!"—and then he + was stopped by having a pair of arms thrown tight round his neck. +</p> +<p> + "Don't!" cried Oliver, struggling. "Let go of Who is it? What are you + stopping me for?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh my gracious!" said the young woman, "I've found him! Oh you naughty + boy, to make me suffer sich distress on your account! Come home, dear, + come!" With these and more incoherent exclamations, the young woman + burst out crying, and told the onlookers that Oliver was her brother, + who had run away from his respectable parents a month ago, joined a gang + of thieves and almost broke his mother's heart,—to which Oliver, + greatly alarmed, replied that he was an orphan, had no sister, and lived + at Pentonville. Then, catching sight of the woman's face for the first + time, he cried,—"Why, it's Nancy!" +</p> +<p> + "You see he knows me!" cried Nancy. "Make him come home, there's good + people, or he'll kill his dear mother and father, and break my heart!" + With this a man who was Nancy's accomplice, Bill Sikes by name, came to + the rescue, tore the volumes from Oliver's grasp, and struck him on the + head. Weak still, and stupified by the suddenness of the attack, + overpowered and helpless, what could one poor child do? Darkness had set + in; it was a low neighbourhood; no help was near—resistance was + useless. In another moment he was dragged into a labyrinth of dark + narrow courts: and was forced along them, at a pace which rendered the + few cries he dared to give utterance to, unintelligible. +</p> +<p> + At length they turned into a very filthy street, and stopped at an + apparently untenanted house into which Bill Sikes and Nancy led Oliver, + and there, were his old friends, Charley Bates, the Dodger, and Fagin. +</p> +<p> + They greeted Oliver with cheers, and at once rifled his pockets of the + five-pound note, and relieved him of the books,—although Oliver pleaded + that the books and money be sent back to Mr. Brownlow. When he found + that all pleading and resistance were useless, he jumped suddenly to + his feet and tore wildly from the room, uttering shrieks for help which + made the bare old house echo to the roof, and then attempted to dart + through the door, opened for a moment, but he was instantly caught, + while Sikes' dog would have sprung upon him, except for Nancy's + intervention. She was struck with Oliver's pallor and great grief and + tried to shield him from violence. But it was of little avail. He was + beaten by the Jew, and then led off by Master Bates into an adjacent + kitchen to go to bed. His new clothes were taken from him and he was + given the identical old suit which he had so congratulated himself upon + leaving off at Mr. Brownlow's, and the accidental display of which to + Fagin, by the Jew who purchased them, had been the first clue to + Oliver's whereabouts. +</p> +<p> + For a week or so the boy was kept locked up, but after that the Jew left + him at liberty to wander about the house; which was a weird, ghostlike + place, with the mouldering shutters fast closed, and no evidence from + outside that it sheltered human creatures. Oliver was constantly with + Charley Bates and the Dodger, who played the old game with the Jew every + day. At times Fagin entertained the boys with stories of robberies he + had committed in his younger days, which made Oliver laugh heartily, and + show that he was amused in spite of his better feelings. In short, the + wily old Jew had the boy in his toils, and hoped gradually to instil + into his soul the poison which would blacken it and change its hue + forever. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile Fagin, Bill Sikes, and Nancy were arranging a plot in which + poor Oliver was to play a notable part. One morning he found to his + surprise, a pair of stout new shoes by his bedside, and at breakfast + Fagin told him that he was to be taken to the residence of Bill Sikes + that night, but no reason for this was given. Fagin then left him and + presently Nancy came in, looking pale and ill. She came from Sikes to + take Oliver to him. Her countenance was agitated and she trembled. +</p> +<p> + "I have saved you from being ill-used once, and I will again; and I do + now," she said, "for those who would have fetched you if I had not, + would have been far more rough than me. Remember this, and don't let me + suffer more for you just now. If I could help you, I would; but I have + not the power. I have promised for your being quiet; if you are not, you + will harm youself and perhaps be my death. Hush! Give me your hand! Make + haste!" +</p> +<p> + Blowing out the light, she drew Oliver hastily after her, out, and into + a hackney-cabriolet. The driver wanted no directions, but lashed his + horse into full speed, and presently they were in a strange house. + There, with Nancy and Sikes, Oliver remained until an early hour the + next morning, when the three set out, whither or for what Oliver did not + know, but before they started Sikes drew out a pistol, and holding it + close to Oliver's temple said, "If you speak a word while you're out of + doors, with me, except when I speak to you, that loading will be in your + head without notice!" And Oliver did not doubt the statement. +</p> +<p> + In the gray dawn of a cheerless morning the trio started off, and by + continual tramping, and an occasional lift from a carter reached a + public house where they lingered for some hours, and then went on again + until the next night. They turned into no house at Shepperton, as the + weary boy had expected; but still kept walking on, in mud and darkness, + until they came in sight of the lights of a town. Then they stopped for + a time at a solitary, dilapidated house, where they were met by other + men. The party then crossed a bridge and were soon in the little town of + Chertsey. There was nobody abroad. They had cleared the town as the + church-bell struck two. After walking about a quarter of a mile, they + stopped before a detached house surrounded by a wall: to the top of + which one of the men, Toby Crackit, climbed in a twinkling. +</p> +<p> + "The boy next!" said Toby. "Hoist him up; I'll catch hold of him." +</p> +<p> + Before Oliver had time to look round, Sikes had caught him under the + arms; and he and Toby were lying on the grass, on the other side of the + wall. Sikes followed, and they stole towards the house. Now, for the + first time Oliver realised that robbery, if not murder, was the object + of the expedition. In vain he pleaded that they let him go,—he was + answered only by oaths, while the robbers were busy opening a little + window not far from the ground at the back of the house, which was just + large enough to admit Oliver. Toby planted himself firmly with his head + against the wall beneath the window, then Sikes, mounting upon him, put + Oliver through the window with his feet first, and without leaving hold + of his collar, planted him safely on the floor inside. +</p> +<p> + "Take this lantern," whispered Sikes, looking into the room, "You see + the stairs afore you; go up softly and unfasten the street door." +</p> +<p> + Oliver, more dead than alive gasped out, "Yes." Sikes then advised him + to take notice that he was within shot all the way; and that if he + faltered, he would fall dead that instant. +</p> +<p> + "It's done in a minute," said Sikes. "Directly I leave go of you, do + your work. Hark!" +</p> +<p> + "What's that?" whispered the other man. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing," said Sikes,—"<i>Now</i>!" +</p> +<p> + In the short time he had to collect his senses, Oliver had resolved + that, whether he died in the attempt or not, he would make one effort + to dart up stairs and to alarm the family. Filled with this idea, he + advanced at once, but stealthily. +</p> +<p> + "Come back!" suddenly cried Sikes aloud. "<i>Back! Back!"</i> +</p> +<p> + Scared by the sudden breaking of the stillness and by a loud cry which + followed it, Oliver let his lantern fall and knew not whether to advance + or fly. The cry was repeated—a light appeared—a vision of two + terrified half-dressed men at the top of the stairs swam before his + eyes—a flash—a smoke—a crash somewhere,—and he staggered back. +</p> +<p> + Sikes had disappeared for an instant; but he was up again, and had + Oliver by the collar before the smoke had cleared away. He fired his + pistol after the men, and dragged the boy up. +</p> +<p> + "Clasp your arm tighter," said Sikes, as he drew him through the window. + "Give me a shawl here. They've hit him. Quick! How the boy bleeds!" +</p> +<p> + Then came the loud ringing of a bell, mingled with the noise of + fire-arms, the shouts of men, and the sensation of being carried over + uneven ground at a rapid pace. Then the noises grew confused in the + distance; and the boy saw or heard no more. Bill Sikes had him on his + back scudding like the wind. Oliver's head hung down, and he was deadly + cold. The pursuers were close upon Sikes' heels. He dropped the boy in a + ditch and fled. +</p> +<p> + Hours afterwards Oliver came to himself, and found his left arm rudely + bandaged hung useless at his side. He was so weak that he could scarcely + move. Trembling from cold and exhaustion he made an effort to stand + upright, but fell back, groaning with pain. Then a creeping stupor came + over him, warning him that if he lay there he must surely die. So he got + upon his feet, and stumbling on, dizzy and half unconscious, drew near + to the very house which caused him to shudder with horror at the memory + of last night's dreadful scene. +</p> +<p> + Within, in the kitchen all the servants were gathered round the fire + discussing the attempted burglary. While Mr. Giles, the butler, was + giving his version of the affair, there came a timid knock. They opened + the door cautiously and beheld poor little Oliver Twist, speechless and + exhausted, who raised his heavy eyes and mutely solicited their + compassion. Instantly there was an outcry, and Oliver was seized by one + leg and one arm, lugged into the hall, and laid on the floor. "Here he + is!" bawled Giles up the staircase; "here's one of the thieves, ma'am! + Here's a thief, miss! Wounded, miss. I shot him, miss; and Brittles held + the light!" There was great confusion then, all the servants talking at + once, but the sound of a sweet voice from above quelled the commotion. + On learning that a wounded thief was lying in the house, the voice + directed that he be instantly carried up-stairs to the room of Mr. + Giles, and a doctor be summoned; and so for the second time in his + short, tragic existence, Oliver fell into kind hands at a moment when + all hope had left his breast. He was now in the home of Mrs. Maylie, a + finely preserved, bright-eyed, elderly lady, and her fair young adopted + niece, Rose. +</p> +<p> + The attempted burglary had greatly shocked them both, and the fact that + one of the robbers was in the house added to their nervousness. So when + Dr. Losberne came, and begged them to accompany him to the patient's + room, they dreaded to comply with the request, but finally yielded to + his demand. What was their astonishment when the bed-curtains were drawn + aside, instead of a black-visaged ruffian, to see a mere child, worn + with pain, and sunk into a deep sleep. His wounded arm bound and + splintered up, was crossed upon his breast. His head reclined upon the + other arm, which was half hidden by his long hair, as it streamed over + the pillow. The boy smiled in his sleep as at a pleasant dream, when + Rose bent tenderly over him, while the older lady and the Doctor + discussed the probability of the child's having been the tool of + robbers. Fearing that the doctor might influence her aunt to send the + boy away, Rose pleaded that he be kept and cared for; it was finally + decided that when Oliver awoke he should be examined as to his past + life, and if the result seemed satisfactory, he should remain. But not + until evening was he able to be questioned. He then told them all his + simple history. It was a solemn thing to hear the feeble voice of the + sick child recounting a weary catalogue of evils and calamities which + hard men had brought upon him, and his hearers were profoundly moved by + the recital. His pillow was smoothed by gentle hands that night and he + slept as sleep the calm and happy. +</p> +<p> + On the following day, officers who had heard of the burglary, and that a + thief was prisoner in the Maylie house, came from London to arrest him, + but Dr. Losberne and Mrs. Maylie shielded him, and their joint bail was + accepted for the boy's appearance in court if it should ever be + required. +</p> +<p> + With the Maylies Oliver remained, and thanks to their tender care, + gradually throve and prospered, although it was long weeks before he was + quite himself again. Many times he spoke to the two sweet ladies of his + gratitude to them, saying that he only desired to serve them always. To + this they responded that he should go with them to the country, and + there could serve them in a hundred ways. +</p> +<p> + Only one cloud was on Oliver's sky. He longed to go to Mr. Brownlow and + tell him the true story of his seeming ingratitude. So as soon as he was + sufficiently recovered, Dr. Losberne drove him out to the place where + he said Mr. Brownlow resided. They hastened to the house, but alas! it + was empty. There was a bill in the window, "To Let" and upon inquiring, + they found that Mr. Brownlow, Mr. Grimwig, and Mrs. Bedwin had gone to + the West Indies. +</p> +<p> + The disappointment was a cruel one, for all through his sickness Oliver + had anticipated the delight of seeing his first benefactor, and clearing + himself of guilt, but now that was impossible. +</p> +<p> + In a fortnight the Maylies went to the country, and Oliver, whose life + had been spent in squalid crowds, seemed to enter on a new existence + there. The sky and the balmy air, the woods and glistening water, the + rose and honeysuckle, were each a daily joy to him. Every morning he + went to a white-haired old gentleman who taught him to read better and + to write, then he would walk and talk with Rose and Mrs. Maylie, and so + three happy months glided away. +</p> +<p> + In the summer Rose was taken down with a terrible fever, and anxiety + hung like a cloud over the cottage where she was so dear, but at length + the danger passed and the loving hearts grew lighter again. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile a man named Monks,—a friend of Fagin's—had by chance seen + Oliver, had been strangely excited and angered at sight of him, and + after carefully learning some details of the boy's history, had gone to + the beadle at the workhouse where Oliver began life, and by dint of + bribes, had extorted information concerning Oliver's mother, which only + one person knew. Satisfied with what he learned, Monks conferred with + Fagin, telling some facts about Oliver which caused Nancy, who happened + to overhear them, to become terror-stricken. +</p> +<p> + As soon as she could, she stole away from her companions, out towards + the West End of London, to a hotel where the Maylies were then + boarding, and which she had heard Monks mention. Nancy was such a ragged + object that she found it difficult to have her name carried up to Rose + Maylie, but at length she succeeded, and was ushered into the sweet + young lady's presence, where she quickly related what she had come to + tell. That Monks had accidentally seen Oliver, and found out where he + was living, and with whom;—that a bargain had been struck with Fagin + that he should have a certain sum of money if Oliver were brought back, + and a still larger amount if the boy could be made a thief. Nancy then + went on to tell that Monks spoke of Oliver as his young brother, and + boasted that the proofs of the boy's identity lay at the bottom of the + river—that he, Monks, had money which by right should have been shared + with Oliver, and that his one desire was to take the boy's life. +</p> +<p> + These disclosures made Rose Maylie turn pale, and ask many questions, + from which she discovered that Nancy's confession was actuated by a real + liking for Oliver and a fierce hatred for the man Monks. Her tale + finished, and refusing money, or help of any kind, Nancy went as swiftly + as she had come, and when she left, Rose sank into a chair completely + overcome by what she had heard. +</p> +<p> + Of course the matter was too serious to pass over, and the next day, as + Rose was trying to decide upon a course of action, Oliver settled it for + her, by rushing in with breathless haste, and exclaiming, "I have seen + the gentleman—the gentleman who was so good to me—Mr. Brownlow!" +</p> +<p> + "Where?" asked Rose. +</p> +<p> + "Going into a house," replied Oliver. "And Giles asked, for me, whether + he lived there, and they said he did. Look here," producing a scrap of + paper, "here it is; here's where he lives—I'm going there directly! OH, + DEAR ME! DEAR ME! what shall I do when I come to hear him speak again!" +</p> +<p> + With her attention not a little distracted by these exclamations of + joy, an idea came to Rose, and she determined upon turning this + discovery to account. +</p> +<p> + "Quick!" she said, "tell them to fetch a hackney-coach, and be ready to + go with me. I will take you to see Mr. Brownlow directly." +</p> +<p> + Oliver needed no urging and they were soon on their way to Craven + Street. When they arrived, Rose left Oliver in the coach, and sending up + her card, requested to see Mr. Brownlow on business. She was shown up + stairs, and presented to Mr. Brownlow, an elderly gentleman of + benevolent appearance, in a bottle-green coat, and with him was his + friend, Mr. Grimwig. Rose began at once upon her errand, to the great + amazement of the two old gentlemen. She related in a few natural words + all that had befallen Oliver since he left Mr. Brownlow's house, + concluding with the assurance that his only sorrow for many months had + been the not being able to meet with his former benefactor and friend. +</p> +<p> + "Thank God!" said Mr. Brownlow. "This is great happiness to me; great + happiness! But why not have brought him?" +</p> +<p> + "He is waiting in a coach at the door," replied Rose. +</p> +<p> + "At this door!" cried Mr. Brownlow. With which he hurried down the + stairs, without another word, and came back with Oliver. Then Mrs. + Bedwin was sent for. "God be good to me!" she cried, embracing him; "it + is my innocent boy! He would come back—I knew he would! How well he + looks, and how like a gentleman's son he is dressed again! Where have + you been, this long, long while?" +</p> +<p> + Running on thus,—now holding Oliver from her, now clasping him to her + and passing her fingers through his hair, the good soul laughed and wept + upon his neck by turns. +</p> +<p> + Leaving Oliver with her, Mr. Brownlow led Rose into another room, by + her request, and she narrated her interview with Nancy, which occasioned + Mr. Brownlow no small amount of perplexity and surprise. After a long + consultation they decided to take Mrs. Maylie and Dr. Losberne into + their confidence, also Mr. Grimwig, thus forming a committee for the + purpose of guarding the young lad from further entanglement in the plots + of villains. +</p> +<p> + Through Nancy, with whom Rose had another interview, the man Monks was + tracked, and finally captured by Mr. Brownlow, who to his sorrow, found + that the villain was the erring son of his oldest friend, and his name + of Monks only an assumed one. Facing him in a room of his own house, to + which Monks had been brought,—Mr. Brownlow charged the man with one + crime after another. +</p> +<p> + The father of Monks had two children who were half brothers, Monks and + Oliver Twist. The father died suddenly, leaving in Mr. Brownlow's home + the portrait of Oliver's mother, which was hanging in the house-keeper's + room. The striking likeness between this portrait and Oliver had led Mr. + Brownlow to recognise the boy as the child of his dear old friend. Then, + just when he had determined to adopt Oliver, the boy had disappeared, + and all efforts to find him had proved unavailing. Mr. Brownlow knew + that, although the mother and father were dead, the elder brother was + alive, and at once commenced a search for him. Now he had discovered him + in the man Monks, the friend of thieves and murderers, and by a chance + clue he found also that there had been a will, dividing the property + between the two brothers. That will had been destroyed, together with + all proofs of Oliver's parentage, so that Monks might have the entire + property. Fearing discovery, Monks had bargained with Fagin to keep the + child a thief or to kill him outright. +</p> +<p> + This revelation of his crime in all its terrible details, told in clear + cutting tones by Mr. Brownlow, while his eyes never left the man's face, + overwhelmed the coward Monks. He stood convicted, and confessed his + guilt. +</p> +<p> + Then, because the man was son of his old friend, Mr. Brownlow was + merciful. +</p> +<p> + "Will you set your hand to a statement of truth and facts, and repeat it + before witnesses?" he asked. +</p> +<p> + "That I promise," said Monks. +</p> +<p> + "Remain quietly here until such a document is drawn up, and proceed with + me to such a place as I may deem advisable, to attest it?" +</p> +<p> + To this also Monks agreed. +</p> +<p> + "You must do more than that," said Mr. Brownlow; "Make restitution to + Oliver. You have not forgotten the provisions of the will. Carry them + into execution so far as your brother is concerned, and then go where + you please. In this world you need meet no more." +</p> +<p> + To this also, at length Monks gave fearing assent. +</p> +<p> + A few days later Oliver found himself in a travelling carriage rolling + fast towards his native town, with the Maylies, Mrs. Bedwin, Dr. + Losberne, and Mr. Grimwig, while Mr. Brownlow followed in a post-chaise + with Monks. +</p> +<p> + Oliver was much excited, for he had been told of the disclosures of + Monks, which, together with journeying over a road which he had last + travelled on foot, a poor houseless, wandering boy, without a friend, or + a roof to shelter his head, caused his heart to beat violently and his + breath to come in quick gasps. +</p> +<p> + "See there, there!" he cried, "that's the stile I came over; there are + the hedges I crept behind, for fear anyone should overtake me and force + me back!" +</p> +<p> + As they approached the town, and drove through its narrow streets, it + became matter of no small difficulty to restrain the boy within + reasonable bounds. There was the undertaker's just as it used to be, + only less imposing in appearance than he remembered it. There was the + workhouse, the dreary prison of his youthful days; there was the same + lean porter standing at the gate. There was nearly everything as if he + had left it but yesterday, and all his recent life had been a happy + dream. +</p> +<p> + They drove at once to the hotel where Mr. Brownlow joined them with + Monks, and there in the presence of the whole party, the wretched man + made his full confession of guilt, and surrendered one half of the + property—about three thousand pounds—to his half-brother, upon whom + even as he spoke, he cast looks of hatred so violent that Oliver + trembled. From some details of his confession it was also discovered + that Rose Maylie, who was only an adopted niece of Mrs. Maylie, had been + the sister of Oliver's mother, and was therefore the boy's aunt, the + first blood relation, except Monks, that he had ever possessed. +</p> +<p> + "Not aunt," cried Oliver, throwing his arms about her neck, "I'll never + call her <i>aunt</i>. Sister, my own, dear sister, that something taught my + heart to love so dearly from the first, Rose! dear, darling Rose!" And + in Rose's close embrace, the boy found compensation for all his past + sadness. +</p> +<p> + The only link to his old life which remained was soon broken. Fagin had + been captured too, sentenced to death, and was in prison awaiting the + fulfilment of his doom. In his possession he had papers relating to + Oliver's parentage, and the boy went with Mr. Brownlow to the prison to + try to recover them. With Mr. Brownlow, Fagin was obstinately silent, + but to Oliver he whispered where they could be found, and then begged + and prayed the boy to help him escape justice, and sent up cry after + cry that rang in Oliver's ears for months afterwards. +</p> +<p> + But youth and sorrow are seldom companions for long, and our last + glimpse of Oliver is of a boy as thoroughly happy as one often is. He is + now the adopted son of the good Mr. Brownlow. Removing with him and Mrs. + Bedwin to within a mile of the Maylies' home, Mr. Brownlow gratified the + only remaining wish of Oliver's warm and earnest heart, and as the happy + days go swiftly by, the past becomes the shadow of a dream. +</p> +<p> + Several times a year Mr. Grimwig visits in the neighbourhood, and it is + a favourite joke for Mr. Brownlow to rally him on his old prophecy + concerning Oliver, and to remind him of the night on which they sat with + the watch between them awaiting his return. But Mr. Grimwig contends + that he was right in the main, and in proof thereof remarks that Oliver + <i>did not come back after all</i>,—which always calls forth a laugh on his + side, and increases his good humour. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH3"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + TOMMY TRADDLES +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-3"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/tommy.jpg" width="265" height="390" + alt="Tommy Traddles" ></p> +<h4>Tommy Traddles</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + TOMMY TRADDLES +</h3> +<p> + Poor Traddles! In a tight sky-blue suit that made his arms and legs like + German sausages, or roly-poly puddings, and with his hair standing + upright, giving him the expression of a fretful porcupine, he was the + merriest and most miserable of all the boys at Mr. Creakle's school, + called Salem House. I never think of him without a strange disposition + to laugh, and yet with tears in my eyes. +</p> +<p> + He was always being caned—I think he was caned every day in the + half-year I spent at Salem House, except one holiday Monday when he was + only ruler'd on both hands—and was always going to write to his uncle + about it, and never did. After laying his head on the desk for a little + while, he would cheer up somehow, begin to laugh again, and draw + skeletons all over his slate, before his eyes were dry. I used at first + to wonder what comfort Traddles found in drawing skeletons; and for some + time looked upon him as a sort of a hermit, who reminded himself by + those symbols of mortality that caning couldn't last for ever. But I + believe he only did it because they were easy, and didn't want any + features. +</p> +<p> + He was very honourable, Traddles was; and held it as a solemn duty in + the boys to stand by one another. He suffered for this code of honour on + several occasions. One evening we had a great spread up in our room + after time for lights to be down, and we all got happily out of it but + Traddles. He was too unfortunate even to come through a supper like + anybody else. He was taken ill in the night—quite prostrate he was—in + consequence of Crab; and after being drugged to an extent which Demple + (whose father was a doctor) said was enough to undermine a horse's + constitution, received a caning and six chapters of Greek Testament for + refusing to confess. +</p> +<p> + At another time, when Steerforth (who was the only parlour-boarder and + the lion of the school) laughed in church, the Beadle, who thought the + offender was Traddles, took <i>him</i> out. I see him now, going away in + custody, despised by the congregation. He never said who was the real + offender, although he smarted for it next day, and was imprisoned so + many hours that he came forth with a whole churchyardful of skeletons + swarming all over his Latin dictionary. But he had his reward. + Steerforth said there was nothing of the sneak in Traddles, and we all + felt that to be the highest praise. +</p> +<p> + On still a third occasion during my half-year at Salem House I have a + vivid recollection of Traddles in distress; that time for siding with + the down-trodden under-teacher, Mr. Mell, in a heated discussion between + that gentleman and Steerforth. +</p> +<p> + The discussion took place on a Saturday which should have properly been + a half-holiday, but as Mr. Creakle was indisposed, and the noise in the + playground would have disturbed him; and the weather was not favourable + for going out walking, we were ordered into school in the afternoon, and + set some lighter tasks than usual; and Mr. Mell, a pale, + delicately-built, little man, was detailed to keep us in order, which he + tried in vain to accomplish. +</p> +<p> + Boys started in and out of their places, playing at puss-in-the-corner + with other boys; there were laughing boys, singing boys, talking boys, + dancing boys, howling boys; boys shuffled with their feet, boys whirled + about him, grinning, making faces, mimicking him behind his back and + before his eyes: mimicking his poverty, his boots, his coat, his mother, + every thing belonging to him that they should have had consideration + for. +</p> +<p> + "Silence!" cried Mr. Mell, suddenly rising up, and striking his desk + with the book. "What does this mean! It's impossible to bear it. It's + maddening. How can you do it to me, boys?" +</p> +<p> + The boys all stopped, some suddenly surprised, some half afraid, and + some sorry perhaps. +</p> +<p> + Steerforth alone remained in his lounging position, hands in his + pockets, and looked at Mr. Mell with his mouth shut up as if he were + whistling, when Mr. Mell looked at him. +</p> +<p> + "Silence, Mr. Steerforth!" said Mr. Mell. +</p> +<p> + "Silence yourself," said Steerforth, turning red. "Whom are you talking + to?" +</p> +<p> + "Sit down!" said Mr. Mell. +</p> +<p> + "Sit down yourself!" said Steerforth, "and mind your business." +</p> +<p> + There was a titter and some applause; but Mr. Mell was so white, that + silence immediately succeeded. +</p> +<p> + "When you make use of your position of favouritism, here, sir," pursued + Mr. Mell, with his lip trembling very much, "to insult a gentleman——" +</p> +<p> + "A what?—where is he?" said Steerforth. +</p> +<p> + Here somebody cried out, "Shame, J. Steerforth! Too bad!" It was + Traddles; whom Mr. Mell instantly discomfited by bidding him to hold his + tongue,—— +</p> +<p> + "—to insult one who is not fortunate in life, sir, and who never gave + you the least offence, and the many reasons for not insulting whom you + are old enough and wise enough to understand," said Mr. Mell, with his + lip trembling more and more, "you commit a mean and base action. You can + sit down or stand up as you please, sir." +</p> +<p> + "I tell you what, Mr. Mell," said Steerforth, coming forward, "once for + all. When you take the liberty of calling me mean or base, or anything + of that sort, you are an impudent beggar. You are always a beggar, you + know; but when you do that, you are an impudent beggar." +</p> +<p> + Had Mr. Creakle not entered the room at that moment, there is no knowing + what might have happened, for the highest pitch of excitement had been + reached by combatants and lookers-on. +</p> +<p> + Both Steerforth and the under-teacher at once turned to Mr. Creakle, + pouring out in his attentive ear the story of the burning wrong to which + each had subjected the other, and the end of the whole affair was that + Mr. Mell—having discovered that Mr. Creakle's veneration for money, and + fear of offending his head-pupil, far outweighed any consideration for + the teacher's feelings,—taking his flute and a few books from his desk, + and leaving the key in it for his successor, went out of the school, + with his property under his arm. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Creakle then made a speech, in which he thanked Steerforth for + asserting (though perhaps too warmly) the independence and + respectability of Salem House; and which he wound up by shaking hands + with Steerforth; while we gave three cheers—I did not quite know what + for, but I supposed for Steerforth, and joined in them, though I felt + miserable. Mr. Creakle then caned Tommy Traddles for being discovered in + tears, instead of cheers, and went away leaving us to ourselves. +</p> +<p> + Steerforth was very angry with Traddles, and said he was glad he had + caught it. Poor Traddles, who had passed the stage of lying with his + head upon the desk, and was relieving himself as usual with a burst of + skeletons, said he didn't care. Mr. Mell was ill-used. +</p> +<p> + "Who has ill-used him, you girl?" said Steerforth. +</p> +<p> + "Why, you have," returned Traddles. +</p> +<p> + "What have I done?" said Steerforth. +</p> +<p> + "What have you done?" retorted Traddles. "Hurt his feelings and lost him + his situation." +</p> +<p> + "His feelings!" repeated Steerforth, disdainfully. "His feelings will + soon get the better of it, I'll be bound. His feelings are not like + yours, Miss Traddles! As to his situation—which was a precious one, + wasn't it?—do you suppose I am not going to write home and take care + that he gets some money?" +</p> +<p> + We all thought this intention very noble in Steerforth, whose mother was + a rich widow, and, it was said, would do anything he asked her. We were + all very glad to see Traddles so put down, and exalted Steerforth to the + skies, and none of us appreciated at that time that our hero, J. + Steerforth was very, very small indeed, as to character, in comparison + to funny, unfortunate Tommy Traddles. +</p> +<p> + Years later, when Salem House was only a memory, and we were both men, + Traddles and I met again. He had the same simple character and good + temper as of old, and had, too, some of his old unlucky fortune, which + clung to him always; yet notwithstanding that—as all of his trouble + came from good-natured meddling with other people's affairs, for their + benefit, I am not at all certain that I would not risk my chance of + success—in the broadest meaning of that word—in the next world surely, + if not in this, against all the Steerforths living, if I were Tommy + Traddles. +</p> +<p> + Poor Traddles?—No, happy Traddles! +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH4"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + "DEPUTY" +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-4"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/deputy.jpg" width="250" height="368" + alt="Deputy" ></p> +<h4>"'Deputy'"</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + "DEPUTY" +</h3> +<p> + They were certainly the very oddest pair that ever the moon shone + on,—Stony Durdles and the boy "Deputy." +</p> +<p> + Durdles was a stone-mason, from which occupation, undoubtedly, came his + nickname "Stony," and Deputy was a hideous small boy hired by Durdles to + pelt him home if he found him out too late at night, which duty the boy + faithfully performed. In all the length and breadth of Cloisterham there + was no more noted man than the stone-mason, Durdles, not, I regret to + say, on account of his virtues, but rather because of his talent for + remaining out late at night, and not being able to guide his steps + homeward. There is a coarser term which might have been applied to this + talent of Durdles, but we have nothing to do with that, here and now; + what we desire is an introduction to the small boy who is Durdles's + shadow. +</p> +<p> + One night, John Jasper, choir-master in Cloisterham Cathedral, on his + way home through the Close, is brought to a standstill by the spectacle + of Stony Durdles, dinner-bundle and all, leaning against the iron + railing of the burial-ground, while a hideous small boy in rags flings + stones at him, in the moonlight. Sometimes the stones hit him, and + sometimes they miss him, but Durdles seems indifferent to either + fortune. The hideous small boy, on the contrary, whenever he hits + Durdles, blows a whistle of triumph through a jagged gap in the front of + his mouth, where half his teeth are wanting; and whenever he misses him, + yelps out, "Mulled agin!" and tries to atone for the failure by taking + a more correct and vicious aim. +</p> +<p> + "What are you doing to the man?" demands Jasper. +</p> +<p> + "Makin' a cock-shy of him," replies the hideous small boy. +</p> +<p> + "Give me those stones in your hand." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I'll give 'em you down your throat, if you come a ketchin' hold of + me," says the small boy, shaking himself loose from Jasper's touch, and + backing. "I'll smash your eye if you don't look out!" +</p> +<p> + "What has the man done to you?" +</p> +<p> + "He won't go home." +</p> +<p> + "What is that to you?" +</p> +<p> + "He gives me a 'apenny to pelt him home if I ketches him out too late," + says the boy. And then chants, like a little savage, half stumbling, and + half dancing, among the rags and laces of his dilapidated boots,—— +</p> +<p class="ind"> + <i>Widdy widdy wen!<br /> + I—ke—ches—'im out—ar—ter ten,<br /> + Widdy widdy wy!<br /> + Then—'E—don't—go—then—I shy,<br /> + Widdy widdy Wakecock warning!</i> +</p> +<p> + —with a sweeping emphasis on the last word, and one more shot at + Durdles. The bit of doggerel is evidently a sign which Durdles + understands to mean either that he must prove himself able to stand + clear of the shots, or betake himself immediately homeward, but he does + not stir. +</p> +<p> + John Jasper crosses over to the railing where the Stony One is still + profoundly meditating. +</p> +<p> + "Do you know this thing, this child?" he asks. +</p> +<p> + "Deputy," says Durdles, with a nod. +</p> +<p> + "Is that its—his—name?" +</p> +<p> + "Deputy," assents Durdles, whereupon the small boy feels called upon to + speak for himself. +</p> +<p> + "I'm man-servant up at the Travellers Twopenny in Gas Works Garding," he + explains. "All us man-servants at Travellers Lodgings is named Deputy, + but I never pleads to no name, mind yer. When they says to me in the + Lockup, 'What's your name?' I says to 'em 'find out.' Likewise when they + says, 'What's your religion?' I says, 'find out'!" After delivering + himself of this speech, he withdraws into the road and taking aim, he + resumes:—— +</p> +<p class="ind"> + <i>Widdy widdy wen!<br /> + I—ket—ches—'im—out—ar—ter—</i> +</p> +<p> + "Hold your hand!" cries Jasper, "and don't throw while I stand so near + him, or I'll kill you! Come Durdles, let me walk home with you to-night. + Shall I carry your bundle?" +</p> +<p> + "Not on any account," replies Durdles, adjusting it, and continuing to + talk in a rambling way, as he and Jasper walk on together. +</p> +<p> + "This creature, Deputy, is behind us," says Jasper, looking back. "Is he + to follow us?" +</p> +<p> + The relations between Durdles and Deputy seem to be of a capricious + kind, for on Durdles turning to look at the boy, Deputy makes a wide + circuit into the road and stands on the defensive. +</p> +<p> + "You never cried Widdy Warning before you begun tonight," cries Durdles, + unexpectedly reminded of, or imagining an injury. +</p> +<p> + "Yer lie; I did," says Deputy, in his only polite form of contradiction, + whereupon Durdles turns back again and forgets the offence as + unexpectedly as he had recalled it, and says to Jasper, in reference to + Deputy. +</p> +<p> + "Own brother, sir, to Peter, the Wild Boy! But I gave him an object in + life." +</p> +<p> + "At which he takes aim?" Mr. Jasper suggests. +</p> +<p> + "That is it, sir," returns Durdles; "at which he takes aim. I took him + in hand and gave him an object. What was he before? A destroyer. What + work did he do? Nothing but destruction. What did he earn by it? Short + terms in Cloisterham jail. Not a person, not a piece of property, not a + winder, not a horse, nor a dog, nor a cat, nor a bird, nor a fowl, nor a + pig, but that he stoned for want of an enlightened object. I put that + enlightened object before him, and now he can turn his honest halfpenny + by the three pennorth a week." +</p> +<p> + "I wonder he has no competitors." +</p> +<p> + "He has plenty, Mr. Jasper, but he stones 'em all away." +</p> +<p> + "He still keeps behind us," repeats Jasper, looking back, "is he to + follow us?" +</p> +<p> + "We can't help going round by the Travellers Twopenny, if we go the + short way, which is the back way," Durdles answers, "and we'll drop him + there." +</p> +<p> + So they go on; Deputy attentive to every movement of the Stony One, + until at length nearly at their destination Durdles whistles, and + calls—"Holloa, you Deputy!" +</p> +<p> + "Widdy!" is Deputy's shrill response, standing off again. +</p> +<p> + "Catch that ha'penny. And don't let me see any more of you to-night, + after we come to the Travellers Twopenny." +</p> +<p> + "Warning!" returns Deputy, having caught the halfpenny, and appearing by + this mystic word to express his assent to the arrangement, then off he + darts. +</p> +<p> + Such was the occupation of the small boy, Deputy, night after night, + week after week, month after month, during the year when we catch a + glimpse of him, and it is reasonable to suppose that the remainder of + his life, after we lose sight of him was spent, in making a cock-shy of + everything that came in his way, whether Durdles or inanimate objects. + When he had nothing living to stone, I believe that he used to stone the + dead, through the railing of the churchyard. He found this a relishing + and piquing pursuit; firstly, because their resting place is supposed to + be sacred, and, secondly, because the tall headstones are sufficiently + like themselves to justify the delicious fancy that they are hurt when + hit. +</p> +<p> + We have nothing told us to support the theory that Deputy's life ever + changed in its routine of work, and I am sure you agree with me that + there were never an odder pair than the two: Durdles, the stone-mason, + and Deputy, his servant. +</p> +<p> + Perhaps you will be in Cloisterham at some not far distant time; if so, + wander out at night in the old graveyard, when the moon is up, and in + among the cathedral crypts, if you can gain access to them; and see if + from some shadowy corner of lane or building does not start out before + you the wraith of the hideous small boy, Deputy, eluding your touch, and + chanting as he dances in front of you the old song which was the badge + of his office as the keeper of Durdles,—— +</p> +<p class="ind"> + <i>Widdy widdy wen! + I—ket—ches—'im—out—ar—ter—ten,<br /> + Widdy widdy wy!<br /> + Then—'E—don't—go—then—I—shy,<br /> + Widdy widdy Wakecock Warning!</i> +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH5"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + DOTHEBOYS HALL +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-5"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/dotheboys.jpg" width="371" height="250" + alt="Dotheboys Hall" ></p> +<h4>Dotheboys Hall</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + DOTHEBOYS HALL +</h3> +<p> + "Education.—At Mr. Wackford Squeers's Academy, Dotheboys Hall, at the + delightful village of Dotheboys, near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire, Youth + are boarded, clothed, booked, furnished with pocket-money, provided with + all necessaries, instructed in all languages living and dead, + mathematics, orthography geometry, astronomy, trigonometry, the use of + the globes, algebra, single stick (if required), writing, arithmetic, + fortification, and every other branch of classical literature. Terms, + twenty guineas per annum. No extras, no vacations, and diet + unparalleled. Mr. Squeers is in town, and attends daily from one till + four, at the Saracen's Head, Snow Hill. N.B. An able assistant wanted. + Annual salary £5. A Master of Arts would be preferred." +</p> +<p> + When this advertisement in the "London Herald" came to the notice of Mr. + Nicholas Nickleby, then in search of a position as teacher, it seemed to + be the opening for which he was looking, and the next day he hastened to + the Saracen's Head, Snow Hill, to have an interview with Mr. Wackford + Squeers. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Squeers's appearance was not prepossessing. He had but one eye, and + the popular prejudice runs in favour of two. The blank side of his face + was much wrinkled and puckered up, which gave him a very sinister + appearance, especially when he smiled. His hair was very flat and shiny, + save at the ends, where it was brushed stiffly up from a low protruding + forehead, which assorted well with his harsh voice and coarse manner. + He was about two or three and fifty, and a trifle below the middle size; + he wore a white neckerchief and a suit of scholastic black; but his coat + sleeves being a great deal too long, and his trousers a great deal too + short, he appeared ill at ease in his clothes. +</p> +<p> + In the corner of the room with Mr. Squeers was a very small deal trunk, + tied round with a scanty piece of cord, and on the trunk was + perched—his lace-up half-boots and corduroy trousers dangling in the + air—a diminutive boy, with his shoulders drawn up to his ears, and his + hands planted on his knees, who glanced timidly at the schoolmaster from + time to time, with evident dread and apprehension, and at last gave a + violent sneeze. +</p> +<p> + "Halloa, sir!" growled the schoolmaster, turning round. "What's that, + sir?" +</p> +<p> + "Nothing, please sir," said the little boy. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing, sir!" exclaimed Mr. Squeers. +</p> +<p> + "Please, sir, I sneezed," rejoined the boy, trembling till the little + trunk shook under him. +</p> +<p> + "Oh! sneezed, did you?" retorted Mr. Squeers. "Then what did you say + 'nothing' for, sir?" +</p> +<p> + In default of a better answer to this question, the little boy screwed a + couple of knuckles into each of his eyes and began to cry; wherefore Mr. + Squeers knocked him off the trunk with a blow on one side of his face, + and knocked him on again with a blow on the other. +</p> +<p> + "Wait till I get you down into Yorkshire, my young gentleman," said Mr. + Squeers, "and then I'll give you the rest. Will you hold that noise, + sir?" +</p> +<p> + "Ye-ye-yes," sobbed the little boy, rubbing his face very hard. +</p> +<p> + "Then do so at once, sir," said Squeers. "Do you hear?" +</p> +<p> + As this admonition was accompanied with a threatening gesture, and + uttered with a savage aspect, the little boy rubbed his face harder, and + between alternately sniffing and choking, gave no further vent to his + emotions. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Squeers," said the waiter, at this juncture; "here's a gentleman + asking for you." +</p> +<p> + "Show the gentleman in, Richard," replied Mr. Squeers, in a soft voice. + "Put your handkerchief in your pocket, you little scoundrel, or I'll + murder you when the gentleman goes." +</p> +<p> + The schoolmaster had scarcely uttered these words in a fierce whisper, + when the stranger entered. Affecting not to see him, Mr. Squeers feigned + to be intent upon mending a pen, and offering benevolent advice to his + youthful pupil. +</p> +<p> + "My dear child," said Mr. Squeers, "All people have their trials. This + early trial of yours that is fit to make your little heart burst, and + your very eyes come out of your head with crying, what is it? Less than + nothing. You are leaving your friends, but you will have a father in me, + my dear, and a mother in Mrs. Squeers. At the delightful village of + Dotheboys, near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire, where youth are boarded, + clothed, booked, washed, furnished with pocket-money, provided with all + necessaries——" +</p> +<p> + Here the waiting stranger interrupted with inquiries about sending his + boys to Mr. Squeers, and before he and Mr. Squeers had finished their + talk, Nicholas Nickleby entered. He briefly stated his desire for a + position, his having seen Mr. Squeers's "Herald" advertisement, and, + after more or less questioning and examination from the schoolmaster, + Nicholas was engaged as assistant master for Dotheboys Hall, and it was + settled that he was to go by coach with Mr. Squeers at eight o'clock the + next morning. +</p> +<p> + When he arrived, punctually at the appointed hour, he found that learned + gentleman sitting at breakfast, with five little boys, whom he was to + take down with him, ranged in a row on the opposite seat. Mr. Squeers + had before him a small measure of coffee, a plate of hot toast, and a + cold round of beef, but he was at that moment intent on preparing + breakfast for the little boys. +</p> +<p> + "This is twopenn'orth of milk, is it waiter?" said Mr. Squeers. +</p> +<p> + "That's twopenn'orth, sir," replied the waiter. +</p> +<p> + "What a rare article milk is, to be sure, in London!" said Mr. Squeers, + with a sigh. "Just fill that mug up with lukewarm water, William, will + you?" +</p> +<p> + "To the wery top, sir?" inquired the waiter. "Why, the milk will be + drownded." +</p> +<p> + "Never you mind that," replied Mr. Squeers. "Serve it right for being so + dear. You ordered that thick bread and butter for three, did you?" +</p> +<p> + "Coming directly, sir." +</p> +<p> + "You needn't hurry yourself," said Squeers, "there's plenty of time. + Conquer your passions, boys, and don't be eager after vittles." As he + uttered this moral precept, Mr. Squeers took a large bite out of the + cold beef, and recognised Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + "Sit down, Mr. Nickleby," said Squeers. "Here we are, a breakfasting, + you see." +</p> +<p> + Nicholas did <i>not</i> see that anybody was breakfasting, except Mr. + Squeers; but he bowed with all becoming reverence, and looked as + cheerful as he could. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, that's the milk and water, is it, William?" said Mr. Squeers. "Very + good; don't forget the bread and butter presently." +</p> +<p> + At this fresh mention of the bread and butter, the five little boys + looked very eager, and followed the waiter out, with their eyes; + meanwhile Mr. Squeers tasted the milk and water. +</p> +<p> + "Ah," said that gentleman, smacking his lips, "here's richness! Think + of the many beggars and orphans in the streets that would be glad of + this, little boys. A shocking thing hunger is, isn't it, Mr. Nickleby?" +</p> +<p> + "Very shocking, sir," said Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + "When I say number one," pursued Mr. Squeers, putting the mug before the + children, "the boy on the left hand nearest the window may take a drink; + and when I say number two, the boy next him will go in, and so till we + come to number five, which is the last boy. Are you ready?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," cried all the little boys with great eagerness. +</p> +<p> + "That's right," said Squeers, calmly getting on with his breakfast; + "keep ready till I tell you to begin. Subdue your appetites, my dears, + and you've conquered human natur. This is the way we inculcate strength + of mind, Mr. Nickleby," said the schoolmaster, turning to Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + Nicholas murmured something—he knew not what—in reply; and the little + boys, dividing their gaze between the mug, the bread and butter (which + by this time had arrived) and every morsel which Mr. Squeers took into + his mouth, remained with strained eyes in torments of expectation. +</p> +<p> + "Thank God for a good breakfast," said Squeers when he had finished. + "Number one may take a drink." +</p> +<p> + Number one seized the mug ravenously, and had just drunk enough to make + him wish for more, when Mr. Squeers gave the signal for number two, who + gave up at the same interesting moment to number three; and the process + was repeated until the milk and water terminated with number five. +</p> +<p> + "And now," said the schoolmaster, dividing the bread and butter for + three into as many portions as there were children, "you had better look + sharp with your breakfast, for the horn will blow in a minute or two, + and then every boy leaves off." +</p> +<p> + Permission being thus given to fall to, the boys began to eat + voraciously, and in desperate haste; while the schoolmaster (who was in + high good humour after his meal) looked smilingly on. In a very short + time the horn was heard. +</p> +<p> + "I thought it wouldn't be long," said Squeers, jumping up and producing + a little basket from under the seat; "put what you haven't had time to + eat, in here, boys. You'll want it on the road!" +</p> +<p> + Nicholas was considerably startled by these very economical + arrangements; but he had no time to reflect upon them, for the little + boys had to be got up to the top of the coach, and their boxes had to be + brought out and put in, and Mr. Squeers's luggage was to be seen + carefully deposited in the boot, and all these offices were in his + department. +</p> +<p> + Presently, however, the coach was off, and they had started on their + long trip, made doubly long by the severity of the weather, which caused + them to be detained several times; so it was not until six o'clock the + following night, that he and Mr. Squeers, and the little boys, were all + put down together at the George and New Inn, Greta Bridge. +</p> +<p> + "Is it much farther to Dotheboys Hall, sir?" asked Nicholas, when they + had started off, the little boys in one vehicle, he and Mr. Squeers in + another. +</p> +<p> + "About three mile from here," replied Squeers. "But you needn't call it + a Hall down here. The fact is, it ain't a Hall," observed Squeers, + drily. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, indeed!" said Nicholas, whom this piece of intelligence much + astonished. +</p> +<p> + "No," replied Squeers. "We call it a Hall up in London, because it + sounds better, but they don't know it by that name in these parts. A man + may call his house an island if he likes; there's no act of Parliament + against that, I believe?" +</p> +<p> + "I believe not, sir," rejoined Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + Squeers eyed his companion slily at the conclusion of this little + dialogue, and finding that he had grown thoughtful and appeared in + nowise disposed to volunteer any observations, contented himself with + lashing the pony until they reached their journey's end. +</p> +<p> + "Jump out," said Squeers. "Hallo there! Come and put this horse up. Be + quick, will you!" +</p> +<p> + While the schoolmaster was uttering these and other impatient cries, + Nicholas had time to observe that the school was a long, cold-looking + house, one story high, with a few straggling outbuildings behind, and a + barn and stable adjoining. Mr. Squeers had dismounted, and after + ordering the boy, whom he called Smike, to see to the pony, and to take + care that he hadn't any more corn that night, he told Nicholas to wait + at the front door a minute, while he went round and let him in. +</p> +<p> + A host of unpleasant misgivings, which had been crowding upon Nicholas + during the whole journey, thronged into his mind. His great distance + from home, and the impossibility of reaching it, except on foot, should + he feel ever so anxious, presented itself to him in most alarming + colours; and as he looked up at the dreary house and dark windows, and + upon the wild country round, covered with snow, he felt a depression of + heart and spirit which he never had experienced before. +</p> +<p> + "Now, then!" cried Squeers, poking his head out at the front door, + "Where are you, Nickleby?" +</p> +<p> + "Here, sir," replied Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + "Come in, then," said Squeers, "the wind blows in, at this door, fit to + knock a man off his legs." +</p> +<p> + Nicholas sighed, and hurried in. Mr. Squeers ushered him into a small + parlour scantily furnished with a few chairs, a yellow map hung against + the wall, and a couple of tables; one of which bore some preparations + for supper. Mrs. Squeers then came in, and was duly made acquainted with + Nicholas, and after some conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Squeers, a + young servant girl brought in a Yorkshire pie, which being set upon the + table, the boy Smike appeared with a jug of ale. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Squeers meanwhile was emptying his great-coat pockets of letters to + different boys, which he had brought down. Smike glanced, with an + anxious and timid expression, at the papers, as if with a sickly hope + that one among them might relate to him. The look was a very painful + one, and went to Nicholas's heart at once; for it told a sad history. He + considered the boy more attentively, and was surprised to observe the + extraordinary mixture of garments which formed his dress. Although he + could not have been less than eighteen or nineteen years old, and was + tall for that age, he wore a skeleton suit, which, though most absurdly + short in the arms and legs, was quite wide enough for his attenuated + frame. In order that the lower part of his legs might be in keeping with + this singular dress, he had a very large pair of boots, originally made + for tops, but now too patched and tattered for a beggar. He was lame, + and as he feigned to be busy arranging the table, glanced at the letters + with a look so keen, and yet so dispirited and hopeless that Nicholas + could hardly bear to watch him. +</p> +<p> + "What are you bothering about there, Smike?" cried Mrs. Squeers; "let + the things alone, can't you?" +</p> +<p> + "Eh," said Squeers, looking up. "Oh, it's you, is it?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," replied the youth, pressing his hands together, as though to + control, by force, the nervous wandering of his fingers. "Is there——" +</p> +<p> + "Well!" said Squeers. +</p> +<p> + "Have you—did anybody—has nothing been heard—about me?" +</p> +<p> + "Not a word," resumed Squeers, "and never will be. Now, this is a + pretty sort of thing, isn't it, that you should have been left here, all + these years, and no money paid after the first six—nor no notice taken, + nor no clue to be got who you belong to? It's a pretty sort of thing + that I should have to feed a great fellow like you, and never hope to + get one penny for it, isn't it?" +</p> +<p> + The boy put his hand to his head as if he were making an effort to + recollect something, and then, looking vacantly at his questioner, + gradually broke into a smile, and limped away. +</p> +<p> + The following morning, when Nicholas appeared downstairs, Mrs. Squeers + was in a state of great excitement. +</p> +<p> + "I can't find the school spoon anywhere," she said anxiously. +</p> +<p> + "Never mind it, my dear," observed Squeers in a soothing manner; "it's + of no consequence." +</p> +<p> + "No consequence? Why, how you talk!" retorted Mrs. Squeers sharply, + "isn't it brimstone morning?" +</p> +<p> + "I forgot, my dear," rejoined Squeers; "yes, it certainly is. We purify + the boys' bloods now and then, Nickleby." +</p> +<p> + "Oh! nonsense," rejoined Mrs. Squeers. "If the young man comes to be a + teacher here, let him understand, at once, that we don't want any + foolery about the boys. They have the brimstone and treacle, partly + because if they hadn't something or other in the way of medicine they 'd + be always ailing and giving a world of trouble, and partly because it + spoils their appetites and comes cheaper than breakfast and dinner. So, + it does them good and us good at the same time, and that's fair enough, + I'm sure!" +</p> +<p> + "But come," said Squeers, "let's go to the schoolroom; and lend me a + hand with my school-coat, will you?" +</p> +<p> + Nicholas assisted his master to put on an old fustian shooting jacket, + and Squeers, arming himself with his cane, led the way across a yard, to + a door in the rear of the house. +</p> +<p> + "There," said the schoolmaster, as they stepped in together; "this is + our shop, Nickleby!" +</p> +<p> + The "shop" was a bare and dirty room, with a couple of windows, whereof + a tenth part might be of glass, the remainder being stopped up with old + copybooks and paper. There were a couple of long, old rickety desks, cut + and notched, and inked, and damaged, in every possible way; two or three + forms; a detached desk for Squeers; and another for his assistant. The + ceiling was supported, like that of a barn, by cross beams and rafters; + and the walls were so stained and discoloured, that it was impossible to + tell whether they had ever been touched with paint or whitewash. +</p> +<p> + But the pupils! How the last faint traces of hope faded from the mind of + Nicholas as he looked in dismay around! There were pale and haggard + faces, lank and bony figures, boys of stunted growth; little faces which + should have been handsome, darkened with the scowl of sullen, dogged + suffering; vicious-faced boys, brooding with leaden eyes, with every + kindly sympathy and affection blasted in its birth, with every young and + healthy feeling flogged and starved down. +</p> +<p> + And yet this scene, painful as it was, had its grotesque features. Mrs. + Squeers stood at one of the desks, presiding over an immense basin of + brimstone and treacle, of which delicious compound she administered a + large instalment to each boy in succession: using for the purpose a + common wooden spoon, which widened every young gentleman's mouth + considerably: they being all obliged, under heavy corporal penalties, to + take in the whole of the bowl at a gasp. +</p> +<p> + In another corner, huddled together for companionship, were the little + boys who had arrived on the preceding night: at no great distance from + these was seated the juvenile son and heir of Mr. Squeers, Wackford by + name—a striking likeness of his father—kicking, with great vigour, + under the hands of Smike, who was fitting upon him a pair of new boots + that bore a most suspicious resemblance to those which the least of the + little boys had worn on the journey down—as the little boy himself + seemed to think, for he was regarding the appropriation with a look of + rueful amazement. +</p> +<p> + "Now," said Squeers, giving the desk a great rap with his cane, which + made half the little boys nearly jump out of their boots, "is that + physicking over?" +</p> +<p> + "Just over," said Mrs. Squeers, choking the last boy in her hurry, and + tapping the crown of his head with the spoon to restore him. "Here, you + Smike; take away now. Look sharp!" +</p> +<p> + Smike shuffled out with the basin, and Mrs. Squeers, hurried out after + him into a wash-house where there were a number of little wooden bowls + which were arranged upon a board. Into these bowls, Mrs. Squeers poured + a brown composition, which was called porridge. A minute wedge of brown + bread was inserted in each bowl, and when they had eaten their porridge + by means of it, the boys ate the bread itself, and had finished their + breakfast; whereupon Mr. Squeers said in a solemn voice, "For what we + have received, may the Lord make us truly thankful!"—and went away to + his own. +</p> +<p> + After eating his share of porridge, and having further disposed of a + slice of bread and butter, allotted to him in virtue of his office, + Nicholas sat himself down, to wait for school-time. He could not but + observe how silent and sad the boys seemed to be. There was none of the + noise and clamour of a school-room; none of its boisterous play, or + hearty mirth. The only pupil who evinced the slightest tendency towards + locomotion or playfulness was Master Squeers, and as his chief amusement + was to tread upon the other boys' toes in his new boots, his flow of + spirits was rather disagreeable than otherwise. +</p> +<p> + After some half-hour's delay, Mr. Squeers reappeared, and the boys took + their places and their books, and ranged themselves in front of the + schoolmaster's desk. +</p> +<p> + "This is the class in English spelling, and philosophy, Nickleby," said + Squeers, beckoning Nicholas to stand beside him. "We'll get up a Latin + one, and hand that over to you. Now, then, where's the first boy?" +</p> +<p> + "Please, sir, he's cleaning the back parlour window," answered one of + the class. +</p> +<p> + "So he is, to be sure," rejoined Squeers. "We go upon the practical mode + of teaching, Nickleby; the regular education system. C-l-e-a-n, clean, + verb active, to make bright, to scour. When the boy knows this out of + book, he goes and does it. Where's the second boy?" +</p> +<p> + "Please, sir, he's weeding the garden," replied a small voice. +</p> +<p> + "To be sure," said Squeers. "So he is. B-o-t, bot, t-i-n, tin, n-e-y, + ney, bottinney, noun substantive, a knowledge of plants. Third boy, + what's a horse?" +</p> +<p> + "A beast, sir," replied the boy. +</p> +<p> + "So it is," said Squeers. "Ain't it, Nickleby?" +</p> +<p> + "I believe there is no doubt of that, sir," answered Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + "Of course there isn't," said Squeers. "A horse is a quadruped, and + quadruped's Latin for beast, as every body that's gone through the + grammar knows. As you're perfect in that," resumed Squeers, turning to + the boy, "go and look after <i>my</i> horse, and rub him down well, or I'll + rub you down. The rest of the class go and draw water up till somebody + tells you to leave off, for it's washing day to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he dismissed the class, and eyed Nicholas with a look, half + cunning and half doubtful, as if he were not altogether certain what he + might think of him by this time. +</p> +<p> + "That's the way we do it, Nickleby," he said, after a pause. +</p> +<p> + Nicholas shrugged his shoulders, and said he saw it was. +</p> +<p> + "And a very good way it is, too," said Squeers. "Now just take them + fourteen little boys and hear them some reading, because, you know, you + must begin to be useful." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Squeers said this as if it had suddenly occurred to him, either that + he must not say too much to his assistant, or that his assistant did not + say enough to him in praise of the establishment. The children were + arranged in a semi-circle round the new master, and he was soon + listening to their dull, drawling, hesitating recital of stories to be + found in the old spelling books. In this exciting occupation the morning + lagged heavily on. At one o'clock, the boys sat down in the kitchen to + some hard salt beef. After this, there was another hour of crouching in + the schoolroom and shivering with cold, and then school began again. +</p> +<p> + It was Mr. Squeers's custom to call the boys together, and make a sort + of report, after every half-yearly visit to the metropolis, regarding + the relations and friends he had seen, the news he had heard, the + letters he had brought down, and so forth. This solemn proceeding took + place on the afternoon of the day succeeding his return. The boys were + recalled from house-window, garden and stable, and cow-yard, when Mr. + Squeers with a small bundle of papers in his hand, and Mrs. Squeers + following with a pair of canes, entered the room, and proclaimed + silence. +</p> +<p> + "Let any boy speak without leave," said Mr. Squeers mildly, "and I'll + take the skin off his back." +</p> +<p> + This special proclamation had the desired effect, and a death-like + silence immediately prevailed, in the midst of which Mr. Squeers went on + to say: +</p> +<p> + "Boys, I've been to London, and have returned as strong and well as + ever." +</p> +<p> + According to half-yearly custom, the boys gave three feeble cheers at + this refreshing intelligence. Such cheers! Sighs of extra strength with + the chill on. +</p> +<p> + Squeers then proceeded to give several messages of various degrees of + unpleasantness to sundry of the boys, followed up by vigorous canings + where he had any grudge to pay off. One by one the boys answered to + their names. +</p> +<p> + "Now let us see," said Squeers. "A letter for Cobbey. Stand up, Cobbey." +</p> +<p> + Another boy stood up and eyed the letter very hard, while Squeers made a + mental abstract of the same. +</p> +<p> + "Oh," said Squeers; "Cobbey's grandmother is dead, which is all the news + his sister sends, except eighteenpence, which will just pay for that + broken square of glass. Mrs. Squeers, my dear, will you take the money?" +</p> +<p> + The worthy lady pocketed the eighteenpence with a most business-like + air, and Squeers passed on to the next boy, as coolly as possible. +</p> +<p> + "Mobbs's step-mother," said Squeers, "took to her bed on hearing that he + wouldn't eat fat, and has been very ill ever since. She wishes to know, + by an early post, where he expects to go to if he quarrels with his + vittles; and with what feelings he could turn up his nose at the cow's + liver broth, after his good master had asked a blessing on it. This was + told her in the London newspapers—not by Mr. Squeers, for he is too + kind and good to set anybody against anybody—and it has vexed her so + much, Mobbs can't think. She is sorry to find he is discontented, which + is sinful and horrid, and hopes Mr. Squeers will flog him into a happier + state of mind; and with this view, she has also stopped his halfpenny a + week pocket-money, and given a double-bladed knife with a corkscrew in + it to the Missionaries, which she had bought on purpose for him." +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="image-6"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/bolder.jpg" width="255" height="386" + alt="Bolder, Cobbey, Graymarsh, Mobb's" ></p> +<h4>Bolder, Cobbey, Graymarsh, Mobb's</h4> +<p> </p> +<p> + "A sulky state of feeling," said Squeers, after a terrible pause. + "Cheerfulness and contentment must be kept up. Mobbs, come to me." +</p> +<p> + Mobbs moved slowly towards the desk, rubbing his eyes in anticipation of + good cause for doing so; and he soon afterwards retired by the side + door, with as good a cause as a boy need have. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Squeers then proceeded to open a miscellaneous collection of + letters; some enclosing money, which Mrs. Squeers "took care of;" and + others referring to small articles of apparel, all of which the same + lady stated to be too large, or too small, and calculated for nobody but + young Squeers, who would appear indeed to have had most accommodating + limbs, since everything that came into the school fitted him to a + nicety. His head, in particular, must have been singularly elastic, for + hats and caps of all dimensions were alike to him. +</p> +<p> + This business despatched, a few slovenly lessons were performed, and + Squeers retired to his fireside, leaving Nicholas to take care of the + boys in the schoolroom. There was a small stove at that corner of the + room which was nearest to the master's desk, and by it Nicholas sat + down, depressed and degraded by the consciousness of his position. But + for the present his resolve was taken. He had written to his mother and + sister, announcing the safe conclusion of his journey, and saying as + little about Dotheboys Hall, and saying that little as cheerfully, as he + could. He hoped that by remaining where he was, he might do some good, + even there; at all events, others depended too much on him to admit of + his complaining just then. +</p> +<p> + From the moment of making that resolve, Nicholas got on in his place as + well as he could, doing his best to improve matters. He arranged a few + regular lessons for the boys, and saw that they were well attended; but + his heart sank more and more, for besides the dull, unvarying round of + misery there was another system of annoyance which nearly drove him wild + by its injustice and cruelty. Upon the wretched creature Smike, all the + spleen and ill-humour that could not be vented on Nicholas, were + unceasingly bestowed. Drudgery would have been nothing—Smike was well + used to that. Buffetings inflicted without cause would have been equally + a matter of course, for to them also he had served a long and weary + apprenticeship; but it was no sooner observed that he had become + attached to Nicholas, than stripes and blows, morning, noon, and night, + were his only portion. Squeers was jealous of the influence which his + new teacher had so soon acquired; and his family hated him, and Smike + paid for both. Nicholas saw this, and ground his teeth at every + repetition of the savage and cowardly attack. +</p> +<p> + Not many weeks later, on a cold January morning, when Nicholas awoke he + found the entire school agog with quivering excitement. Smike had run + away, and Squeers's anger was at white heat against him and every one + else. +</p> +<p> + "He is off," said Mrs. Squeers, angrily. "The cowhouse and stable are + locked up, so he can't be there; and he's not down stairs anywhere. He + must have gone York way, and by a public road too. Then of course," + continued Mrs. Squeers, "as he had no money he must beg his way, and he + could do that nowhere, but on the public road." +</p> +<p> + "That's true," exclaimed Squeers, clapping his hands. +</p> +<p> + "True! Yes; but you would never have thought of it, if I hadn't said + so," replied his wife. "Now, if you take the chaise and go one road, and + I borrow Swallow's chaise and go the other, one or other of us is pretty + certain to lay hold of him!" +</p> +<p> + This plan was adopted and put in execution without a moment's delay. +</p> +<p> + After a very hasty breakfast, Squeers started forth in the pony-chaise, + intent upon discovery and vengeance. Shortly afterwards, Mrs. Squeers + issued forth in another chaise and another direction, taking with her a + good-sized bludgeon, several odd pieces of strong cord, and a stout + labouring man. +</p> +<p> + Nicholas remained behind, in a tumult of feeling, sensible that whatever + might be the upshot of the boy's flight, nothing but painful and + deplorable consequences were likely to ensue from it. The unhappy being + had established a hold upon his sympathy and compassion, which made his + heart ache at the prospect of the suffering he was destined to undergo. +</p> +<p> + The next evening Squeers returned alone and unsuccessful. Another day + came, and Nicholas was scarcely awake when he heard the wheels of a + chaise approaching the house. It stopped. The voice of Mrs. Squeers was + heard in exultation. Nicholas hardly dared to look out of the window; + but he did so, and the very first object that met his eyes was the + wretched Smike: so bedabbled with mud and rain, so haggard, and worn, + and wild, that, but for his garments being such as no scarecrow was ever + seen to wear, he might have been doubtful, even then, of his identity. +</p> +<p> + "Lift him out," said Squeers, after he had literally feasted his eyes + upon the culprit. "Bring him in; bring him in!" +</p> +<p> + "Take care!" cried Mrs. Squeers. "We tied his legs under the apron and + made 'em fast to the chaise, to prevent his giving us the slip again." +</p> +<p> + With hands trembling with delight, Squeers unloosened the cord; and + Smike, more dead than alive, was brought into the house and securely + locked up in a cellar. +</p> +<p> + It may be a matter of surprise to some persons that Mr. and Mrs. Squeers + should have taken so much trouble to repossess themselves of an + incumbrance of which it was their wont to complain so loudly; but the + services of the drudge, if performed by any one else, would have cost + some ten or twelve shillings per week in the shape of wages; and + furthermore, all runaways were, as a matter of policy, made severe + examples of, at Dotheboys Hall, as in consequence of the limited extent + of its attractions, there was but little inducement, beyond the powerful + impulse of fear, for any pupil, provided with the usual number of legs + and the power of using them, to remain. +</p> +<p> + The news that Smike had been caught and brought back in triumph, ran + like wild-fire through the hungry community, and expectation was on + tiptoe all the morning. On tiptoe it was destined to remain, however, + until afternoon; when Squeers called the school together, and dragged + Smike by the collar to the front of the room before them all. +</p> +<p> + "Have you anything to say?" demanded Squeers, giving his right arm two + or three flourishes to try its power and suppleness. "Stand a little out + of the way, Mrs. Squeers, my dear; I've hardly got room enough." +</p> +<p> + "Spare me, sir!" cried Smike. +</p> +<p> + "Oh! that's all, is it?" said Squeers. "Yes, I'll flog you within an + inch of your life, and spare you that." +</p> +<p> + "I was driven to do it," said Smike faintly; and casting an imploring + look about him. +</p> +<p> + "Driven to do it, were you?" said Squeers. "Oh! It wasn't your fault; it + was mine, I suppose—eh?" +</p> +<p> + Squeers caught the boy firmly in his grip; one desperate cut had fallen + on his body—he was wincing from the lash and uttering a scream of + pain—it was raised again, and again about to fall—when Nicholas + Nickleby, suddenly starting up, cried "Stop!" in a voice that made the + rafters ring. +</p> +<p> + "Who cried stop?" said Squeers, turning savagely round. +</p> +<p> + "I," said Nicholas, stepping forward. "This must not go on!" +</p> +<p> + "Must not go on!" cried Squeers, almost in a shriek. +</p> +<p> + "No!" thundered Nicholas. +</p> +<p> + Aghast and stupified by the boldness of the interference, Squeers + released his hold of Smike, and, falling back a pace or two, gazed upon + Nicholas with looks that were positively frightful. +</p> +<p> + "I say must not," repeated Nicholas, nothing daunted; "shall not. I will + prevent it." +</p> +<p> + Squeers continued to gaze upon him, with his eyes starting out of his + head; but astonishment had actually, for the moment, bereft him of + speech. +</p> +<p> + "You have disregarded all my quiet interference in the miserable lad's + behalf," said Nicholas; "you have returned no answer to the letter in + which I begged forgiveness for him, and offered to be responsible that + he would remain quietly here. Don't blame me for this public + interference. You have brought it upon yourself; not I." +</p> +<p> + "Sit down, beggar!" screamed Squeers, almost beside himself with rage, + and seizing Smike as he spoke. +</p> +<p> + "Wretch," rejoined Nicholas, fiercely, "touch him at your peril! I will + not stand by and see it done. My blood is up, and I have the strength of + ten such men as you. Look to yourself, for by Heaven I will not spare + you, if you drive me on!" +</p> +<p> + "Stand back," cried Squeers, brandishing his weapon. +</p> +<p> + "I have a long series of insults to avenge," said Nicholas, flushed with + passion; "and my indignation is aggravated by the dastardly cruelties + practised on helpless infancy in this foul den. Have a care; for if you + do rouse the devil within me, the consequences shall fall heavily upon + your own head!" +</p> +<p> + He had scarcely spoken, when Squeers, in a violent outbreak of wrath, + and with a cry like the howl of a wild beast, struck him a blow across + the face with his instrument of torture, which raised up a bar of livid + flesh as it was inflicted. Smarting with the agony of the blow, and + concentrating into that one moment all his feelings of rage, scorn, and + indignation, Nicholas sprang upon him, wrested the weapon from his hand, + and pinning him by the throat, beat the ruffian till he roared for + mercy. +</p> +<p> + Then he hastily retired from the fray, leaving Squeers's family to + restore him as best they might. Seeking his room with all possible + haste, Nicholas considered seriously what course of action was best for + him to adopt. +</p> +<p> + After a brief consideration, he packed up a few clothes in a small + leathern valise, and, finding that nobody offered to oppose his + progress, marched boldly out by the front door, and struck into the road + which led to Greta Bridge. +</p> +<p> + When he had cooled, sufficiently to be enabled to give his present + circumstances some little reflection, they did not appear in a very + encouraging light; he had only four shillings and a few pence in his + pocket, and was something more than two hundred and fifty miles from + London, whither he resolved to direct his steps. +</p> +<p> + He lay, that night, at a cottage where beds were let at a cheap rate to + the more humble class of travellers; and, rising betimes next morning, + made his way before night to Boroughbridge. Passing through that town in + search of some cheap resting-place, he stumbled upon an empty barn + within a couple of hundred yards of the road side; in a warm corner of + which he stretched his weary limbs, and soon fell asleep. +</p> +<p> + When he awoke next morning, and tried to recollect his dreams, which had + been all connected with his recent sojourn at Dotheboys Hall, he sat up, + rubbed his eyes, and stared—not with the most composed countenance + possible—at some motionless object which seemed to be stationed within + a few yards in front of him. +</p> +<p> + "Strange!" cried Nicholas, "can this be some lingering creation of the + visions that have scarcely left me? It cannot be real—and yet I—I am + awake! Smike!" +</p> +<p> + The form moved, rose, advanced, and dropped upon its knees at his feet. + It was Smike indeed. +</p> +<p> + "Why do you kneel to me?" said Nicholas, hastily raising him. +</p> +<p> + "To go with you—anywhere—everywhere—to the world's end—to the + churchyard grave," replied Smike, clinging to his hand. "Let me, oh, do + let me. You are my home—my kind friend—take me with you, pray." +</p> +<p> + I am a friend who can do "little for you," said Nicholas, kindly. "How + came you here?" +</p> +<p> + He had followed him, it seemed; had never lost sight of him all the way; + had watched while he slept, and when he halted for refreshment; and had + feared to appear before, lest he should be sent back. He had not + intended to appear now, but Nicholas had awakened more suddenly than he + looked for, and he had had no time to conceal himself. +</p> +<p> + "Poor fellow!" said Nicholas, "your hard fate denies you any friend but + one, and he is nearly as poor and helpless as yourself." +</p> +<p> + "May I—may I go with you?" asked Smike timidly. "I will be your + faithful hard-working servant, I will, indeed. I want no clothes," added + the poor creature, drawing his rags together; "these will do very well. + I only want to be near you." +</p> +<p> + "And you shall!" cried Nicholas. "The world shall deal by you as it does + by me, till one or both of us shall quit it for a better. Come!" +</p> +<p> + With these words, he strapped his burden on his shoulders, and, taking + his stick in one hand, extended the other to his delighted charge; and + so they passed out of the old barn together, out from the nightmare of + life at Dotheboys Hall, into the busy world outside. +</p> +<hr> +<p> + Some years later, when Mr. Squeers was making one of his customary + semi-annual visits to London, he was arrested and sent to jail by + persons who had discovered his system of fraud and cruelty, as well as + the fact that he had in his possession a stolen will. Upon John Browdie, + a burly Scotchman, devolved the duty of carrying the painful news to + Mrs. Squeers, and of dismissing the school. +</p> +<p> + So, arriving at Dotheboys Hall, he tied his horse to a gate, and made + his way to the schoolroom door, which he found locked on the inside. A + tremendous noise and riot arose from within, and, applying his eye to a + convenient crevice in the wall, he did not remain long in ignorance of + its meaning. +</p> +<p> + The news of Mr. Squeers's downfall had reached Dotheboys; that was quite + clear. To all appearance, it had very recently become known to the young + gentlemen; for rebellion had just broken out. +</p> +<p> + It was one of the brimstone-and-treacle mornings, and Mrs. Squeers had + entered school according to custom with the large bowl and spoon, + followed by Miss Squeers and the amiable Wackford: who, during his + father's absence, had taken upon himself such minor branches of the + executive as kicking the pupils with his nailed boots, pulling the hair + of some of the smaller boys, pinching the others in aggravating places, + and rendering himself in various similar ways a great comfort and + happiness to his mother. Their entrance, whether by premeditation or a + simultaneous impulse, was the signal of revolt for the boys. While one + detachment rushed to the door and locked it, and another mounted the + desks and forms, the stoutest (and consequently the newest) boy seized + the cane, and, confronting Mrs. Squeers with a stern countenance, + snatched off her cap and beaver bonnet, put it on his own head, armed + himself with the wooden spoon, and bade her, on pain of death, go down + upon her knees and take a dose directly. Before that estimable lady + could recover herself, or offer the slightest retaliation, she was + forced into a kneeling posture by a crowd of shouting tormentors, and + compelled to swallow a spoonful of the odious mixture, rendered more + than usually savoury by the immersion in the bowl of Master Wackford's + head, whose ducking was entrusted to another rebel. The success of this + first achievement prompted the malicious crowd, whose faces were + clustered together in every variety of lank and half-starved ugliness, + to further acts of outrage. The leader was insisting upon Mrs. Squeers + repeating her dose, Master Squeers was undergoing another dip in the + treacle, when John Browdie, bursting open the door with a vigorous kick, + rushed to the rescue. The shouts, screams, groans, hoots, and clapping + of hands, suddenly ceased, and a dead silence ensued. +</p> +<p> + "Ye be noice chaps," said John, looking steadily round. "What's to do + here, thou yoong dogs?" +</p> +<p> + "Squeers is in prison, and we are going to run away!" cried a score of + shrill voices. "We won't stop, we won't stop!" +</p> +<p> + "Weel then, dinnot stop," replied John; "who waants thee to stop? Roon + awa' loike men, but dinnot hurt the women. +</p> +<p> + "Hurrah!" cried the shrill voices, more shrilly still. +</p> +<p> + "Hurrah?" repeated John. "Weel, hurrah loike men too. Noo then, look + out. Hip—hip—hip—hurrah!" +</p> +<p> + "Hurrah!" cried the voices. +</p> +<p> + "Hurrah! agean," said John. "Looder still." +</p> +<p> + The boys obeyed. +</p> +<p> + "Anoother!" said John. "Dinnot be afeared on it Let's have a good un!" +</p> +<p> + "Hurrah!" +</p> +<p> + "Noo then," said John, "let's have yan more to end wi', and then coot + off as quick as you loike. Tak' a good breath noo—Squeers be in + jail—the school's brokken oop—it's all ower—past and gane—think o' + thot, and let it be a hearty 'un! Hurrah!" +</p> +<p> + Such a cheer arose as the walls of Dotheboys Hall had never echoed + before, and were destined never to respond to again. When the sound had + died away, the school was empty; and of the busy noisy crowd which had + peopled it but five minutes before, not one remained. +</p> +<p> + For some days afterwards, the neighbouring country was overrun with + boys, who, the report went, had been secretly furnished by Mr. and Mrs. + Browdie, not only with a hearty meal of bread and meat, but with sundry + shillings and sixpences to help them on their way. +</p> +<p> + There were a few timid young children, who, miserable as they had been, + and many as were the tears they had shed in the wretched school, still + knew no other home, and had formed for it a sort of attachment which + made them weep when the bolder spirits fled, and cling to it as a + refuge. Of these, some were found crying under hedges and in such + places, frightened at the solitude. One had a dead bird in a little + cage; he had wandered nearly twenty miles, and when his poor favourite + died, lost courage, and lay down beside him. Another was discovered in a + yard hard by the school, sleeping with a dog, who bit at those who came + to remove him, and licked the sleeping child's pale face. +</p> +<p> + They were taken back, and some other stragglers were recovered, but by + degrees they were all claimed, and, in course of time, Dotheboys Hall + and its last breaking up began to be forgotten by the neighbours, or to + be only spoken of as among things that had been. +</p> +<p> </p> +<hr> +<a name="CH6"></a> +<h2> + DAVID COPPERFIELD +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-7"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/david.jpg" width="239" height="368" + alt="Little Em'ly and David Copperfield" ></p> +<h4>Little Em'ly and David Copperfield</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + DAVID COPPERFIELD +</h3> +<p> + The first things that assume shape and form in the recollections of my + childhood are my mother, with her pretty hair and youthful shape, and + Peggotty, our faithful serving maid, with no shape at all, and eyes so + dark that they seemed to darken their whole neighbourhood in her face, + and cheeks and arms so hard and red that I wonder the birds didn't peck + her in preference to apples. +</p> +<p> + What else do I remember?—let me see. There comes to me a vision of our + home, Blunderstone Rookery, with its ground-floor kitchen, and long + passage leading from it to the front door. A dark store-room opens out + of the kitchen, and in it there is the smell of soap, pickles, pepper, + candles, and coffee, all at one whiff. Then there are the two + parlours;—the one in which we sit of an evening, my mother and I and + Peggotty,—for Peggotty is quite our companion,—and the best parlour + where we sit on a Sunday; grandly, but not so comfortably, while my + mother reads the old familiar Bible stories to us. +</p> +<p> + And now I see the outside of our house, with the latticed bedroom + windows, and the ragged old rooks' nests dangling in the elm-trees. I + see the garden—a very preserve of butterflies, where the pigeon house + and dog-kennel are, and the fruit trees. And I see again my mother + winding her bright curls around her fingers, and nobody is as proud of + her beauty as I am. +</p> +<p> + One night when Peggotty and I had been sitting cosily by the parlour + fire, my mother came home from spending the evening at a neighbour's, + and with her was a gentleman with beautiful black hair and whiskers. As + my mother stooped to kiss me, the gentleman said I was a more highly + privileged little fellow than a monarch. +</p> +<p> + "What does that mean?" I asked him. He smiled and patted me on the head + in reply, but somehow I didn't like him, and I shrank away, jealous that + his hand should touch my mother's in touching me—although my mother's + gentle chiding made me ashamed of the involuntary motion, and of my + dislike for this new friend of hers, but from chance words which I heard + Peggotty utter, I knew that she too felt as I did. +</p> +<p> + From that time the gentleman with black whiskers, Mr. Murdstone by name, + was at our house constantly, and gradually I became used to seeing him, + but I liked him no better than at first. The sight of him filled me with + a fear that something was going to happen, and time proved that I was + right in my apprehension. One night when my mother, as usual, was out, + Peggotty asked me, +</p> +<p> + "Master Davy, how should you like to go along with me and spend a + fortnight at my brother's at Yarmouth? Wouldn't <i>that</i> be a treat?" +</p> +<p> + "Is your brother an agreeable man, Peggotty?" I inquired, provisionally. +</p> +<p> + "Oh what an agreeable man he is!" cried Peggotty, holding up her hands. + "Then there's the sea; and the boats; and the fishermen; and the beach; + and 'Am to play with——" +</p> +<p> + Peggotty meant her nephew Ham, but she spoke of him as a morsel of + English Grammar. +</p> +<p> + I was flushed with her summary of delights, and replied that it would + indeed be a treat, but what would my mother say? +</p> +<p> + But Peggotty was sure that I would be allowed to go, and so it proved. + My mother did not seem nearly so much surprised as I expected, and + arranged at once for my visit. +</p> +<p> + The day soon came for our going. I was in a fever of expectation, and + half afraid that an earthquake might stop the expedition, but soon + after breakfast we set off, in a carrier's cart, and the carrier's lazy + horse shuffled along, carrying us towards Yarmouth. We had a fine basket + of refreshments, and we ate a good deal, and slept a good deal, and + finally arrived in Yarmouth, where at the public-house we found Ham + waiting for us. He was a huge, strong fellow of six feet, with a + simpering boy's face and curly light hair, and he insisted on carrying + me on his back, as well as a small box of ours under his arm. We turned + down lanes, and went past gas-works, boat-builders' yards, and riggers' + lofts, and presently Ham said, +</p> +<p> + "Yon's our house, Mas'r Davy!" +</p> +<p> + I looked over the wilderness, and away at the sea, and away at the + river, but no house could <i>I</i> make out. There was a black barge not far + off, high and dry on the ground, with an iron funnel for a chimney, and + smoking very cosily. +</p> +<p> + "That's not it?" said I. "That ship-looking thing?" +</p> +<p> + "That's it, Mas'r Davy," returned Ham. +</p> +<p> + If it had been Aladdin's palace, I could not have been more charmed with + the romantic idea of living in it. There was a delightful door cut in + the side, and it was roofed in, and there were little windows in it. It + was beautifully clean inside and as tidy as possible. There was a table, + and a Dutch clock, and a chest of drawers. On the walls were some + coloured pictures of Biblical subjects. Abraham in red, going to + sacrifice Isaac in blue, and Daniel in yellow, cast into a den of green + lions, were most prominent. Also, there was a mantel-shelf, and some + lockers and boxes which served for seats. Then Peggotty showed me the + completest little bedroom ever seen, in the stern of the vessel, with a + tiny bed, a little looking-glass framed in oyster-shells, and a nosegay + of seaweed in a blue mug on the table. The walls were white-washed, and + the patchwork counterpane made my eyes quite ache with its brightness. +</p> +<p> + When I took out my pocket-handkerchief, it smelt as if it had wrapped + up a lobster. When I confided this to Peggotty, she told me that her + brother dealt in lobsters, crabs, and crawfish, which accounted for the + sea smells in the delightful house. +</p> +<p> + The inmates of the boat were its master, Mr. Peggotty and his orphan + nephew and niece, Ham and little Em'ly, which latter was a beautiful + little girl, who wore a necklace of blue beads. There was also Mrs. + Gummidge, an old lady who sat continually by the fire and knitted, and + who was the widow of a former partner of Mr. Peggotty's. +</p> +<p> + With little Em'ly I at once fell violently in love, and we used to walk + upon the beach in a loving manner, hours and hours. I am sure I loved + that baby quite as truly and with more purity than can enter into the + best love of a later time of life; and when the time came for going + home, our agony of mind at parting was intense. +</p> +<p> + During my visit I had been completely absorbed in my new companions, but + no sooner were we turned homeward than my heart began to throb at + thought of again seeing my mother,—my comforter and friend. To my + surprise, when we reached the dear old Rookery, not my mother, but a + strange servant opened the door. +</p> +<p> + "Why, Peggotty," I said, ruefully, "isn't she come home?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, yes, Master Davy," said Peggotty, "She's come home. Wait a bit, + Master Davy, and I'll—I'll tell you something." +</p> +<p> + Intensely agitated, Peggotty led me into the kitchen and closed the + door, then, as she untied her bonnet with a shaking hand, she said + breathlessly; "Master Davy, what do you think? You have got a Pa!" +</p> +<p> + I trembled and turned white, and thought of my father's grave in the + churchyard, which I knew so well. +</p> +<p> + "A new one," said Peggotty. +</p> +<p> + "A new one?" I repeated. +</p> +<p> + Peggotty gasped, as if she were swallowing something very hard, and, + putting out her hand, said, +</p> +<p> + "Come and see him." +</p> +<p> + "I don't want to see him." +</p> +<p> + "And your mama," said Peggotty. +</p> +<p> + I ceased to draw back, and we went straight to the best parlour. On one + side of the fire, sat my mother; on the other, Mr. Murdstone. My mother + dropped her work, and arose hurriedly, but timidly, I thought. +</p> +<p> + "Now, Clara, my dear," said Mr. Murdstone. "Recollect! control yourself! + Davy boy, how do you do?" +</p> +<p> + I gave him my hand. Then I went over to my mother. She kissed me, patted + me gently on the shoulder, and sat down again to her work, while Mr. + Murdstone watched us both. I turned to look out of the window, and as + soon as I could, I crept up-stairs. My old dear bedroom was changed, and + I was to sleep a long way off, and there on my bed, thinking miserable + thoughts, I cried myself to sleep. I was awakened by somebody saying, + "Here he is!" and there beside me were my mother and Peggotty, asking + what was the matter. +</p> +<p> + I answered, "Nothing," and turned over, to hide my trembling lip. +</p> +<p> + "Davy," said my mother. "Davy, my child!" +</p> +<p> + Then when she would have caressed me in the old fashion, Mr. Murdstone + came up and sent the others away. +</p> +<p> + "David," he said, making his lips thin, by pressing them together, "if I + have an obstinate horse or dog to deal with, what do you think I do?" +</p> +<p> + "I don't know." +</p> +<p> + "I beat him. I make him wince and smart. I say to myself, 'I'll conquer + that fellow;' and if it were to cost him all the blood he had, I should + do it. What is that upon your face?" +</p> +<p> + "Dirt," I said. +</p> +<p> + He knew it was the mark of tears as well as I. But if he had asked the + question twenty times, with twenty blows, I believe my baby heart would + have burst before I would have told him so. +</p> +<p> + "You have a good deal of intelligence for a little fellow," he said, + "and you understood me very well, I see. Wash that face, sir, and come + down with me." +</p> +<p> + He pointed to the washstand, and motioned me to obey him directly, and I + have little doubt that he would have knocked me down, had I hesitated. +</p> +<p> + As he walked me into the parlour, he said to my mother, "Clara, my dear, + you will not be made uncomfortable any more, I hope. We shall soon + improve our youthful humours." +</p> +<p> + I might have been made another creature for life, by a kind word just + then. A word of welcome home, of reassurance that it <i>was</i> home, might + have made me dutiful to my new father, and made me respect instead of + hate him; but the word was not spoken, and the time for it was gone. +</p> +<p> + After that my life was a lonely one. Mr. Murdstone seemed to be very + fond of my mother, and she of him, but also she seemed to stand in great + awe of him, and dared not do what he might not approve. Soon Miss + Murdstone came to live with us. She was a gloomy-looking lady, dark like + her brother, and much like him in character. She assumed the care of the + house, and mother had nothing more to do with it. Meanwhile, I learnt + lessons at home. +</p> +<p> + Shall I ever forget those lessons! They were presided over nominally by + my mother, but really by Mr. Murdstone and his sister, who were always + present, and the very sight of the Murdstones had such an effect upon + me, that every word I had tried to learn would glide away, and go I know + not where. I was treated to so much systematic cruelty that after six + months, I became sullen, dull, and dogged, and this feeling was not + lessened by the fact that I was more and more shut out from my mother. I + believe I should have been almost stupified but for the small collection + of books which had belonged to my own father, and to which I had access. + From that blessed little room, came forth "Roderick Random," "Peregrine + Pickle," "Tom Jones," "The Vicar of Wakefield," "Robinson Crusoe," "Gil + Blas," and "Don Quixote,"—a glorious company to sustain me. They kept + alive my fancy, and my hope of something beyond that place and + time—they, and the "Arabian Nights" and "Tales of the Genii,"—and were + my only comfort. +</p> +<p> + One morning, when I went into the parlour with my books, I found Mr. + Murdstone poising a cane in the air, which he had obtained, it seemed, + for the purpose of flogging me for any mistake I might make. My + apprehension was so great, that the words of my lessons slipped off by + the entire page,—I made mistake after mistake, failure upon + failure,—and presently Mr. Murdstone rose, taking up the cane, and + telling me to follow him. As he took me out at the door, my mother ran + towards us. Miss Murdstone said, "Clara! are you a perfect fool?" and + interfered. I saw my mother stop her ears then, and I heard her crying. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Murdstone walked me up to my room, and when we got there suddenly + twisted my head under his arm. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Murdstone! Sir!" I cried, "Don't. Pray don't beat me! I have tried + to learn, sir, but I can't learn while you and Miss Murdstone are by. I + can't indeed!" +</p> +<p> + "Can't you, indeed, David?" he said. "We'll try that." He had my head as + in a vise, but I twined round him somehow, and stopped him for a + moment, entreating him again not to beat me. It was only for a moment + though, for he cut me heavily an instant afterwards, and in the same + instant I caught the hand with which he held me in my mouth and bit it + through. It sets my teeth on edge to think of it. +</p> +<p> + He beat me then, as if he would have beaten me to death. Above all the + noise we made, I heard them running up the stairs and crying out—my + mother and Peggotty. Then he was gone; and the door was locked outside; + and I was lying, fevered and hot, and torn, and sore, and raging in my + puny way, upon the floor. +</p> +<p> + How well I recollect, when I became quiet, what an unnatural stillness + seemed to reign through the house! When my passion began to cool, how + wicked I began to feel! My stripes were sore and stiff, and made me cry + afresh when I moved, but they were nothing to the guilt I felt. It lay + like lead upon my breast. For five days I was imprisoned, and of the + length of those days I can convey no idea to any one. They occupy the + place of years in my remembrance. On the fifth night Peggotty came to my + door and whispered my name through the keyhole. +</p> +<p> + "What is going to be done with me, Peggotty dear?" I asked. +</p> +<p> + "School. Near London," was Peggotty's answer. +</p> +<p> + "When, Peggotty?" +</p> +<p> + "To-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "Is that the reason why Miss Murdstone took the clothes out of my + drawers?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Peggotty. "Box." +</p> +<p> + "Shan't I see mama?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Peggotty. "Morning." +</p> +<p> + Then followed some assurances of affection, which Peggotty sobbed + through the keyhole, and from that night I had an affection for her + greater than for any one, except my mother. +</p> +<p> + In the morning Miss Murdstone appeared and told me what I already knew, + and said that I was to come down into the parlour, and have my + breakfast. My mother was there, very pale, and with red eyes, into whose + arms I ran, and begged her pardon from my suffering soul. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Davy," she said. "That you could hurt any one I love! Try to be + better, pray to be better! I forgive you, but I am so grieved, Davy, + that you should have such bad passions in your heart!" +</p> +<p> + They had persuaded her that I was a wicked fellow, and she was more + sorry for that, than for my going away. I felt it sorely. I tried to + eat, but tears dropped upon my bread-and-butter, and trickled into my + tea, and I could not swallow. +</p> +<p> + Presently the carrier was at the door, my box was in the cart, and + before I could realise it, my mother was holding me in a farewell + embrace, and then I got into the cart, and the lazy horse started off. +</p> +<p> + About half a mile away from home the carrier stopped, and Peggotty burst + from a hedge and climbed into the cart. She squeezed me until I could + scarcely speak, and crammed some bags of cakes into my pockets, and a + purse into my hand, but not a word did she speak. Then with a final hug, + she climbed down and ran away again, and we started on once more. +</p> +<p> + Having by this time cried as much as I possibly could, I began to think + it was of no use crying any more. The carrier agreed with me, and + proposed that my pocket handkerchief should be spread upon the horse's + back to dry, to which I assented, and then turned my attention to the + purse. It had three bright shillings in it, which Peggotty had evidently + polished up with whitening,—but more precious yet,—were two + half-crowns in a bit of paper on which my mother had written, "For Davy. + With my love." +</p> +<p> + I was so overcome by this that I asked the carrier to reach me my pocket + handkerchief again, but he thought I had better do without it, so I + wiped my eyes on my sleeve and stopped myself—and on we jogged. +</p> +<p> + At Yarmouth we drove to the inn-yard, where I dismounted, and was given + dinner, after which I mounted the coach for London, and at three o'clock + we started off on a trip which was not unpleasant to me, with its many + novel sights and experiences. In London, at an inn in Whitechapel, I was + met by a Mr. Mell, one of the teachers at Salem House, the school to + which I was going. We journeyed on together, and by the next day were at + Salem House, which was a square brick building with wings, enclosed with + a high brick wall. I was astonished at the perfect quiet there, until + Mr. Mell told me that the boys were at their homes on account of it + being holiday-time, and that even the proprietor was away. And he added + that I was sent in vacation as a punishment for my misdoing. +</p> +<p> + I can see the schoolroom now, into which he took me, with its long rows + of desks and forms, and bristling all round with pegs for hats and + slates. Scraps of old copy-books and exercises littered the dirty floor, + ink had been splashed everywhere, and the air of the place was + indescribably dreary. My companion left me there alone for a while, and + as I roamed round, I came upon a pasteboard placard, beautifully + written, lying on a desk, bearing these words, "<i>Take care of him. He + bites</i>." +</p> +<p> + I got upon the desk immediately, apprehensive of at least a great dog + underneath, but I could see nothing of him. I was still peering about, + when Mr. Mell came back, and asked what I did up there. +</p> +<p> + "I beg your pardon, sir," said I, "I'm looking for the dog." +</p> +<p> + "Dog," said he, "What dog?" +</p> +<p> + "The one that's to be taken care of, sir; that bites." +</p> +<p> + "Copperfield," said he, gravely, "that's not a dog. That's a boy. My + instructions are, Copperfield, to put this placard on your back. I am + sorry to make such a beginning with you, but I must do it." +</p> +<p> + With that he took me down, and tied the placard on my shoulders, and + wherever I went afterwards I carried it. What I suffered from that + placard, nobody can imagine. I always fancied that somebody was reading + it, and I began to have a dread of myself, as a kind of wild boy who + <i>did</i> bite. Above and beyond all, I dreaded the coming back of the boys + and what they might think of me, and my days and nights were filled with + gloomy forebodings. In a month Mr. Creakle, the proprietor of Salem + House arrived. He was stout, with a bald head, a fiery face, small, + deep-set eyes, thick veins in his forehead, a little nose, and a large + chin. His face always looked angry, but what impressed me most about him + was that he spoke always in a whisper. He inquired at once about my + behaviour, and seemed disappointed to find that there was nothing + against me so far. He then told me that he knew my stepfather as a man + of strong character, and that he should carry out his wishes concerning + me. He pinched my ear with ferocious playfulness, and I was very much + frightened by his manner and words; but before I was ordered away, I + ventured to ask if the placard might not be removed. Whether Mr. Creakle + was in earnest, or only meant to frighten me, I don't know, but he made + a burst out of his chair, before which I precipitately retreated, and + never once stopped until I reached my own bedroom, where, finding I was + not pursued, I went to bed, and lay quaking for a couple of hours. +</p> +<p> + The next day the other masters and the scholars began to arrive. Jolly + Tommy Traddles was the first boy back, and it was a happy circumstance + for me. He enjoyed my placard so much that he saved me from the + embarrassment of either disclosure or concealment, by presenting me to + the other boys in this way; "Look here! Here's a game!" Happily, too, + most of the boys came back low-spirited, and were not as boisterous at + my expense as I expected. Some of them did dance about me like wild + Indians and pretended I was a dog, patting me and saying, "Lie down, + sir!" and calling me Towzer, which of course was trying, but, on the + whole, much better than I had anticipated. +</p> +<p> + I was not considered as formally received into the school until I had + met J. Steerforth. He was one of the older scholars, reputed to be + brilliant and clever, and quite the lion of the school. He inquired, + under a shed in the playground, into the particulars of my punishment, + and said it was "a jolly shame," which opinion bound me to him ever + afterwards. Then he asked me what money I had, and when I answered seven + shillings, he suggested that I spend a couple of shillings or so in a + bottle of currant wine, and a couple or so in almond cakes, and another + in fruit, and another in biscuit, for a little celebration that night in + our bedroom, in honour of my arrival, and of course I said I should be + glad to do so. I was a little uneasy about wasting my mother's + half-crowns, but I did not dare to say so, and Steerforth procured the + feast and laid it out on my bed, saying, "There you are, young + Copperfield, and a royal spread you've got." +</p> +<p> + I couldn't think of doing the honours of the feast, and begged him to + preside. So he sat upon my pillow, handing round the viands, and + dispensing the wine. As to me, I sat next to him, and the rest grouped + about us on the nearest beds and on the floor; and there we sat in the + dim moonlight, talking in whispers, while I heard all the school + gossip, about Mr. Creakle and his cruelty, and about the other masters, + and that the only boy on whom Mr. Creakle never dared to lay a hand was + Steerforth. All this and much more I heard before we at last betook + ourselves to bed. +</p> +<p> + The next day school began in earnest, and so far as the boys were + concerned, Steerforth continued his protection of me, and was always a + very firm and useful friend, as no one dared annoy any one whom he + liked. +</p> +<p> + One night he discovered that my head was filled with stories of my + favourite heroes, which I could relate with some measure of graphic + talent, and after that I was obliged to reel off stories by the yard, + making myself into a regular Sultana Scheherezade for his benefit. I was + much flattered by his interest in my tales, and the only drawback to + telling them was that I was often very sleepy at night, and it was + sometimes very hard work to be roused and forced into a long recital + before the rising bell rang, but Steerforth was resolute, and as in + return he explained sums and exercises to me, I was no loser by the + transaction. Also, I honestly admired and loved the handsome fellow, and + desired to please him. +</p> +<p> + And so from week to week the story-telling in the dark went on, and + whatever I had within me that was romantic or dreamy was encouraged by + it. By degrees the other boys joined the circle of listeners. Traddles + was always overcome with mirth at the comic parts of the stories. He + used to pretend that he couldn't keep his teeth from chattering when an + Alguazil was mentioned in connection with the adventures of Gil Blas, + and I remember when Gil Blas met the captain of the robbers in Madrid, + Traddles counterfeited such an ague of terror, that Mr. Creakle who was + prowling about the passage, overheard him, and flogged him for + disorderly conduct. +</p> +<p> + There was little of especial moment in my first half-term at Salem + House, except the quarrel which took place between Steerforth and Mr. + Mell; and an unexpected visit from Ham and Mr. Peggotty when I had the + delight of introducing those rollicking fellows to Steerforth, whose + bright, easy manner charmed them, as it did most persons. +</p> +<p> + The rest of the half-year is a jumble in my recollection; and then came + the holidays, which were spent at home. I found my mother as tender as + of old. She hugged me and kissed me, and on that first blessed night, as + Mr. and Miss Murdstone were away on a visit, mother and Peggotty and I + dined together by the fireside in the old fashion. My mother spoke of + herself as a weak, ignorant young thing whom the Murdstones were + endeavouring to make as strong in character as themselves. Then we + talked about Salem House and my experiences and friends there, and were + very happy. That evening as the last of its race will never pass out of + my memory. I was at home for a month, but after that first night I felt + in the way, for the Murdstones were always with my mother. On the + evening after my return I made a very humble apology to Mr. Murdstone, + which he received with cold dignity. I tried to spend my evenings in the + kitchen with Peggotty, but of this Mr. Murdstone did not approve, so I + sat wearily in the parlour, waiting for the hours to wear themselves + away. What walks I took alone! What meals I had in silence and + embarrassment! What dull evenings, poring over tables of weights and + measures, and what yawns and dozes I lapsed into in spite of all my + care! Thus the holidays lagged away, until the morning came when Miss + Murdstone gave me the closing cup of tea of the vacation. I was not + sorry to go. I had lapsed into a stupid state; but I was recovering a + little and looking foward to Steerforth. I kissed my mother, and had + climbed into the carrier's cart when I heard her calling me. I looked + back, and she stood at the garden-gate, looking intently at me. +</p> +<p> + So I lost her. So I saw her afterwards, in my sleep at school,—a silent + presence near my bed—looking at me with the same intent face,—and the + vision is still a constant blessing to me. +</p> +<p> + From then I pass over all that happened at Salem House until my birthday + in March. On the morning of that day I was summoned into Mr. Creakle's + august presence. Mrs. Creakle was in the room too, and somehow they + broke it to me that my mother was very ill. I knew all now! +</p> +<p> + "She is dead," they said. +</p> +<p> + There was no need to tell me so. I had already broken out into a + desolate cry, and felt an orphan in the wide world. If ever child were + stricken with sincere grief, I was. But I remember even so, that my + sorrow was a kind of satisfaction to me, when I walked in the + playground, while the boys were in school, and saw them glancing at me + out of the windows, and because of my grief I felt distinguished, and of + vast importance. We had no story-telling that night, and Traddles + insisted on lending me his pillow as a guarantee of his sympathy, which + I understood and accepted. +</p> +<p> + I left Salem House upon noon the next day, stopping in Yarmouth to be + measured for my suit of black. Then all too soon I was at home again, + only it was home no longer, for my mother was not there. Mr. Murdstone, + who was weeping, took no notice of me. Miss Murdstone gave me her cold + fingers, and asked if I had been measured for my mourning, and if I had + brought home my shirts. There was no sign that they thought of my + suffering, and—alone—except for dear faithful Peggotty, I remained + there, motherless, and worse than fatherless, still stunned and giddy + with the shock. As soon as the funeral was over, Peggotty obtained + permission to take me home with her for a visit, and I was thankful for + the change, even though I knew that Peggotty was leaving the Rookery + forever. +</p> +<p> + We found the old boat the same pleasant place as ever, only little Em'ly + and I seldom wandered on the beach now. She had tasks to learn, and + needlework to do. During the visit I had a great surprise, which was no + less than Peggotty's marriage to the carrier who had taken me on so many + trips, and whose affections it seemed, had long been fastened upon + Peggotty. He took her to a nice little home, and there she showed me a + room which she said would be mine whenever I chose to occupy it. I felt + the constancy of my dear old nurse, and thanked her as well as I could, + but the next day I was obliged to go back to the Murdstones. Peggotty + made the journey with me, and no words can express my forlorn and + desolate feelings when the cart took her away again, and I was left + alone in the place where I used to be so happy. +</p> +<p> + And now I fell into a state of neglect, apart from other boys of my own + age, and apart from all friendly faces. What would I not have given to + have been sent to school! I think Mr. Murdstone's means were + straightened at that time, and there was no mention of Salem House or of + any other school. I was not beaten or starved, only coldly neglected. + Peggotty I was seldom allowed to visit, but once a week she either came + to see me or met me somewhere, and that, and the dear old books were my + only comfort. +</p> +<p> + One day Mr. Quinion, a visitor at the house, took pains to ask me some + questions about myself, and afterwards Mr. Murdstone called me to him, + and said: +</p> +<p> + "I suppose you know, David, that I am not rich. You have received some + considerable education already. Education is costly; and even if I could + afford it, I am of opinion that it would not be at all advantageous to + you to be kept at a school. There is before you a fight with the world; + and the sooner you begin it the better. You may have heard of the + counting house of Murdstone and Grinby, in the wine trade? Mr. Quinion + manages the business, and he suggests thit it gives employment to some + other boys, and that he sees no reason why it shouldn't give employment + to you. You will earn enough to provide for your eating, and drinking, + and pocket money. Your lodging will be paid by me. So will your washing. + Your clothes will be looked after for you, too," said Mr. Murdstone, "as + you will not be able, yet awhile, to get them for yourself. So you are + now going to London, David, to begin the world on your own account." +</p> +<p> + Behold me, on the morrow, in a much-worn little white hat, with a crape + band round it, a black jacket, and stiff corduroy trousers! Behold me so + attired, and with my little worldly all in a small trunk, sitting, a + lone, lorn child, in the post-chaise, journeying to London with Mr. + Quinion! Behold me at ten years old, a little labouring hind in + Murdstone and Grinby's warehouse on the waterside at Blackfriars! It was + a crazy old house with a wharf of its own, but rotting with dirt and + age. Their trade was among many kinds of people, chiefly supplying wines + and spirits to certain packet ships. My work was pasting labels on full + bottles, or fitting corks to them, or sealing the corks, and the work + was not half so distasteful as were my companions, far below me in birth + and education. The oldest of the regular boys was named Mick Walker, and + another boy in my department, on account of his complexion, was called + Mealy Potatoes. No words can express the secret agony of my soul as I + sunk into this companionship, and thought sadly of Traddles, Steerforth, + and those other boys, whom I felt sure would grow up to be great men. +</p> +<p> + I lodged with a Mr. Micawber who lived in Windsor Terrace. My pay at + the warehouse was six shillings a week. I provided my own breakfast and + kept bread and cheese to eat at night. Also, child that I + was,—sometimes I could not resist pastry cakes and puddings in the shop + windows, all of which made a large hole in my six shillings. From Monday + to Saturday I had no advice, no encouragement or help of any kind. I + worked with common men and boys, a shabby child. I lounged about the + streets, insufficiently and unsatisfactorily fed. But for the mercy of + God, I might easily have been, for any care that was taken of me, a + little robber or a little vagabond. Yet they were kind to me at the + warehouse and that I suffered and was miserably unhappy, no one noticed. + I concealed the fact even from Peggotty (partly for love of her, and + partly for shame). +</p> +<p> + I did my work not unskilfully, and though perfectly familiar with my + companions, my conduct and manner placed a space between us and I was + usually spoken of as the "little Gent." In my desolate condition, I + became really attached to the Micawbers, and when they experienced + reverses of fortune, and Mr. Micawber was carried off to the Debtors' + Prison, I did all that I could for them, and remained with Mrs. Micawber + in lodgings near the prison. But I plainly saw that a parting was near + at hand, as it was the Micawbers' intention to leave London as soon as + Mr. Micawber could free himself. So keen was my dread of lodging with + new people, added to the misery of my daily life at the warehouse, that + I could not endure the thought, and finally I made a resolution. I would + run away! +</p> +<p> + Many times in the old days, my mother had told me the story of my one + relative, Aunt Betsey, who had been present at the time of my birth, + confident in her hopes of a niece who should be named for her, Betsey + Trotwood, and for whom she proposed to provide liberally. When I, David + Copperfield, came in place of the longed-for niece, Aunt Betsey shook + the dust of the place off her feet, and my mother never saw her + afterwards. My idea now was to find Aunt Betsey. Not knowing where she + lived, I wrote a long letter to Peggotty, and asked in it incidentally + if she knew the address, and also if she could lend me half a guinea for + a short time. She answered promptly and enclosed the half guinea, saying + that Miss Betsey lived just outside of Dover, which place I at once + resolved to set out for. However, I considered myself bound to remain at + the warehouse until Saturday night; and as when I first came there I had + been paid for a week in advance, not to present myself as usual to + receive my wages. For this reason I had borrowed the half guinea, that I + might have a fund for my travelling expenses. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, when Saturday night came, I shook Mick Walker's hand, bade + good-night to Mealy Potatoes—and ran away. +</p> +<p> + My box was at my old lodging, and I had a card ready for it, addressed + to "Master David, to be left till called for at the Coach Office, + Dover." +</p> +<p> + I found a young man with a donkey-cart whom I engaged for sixpence, to + remove my box, and in pulling the card for it out of my pocket, I + tumbled my half guinea out too. I put it in my mouth for safety, and had + just tied the card on, when I felt myself violently chucked under the + chin by the young man, and saw my half guinea fly out of my mouth into + his hand. +</p> +<p> + "You give me my money back, if you please," said I, very much + frightened. "And leave me alone!" +</p> +<p> + "Come to the pollis," said he; "you shall prove it yourn to the pollis!" +</p> +<p> + "Give me my box and money, will you?" I cried, bursting into tears. +</p> +<p> + The young man still replied, "Come to the pollis!" +</p> +<p> + Then suddenly changed his mind, jumped into the cart, sat upon my box, + and exclaiming that he would drive to the pollis straight, rattled away. +</p> +<p> + I ran after him as fast as I could, narrowly escaping being run over + some twenty times in a mile, until I had no breath left to call out + with. Now I lost him, now I saw him, but at length, confused and + exhausted, I left him to go where he would with my box and money, and, + panting and crying, but never stopping, I faced about for Greenwich, and + had some wild idea of running straight to Dover. However, my scattered + senses were soon collected and I sat down on a doorstep, quite spent. + Fortunately, it was a fine summer night, and when I had recovered my + breath, I went on again. But I had only three-halfpence in the world, + and as I trudged on, I pictured to myself how I should be found dead in + a day or two, under some hedge. Passing a little pawnshop, I left my + waistcoat, and went on, richer by ninepence, and I foresaw that my + jacket would go next, in fact that I should be lucky if I got to Dover + in a shirt and a pair of trousers. +</p> +<p> + It had occurred to me to go on as fast as I could towards Salem House, + and spend the night behind the wall at the back of my old school, where + there used to be a haystack. I imagined it would be a kind of company to + have the boys and the bedroom where I used to tell the stories, so near + me. I had a hard day's walk, and with great trouble found Salem House, + and the haystack, and lay down outside the dark and silent house. Never + shall I forget the lonely sensation of first lying down, without a roof + above my head! But at last I slept, and dreamed of old school-days, + until the warm beams of the sun, and the rising bell at Salem House + awoke me. As none of my old companions could still be there, I had no + wish to linger, so I crept away from the wall and struck out into the + dusty Dover road. +</p> +<p> + That day I got through three and twenty miles, and at night I passed + over the bridge at Rochester, footsore and tired, eating bread as I + walked. There were plenty of signs, "Lodgings for Travellers," but I + sought no shelter, fearing to spend the few pence I had. Very stiff and + sore of foot I was in the morning, and I felt that I could go only a + short distance that day. I took off my jacket, and went into a shop, + where I exchanged it finally for one and fourpence. For threepence I + refreshed myself completely, and limped seven miles further. I slept + under another haystack, after washing my blistered feet in a stream, and + went on in rather better spirits, coming at last to the bare wide downs + near Dover. I then began to inquire of everyone I met, about my aunt, + but no one knew her, and finally, when the morning was far spent, in + despair I went into a little shop to ask once more. I spoke to the + clerk, but a young woman on whom he was waiting, took the inquiry to + herself. +</p> +<p> + "My mistress?" she said. "What do you want with her, boy?" +</p> +<p> + On my replying that I wished to see Miss Trotwood, the young woman told + me to follow her. I needed no second permission, though by this time my + legs shook under me. Soon we came to a neat little cottage with cheerful + bow-windows, in front of it a gravelled court, full of flowers. +</p> +<p> + "This is Miss Trotwood's," said the young woman, and then she hurried + in, and left me standing at the gate. My shoes were by this time in a + woeful condition, my hat was crushed and bent, my shirt and trousers + stained and torn, my hair had known no comb or brush since I left + London, my face, neck, and hands, from unaccustomed exposure, were burnt + to a berry-brown. From head to foot I was powdered with dust. In this + plight I waited to introduce myself to my formidable aunt. +</p> +<p> + As I waited, there came out of the house a lady with a handkerchief + tied over her cap, a pair of gardening gloves on her hands, and carrying + a great knife. I knew her immediately, for she stalked out of the house + exactly as my mother had so often described her stalking up our garden + at home. +</p> +<p> + "Go away!" said Miss Betsey, shaking her head, and waving her knife. "Go + along! No boys here!" +</p> +<p> + I watched her, with my heart at my lips, as she stopped to dig up a + root. Then I went up and touched her. +</p> +<p> + "If you please, ma'am," I began. +</p> +<p> + She started, and looked up. +</p> +<p> + "If you please, aunt." +</p> +<p> + "Eh?" exclaimed Miss Betsey, in a tone of amazement I have never heard + approached. +</p> +<p> + "If you please, aunt, I am your nephew." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Lord!" said my aunt. And sat down flat in the garden-path. +</p> +<p> + "I am David Copperfield, of Blunderstone, in Suffolk—where you came, on + the night when I was born, and saw my dear mama. I have been very + unhappy since she died. I have been slighted and taught nothing, and + thrown upon myself, and put to work not fit for me. It made me run away + to you. I was robbed at first setting out, and have walked all the way, + and have never slept in a bed since I began the journey." Here my + self-support gave way all at once, and I broke into a passion of crying. +</p> +<p> + My aunt sat on the gravel, staring at me, until I began to cry, when she + got up in a great hurry, collared me, and took me into the parlour. Her + first proceeding there was to unlock a tall press, bring out several + bottles, and pour some of the contents of each into my mouth. I think + they must have been taken out at random, for I am sure I tasted aniseed + water, anchovy sauce, and salad dressing. Then she put me on a sofa with + a shawl under my head, and a handkerchief under my feet, lest I should + soil the cover, and then, sitting down so I could not see her face, she + ejaculated "Mercy on us!" at regular intervals. +</p> +<p> + After a time she rang a bell, and a grey-headed, florid old gentleman, + called Mr. Dick, who had the appearance of a grown-up boy, and who lived + with my aunt, appeared. When my aunt asked his opinion about what to do + with me, his advice was to wash me. +</p> +<p> + This Janet, the maid, was preparing to do, when suddenly my aunt became, + in one moment, rigid with indignation, and cried out, "Janet! Donkeys!" +</p> +<p> + Upon which, Janet came running as if the house were in flames, and + darted out on a little piece of green in front, to warn off two donkeys, + lady ridden, while my aunt seized the bridle of a third animal, laden + with a child, led him from the sacred spot, and boxed the ears of the + unlucky urchin in attendance. +</p> +<p> + To this hour I do not know whether my aunt had any lawful right of way + over that patch of green, but she had settled it in her own mind that + she had, and it was all the same to her. The passage of a donkey over + that spot was the one great outrage of her life. In whatever occupation + or conversation she was engaged, a donkey turned the current of her + ideas, and she was upon him straight. Jugs of water were kept in secret + places ready to be discharged on the offenders, sticks were laid in + ambush behind the doors; sallies were made at all hours, and incessant + war prevailed, which was perhaps an agreeable excitement to the donkey + boys. +</p> +<p> + The bath was a great comfort, for I began to feel acute pains in my + limbs, and was so tired that I could scarcely keep awake for five + minutes together. Enrobed in clothes belonging to Mr. Dick, and tied up + in great shawls, I fell asleep, on the sofa, and only awoke in time to + dine off a roast fowl and pudding, while my aunt asked me a number of + questions, and spoke of my mother and Peggotty, and in the afternoon we + talked again and there was another alarm of Donkeys. +</p> +<p> + After tea we sat at the window until dusk, and shortly afterwards I was + escorted up to a pleasant room at the top of the house. When I had said + my prayers, and the candle had burnt out, I lay there yielding to a + sensation of profound gratitude and rest, nestling in the snow white + sheets, and I prayed that I might never be houseless any more, and might + never forget the houseless. +</p> +<p> + At breakfast the following day, I found myself the object of my aunt's + most rigid scrutiny. +</p> +<p> + "Hallo!" she said, after a time to attract my attention, and when I + looked up she told me that she had written Mr. Murdstone in regard to + me, under which information I became heavy of heart, for I felt that + some efforts would be made to force me to return to the warehouse, while + the more I saw of my aunt, the more sure I felt that she was the one + with whom I wished to stay; that with all her eccentricities and + humours, she was one to be honoured and trusted in. +</p> +<p> + On the second day after my arrival, my Aunt gave a sudden alarm of + donkeys, and to my consternation I beheld Miss Murdstone ride over the + sacred piece of green, and stop in front of the house. +</p> +<p> + "Go along with you!" cried my aunt, shaking her head and her fist at the + window. "You have no business there. How dare you trespass? Oh! you + bold-faced thing!" +</p> +<p> + I hurriedly told her who the offender was, and that Mr. Murdstone was + behind her, but Aunt Betsey was frantic, and cried, "I don't care who it + is—I won't allow it! Go away! Janet, lead him off!" and from behind my + aunt, I saw the donkey pulled round by the bridle, while Mr. Murdstone + tried to lead him on, and Miss Murdstone struck at Janet with a parasol, + and several boys shouted vigorously. But my aunt suddenly discovering + the donkey's guardian to be one of the most inveterate offenders against + her, rushed out and pounced upon him, while the Murdstones waited until + she should be at leisure to receive them. She marched past them into the + house, a little ruffled by the combat, and took no notice of them until + they were announced by Janet. +</p> +<p> + "Shall I go away, aunt?" I asked trembling. +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," said she. "Certainly not!" With which she pushed me into a + corner, and fenced me in with a chair, as if it were a prison, and there + I stayed. There were several sharp passages at arms between my aunt and + the Murdstones, when my past, and my mother's life came up for + discussion. Finally Mr. Murdstone said: +</p> +<p> + "I am here to take David back, Miss Trotwood; to dispose of him as I + think proper, and to deal with him as I think right. I am not here to + make any promise to anybody. You may possibly have some idea, Miss + Trotwood, of abetting him in his running away, and in his complaints to + you. Now, I must caution you, that if you abet him once, you abet him + for good and all. I cannot trifle, or be trifled with. I am here, for + the first and last time, to take him away. Is he ready to go? If you + tell me he is not, it is indifferent to me on what pretence,—my doors + are shut against him henceforth, and yours, I take it for granted are + open to him." +</p> +<p> + My aunt had listened with the closest attention, her hands folded on her + knee, and looking grimly at the speaker. When he had finished, she + turned to Miss Murdstone, and said: +</p> +<p> + "Well, ma'am, have <i>you</i> got anything to remark?" +</p> +<p> + As she had not, my aunt turned to me. +</p> +<p> + "And what does the boy say?" she said. "Are you ready to go, David?" +</p> +<p> + I answered no, and entreated her not to let me go. I begged and prayed + my aunt to befriend and protect me, for my father's sake. +</p> +<p> + My aunt consulted for a moment with Mr. Dick, and then she pulled me + towards her, and said to Mr. Murdstone: +</p> +<p> + "You can go when you like; I'll take my chance with the boy. If he's all + you say he is, at least I can do as much for him then, as you have done. + But I don't believe a word of it." +</p> +<p> + There were some additional words on both sides, and then the Murdstones + stood ready to leave. +</p> +<p> + "Good day, sir," said my aunt "and good-bye! Good day to you too, + ma'am,"—turning suddenly upon his sister. "Let me see you ride a donkey + over my green again, and as sure as you have a head upon your shoulders, + I'll knock your bonnet off, and tread upon it!" +</p> +<p> + The manner and matter of this speech were so fiery, that Miss Murdstone + without a word in answer, discreetly put her arm through her brother's, + and walked hastily out of the cottage, my aunt remaining at the window, + prepared in case of the donkey's re-appearance, to carry her threat into + execution. No attempt at defiance being made, however, her face + gradually relaxed, and became so pleasant, that I was emboldened to kiss + and thank her; which I did with great heartiness. She then told me that + she wished my name to be changed to Trotwood Copperfield, and this + notion so pleased her, that some ready-made clothes purchased for me + that very day, were marked "Trotwood Copperfield," in indelible ink + before I put them on, and it was settled that all my clothes thereafter + should be marked in the same way. +</p> +<p> + Thus I began my new life in a new name, and with everything new about + me. For many days I felt that it was all a dream, and then the truth + came over me in waves of joy that it was no dream, but blessed, blessed + reality! +</p> +<p> + Aunt Betsey soon sent me to Doctor Strong's excellent school at + Canterbury. It was decorously ordered on a sound system, with an appeal + in everything to the honour and good faith of the boys. We all felt that + we had a part in the management of the place, and learnt with a good + will, desiring to do it credit. We had noble games out of hours, and + plenty of liberty, and the whole plan of the school was as superior to + that of Salem House as can be imagined. I soon became warmly attached to + the place, the teachers, and the boys, and in a little while the + Murdstone and Grinsby life became so strange that I hardly believed in + it. Of course I wrote to Peggotty, relating my experiences, and how my + aunt had taken me under her care, and returning the half guinea I had + borrowed, and Peggotty answered promptly, but although she expressed + herself as glad in my gladness, I could see that she did not take quite + kindly to my Aunt as yet. +</p> +<p> + The days glide swiftly on. I am higher in the school,—I am growing + great in Latin verse, think dancing school a tiresome affair, and + neglect the laces of my boots. Doctor Strong refers to me publicly as a + promising young scholar, at which my aunt remits me a guinea by the next + post. +</p> +<p> + The shade of a young butcher crosses my path. He is the terror of Doctor + Strong's young gentlemen, whom he publicly disparages. He names + individuals (myself included) whom he could undertake to settle with one + hand, and the other tied behind him. He waylays the smaller boys to + punch their unprotected heads, and calls challenges after me in the + streets. For these reasons, I resolve to fight the butcher. +</p> +<p> + We meet by appointment with a select audience. Soon, I don't know where + the wall is, or where I am, or where anybody is, but after a bloody + tangle and tussle in the trodden grass, feeling very queer about the + head, I awake, and augur justly that the victory is not mine. I am taken + home in a sad plight, to have beef-steaks put to my eyes, and am rubbed + with vinegar and brandy, and find a great white puffy place on my upper + lip, and for several days I remain in the house with a green shade over + my eyes, and yet feeling that I did right to fight the butcher. +</p> +<p> + I change more and more, and now I am the head boy. I wear a gold watch + and chain, a ring upon my little finger, and a long-tailed coat. I am + seventeen, and am smitten with a violent passion for the eldest Miss + Larkins, who is about thirty. She amuses herself with me as with a new + toy, wears my ring for a season, and then announces her engagement to a + Mr. Chestle. I am terribly dejected for a week or two, then I rally, + become a boy once more, fight the butcher again, gloriously defeat him, + and feel better,—and soon my school days draw to a close. +</p> +<p> + My aunt and I had many grave deliberations on the calling to which I + should devote myself, but could come to no conclusion, as I had no + particular liking that I could discover, for any profession. So my aunt + proposed that while I was thinking the matter over, I take a little + trip, a breathing spell, as it were. +</p> +<p> + "What I want you to be, Trot," said my aunt,—"I don't mean physically, + but morally; you are very well physically—is, a firm fellow, a fine, + firm fellow, with a will of your own, with determination. With + character, Trot, with strength of character that is not to be + influenced, except on good reason, by anybody, or by anything. That's + what I want you to be." +</p> +<p> + I intimated that I hoped I should be what she described, and she added + that it was best for me to go on my trip alone, to learn to rely upon + myself. +</p> +<p> + So I was fitted out with a handsome purse of money, and tenderly + dismissed upon my expedition, promising to write three times a week, and + to be back in a month's time. +</p> +<p> + I went first to say farewell to Doctor Strong, and then took my seat on + the box of the London coach. It was interesting to be sitting up there, + behind four horses; well educated, well dressed, with plenty of money, + and to look out for the places where I had slept on my weary journey. I + stretched my neck eagerly, looking for old landmarks, and when we passed + Salem House I fairly tingled with emotion. At Charing Cross I stopped at + the Golden Cross, and as soon as I had taken a room, ordered my dinner, + trying to appear as old and dignified as possible. In the evening I went + to the Covent Garden Theatre, and saw Julius Caesar and a pantomime. It + was new to me, and the mingled reality and mystery of the whole show, + lights, music, company, and glittering scenery, were so dazzling that + when I went out at midnight into the rain, I felt as if I had been for a + time an inmate of another world, and was so excited that instead of + going to my room in the hotel I ordered some porter and oysters, and sat + revolving the glorious visions in my mind until past one o'clock. + Presently, I began to watch a young man near me whose face was very + familiar. Finally, I rose, and with a fast-beating heart said, +</p> +<p> + "Steerforth, won't you speak to me?" +</p> +<p> + He quickly glanced up, but there was no recognition in his face. +</p> +<p> + "My God," he suddenly exclaimed, "It's little Copperfield!" +</p> +<p> + Then ensued a violent shaking of hands, and a volley of questions on + both sides. He was studying at Oxford, but was on his way to visit his + mother, who lived just out of London. He was as handsome, and + fascinating, and gay, as ever, in fact quite bewilderingly so to me; and + all those things which I enjoyed, he pronounced dreadful bores, quite + like a man of the world. However, we got on famously, and when he + invited me to go with him to his home at Highgate, I accepted with + pleasure, and spent a delightful week there in the genteel, + old-fashioned, quiet home. At the end of the week, Steerforth decided to + go with me to Yarmouth, so we travelled on together to the inn there, + and took rooms. +</p> +<p> + As early as possible the next day, I visited Peggotty. She did not + recognise me after our seven years' separation, but when at last it + dawned on her who I was, she cried, "My darling boy!" and we both burst + into tears, and were locked in one another's arms as though I were a + child again. +</p> +<p> + That evening Steerforth and I went to see Mr. Peggotty and my other + friends in the boat, and we were so warmly received that it was nearly + midnight when we took our leave. We stayed in Yarmouth for more than a + fortnight, and I made many pilgrimages to the dear haunts of my + childhood, particularly to that place where my mother and father lay, + and mingled with my sad thoughts were brighter ones, about my + future—and of how in it I was to become a man of whom they might have + been proud. +</p> +<p> + At the end of the fortnight came a letter from Aunt Betsey, saying that + she had taken lodgings for a week in London, and that if I would join + her, we could discuss her latest plan for me, which was that I become a + proctor in Doctors' Commons. +</p> +<p> + I mentioned the plan to Steerforth, and he advised me to take kindly to + it, and by the time that I reached London I had made up my mind to do + so. My aunt was greatly pleased when I told her this, whereupon I + proceeded to add that my only objection to the plan lay in the great + expense it would be to article me,—a thousand pounds at least. I spoke + of her past liberality to me, and asked her whether I had not better + choose some work which required less expensive preliminaries. +</p> +<p> + For a time my aunt was deep in thought. Then she replied: +</p> +<p> + "Trot, my child, if I have any object in life, it is to provide for your + being a good, sensible, and happy man. I am bent upon it. It's in vain, + Trot, to recall the past, unless it has some influence upon the present. + Perhaps I might have been better friends with your father and mother. + When you came to me, a little runaway boy, perhaps I thought so. From + that time until now, Trot, you have ever been a credit to me, and a + pride and pleasure. I have no other claim upon my means,—and you are my + adopted child. Only be a loving child to me in my old age, and bear with + my whims and fancies, and you will do more for an old woman whose prime + of life was not so happy as it might have been, than ever that old woman + did for you." +</p> +<p> + It was the first time I had heard my aunt refer to her past history. Her + quiet way of doing it would have exalted her in my respect and + affection, if anything could. +</p> +<p> + "All is agreed and understood between us now, Trot," she said, "and we + need talk of this no more. Give me a kiss, and we'll go to the Commons + in the morning." +</p> +<p> + And accordingly at noon the next day we made our way to Doctors' + Commons, interviewed Mr. Spenlow, of the firm of Spenlow and Jorkins, + and I was accepted on a month's probation as an articled clerk. Mr. + Spenlow then conducted me through the Court, that I might see what sort + of a place it was. Then my aunt and I set off in search of lodgings for + me, and before night I was the proud and happy owner of the key to a + little set of chambers in the Adelphi, conveniently situated near the + Court, and to my taste in all ways. Seeing how enraptured I was with + them, my aunt took them for a month, with the privilege of a year, made + arrangements with the landlady about meals and linen, and I was to take + possession in two days; during which time I saw Aunt Betsey safely + started on her homeward journey towards Dover, dreading to leave me, but + exulting in the coming discomfiture of the vagrant donkeys. +</p> +<p> + It was a wonderfully fine thing to have that lofty castle to myself, and + when I had taken possession and shut my outer door, I felt like Robinson + Crusoe, when he had got within his fortification, and pulled his ladder + up after him. I felt rich, powerful, old, and important, and when I + walked out about town, with the keys of my house in my pocket, and able + to ask any fellow to come home with me, without giving anybody any + inconvenience, I became a quite different personage than ever + heretofore. +</p> +<p> + Whatever there was of happiness or of sorrow, of success or of failure, + in my later life, does not belong on these pages. The identity of the + child, and of the boy, David Copperfield is now forever merged in the + personality of—Trotwood Copperfield, Esquire, householder and Man. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH7"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + KIT NUBBLES +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-8"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/kit.jpg" width="251" height="371" + alt="Kit Nubbles" ></p> +<h4>Kit Nubbles</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + KIT NUBBLES +</h3> +<p> + Christopher, or Kit Nubbles, as he was commonly called, was not handsome + in the estimation of anyone except his mother, and mothers are apt to be + partial. He was a shock-headed, shambling, awkward lad, with an + uncommonly wide mouth, very red cheeks, a turned-up nose, and certainly + the most comical expression of face I ever saw. +</p> +<p> + He was errand-boy at the Old Curiosity Shop, and deeply attached to both + little Nell Trent and her grandfather, his employer. And just here let + me explain that Nell's grandfather led a curious sort of double life; + his days were spent in the shop, but when night fell, he invariably took + his cloak, his hat, and his stick, and kissing the child, passed out, + leaving her alone through the long hours of the night, and Nell had no + knowledge that in those nightly absences he was haunting the gaming + table; risking large sums, and ever watching with feverish anticipation + for the time when he should win a vast fortune to lay by for the child, + his pet and darling, to keep her from want if death should take him + away. But of this little Nell knew nothing, or she would have implored + him to give up the wicked and dangerous pastime. +</p> +<p> + Nor did she know that it was from Quilp, a strange, rich, little dwarf, + who had many trades and callings, that her grandfather was borrowing the + money which he staked nightly in hopes of winning more, pledging his + little stock as security for the debt. +</p> +<p> + It was a lonely life that Nell led, with only the old man for companion, + so she had a genuine affection for the awkward errand-boy, Christopher, + who was one of the few bits of comedy in her days, and his devotion to + her verged on worship. One morning Nell's grandfather sent her with a + note to the little dwarf, Quilp; and Kit, who escorted her, while he + waited for her, got into a tussle with Quilp's boy, who asserted that + Nell was ugly, and that she and her grandfather were entirely in Quilp's + power. +</p> +<p> + That was too much for Kit to bear in silence, and he retorted that Quilp + was the ugliest dwarf that could be seen anywheres for a penny. +</p> +<p> + This enraged Quilp's boy, who sprang upon Kit, and the two were engaged + in a hand-to-hand fight, when Quilp appeared and separated them, asking + the cause of the quarrel, and was told that Kit had called him, "The + ugliest dwarf that could be seen anywheres for a penny." Poor Kit never + dreamed that his unguarded remark was to be treasured up against him in + the mind of the jealous, vindictive, little dwarf, and used to separate + him from his idolised mistress and her grandfather, but it was even so, + for there was a power of revenge, a hatred, in the tiny body of the + dwarf, entirely out of proportion to his size. +</p> +<p> + Quilp at this time desired to injure the old man and his grandchild, and + soon made several discoveries in a secret way, which, added to what he + found out from little Nell's own artless words about her home life, and + her grandfather's habits, enabled him to put two and two together, and + guess correctly for what purpose the old man borrowed such large sums + from him, and he refused him further loans. More than this, he told the + old man that he (Quilp) held a bill of sale on his stock and property, + and that he and little Nell would be henceforth homeless and penniless. +</p> +<p> + The old man pleaded, with agony in his face and voice for one more + advance,—one more trial,—but Quilp was firm. +</p> +<p> + "Who is it?" retorted the old man, desperately, "that, notwithstanding + all my caution, told you? Come, let me know the name,—the person." +</p> +<p> + The crafty dwarf stopped short in his answer, and said,—— +</p> +<p> + "Now, who do you think?" +</p> +<p> + "It was Kit. It must have been the boy. He played the spy, and you + tampered with him." +</p> +<p> + "How came you to think of him?" said the dwarf. "Yes, it was Kit. Poor + Kit!" So saying, he nodded in a friendly manner, and took his leave; + stopping when he passed the outer door a little distance, and grinning + with extraordinary delight. +</p> +<p> + "Poor Kit!" muttered Quilp. "I think it was Kit who said I was an uglier + dwarf than could be seen anywhere for a penny, wasn't it? Ha, ha, ha! + Poor Kit!" +</p> +<p> + And with that he went his way, still chuckling as he went. +</p> +<p> + That evening Kit spent in his own home. The room in which he sat down, + was an extremely poor and homely place, but with that air of comfort + about it, nevertheless, which cleanliness and order can always impart in + some degree. Late as the Dutch clock showed it to be, Kit's mother was + still hard at work at an ironing-table; a young child lay sleeping in a + cradle near the fire; and another, a sturdy boy of two or three years + old, very wide awake, was sitting bolt upright in a clothes-basket, + staring over the rim with his great round eyes. It was rather a + queer-looking family; Kit, his mother, and the children, being all + strongly alike. +</p> +<p> + Kit was disposed to be out of temper, but he looked at the youngest + child, and from him to his other brother in the clothes-basket, and from + him to his mother, who had been at work without complaint since morning, + and thought it would be a better and kinder thing to be good-humoured. + So he rocked the cradle with his foot, made a face at the rebel in the + clothes-basket, which put him in high good-humour directly, and stoutly + determined to be talkative, and make himself agreeable. +</p> +<p> + "Did you tell me just now, that your master hadn't gone out to-night?" + inquired Mrs. Nubbles. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Kit, "worse luck!" +</p> +<p> + "You should say better luck, I think," returned his mother, "because + Miss Nelly won't have been left alone." +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said Kit, "I forgot that. I said worse luck, because I've been + watching ever since eight o'clock, and seen nothing of her. Hark, what's + that?" +</p> +<p> + "It's only somebody outside." +</p> +<p> + "It's somebody crossing over here," said Kit, standing up to listen, + "and coming very fast too. He can't have gone out after I left, and the + house caught fire, mother!" +</p> +<p> + The boy stood for a moment, really bereft, by the apprehension he had + conjured up, of the power to move. The footsteps drew nearer, the door + was opened with a hasty hand, and the child herself, pale and + breathless, hurried into the room. +</p> +<p> + "Miss Nelly! What is the matter?" cried mother and son together. +</p> +<p> + "I must not stay a moment," she returned, "grandfather has been taken + very ill. I found him in a fit upon the floor." +</p> +<p> + "I'll run for a doctor——" said Kit, seizing his brimless hat. "I'll be + there directly, I'll——" +</p> +<p> + "No, no," cried Nell, "there is one there, you're not wanted, + you—you—must never come near us any more!" +</p> +<p> + "What!" roared Kit. +</p> +<p> + "Never again," said the child. "Don't ask me why, for I don't know. Pray + don't ask me why, pray don't be sorry, pray don't be vexed with me! I + have nothing to do with it indeed! +</p> +<p> + "He complains of you and raves of you," added the child, "I don't know + what you have done, but I hope it's nothing very bad." +</p> +<p> + "<i>I</i> done!" roared Kit. +</p> +<p> + "He cries that you're the cause of all his misery," returned the child, + with tearful eyes. "He screamed and called for you; they say you must + not come near him, or he will die. You must not return to us any more. I + came to tell you. I thought it would be better that I should. Oh, Kit, + what <i>have</i> you done? You, in whom I trusted so much, and who were + almost the only friend I had!" +</p> +<p> + The unfortunate Kit looked at his young mistress harder and harder, and + with eyes growing wider and wider, but was perfectly motionless and + still. +</p> +<p> + "I have brought his money for the week," said the child, looking to the + woman, and laying it on the table,—"and—and—a little more, for he was + always good and kind to me. I hope he will be sorry and do well + somewhere else and not take this to heart too much. It grieves me very + much to part with him like this, but there is no help. It must be done. + Good-night!" +</p> +<p> + With the tears streaming down her face, and her slight figure trembling + with intense agitation, the child hastened to the door, and disappeared + as rapidly as she had come. +</p> +<p> + The poor woman, who had no cause to doubt her son, but every reason for + relying on his honesty and truth, was staggered, notwithstanding, by his + not having advanced one word in his own defence. +</p> +<p> + Visions of gallantry, knavery, robbery, flocked into her brain and + rendered her afraid to question him. She rocked herself upon a chair, + wringing her hands and weeping bitterly. The baby in the cradle woke up + and cried; the boy in the clothes-basket fell over on his back with the + basket on him, and was seen no more; the mother wept louder yet and + rocked faster; but Kit, insensible to all the din and tumult, remained + in a state of utter stupefaction. +</p> +<p> + Of course, after that there was nothing for him to do but to keep as far + away as possible from the shop, which he did, except in the evenings, + when he often stole beneath Nell's window on a chance of merely seeing + her. One night he was rewarded by a scrap of whispered conversation with + her from her window. She told him how sick her grandfather had been, and + over and over Kit reiterated all there was for him to say—that he had + done nothing to cause that sickness. +</p> +<p> + "He'll be sure to get better now," said the boy, anxiously, "when he + does, say a good word—say a kind word for me, Miss Nell!" +</p> +<p> + "They tell me I must not even mention your name to him for a long, long + time," rejoined the child. "I dare not; and even if I might, what good + would a kind word do you, Kit? We shall be very poor they say. We shall + scarcely have bread to eat, for everything has been taken from us." +</p> +<p> + "It's not that I may be taken back," said the boy. "No, it's not that. + It isn't for the sake of food and wages that I've been waiting about in + hopes of seeing you. Don't think that I'd come in a time of trouble to + talk of such things as them. It's something very different from that. + Perhaps he might think it over-venturesome of me to say—well then,—to + say this," said Kit, with sudden boldness. "This home is gone from you + and him. Mother and I have got a poor one, and why not come there, till + he's had time to look about and find a better? You think," said the boy, + "that it's very small and inconvenient. So it is, but it's very clean. + Do try, Miss Nell, do try. The little front room upstairs is very + pleasant. Mother says it would be just the thing for you, and so it + would; and you'd have her to wait upon you both, and me to run errands. + We don't mean money, bless you; you're not to think of that! Will you + try him, Miss Nell? Only say you'll try him. Do try to make old master + come, and ask him first what I have done. Will you only promise that, + Miss Nell?" +</p> +<p> + The street door opened suddenly just then, and, conscious that they were + overheard, Nell closed her window quickly, and Kit stole away. And that + was his last view of his beloved mistress, for shortly afterwards the + Old Curiosity Shop was vacant of its tenants. Little Nell and her + grandfather had quietly slipped away, under cover of night, to face + their poverty in a new place; where, no one knew or could find out; and + all that remained to Kit to remind him of his past, was Nell's bird, + which he rescued from the shop, (now in Quilp's hands), took home, and + hung in his window, to the immeasurable delight of his whole family. +</p> +<p> + It now remained for Kit to find a new situation, and he roamed the city + in search of one daily. He was quite tired out with pacing the streets, + to say nothing of repeated disappointments, and was sitting down upon a + step to rest, one day, when there approached towards him a little + clattering, jingling, four-wheeled chaise, drawn by a little + obstinate-looking, rough-coated pony, and driven by a little + placid-faced old gentleman. Beside the little old gentleman sat a little + old lady, plump and placid like himself. As they passed where he sat, + Kit looked so wistfully at the little turnout, that the old gentleman + looked at him. Kit rising and putting his hand to his hat, the old + gentleman intimated to the pony that he wished to stop, to which + proposal the pony graciously acceded. +</p> +<p> + "I beg your pardon, sir," said Kit. "I'm sorry you stopped, sir, I only + meant, did you want your horse minded." +</p> +<p> + "I'm going to get down in the next street," returned the old gentleman. + "If you like to come on after us, you may have the job." +</p> +<p> + Kit thanked him, and joyfully obeyed, and held the refractory little + beast until the little old lady and little old gentleman came out, and + the old gentleman, taking his seat and the reins again, put his hand in + his pocket to find a sixpence for Kit. Not a sixpence could he find, and + he thought a shilling too much, but there was no shop in the street to + get change at, so he gave it to the boy. +</p> +<p> + "There," he said jokingly, "I'm coming here again next Monday at the + same time, and mind you're here, my lad, to work it out!" +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, sir," said Kit. "I'll be sure to be here." +</p> +<p> + He was quite serious, but they laughed heartily at his saying so, and + then the pony started off on a brisk trot, and Kit was left alone. + Having expended his treasure in such purchases as he knew would be most + acceptable at home, not forgetting some seed for the bird, he hastened + back as fast as he could. +</p> +<p> + Day after day, as he bent his steps homeward, returning from some new + effort to procure employment, Kit raised his eyes to the window of the + little room he had so much commended to the child Nell, and hoped to see + some indication of her presence. +</p> +<p> + "I think they must certainly come to-morrow, eh, mother?" said Kit, + laying aside his hat with a weary air, and sighing as he spoke. "They + have been gone a week. They surely couldn't stop away more than a week, + could they now?" +</p> +<p> + The mother shook her head, and reminded him how often he had been + disappointed already, and Kit, looking very mournful, clambered up to + the nail, took down the cage, and set himself to clean it, and to feed + the bird. His thoughts reverting from this occupation to the little old + gentleman who had given him the shilling, he suddenly recollected that + that was the very day—nay, nearly the very hour—at which the old + gentleman had said he should be at the Notary's office again. He no + sooner remembered this, than hastily explaining the nature of his + errand, he went off at full speed to the appointed place, and although + when he arrived there it was full two minutes after the time set, there + was as yet no pony-chaise to be seen. Greatly relieved, Kit leaned + against a lamp-post to take breath, and waited. Before long the pony + came trotting round the corner of the street, and behind him sat the + little old gentleman, and the little old lady. +</p> +<p> + Upon the pony's refusing to stand at the proper place, the old gentleman + alighted to lead him; whereupon the pony darted off with the old lady, + and stopped at the right house, leaving the old gentleman to come + panting on behind. +</p> +<p> + It was then that Kit presented himself at the pony's head, and touched + his hat with a smile. +</p> +<p> + "Why, bless me," cried the old gentleman, "the lad <i>is</i> here! My dear, + do you see?" +</p> +<p> + "I said I'd be here, sir," said Kit, patting Whisker's neck. "I hope + you've had a pleasant ride, sir. He's a very nice little pony." +</p> +<p> + "My dear," said the old gentleman. "This is an uncommon lad; a good lad, + I'm sure." +</p> +<p> + "I'm sure he is," rejoined the old lady, "A very good lad, and I am sure + he is a good son." +</p> +<p> + Kit acknowledged these expressions of confidence by touching his hat + again and blushing very much. Then the old gentleman helped the old lady + out, and they went into the office—talking about him as they went, Kit + could not help feeling, and a few minutes later he was called in. +</p> +<p> + Kit entered in a great tremor, for he was not used to going among + strange ladies and gentlemen, and the tin boxes and bundles of dusty + papers had in his eyes an awful and a venerable air. Mr. Witherden, the + notary, was a bustling gentleman, who talked loud and fast. +</p> +<p> + "Well, boy," said Mr. Witherden, "you came to work out that + shilling,—not to get another, hey?" +</p> +<p> + "No indeed, sir," replied Kit, taking courage to look up. "I never + thought of such a thing." +</p> +<p> + "Now," said the old gentleman, Mr. Garland, when they had asked some + further questions of Kit, "I am not going to give you anything." "But," + he added, "perhaps I may want to know something more about you, so tell + me where you live." +</p> +<p> + Kit told him, and the old gentleman wrote down the address with his + pencil. He had scarcely done so, than there was a great uproar in the + street, and the old lady, hurrying to the window, cried that Whisker had + run away, upon which Kit darted out to the rescue, and the others + followed. Even in running away, however, Whisker was perverse, for he + had not gone far when he suddenly stopped. The old lady then stepped + into her seat, and Mr. Abel, her son, whom they had come to fetch, into + his. The old gentleman took his place also, and they drove away, more + than once turning to nod kindly to Kit, as he watched them from the + road. +</p> +<p> + When Kit reached home, to his amazement he found the pony and his owners + there too. +</p> +<p> + "We are here before you, you see, Christopher," said Mr. Garland, + smiling. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," said Kit, and as he said it, he looked towards his mother + for an explanation of the visit. +</p> +<p> + "The gentleman's been kind enough, my dear," said she, "to ask me + whether you were in a good place, or in any place at all, and when I + told him no, he was so good as to say that——" +</p> +<p> + "That we wanted a good lad in our house," said the old lady and the old + gentleman both together, "and that perhaps we might think of it, if we + found everything as we would wish it to be." +</p> +<p> + As this thinking of it plainly meant the thinking of engaging Kit, he + immediately fell into a great flutter; for the little old couple were + very methodical and cautious, and asked so many questions that he began + to be afraid there was no chance of his success; but to his surprise at + last he found himself formally hired at an annual income of Six Pounds, + over and above his board and lodging, by Mr. and Mrs. Garland, of Abel + Cottage, Finchley; and it was settled that he should repair to his new + abode on the next day but one. +</p> +<p> + "Well, mother," said Kit, hurrying back into the house, after he had + seen the old people to their carriage, "I think my fortune's about made + now." +</p> +<p> + "I should think it was indeed, Kit!" rejoined his mother. "Six pound a + year! Only think!" +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said Kit, trying to maintain the gravity which the consideration + of such a sum demanded, but grinning with delight in spite of himself. + "There's a property! Please God, we'll make such a lady of you for + Sundays, mother! such a scholar of Jacob, such a child of the baby, such + a room of the one upstairs! Six pound a year!" +</p> +<p> + The remainder of that day, and the whole of the next, were a busy time + for the Nubbles family, to whom everything connected with Kit's outfit + and departure was matter of as great moment as if he had been about to + penetrate into the interior of Africa, or to take a cruise round the + world. It would be difficult to suppose that there ever was a box which + was opened and shut so many times within four-and-twenty hours as that + which contained his wardrobe and necessaries; and certainly there never + was one which to two small eyes presented such a mine of clothing as + this mighty chest, with its three shirts, and proportionate allowance of + stockings and pocket-handkerchiefs, disclosed to the astonished vision + of little Jacob. +</p> +<p> + At last, after many kisses and hugs and tears, Kit left the house on the + next morning, and set out to walk to Finchley. +</p> +<p> + He wore no livery, but was dressed in a coat of pepper-and-salt, with + waistcoat of canary colour, and nether garments of iron-grey; besides + these glories, he shone in the lustre of a new pair of boots and an + extremely stiff and shiny hat. And in this attire, rather wondering that + he attracted so little attention, he made his way towards Abel Cottage. +</p> +<p> + It was a beautiful little cottage, with a thatched roof and little + spires at the gable-ends, and pieces of stained glass in some of the + windows. On one side of the house was a little stable, just the size for + the pony, with a little room over it, just the size for Kit. White + curtains were fluttering, and birds in cages were singing at the + windows; plants were arranged on either side of the path, and clustered + about the door; and the garden was bright with flowers in full bloom, + which shed a sweet odour all around. +</p> +<p> + Everything within the house and without seemed to be the perfection of + neatness and order. Kit looked about him, and admired, and looked again, + before he could make up his mind to turn his head and ring the bell. +</p> +<p> + He rung the bell a great many times, and yet nobody came. But at last, + as he was sitting upon the box thinking about giants' castles, and + princesses tied up to pegs by the hair of their heads, and dragons + bursting out from behind gates, and other incidents of a like nature, + common in story-books to youths on their first visit to strange houses, + the door was gently opened, and a little servant-girl, very tidy, + modest, and pretty, appeared. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose you're Christopher, sir?" said the servant-girl. +</p> +<p> + Kit got off the box, and said yes, he was, and was ushered in. +</p> +<p> + The old gentleman received him very kindly, and so did the old lady, + whose previous good opinion of him was greatly enhanced by his wiping + his boots on the mat. He was then taken into the parlour to be inspected + in his new clothes; and then was shown the garden and his little room, + and when the old gentleman had said all he had to say in the way of + promise and advice, and Kit had said all he had to say in the way of + assurance and thankfulness, he was handed over again to the old lady, + who, summoning the little servant-girl (whose name was Barbara), + instructed her to take him downstairs and give him something to eat and + drink after his walk. +</p> +<p> + From that time Kit's was a useful, pleasant life, moving on in a + peaceful routine of duties and innocent joys from day to day, and from + week to week,—until the great, longed-for epoch of his life + arrived—the day of receiving, for the first time, one-fourth part of + his annual income of Six Pounds. It was to be a half-holiday, devoted to + a whirl of entertainments, and little Jacob was to know what oysters + meant, and to see a play. +</p> +<p> + The day arrived, and wasn't Mr. Garland kind when he said to + him,—"Christopher, here's your money, and you have earned it + well;"—which praise in itself was worth as much as his wages. +</p> +<p> + Then the play itself! The horses which little Jacob believed from the + first to be alive,—and the ladies and gentlemen, of whose reality he + could be by no means persuaded, having never seen or heard anything at + all like them—the firing, which made Barbara (who had a holiday too) + wink—the forlorn lady who made her cry—the tyrant who made her + tremble—the clown who ventured on such familiarities with the military + man in boots—the lady who jumped over the nine-and-twenty ribbons and + came down safe upon the horse's back—everything was delightful, + splendid, and surprising! Little Jacob applauded until his hands were + sore; Kit cried "an-kor" at the end of everything; and Barbara's mother + beat her umbrella on the floor, in her ecstasies, until it was nearly + worn down to the gingham. +</p> +<p> + What was all this though—even all this—to the extraordinary + dissipation that ensued, when Kit, walking into an oyster-shop, as bold + as if he lived there, led his party into a box—a private box, fitted up + with red curtains, white tablecloth, and cruet-stand complete—and + ordered a fierce gentleman with whiskers, who acted as waiter, and + called him "Christopher Nubbles, sir," to bring three dozen of his + largest-size oysters, and look sharp about it! Then they fell to work + upon the supper in earnest; and ate and laughed and enjoyed themselves + so thoroughly that it did Kit good to see them, and made him laugh and + eat likewise, from strong sympathy. But the greatest miracle of the + night was little Jacob, who ate oysters as if he had been born and bred + to the business. There was the baby, too, who sat as good as gold, + trying to force a large orange into his mouth, and gazing intently at + the lights in the chandelier,—there he was, sitting in his mother's + lap, and making indentations in his soft visage with an oyster-shell, so + contentedly that a heart of iron must have loved him! In short, there + never was a more successful supper; and when Kit proposed the health of + Mrs. and Mr. Garland, there were not six happier people in the world. + But all happiness has an end, and as it was now growing late, they + agreed that it was time to turn their faces homeward—and the great day + was at an end. +</p> +<p> + One morning just before this, when Kit was out exercising the pony, he + was called into the office where he had first seen Mr. and Mrs. Garland, + to be examined by a strange gentleman concerning what he knew of little + Nell and her grandfather. The gentleman told Kit that he was trying by + every means in his power to discover their hiding-place; and, finally, + after Kit had repeated all that he could remember of the life and words + of his beloved Miss Nelly and the old man, the stranger slipped a + half-crown into his hand and dismissed him. The strange gentleman liked + Kit so much that he desired to have him in his own service, but the boy + stoutly refused to leave his kind employer. At Mr. Garland's suggestion, + however, he offered his services to the stranger for an hour or two + every day, and from that came trouble to Kit. +</p> +<p> + Each day, going up and down, to and from the stranger's room, he had to + pass through the office of one Sampson Brass, attorney; who, through the + agency of Quilp, who was Sampson Brass's best client, was prejudiced + against Kit, and pledged to the little dwarf to do him all the injury + that he could, for venomous little Quilp had never forgiven the boy who + had been connected with his ruined client, and had called him "the + ugliest dwarf to be seen for a penny"; and he desired vengeance at any + cost. +</p> +<p> + Every time that Kit passed through the office, Mr. Brass spoke kindly to + him, and not seldom gave him half-crowns, which made Kit, who from the + first had disliked the man, think that he had misjudged him. Then one + day when Kit had been minding the office a few moments for Mr. Brass, + and was running towards home, in haste to do his work there, Mr. Brass + and his clerk, Dick Swiveller, rushed out after him. +</p> +<p> + "Stop!" cried Sampson, laying his hand on one shoulder, while Mr. + Swiveller pounced upon the other. "Not so fast, sir. You're in a hurry?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I am," said Kit, looking from one to the other in great surprise. +</p> +<p> + "I—I—can hardly believe it," panted Sampson, "but something of value + is missing from the office. I hope you don't know what." +</p> +<p> + "Know what! good heaven, Mr. Brass!" cried Kit, trembling from head to + foot; "you don't suppose——" +</p> +<p> + "No, no," rejoined Brass, quickly, "I don't suppose anything. You will + come back quietly, I hope?" +</p> +<p> + "Of course I will," returned Kit. "Why not?" +</p> +<p> + Kit did turn from white to red, and from red to white again, when they + secured him, each by an arm, and for a moment he seemed disposed to + resist. But, quickly recollecting himself, and remembering that if he + made any struggle, he would perhaps be dragged by the collar through the + public streets, he suffered them to lead him off. +</p> +<p> + "Now, you know," said Brass, when they had entered the office, and + locked the door, "if this is a case of innocence, Christopher, the + fullest disclosure is the best satisfaction for everybody. Therefore, if + you'll consent to an examination, it will be a comfortable and pleasant + thing for all parties." +</p> +<p> + "<i>SEARCH ME</i>" said Kit, proudly, holding up his arms. "But mind, sir,—I + know you'll be sorry for this to the last day of your life." +</p> +<p> + "It is certainly a very painful occurrence," said Brass, with a sigh, + but commencing the search with vigour. All at once an exclamation from + Dick Swiveller and Miss Brass, Sampson's sister, who was also present, + cut the lawyer short He turned his head, and saw Dick, who had been + holding Kit's hat, standing with the missing bank-note in his hand. +</p> +<p> + "In the hat?" cried Brass, in a sort of shriek, "<i>Under the + handkerchief, and tucked beneath the lining</i>," said Mr. Swiveller, + aghast, at the discovery. Mr. Brass looked at him, at his sister, at the + walls, at the ceiling, at the floor, everywhere but at Kit, who stood + quite stupefied and motionless. +</p> +<p> + Like one entranced, he stood, eyes wide opened, and fixed upon the + ground, until the constable came, and he found himself being driven away + in a coach, to the jail, where he was lodged for the night—still dazed + by the terrible change in his affairs. +</p> +<p> + It was a long night, but Kit slept, and dreamed too—always of being at + liberty. At last the morning dawned, and the turnkey who came to unlock + his cell, and show him where to wash, told him that there was a regular + time for visiting every day, and that if any of his friends came to see + him, he would be fetched down to the grate, and that he was lodged apart + from the mass of prisoners, because he was not supposed to be utterly + depraved and irreclaimable. Kit was thankful for this indulgence, and + sat reading the Church Catechism, until the man entered again. +</p> +<p> + "Now then," he said. "Come on!" +</p> +<p> + "Where to, sir?" asked Kit. +</p> +<p> + The man contented himself by briefly replying "Wisitors," and led Kit + down behind a grating, outside which, and beyond a railing, Kit saw with + a palpitating heart, his mother with the baby in her arms; and poor + little Jacob, who, when he saw his brother, and thrusting his arms + between the rails to hug him, found that he came no nearer, began to cry + most piteously, whereupon Kit's mother burst out sobbing and weeping + afresh. Poor Kit could not help joining them, and not a word was spoken + for some time. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, my darling Kit!" said his mother at last "That I should see my poor + boy here!" +</p> +<p> + "You don't believe that I did what they accuse me of, mother, dear?" + cried Kit, in a choking voice. +</p> +<p> + "I, believe it!" exclaimed the poor woman. "I, that never knew you tell + a lie or do a bad action from your cradle. I believe it of the son + that's been a comfort to me from the hour of his birth until this time! + <i>I</i> believe it of <i>you</i>, Kit!" +</p> +<p> + "Why then, thank God!" said Kit. "Come what may, I shall always have one + drop of happiness in my heart when I think that you said that." +</p> +<p> + At this the poor woman fell a-crying again, and soon, all too soon, the + turnkey cried "Time's up!" and Kit was taken off in an instant, with a + blessing from his mother and a scream from little Jacob ringing in his + ears. +</p> +<p> + Eight weary days dragged themselves along, and on the ninth the case of + Christopher Nubbles came up in Court; and the aforesaid Christopher was + called upon to plead guilty or not guilty to an indictment for that he, + the aforesaid Christopher, did feloniously abstract and steal from the + dwelling-house and office of one Sampson Brass, gentleman, one bank-note + for five pounds, issued for Governor and Company of the Bank of England. +</p> +<p> + By a cleverly worked-up case on his opponent's side, Kit is so + cross-examined as to be found guilty by the jury, and is sentenced to be + transported for a term of years. +</p> +<p> + Kit's mother, poor woman, is waiting, and when the news is told a sad + interview ensues. "<i>He never did it</i>!" she cries. +</p> +<p> + "Well," says the turnkey, "I won't contradict you. It's all one now, + whether he did it or not." +</p> +<p> + "Some friend will rise up for us, mother," cried Kit. "I am sure. If not + now, before long. My innocence will come out, mother, and I shall be + brought back again, I feel confident of that. You must teach little + Jacob and the baby how all this was, for if they thought I had ever been + dishonest, when they grew old enough to understand, it would break my + heart to know it, if I was thousands of miles away. Oh, is there no good + gentleman here who will take care of her!" +</p> +<p> + In all Kit's life that was the darkest moment, when he saw his mother + led away, half fainting, and heard the grating of his cell door as he + entered—entangled in a network of false evidence and treachery from + which there seemed no way of escape. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile, however, while Kit was being found guilty, a young servant in + the employ of the Brasses was also guilty of listening at keyholes, + listening to a conversation which was not intended for her ears, in + which she heard the entire plot by which Mr. Brass had entrapped and + condemned Kit. How he had himself placed the money in Kit's hat while it + lay upon the office table; and how the whole plan had been successful. + The small servant, friendly to Kit, and hating her employers, lost no + time in repeating what she had heard to Mr. Garland, and he, the notary, + and the strange gentleman, after carefully arranging their plan, + confronted the Brasses with evidence of their guilt so overwhelmingly + true, that they could do nothing but confess their crime, and Kit's + innocence, while Mr. Garland hastened to him with the glad news of his + freedom. +</p> +<p> + Lighted rooms, bright fires, cheerful faces, the music of glad voices, + words of love and welcome, warm hearts and tears of happiness—what a + change is this! But it is to such delights that Kit is hastening. They + are awaiting him, he knows. He fears he will die of joy before he gets + among them. +</p> +<p> + When they are drawing near their journey's end he begs they may go more + slowly, and when the house appears in sight that they may stop,—only + for a minute or two, to give him time to breathe. +</p> +<p> + But there is no stopping then, for they are already at the garden gate. + Next minute they are at the door. There is a noise of tongues and a + tread of feet inside. It opens. Kit rushes in and finds his mother + clinging round his neck. And there is Mrs. Garland, neater and nicer + than ever, fainting away stone dead with nobody to help her; and there + is Mr. Abel violently blowing his nose and wanting to embrace everybody; + and there is the strange gentleman hovering round them all, and there is + that good, dear little Jacob sitting all alone by himself on the bottom + stair, with his hands on his knees, like an old man, roaring fearfully + without giving any trouble to anybody; and each and all of them are for + the time clean out of their wits. +</p> +<p> + Well! In the next room there are decanters of wine, and all that sort of + thing set out as grand as if Kit and his friends were first-rate + company; and there is little Jacob walking, as the popular phrase is, + into a home-made plum cake at a most surprising rate, and keeping his + eye on the figs and oranges which are to follow. +</p> +<p> + Kit no sooner comes in than the strange gentleman drinks his health, and + tells him he shall never want a friend as long as he lives, and so does + Mr. Garland, and so does Mrs. Garland, and so does Mr. Abel. But even + this honour and distinction is not all, for the strange gentleman + forthwith pulls out of his pocket a massive silver watch—and upon the + back of this watch is engraved Kit's name with flourishes all over—and + in short it is Kit's watch, bought expressly for him. Mr. and Mrs. + Garland can't help hinting about their present, in store, and Mr. Abel + tells outright that he has his; and Kit is the happiest of the happy. +</p> +<p> + There is one friend that Kit has not seen yet, and he takes the first + opportunity of slipping away and hurrying to the stable, and when Kit + goes up to caress and pat him, the pony rubs his nose against his coat + and fondles him more lovingly than ever pony fondled man. It is the + crowning circumstance of his earnest, heartfelt reception; and Kit + fairly puts his arm round Whisker's neck and hugs him. +</p> +<p> + Happy Christopher!—the darkest days of his life are past—the brightest + are yet to be. Let us wish him all joy and prosperity and leave him on + the threshold of manhood! +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH8"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + JO, THE CROSSING SWEEPER +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-9"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/jo.jpg" width="273" height="405" + alt="Jo, the Crossing Sweeper" ></p> +<h4>Jo, the Crossing Sweeper</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + JO, THE CROSSING SWEEPER +</h3> +<p> + Jo lives in a ruinous place, known to the likes of him by the name of + Tom-all-Alone's. It is a black dilapidated street, avoided by all decent + people; where the crazy houses were seized upon when their decay was far + advanced, by some bold vagrants, who, after establishing their + possession, took to letting them out in lodgings. +</p> +<p> + Jo sweeps his crossing all day long, and if he is asked a question he + replies that he "don't know nothink." He knows that it's hard to keep + the mud off the crossing in dirty weather, and harder still to live by + doing it. Nobody taught him that much—he found it out. +</p> +<p> + Indeed, everything poor Jo knows he has had to find out for himself, for + no one has even taken the trouble to tell him his real name. +</p> +<p> + It must be a strange state to be like Jo, not to know the feeling of a + whole suit of clothes—to wear even in summer the same queer remnant of + a fur cap; to be always dirty and ragged; to shuffle through the + streets, unfamiliar with the shapes, and in utter darkness as to the + meaning, of those mysterious symbols so abundant over the doors and at + corners of the streets, and on the doors and in the windows. To see + people read, and to see people write, and to see the postman deliver + letters, and not to have the least idea of all that language,—to be to + all of it stone blind and dumb. +</p> +<p> + It must be very puzzling to be hustled and jostled, and moved on, and to + really feel that I have no business here or there or anywhere; and yet + to be perplexed by the consideration that I <i>am</i> here somehow, too, and + everybody overlooked me until I became the creature that I am. +</p> +<p> + One cold winter night when Jo was shivering near his crossing, a + stranger passed him; turned, looked at him intently, then came back and + began to ask him questions from which he found out that Jo had not a + friend in the world. +</p> +<p> + "Neither have I, not one," added the man, and gave him the price of a + supper and lodging. And from that day Jo was no longer friendless, for + the stranger often spoke to him, and asked him whether he slept sound at + night, and how he bore cold and hunger; and whether he ever wished to + die; and other strange questions. Then when the man had no money he + would say, "I am as poor as you to-day, Jo," but when he had any he + always shared it with Jo. +</p> +<p> + But there came a time not long after this, when the stranger was found + dead in his bed, in the house of Crook, the rag-and-bottle merchant, + where he had lodgings; and nothing could be found out about his life or + the reason for his sudden death. So a jury had to be brought together to + ferret out the mystery, if possible, and to discover whether the man's + death was accidental or whether he died by his own hand. No one knew + him, and he had never been seen talking to a human soul except the boy + that swept the crossing, down the lane over the way, round the + corner,—otherwise Jo. +</p> +<p> + So Jo was called in as a witness at the inquest. Says the coroner, "Is + that boy here?" +</p> +<p> + Says the beadle, "No, sir, he is not here." +</p> +<p> + Says the coroner, "Go and fetch him then." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, here's the boy, gentlemen!" +</p> +<p> + Here he is, very muddy, very hoarse, very ragged. Now, boy! But stop a + minute. Caution. This boy must be put through a few preliminary paces. +</p> +<p> + Name Jo. Nothink else that he knows on. Don't know that everybody has + two names. Don't know that Jo is short for a longer name. Thinks it long + enough for him. Spell it? No. He can't spell it. No father, no mother, + no friends. Never been to school. What's home? Knows a broom's a broom, + and knows it's wicked to tell a lie. Don't recollect who told him about + the broom or about the lie, but knows both. Can't exactly say what'll be + done to him after he's dead if he tells a lie to the gentleman here, but + believes it'll be something wery bad to punish him, and so he'll tell + the truth. "He wos wery good to me, he wos," added the boy, wiping his + eyes with his wretched sleeves. "When I see him a-laying so stritched + out just now, I wished he could have heerd me tell him so. He wos wery + good to me, he wos." +</p> +<p> + The jury award their verdict of accidental death, and the stranger is + hurried into a pine box and into an obscure corner of that great home + for the friendless and unmourned,—the Potter's field,—and night falls, + hiding from sight the new-made grave. +</p> +<p> + With the night comes a slouching figure through the tunnel court, to the + outside of the iron gate of the Potter's field. It holds the gate with + its hands, and looks in between the bars. Stands looking in for a little + while. It then takes an old broom it carries, softly sweeps the step, + and makes the archway clean. It does so very busily and trimly; looks in + again a little while, and so departs. +</p> +<p> + Jo, is it thou? Well, well? +</p> +<p> + Though thou art neither a gentleman nor the son of a gentleman, there is + an expression of gratitude and of loyalty, worthy of gentle blood, + indicative of noble character, in thy muttered reason for this:—— +</p> +<p> + "He wos wery good to me, he wos." +</p> +<p> + Once more without a friend, Jo sweeps his crossing day after day. + Before the stranger came into his life, he had drifted along in his + accustomed place, more unreasoning than an intelligent dog; but the hand + of a human comrade had been laid in his, and it had awakened his + humanity; and now as he sweeps he thinks—about the stranger—wonders + where he has gone to, and how he died. +</p> +<p> + As it seemed to Jo that the world was bounded on all sides by the events + in Tom-all-Alone's, he was not at all surprised one day to have another + stranger come to his crossing and ask him many questions concerning the + dead man. He was glad to talk of him, to tell again all that he knew of + his life and death, and to show where they had buried him. The interview + over, Jo is overwhelmed to find his hand closed over a piece of money + larger than he has ever owned before. +</p> +<p> + His first proceeding is to hold the piece of money to the gas-light, and + to be overpowered at finding that it is yellow gold. His next is to give + it a one-sided bite at the edge, as a test of its quality. His next, to + put it in his mouth for safety, and to sweep the step and passage with + great care. His job done, he sets off for Tom-all-Alone's, stopping in + the light of innumerable gas-lamps to produce the piece of gold, and + give it another one-sided bite as a reassurance of its being genuine; + and then shuffles off, back to his crossing; little dreaming—poor + Jo!—that because of his presence at the inquest, and because of this + interview, the rest of his existence is to be even more wretched than + his past has been. He little dreams that persons great and powerful in + the outer world were connected with the secret of his friend's life and + death; but it is even so, and those who fear to have anything brought to + light concerning him, hire officers to hunt Jo away from + Tom-all-Alone's,—the only home he has ever known,—to keep him as far + out of reach as possible, because he knew more about the stranger than + any one else. He does not understand it at all, but from that minute + there seems always to be an officer in sight telling him to "move on." +</p> +<p> + At a summons to his shop one day, Mr. Snagsby, the law-stationer (in + whose employ the dead man was, and who has always been kind to Jo when + chance has thrown him in his way), descends to find a police constable + holding a ragged boy by the arm. "Why, bless my heart," says Mr. + Snagsby, "what's the matter?" +</p> +<p> + "This boy," says the constable, calmly, "although he's repeatedly told + to, won't move on." +</p> +<p> + "I'm always a-moving on, sir," cries the boy, wiping away his grimy + tears with his arm. "Where can I possibly move to more nor I do?" +</p> +<p> + "Don't you come none of that, or I shall make blessed short work of + you," says the constable, giving him a passionless shake. "My + instructions are that you are to move on." +</p> +<p> + "But where?" cries the boy. +</p> +<p> + "Well, really, constable, you know," says Mr. Snagsby, "really that + <i>does</i> seem a question. Where, you know?" +</p> +<p> + "My instructions don't go to that," replies the constable. "My + instructions are that this boy is to move on, and the sooner you're five + miles away the better for all parties." +</p> +<p> + Jo shuffles away from the spot where he has been standing, picking bits + of fur from his cap and putting them in his mouth; but before he goes + Mr. Snagsby loads him with some broken meats from the table, which he + carries away hugging in his arms. +</p> +<p> + Jo goes on, down to Blackfriars Bridge, where he finds a baking stony + corner wherein to settle his repast. There he sits munching and + gnawing—the sun going down, the river running fast, the crowd flowing + by him in two streams—everything passing on to some purpose, and to one + end, until he is stirred up, and told to move on again. +</p> +<p> + Desperate with being moved on so many times, Jo tramps out of London + down to St. Albans, where, exhausted from hunger and from exposure to + extreme cold, he takes refuge in the cottage of a bricklayer's wife. A + young lady who happens to be making a charity call on the woman in the + cottage—sees his feverish, excited condition, and questions him. +</p> +<p> + "I am a-being froze," said the boy hoarsely, with his haggard gaze + wandering about. "And then burnt up, and then froze, and then burnt up, + ever so many times in an hour, and my head's all sleepy, and all a-going + mad like—I'm so dry—and my bones isn't half as much bones as pains." +</p> +<p> + "When did he come from London?" the young lady asked. +</p> +<p> + "I come from London yesterday," said the boy himself, now flushed and + hot. "I'm a-going somewheres. Somewheres," he repeated in a louder tone. + "I have been moved on and moved on, more nor I wos afore. Mrs. Snagsby, + she's allus a-watching and a-driving of me. What have I done to her? And + they're all a-watching and a-driving of me. Everyone of them's doing of + it from the time when I don't get up to the time when I don't go to bed. + And I'm a-going somewheres, that's where I'm a-going!" +</p> +<p> + So in an oblivious half-insensible way he shuffled out of the house. The + young lady hurried after him, and presently came up with him. He must + have begun his journey with some small bundle under his arm, and must + have lost it or had it stolen, for he still carried his wretched + fragment of a fur cap like a bundle, though he went bareheaded through + the rain, which now fell fast. +</p> +<p> + He stopped when she called him, standing with his lustrous eyes fixed on + her, and even arrested in his shivering fit. She urged him to go with + her, and though at first he shook his head, at last he turned and + followed her. She led the way to her home, where the servants, sorry for + his pitiable condition, made a bed for him in a warm loft-room by the + stable, where he was safely housed for the night and cared for. +</p> +<p> + The next morning the young lady was awakened at an early hour by an + unusual noise outside her window, and called out to one of the men to + know the meaning of it. +</p> +<p> + "It's the boy, miss," said he. +</p> +<p> + "Is he worse?" she asked. +</p> +<p> + "Gone, miss!" +</p> +<p> + "Dead?" +</p> +<p> + "Dead, miss? No. Gone clean off!" +</p> +<p> + At what time of the night he had gone, or how or why, it seemed hopeless + ever to divine. Every possible inquiry was made, and every place + searched. The brick-kilns were examined, the cottages were visited, the + woman was particularly questioned, but she knew nothing of him; the + weather had been for some time too wet, and the night itself had been + too wet, to admit of any tracing of footsteps. Hedge and ditch, and wall + and rick, and stack were examined for a long distance round, lest the + boy should be lying in such a place insensible or dead; but nothing was + seen to indicate that he had ever been near. From the time when he left + the loft-room he vanished, and after five days the search was given up + as hopeless. Where had poor Jo moved on to now? +</p> +<p> + For some time it seemed that no one would ever know, but at last, not so + very long after this, a physician, Allan Woodcourt by name—who had + known something of Jo and his story—was wandering at night in the + miserable streets of Tom-all-Alone's, impelled by curiosity to see its + haunts by gas-light. After stopping to offer assistance to a woman + sitting on a doorstep, who had evidently come a long distance, he walks + away, and as he does so he sees a ragged figure coming very cautiously + along, crouching close to the walls. It is the figure of a youth whose + face is hollow, and whose eyes have an emaciated glare. He is so intent + on getting along unseen, that even the apparition of a stranger in whole + garments does not tempt him to look back. Allan Woodcourt pauses to look + after him, with a shadowy belief that he has seen the boy before. He + cannot recall how or where, but there is some association in his mind + with such a form. +</p> +<p> + He is gradually emerging from Tom-all-Alone's in the morning light, + thinking about it, when he hears running feet behind him, and, looking + around, sees the boy scouring toward him at a great speed, followed by + the woman. +</p> +<p> + "Stop him! stop him!" cries the woman; "stop him, sir!" +</p> +<p> + Allan, not knowing but that he has just robbed her of her money, follows + in chase, and runs so hard that he runs the boy down a dozen times; but + each time the boy makes a curve, ducks, dives under his hands, and + scours away again. At last the fugitive, hard pressed, takes to a narrow + passage which has no thoroughfare. Here he is brought to bay, and + tumbles down, lying down gasping at his pursuer until the woman comes + up. +</p> +<p> + "Oh you Jo," cries the woman, "what, I have found you at last!" +</p> +<p> + "Jo?" repeats Allan, looking at him with attention,—"Jo? Stay—to be + sure, I recollect this lad, some time ago, being brought before the + coroner!" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I see you once afore at the Inkwich," whimpered the boy. "What of + that? Can't you never let such an unfortnet as me alone? An't I + unfortnet enough for you yet? How unfortnet do you want me for to be? + I've been a-chivied and a-chivied, fust by one on you and nixt by + another on you, till I'm worritted to skins and bones. The Inkwich + warn't my fault; I done nothink. He wos very good to me he wos; he wos + the only one I knowed to speak to me as ever come across my crossing. It + ain't very likely I should want him to be Inkwich'd. I only wish I wos + myself!" +</p> +<p> + He says it with such a pitiable air that Allan Woodcourt is softened + toward him. He says to the woman, "What has he done?"—to which she only + replies, shaking her head,—— +</p> +<p> + "Oh you Jo! you Jo! I have found you at last!" +</p> +<p> + "What has he done?" says Allan. "Has he robbed you?" +</p> +<p> + "No, sir, no. Robbed me? He did nothing but what was kind-hearted by me, + and that's the wonder of it. But he was along with me, sir, down at St. + Albans, ill, and a young lady—Lord bless her for a good friend to + me!—took pity on him and took him home—took him home and made him + comfortable; and like a thankless monster he ran away in the night and + never has been seen or heard from since, till I set eyes on him just + now. And the young lady, that was such a pretty dear, caught his + illness, lost her beautiful looks, and wouldn't hardly be known for the + same young lady now. Do you know it? You ungrateful wretch, do you know + that this is all along of her goodness to you?" demands the woman. +</p> +<p> + The boy, stunned by what he hears, falls to smearing his dirty forehead + with his dirty palm, and to staring at the ground, and to shaking from + head to foot. +</p> +<p> + "You hear what she says!" Allan says to Joe. "You hear what she says, + and I know it's true. Have you been here ever since?" +</p> +<p> + "Wishermaydie if I seen Tom-all-Alone's till this blessed morning," + replies Jo, hoarsely. +</p> +<p> + "Why have you come here now?" +</p> +<p> + Jo looks all around and finally answers, "I don't know how to do + nothink and I can't get nothink to do. I'm very poor and ill and I + thought I'd come back here when there warn't nobody about and lay down + and hide somewheres as I knows on till arter dark, and then go and beg a + trifle of Mr. Snagsby. He wos allus willing fur to give me something, he + wos, though Mrs. Snagsby, she wos allus a-chivying me—like everybody + everywheres." +</p> +<p> + "Now, tell me," proceeds Allan, "tell me how it came about that you left + that house when the good young lady had been so unfortunate as to pity + you and take you home?" +</p> +<p> + Jo suddenly came out of his resignation, and excitedly declares that he + never known about the young lady; that he would sooner have hurt his own + self, and that he'd sooner have had his unfortnet head chopped off than + ever gone a-nigh her; and that she wos wery good to him she wos. +</p> +<p> + Allan Woodcourt sees that this is not a sham. +</p> +<p> + "Come, Jo, tell me," he urged. +</p> +<p> + "No, I durstn't," says Jo. "I durstn't or I would." +</p> +<p> + "But I must know," returns Allan, "all the same. Come, Jo!" +</p> +<p> + After two or three such adjurations, Jo lifts up his head again, and + says in a low voice, "Well, I'll tell you something. I was took away. + There!" +</p> +<p> + "Taken away?—In the night?" +</p> +<p> + Ah! very apprehensive of being overheard, Jo looks about him, and even + glances up some ten feet at the top of the boarding, and through the + cracks in it, lest the object of his distrust should be looking over, or + hidden on the other side. +</p> +<p> + "Who took you away?" +</p> +<p> + "I durstn't name him," says Jo. "I durstn't do it, sir." +</p> +<p> + "But I want, in the young lady's name, to know. You may trust me. No one + else shall hear." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, but I don't know," replies Jo, shaking his head fearfully, "as he + don't hear. He's in all manner of places all at wunst." +</p> +<p> + Allan looks at him in perplexity, but discovers some real meaning at the + bottom of this bewildering reply. He patiently awaits an explicit + answer, and Jo, more baffled by his patience than by anything else, at + last desperately whispers a name in his ear. +</p> +<p> + "Aye," says Allan. "Why, what had you been doing?" +</p> +<p> + "Nothink, sir. Never done nothink to get myself into no trouble 'cept in + not moving on, and the Inkwich. But I'm moving on now. I'm moving on to + the berryin'-ground—that's the move as I'm up to." +</p> +<p> + "No, no. We will try to prevent that. But what did he do with you?" +</p> +<p> + "Put me in a horspittle," replies Jo, whispering, "till I wor + discharged, then gave me a little money. 'Nobody wants you here,' he + ses. 'You go and tramp,' he ses. 'You move on,' he ses. 'Don't let me + ever see you nowheres within forty mile of London, or you'll repent it.' + So I shall if ever he does see me, and he'll see me if I'm above + ground," concludes Jo. +</p> +<p> + Allan considers a little, then remarks, turning to the woman, "He is not + so ungrateful as you supposed. He had a reason for going away, though it + was an insufficient one." +</p> +<p> + "Thank 'ee, sir, thank 'ee!" exclaims Jo. "There, now, see how hard you + was on me. But on'y you tell the young lady wot the genlmn ses, and it's + all right. For you wos wery good to me, too, and I knows it." +</p> +<p> + "Now, Jo," says Allan, "come with me and I will find you a better place + than this to lie down and hide in." +</p> +<p> + And Jo, repeating, "On'y you tell the young lady as I never went for to + hurt her, and what the genlmn ses," nods and shambles and shivers and + smears and blinks, and half-laughs and half-cries a farewell to the + woman, and takes his creeping way after Allan Woodcourt. +</p> +<p> + In a quiet, decent place, among people whom he knows will only treat the + boy with kindness, Allan finds Jo a room. +</p> +<p> + "Look here, Jo," says Allan, "this is Mr. George. He is a kind friend to + you, for he is going to give you a lodging here. You are quite safe + here. All you have to do at present is to be obedient, and to get + strong; and mind you tell us the truth here, whatever you do, Jo." +</p> +<p> + "Wishermaydie if I don't, sir," says Jo, reverting to his favourite + declaration. "I never done nothink yet but wot you knows on to get + myself into no trouble. I never wos in no other trouble at all, sir, + 'cept not knowing nothink and starwation." +</p> +<p> + "I believe it," said Allan; "and now you must lie down and rest." +</p> +<p> + "Let me lay here quiet, and not be chivied any more," falters Jo, after + he has been assisted to his bed and given medicine; "and be so kind any + person as is a-passing nigh where I used fur to sweep, as to say to Mr. + Snagsby that Jo, wot he knowed wunst, is a-movin' on right forards with + his duty, and I'll be wery thankful!" +</p> +<p> + At the boy's request, later, Mr. Snagsby is sent for, and Jo is very + glad to see his old friend, and says when they are alone that he "takes + it uncommon kind as Mr. Snagsby should come so far out of his way on + account of sich as him." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Snagsby," says Jo, "I went and give an illness to a lady, and none + of 'em never says nothink to me for having done it, on account of their + being so good and my having been so unfortnet. The lady come herself and + see me yes'day, and she ses, 'Jo,' she ses, 'we thought we'd lost you, + Jo,' she ses; and she sits down a-smilin' so quiet, and don't pass a + word nor yit a look upon me for having done it, she don't; and I turns + agin the wall, I doos, Mr. Snagsby. And Mr. Woodcot, he come to give me + somethink to ease me, wot he's allus a-doing on day and night, and wen + he come over me and a-speakin' up so bold, I see his tears a-fallin', + Mr. Snagsby." +</p> +<p> + After this, Jo lies in a stupor most of the time, and Allan Woodcourt, + coming in a little later, stands looking down on the wasted form, + thinking of the thousands of strong, merry boys to whom the story of + Jo's life would sound incredible. As he stands there, Jo rouses with a + start. +</p> +<p> + "Well, Jo, what is the matter? Don't be frightened." +</p> +<p> + "I thought," says Jo, who had stared and is looking around, "I thought I + wos in Tom-all-Alone's again. Ain't there nobody here but you, Mr. + Woodcot?" +</p> +<p> + "Nobody." +</p> +<p> + "And I ain't took back to Tom-all-Alone's. Am I, sir?" +</p> +<p> + "No." +</p> +<p> + Jo closes his eyes, muttering, "I'm wery thankful!" +</p> +<p> + After watching him closely for a little while, Allan puts his mouth very + near his ear, and says to him in a low, distinct voice: +</p> +<p> + "Jo, did you ever know a prayer?" +</p> +<p> + "Never knowed no think, sir!" +</p> +<p> + "Not so much as one short prayer?" +</p> +<p> + "No, sir. Nothink at all, sir. Mr. Chadbands he wos a-praying wunst at + Mr. Snagsby's, and I heerd him, but he sounded as if he wos a-speaking + to hisself and not to me. He prayed a lot, but I couldn't make out + nothink on it. I never knowed wot it wos all about." +</p> +<p> + It takes him a long time to say this, and few but an experienced and + attentive listener could hear, or hearing understand him. After a short + relapse into sleep or a stupor he makes of a sudden a strong effort to + get out of bed. +</p> +<p> + "Stay, Jo, what now?" +</p> +<p> + "It's time for me to go to that there berrying-ground, sir," he + returned with a wild look. +</p> +<p> + "Lie down and tell me what burying-ground, Jo." +</p> +<p> + "Where they laid him as wos wery good to me; wery good to me indeed he + wos! It's time for me to go down to that there berrying-ground and ask + to be put along with him. I wants to go there and be berried. He used + fur to say to me, 'I am as poor as you to-day, Jo,' he says. I wants to + tell him that I am as poor as him now, and have come there to be laid + along with him." +</p> +<p> + "By-and-by, Jo, by-and-by." +</p> +<p> + "Ah! P'raps they wouldn't do it if I wos to go myself. But will you + promise to have me took there, sir, and laid along with him?" +</p> +<p> + "I will, indeed!" +</p> +<p> + "Thank 'ee, sir. Thank 'ee, sir. They'll have to get the key of the gate + afore they can take me in, for it's always locked. And there 's a step + there as I used fur to clean with my broom. It's turned very dark, sir. + Is there any light a-coming?" +</p> +<p> + "It is coming fast, Jo, my poor fellow." +</p> +<p> + "I hear you, sir, in the dark, but I'm a-gropin'—a-gropin'—let me + catch hold of your hand!" +</p> +<p> + "Jo, can you say what I say?" +</p> +<p> + "I'll say anythink as you say, sir, fur I knows it's good." +</p> +<center> + "OUR FATHER," +</center> +<p> + "Our Father—yes, that's wery good, sir." +</p> +<center> + "WHICH ART IN HEAVEN," +</center> +<p> + "Art in Heaven—is the light a-coming, sir?" +</p> +<p> + "It is close at hand—HALLOWED BE THY NAME." +</p> +<p> + "Hallowed be—thy——" +</p> +<p> + The light is come upon the dark benighted way. The bewildering path is + cleared of shadows at last. Jo has moved on to a home prepared by + Eternal Love for such as he. +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH9"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + PAUL DOMBEY +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-10"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/paul.jpg" width="230" height="273" + alt="Paul Dombey and his Sister" ></p> +<h4>Paul Dombey and his Sister</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + PAUL DOMBEY +</h3> +<p> + As Mrs. Dombey died when little Paul was born, upon Mr. Dombey—the + pompous head of the great firm Dombey and Son—fell the entire + responsibility of bringing up his two children, Florence, then eight + years of age, and the tiny boy, Paul. Of Florence he took little notice; + girls never seemed to him to be of any special use in the world, but + Paul was the light of his eyes, his pride and joy, and in the delicate + child with his refined features and dreamy eyes, Mr. Dombey saw the + future representative of the firm, and his heir as well; and he could + not do enough for the boy who was to perpetuate the name of Dombey after + him. It seemed to Mr. Dombey that any one so fortunate as to be born his + son could not but thrive in return for so great a favour. So it was a + blow to him that Paul did not grow into a burly, hearty fellow. All + their vigilance and care could not make him a sturdy boy. +</p> +<p> + He was a pretty little fellow, though there was something wan and + wistful in his small face. His temper gave abundant promise of being + imperious in after life; and he had as hopeful an apprehension of his + own importance, and the rightful subservience of all other things and + persons to it as heart could wish. He was childish and sportive enough + at times, and not of a sullen disposition; but he had a strange, + old-fashioned, thoughtful way, at other times of sitting brooding in his + miniature arm-chair. At no time did he fall into it so surely as when + after dinner he sat with his father by the fire. They were the strangest + pair at such a time that ever fire-light shone upon. Dombey so erect and + solemn, gazing at the blaze; Paul with an old, old face peering into + the red perspective with the fixed and rapt attention of a sage, the two + so much alike and yet so monstrously contrasted. On one of these + occasions, when they had both been perfectly quiet for a long time, + little Paul broke the silence thus: +</p> +<p> + "Papa, what's money?" +</p> +<p> + The abrupt question took Mr. Dombey by surprise. +</p> +<p> + "What is money, Paul?" he answered, "Money?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said the child, laying his hands upon the elbows of his little + chair, and turning his face up towards Mr. Dombey. "What is money?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Dombey was in a difficulty. He would have liked to give him some + explanation, involving the terms, currency, bullion, rates of exchange, + etc., but he feared he might not be understood, so he answered: +</p> +<p> + "Gold and silver and copper. Guineas, shillings, halfpence. You know + what they are?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh yes, I know what they are," said Paul. "I don't mean that, papa. I + mean what is money after all?" +</p> +<p> + "What is money after all!"—said Mr. Dombey, backing his chair a little, + that he might the better gaze at the presumptuous atom who propounded + such an inquiry. +</p> +<p> + "I mean, papa, what can it do?" returned Paul. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Dombey patted him on the head. "You'll know better by-and-by, my + man," he said. "Money, Paul, can do anything." +</p> +<p> + "Anything, papa?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, anything—almost," said Mr. Dombey. +</p> +<p> + "Why didn't money save me my mama?" returned the child. "It isn't cruel, + is it?" +</p> +<p> + "Cruel?" said Mr. Dombey. "No. A good thing can't be cruel." +</p> +<p> + "If it's a good thing and can do anything," said the little fellow, + thoughtfully, as he looked back at the fire, "I wonder why it didn't + save me my mama." +</p> +<p> + He didn't ask the question of his father this time. Perhaps he had seen, + with a child's quickness, that it had already made his father + uncomfortable. But he repeated the thought aloud, as if it was quite an + old one to him, and had troubled him very much. +</p> +<p> + "It can't make me strong and quite well, either, papa; can it?" asked + Paul, after a short silence; rubbing his tiny hands. +</p> +<p> + "You are as strong and well as such little people usually are? Eh?" said + Mr. Dombey. +</p> +<p> + "Florence is older than I am, but I'm not as strong and well as + Florence, I know," returned the child; "I am so tired sometimes," said + little Paul, "and my bones ache so that I don't know what to do." +</p> +<p> + The unusual tone of that conversation so alarmed Mr. Dombey that the + very next day he began to inquire into the real state of Paul's health; + and as the doctor suggested that sea-air might be of benefit to the + child, to Brighton he was promptly sent, to remain until he should seem + benefited. He refused to go without Florence to whom he clung with a + passion of devotion which made Mr. Dombey both irritated and jealous to + see, wishing himself to absorb the boy's entire affection. +</p> +<p> + So to Brighton Paul and Florence went, in charge of Paul's nurse, + Wickam. They found board in the house of an old lady, Mrs. Pipchin by + name, whose temper was not of the best and whose methods of managing + children were rather peculiar. +</p> +<p> + At this exemplary old lady, Paul would sit staring in his little + armchair for any length of time. He never seemed to know what weariness + was when he was looking fixedly at Mrs. Pipchin. He was not fond of + her, he was not afraid of her, but she seemed to have a grotesque + attraction for him. +</p> +<p> + Once she asked him, when they were alone, what he was thinking about. +</p> +<p> + "You," said Paul, without the least reserve. +</p> +<p> + "And what are you thinking about me?" asked Mrs. Pipchin. +</p> +<p> + "I'm thinking how old you must be," said Paul. +</p> +<p> + "You mustn't say such things as that, young gentleman," returned the + dame. +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" asked Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Because it's not polite," said Mrs. Pipchin, snappishly. +</p> +<p> + "Not polite?" said Paul. +</p> +<p> + "No." +</p> +<p> + "It's not polite," said Paul innocently, "to eat all the mutton-chops + and toast, Wickam says." +</p> +<p> + "Wickam," retorted Mrs. Pipchin colouring, "is a wicked, impudent, + bold-faced hussy." +</p> +<p> + "What's that?" inquired Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Never you mind, sir," retorted Mrs. Pipchin. "Remember the story of the + little boy that was gored to death by a mad bull for asking questions." +</p> +<p> + "If the bull was mad," said Paul, "how did he know that the boy had + asked questions? Nobody can go and whisper secrets to a mad bull. I + don't believe that story." +</p> +<p> + "You don't believe it, sir?" repeated Mrs. Pipchin, amazed. +</p> +<p> + "No," said Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Not if it should happen to have been a tame bull, you little infidel?" + said Mrs. Pipchin. +</p> +<p> + As Paul had not considered the subject in that light, he allowed himself + to be put down for the present. But he sat turning it over in his mind + with such an obvious intention of fixing Mrs. Pipchin presently, that + even that hardy old lady deemed it prudent to retreat until he should + have forgotten the subject. +</p> +<p> + From that time Mrs. Pipchin appeared to have something of the same odd + kind of an attraction towards Paul as Paul had towards her. She would + make him move his chair to her side of the fire, instead of sitting + opposite, and there he would remain studying every line of Mrs. + Pipchin's face, while the old black cat lay coiled up on the fender + purring and winking at the fire, and Paul went on studying Mrs, Pipchin + and the cat and the fire, night after night, as if they were a history + of necromancy in three volumes. +</p> +<p> + At the end of a week, as Paul was no stronger, though he looked much + healthier in the face, a little carriage was got for him, in which he + could be wheeled down to the seaside. Consistent in his odd tastes, the + child set aside a ruddy faced lad, who was proposed as the drawer of + this carriage, and selected instead, his grandfather, Glubb by name, a + weazen, old, crab-faced man, in a suit of battered oilskins, who smelt + like a weedy sea-beach when the tide is out. With this notable attendant + to pull him along and Florence always by his side, he went down to the + margin of the ocean every day; and there he would sit or lie in his + carriage for hours together, never so distressed as at the company of + children. +</p> +<p> + He had even a dislike at such times to the company of nurse Wickham, and + was well pleased when she strolled away. His favourite spot was quite a + lonely one, far away from most loungers, and with Florence sitting by + his side at work, or reading to him, and the wind blowing on his face, + and the water coming up among the wheels of his bed, he wanted nothing + more. +</p> +<p> + For a year the children stayed at Brighton, going home but twice during + that time for a few days, but every Sunday Mr. Dombey spent with them at + the Brighton Hotel. +</p> +<p> + During the year Paul had grown strong enough to give up his carriage, + though he still looked thin and delicate, and still remained the same + dreamy, quiet child that he had been when consigned to Mrs. Pipchin's + care. +</p> +<p> + At length, on a Saturday afternoon, Mr. Dombey appeared with the news + that he was thinking of removing Paul to the school of one Doctor + Blimber, also at Brighton. +</p> +<p> + "I have had some communication with the doctor, Mrs. Pipchin," said Mr. + Dombey, "and he does not think Paul at all too young for his purposes. + My son is getting on, Mrs. Pipchin, really he is getting on." +</p> +<p> + "Six years old!" said Mr. Dombey, settling his neckcloth. "Dear me! six + will be changed to sixteen before we have time to look about us; and + there is no doubt, I fear, that in his studies he is behind many + children of his age—or his youth," said Mr. Dombey—"his youth is a + more appropriate expression. +</p> +<p> + "Now, Mrs. Pipchin, instead of being behind his peers, my son ought to + be before them, far before them. There is an eminence ready for him to + mount on. There is nothing of chance or doubt before my son. The + education of such a young gentleman must not be delayed. It must not be + left imperfect. It must be very steadily and seriously undertaken, Mrs. + Pipchin." +</p> +<p> + "Well, sir," said Mrs. Pipchin, "I can say nothing to the contrary." And + so to Doctor Blimber's Paul was sent. +</p> +<p> + The doctor's was a mighty fine house fronting the sea. Upon its doorstep + one day Paul stood with a fluttering heart, and with his small right + hand in his father's. His other hand was locked in that of Florence. The + doctor was sitting in his portentous study, with a globe at each knee, + books all round him, Homer over the door and Minerva on the + mantel-shelf. +</p> +<p> + Paul being somewhat too small to be seen from where the doctor sat, over + the books on his table, the doctor made several futile attempts to get a + view of him round the legs; which Mr. Dombey perceiving, relieved the + doctor from his embarrassment by taking Paul up in his arms, and sitting + him on another little table in the middle of the room. +</p> +<p> + "Ha!" said the doctor, leaning back in his chair. "Now I see my little + friend. How do you do, my little friend?" +</p> +<p> + "V-ery well, I thank you, sir," returned Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Ha!" said Doctor Blimber. "Shall we make a man of him?" +</p> +<p> + "Do you hear, Paul?" added Mr. Dombey, Paul being silent. +</p> +<p> + "I had rather be a child," replied Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" said the doctor. "Why?" +</p> +<p> + The child made no audible answer, and Doctor Blimber continued, "You + would wish my little friend to acquire——?" +</p> +<p> + "<i>Everything</i>, if you please, doctor," returned Mr. Dombey, firmly. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said the doctor. "Yes, exactly. Ha! We shall impart a great + variety of information to our little friend, and bring him quickly + forward." +</p> +<p> + At this moment Mrs. Blimber entered, followed by her daughter, and they + were duly presented to the Dombeys. There was no light nonsense about + Miss Blimber. She kept her hair short and crisp and wore spectacles. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Blimber, her mama, was not learned herself, but she pretended to + be, and that did quite as well. She said at evening parties, that if she + could have known Cicero, she thought she could have died content. It was + the steady joy of her life to see the doctor's young gentlemen go out + walking, in the largest possible shirt-collars and the stiffest + possible cravats. It was so classical, she said. +</p> +<p> + After the introductions were accomplished, Mrs. Blimber took Mr. Dombey + upstairs to inspect the dormitories. While they were gone Paul sat upon + the table, holding Florence by the hand, and glancing timidly from the + doctor round and round the room, while the doctor held a book from him + at arm's length and read. +</p> +<p> + Presently Mr. Dombey and Mrs. Blimber returned. +</p> +<p> + "I hope, Mr. Dombey," said the doctor laying down his book, "that the + arrangements meet with your approval?" +</p> +<p> + "They are excellent, sir," said Mr. Dombey, and added, "I think I have + given all the trouble I need, and may now take my leave. Paul my child, + good-bye." +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, papa." +</p> +<p> + The limp and careless little hand, that Mr. Dombey took in his, was + singularly out of keeping with the wistful little face. But he had no + part in its sorrowful expression. It was not addressed to him. No, no! + To Florence, all to Florence. +</p> +<p> + "I shall see you soon, Paul," said Mr. Dombey, bending over to kiss the + child. "You are free on Saturdays and Sundays, you know." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, papa," returned Paul, looking at his sister. "On Saturdays and + Sundays." +</p> +<p> + "And you'll try and learn a great deal here and be a clever man," said + Mr. Dombey; "won't you?" +</p> +<p> + "I'll try," said the boy, wearily, and then after his father had patted + him on the head, and pressed his small hand again, and after he had one + last long hug from Florence, he was left with the globes, the books, + blind Homer and Minerva, while Doctor Blimber saw Mr. Dombey to the + door. +</p> +<p> + After the lapse of some minutes, Doctor Blimber came back, and the + doctor lifting his new pupil off the table delivered him over to Miss + Blimber's care. Miss Blimber received his young ward from the doctor's + hands; and Paul, feeling that the spectacles were surveying him, cast + down his eyes. +</p> +<p> + "How much of your Latin Grammar do you know, Dombey?" said Miss Blimber. +</p> +<p> + "None of it," answered Paul. Feeling that the answer was a shock to Miss + Blimber's sensibility he added: +</p> +<p> + "I haven't been well. I have been a weak child. I couldn't learn a Latin + Grammar when I was out every day with old Glubb. I wish you would tell + old Glubb to come and see me, if you please." +</p> +<p> + "What a dreadful low name," said Mrs. Blimber. "Unclassical to a degree! + Who is the monster, child?" +</p> +<p> + "What monster!" inquired Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Glubb," said Mrs. Blimber. +</p> +<p> + "He's no more a monster than you are," returned Paul. +</p> +<p> + "What!" cried the doctor, in a terrible voice. "Aye, aye, aye? Aha! + What's that?" +</p> +<p> + Paul was dreadfully frightened, but still he made a stand for the absent + Glubb, though he did it trembling. +</p> +<p> + "He's a very nice old man, ma'am," he said. "He used to draw my couch; + he knows all about the deep sea and the fish that are in it, and though + old Glubb don't know why the sea should make me think of my mama that's + dead, or what it is that it is always saying,—always saying, he knows a + great deal about it." +</p> +<p> + "Ha!" said the doctor, shaking his head: "this is bad, but study will do + much. Take him round the house, Cornelia, and familiarise him with his + new sphere. Go with that young lady, Dombey." +</p> +<p> + Dombey obeyed, giving his hand to Cornelia, who took him first to the + school-room. Here were eight young gentlemen in various stages of mental + prostration, all very hard at work and very grave indeed. Toots, the + oldest boy in the school, to whom Paul had previously been introduced, + had a desk to himself in one corner, and a magnificent man of immense + age, he looked in Paul's eyes behind it. +</p> +<p> + The appearance of a new boy did not create the sensation that might have + been expected. Mr. Feeder, B.A., gave him a bony hand and told him he + was glad to see him, and then Paul, instructed by Miss Blimber shook + hands with all the eight young gentlemen, at work against time. Then + Cornelia led Paul upstairs to the top of the house: and there, in a + front room looking over the wild sea, Cornelia showed him a nice little + white bed with white hangings, close to the window, on which there was + already written on a card in round text DOMBEY; while two other little + bedsteads in the same room, were announced through the same means as + belonging to BRIGGS and TOZER. +</p> +<p> + Then Miss Blimber said to Dombey that dinner would be ready in a quarter + of an hour, and perhaps he had better go into the school-room among his + "friends." So Dombey opened the school-room door a very little way and + strayed in like a lost boy. +</p> +<p> + His "friends," were all dispersed about the room. All the boys (Toots + excepted) were getting ready for dinner—some newly tying their + neckcloths, and others washing their hands or brushing their hair in an + adjoining room. Young Toots, who was ready beforehand, and had therefore + leisure to bestow upon Dombey, said with heavy good-nature,—— +</p> +<p> + "Sit down, Dombey." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, sir," said Paul. +</p> +<p> + His endeavouring to hoist himself on to a very high window-seat, and his + slipping down again, prepared Toots' mind for the reception of a + discovery. +</p> +<p> + "You're a very small chap," said Mr. Toots. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir, I'm small," returned Paul. "Thank you, sir." For Toots had + lifted him into the seat, and done it kindly too. +</p> +<p> + "Who's your tailor?" inquired Toots, after looking at him for some + moments. +</p> +<p> + "It's a woman that has made my clothes as yet," said Paul "My sister's + dressmaker." +</p> +<p> + "My tailor's Burgess and Co.," said Toots. "Fash'nable but very dear." +</p> +<p> + Paul had wit enough to shake his head, as if he would have said it was + easy to see that. +</p> +<p> + "Your father's regularly rich, ain't he?" inquired Mr. Toots. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," said Paul. "He's Dombey and Son." +</p> +<p> + "And which?" demanded Toots. +</p> +<p> + "And son, sir," replied Paul. +</p> +<p> + By this time the other pupils had gathered round, and after a few + minutes of general conversation the gong sounded, which caused a general + move towards the dining-room. Paul's chair at the table was next to Miss + Blimber, but it being found, when he sat in it, that his eyebrows were + not much above the level of the table-cloth, some books were brought, on + which he was elevated, and on which he always sat from that time, + carrying them in and out himself on after occasions, like a little + elephant and castle. +</p> +<p> + Grace having been said by the doctor, dinner began. There was some nice + soup, also roast meat, boiled meat, vegetables, pie, and cheese. Every + young gentleman had a massive silver fork and a napkin, and all the + arrangements were stately and handsome. There was a butler too, in a + blue coat and brass buttons. +</p> +<p> + Nobody spoke unless spoken to, except Doctor Blimber, Mrs. Blimber, and + Miss Blimber. Only once during dinner was there any conversation that + included the young gentlemen. It happened when the doctor, having hemmed + twice or thrice; said:—— +</p> +<p> + "It is remarkable, Mr. Feeder, that the Romans——" +</p> +<p> + At this mention of this terrible people, their implacable enemies, every + young gentleman fastened his gaze upon the doctor, with an assumption of + the deepest interest. One of the number happened to be drinking, and + when he caught the doctor's eye glaring at him through the side of his + tumbler, he left off so hastily that he was convulsed for some moments, + and in the sequel ruined Doctor Blimber's point, for at the critical + part of the Roman tale, Johnson, unable to suppress it any longer, burst + into such an overwhelming fit of coughing that, although both his + immediate neighbours thumped him on the back, and Mr. Feeder himself + held a glass of water to his lips, and the butler walked him up and down + several times between his own chair and the sideboard, like a sentry, it + was full five minutes before he was moderately composed, and then there + was a profound silence. +</p> +<p> + "Gentlemen," said Doctor Blimber, "rise for Grace! Cornelia, lift Dombey + down. Johnson will repeat to me to-morrow morning before breakfast, + without book, and from the Greek Testament, the first chapter of Saint + Paul to the Ephesians. We will resume our studies, Mr. Feeder, in + half-an-hour." +</p> +<p> + The young gentlemen bowed and withdrew. Through the rest of the day's + routine of work Paul sat in a corner wondering whether Florence was + thinking of him and what they were about at Mrs. Pipchin's. +</p> +<p> + In the confidence of their own room that night Briggs said his head + ached ready to split. Tozer didn't say much, but he sighed a good deal, + and told Paul to look out for his turn would come to-morrow. And Tozer + was right. The next morning Miss Blimber called Dombey to her and gave + him a great pile of books. +</p> +<p> + "These are yours, Dombey," said Miss Blimber. +</p> +<p> + "All of 'em, ma'am?" said Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," returned Miss Blimber; "and Mr. Feeder will look you out some + more very soon if you are as studious as I expect you will be, Dombey." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, ma'am," said Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Now, don't lose time, Dombey," continued Miss Blimber, "for you have + none to spare, but take them downstairs and begin directly." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, ma'am," answered Paul. +</p> +<p> + There were so many of them that, although Paul put one hand under the + bottom book and his other hand and his chin on the top book and hugged + them all closely, the middle book slipped out before he reached the + door, and then they all tumbled down on the floor. Miss Blimber said, + "Oh, Dombey, Dombey, this is really very careless," and piled them up + afresh for him; and this time by dint of balancing them with great + nicety, Paul got out of the room and down a few stairs before two of + them escaped again. But he held the rest so tight that he only left one + more on the first floor and one in the passage; and when he had got the + main body down into the school-room, he set off upstairs again to + collect the stragglers. Having at last amassed the whole library and + climbed into his place he fell to work, encouraged by a remark from + Tozer to the effect that he was in for it now; which was the only + interruption he received until breakfast time, for which meal he had no + appetite, and when it was finished, he followed Miss Blimber upstairs. +</p> +<p> + "Now, Dombey, how have you got on with those books?" asked Miss Blimber. +</p> +<p> + They comprised a little English, and a deal of Latin, names of things, + declensions of articles and nouns, exercises thereon, and preliminary + rules; a trifle of orthography, a glance at ancient history, a wink or + two at modern ditto, a few tables, two or three weights and measures, + and a little general information. When poor Paul had spelt out number + two, he found he had no idea of number one, fragments whereof obtruded + themselves into number three, which slided into number four, which + grafted itself on to number two. So that whether twenty Romuluses made a + Remus, or hic, haec, hoc, was troy weight, or a verb always agreed with + an ancient Briton, or three times four was Taurus, a bull, were open + questions with him. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, Dombey, Dombey!" said Miss Blimber, "this is very shocking!" +</p> +<p> + "If you please," said Paul, "I think if I might sometimes talk a little + with old Glubb, I should be able to do better." +</p> +<p> + "Nonsense, Dombey," said Miss Blimber, "I couldn't hear of it; and now + take away the top book, if you please, Dombey, and return when you are + master of the theme." +</p> +<p> + From that time Paul gave his whole mind to the pursuit of knowledge and + acquitted himself very well, but it was hard work, and only on Saturdays + did he have time to draw a free breath. +</p> +<p> + Oh Saturdays, happy Saturdays, when Florence, still at Mrs. Pipchin's, + came at noon; they made up for all the other days! +</p> +<p> + It did not take long for the loving sister to discover that Paul needed + help with the lessons over which he plodded so patiently, and so, + procuring the books which he used, she kept pace with him in his + studies, and every Saturday was able to assist him with his next week's + work, and thus he was kept from sinking underneath the burden which + Cornelia Blimber piled upon his back. +</p> +<p> + It was not that Miss Blimber meant to be too hard upon him, or that + Doctor Blimber meant to bear too heavily upon the young gentlemen in + general, but comforted by the applause of the young gentlemen's nearest + relatives, and urged on by their blind vanity and ill-considered haste, + it would have been strange if Doctor Blimber had discovered his mistake. + Thus in the case of Paul. When Doctor Blimber said he made great + progress and was naturally clever, Mr. Dombey was more bent than ever on + his being forced and crammed. +</p> +<p> + Such spirits as he had in the outset Paul soon lost. But he retained all + that was strange and old and thoughtful in his character. The only + difference was that he kept his character to himself. He grew more + thoughtful and reserved every day. He loved to be alone; and in those + short intervals when he was not occupied with his books, he liked + nothing so well as wandering about the house by himself, or sitting on + the stairs listening to the great clock in the hall. +</p> +<p> + They were within some two or three weeks of the holidays when one day + Cornelia called Dombey to her to hear the analysis of his character that + she was about to send to his father. +</p> +<p> + "<i>Analysis</i>," said Miss Blimber, "of the character of P. Dombey. It may + be generally observed of Dombey," said Miss Blimber, reading in a loud + voice, and at every second word directing her spectacles towards the + little figure before her, "that his abilities and inclinations are good, + and that he has made as much progress as under the circumstances could + have been expected. But it is to be lamented of this young gentleman + that he is singular (what is usually termed old-fashioned) in his + character and conduct, and that he is often very unlike other young + gentlemen of his age and social position. Now, Dombey," said Miss + Blimber, laying down the paper, "do you understand? This analysis, you + see, Dombey," Miss Blimber continued, "is going to be sent home to your + respected parent. It will naturally be very painful to him to find that + you are singular in your character and conduct. It is naturally very + painful to us, for we can't like you, you know, Dombey, as well as we + could wish." +</p> +<p> + She touched the child upon a tender point. He had secretly become more + solicitous from day to day that all the house should like him. He could + not bear to think that they would be quite indifferent to him when he + was gone, and he had even made it his business to conciliate a great, + hoarse, shaggy dog, who had previously been the terror of his life, that + even he might miss him. +</p> +<p> + This poor tiny Paul set forth to Miss Blimber as well as he could and + begged her, in spite of the official analysis, to have the goodness to + try to like him. To Mrs. Blimber, who had joined them, he preferred the + same petition; and when she gave her oft-repeated opinion that he was an + odd child, Paul told her that he was sure that she was quite right; that + he thought it must be his bones, but he didn't know, and he hoped she + would overlook it, for he was fond of them all. +</p> +<p> + "Not so fond," said Paul, with a mixture of frankness and timidity which + was one of the most peculiar and engaging qualities of his, "not so fond + as I am of Florence, of course; that could never be. You couldn't expect + that, could you, ma'am?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, the old-fashioned little soul!" cried Mrs. Blimber, in a whisper. +</p> +<p> + "But I like everybody here very much," pursued Paul, "and I should + grieve to go away and think that any one was glad I had gone, or didn't + care." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Blimber was now sure that Paul was the oddest child in the world, + and when she told the doctor what had passed, he did not controvert his + wife's opinion. +</p> +<p> + And Paul's wish was gratified. His purpose was to be a gentle, helpful, + quiet little fellow, and though he was often to be seen at his old post + on the stairs, or watching the waves or the clouds from his solitary + window, he was oftener found too, among the other boys, modestly + rendering them some little voluntary service. Thus it came to pass that + Paul was an object of general interest: a fragile little plaything that + they all liked, and that no one would have thought of treating roughly. + But he could not change his nature, and so they all agreed that Dombey + was old-fashioned. +</p> +<p> + There were some immunities, however, attaching to the character enjoyed + by no one else. They could have better spared a newer-fashioned child, + and that alone was much. When the others only bowed to Doctor Blimber + and family when retiring, Paul would stretch his morsel of a hand, and + boldly shake the doctor's, also Mrs. Blimber's, also Cornelia's; and if + any one was to be begged off from impending punishment, Paul was always + the delegate. +</p> +<p> + One evening, when the holidays were very near, Paul was in Toots' room + watching Mr. Feeder and Toots fold, seal, and direct, the invitations + for the evening party with which the term was to close. Paul's head, + which had long been ailing more or less, and was sometimes very heavy + and painful, felt so uneasy that night that he was obliged to support it + on his hand. And it dropped so that by little and little it sunk on Mr. + Toots' knee, and rested there. +</p> +<p> + That was no reason why he should be deaf; but he must have been, he + thought, for by and by he heard Mr. Feeder calling in his ear, and + gently shaking him to rouse his attention. And when he raised his head, + quite scared, he found that Doctor Blimber had come into the room, and + that the window was open, and that his forehead was wet with sprinkled + water. +</p> +<p> + "Ah! Come, come, that's well. How is my little friend now?" said Doctor + Blimber. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, quite well, thank you, sir," said Paul. +</p> +<p> + But there seemed to be something the matter with the floor, for he + couldn't stand upon it steadily; and with the walls too, for they were + inclined to turn round and round. +</p> +<p> + It was very kind of Mr. Toots to carry him to the top of the house so + tenderly, and Paul told him that it was. But Mr. Toots said he would do + a great deal more than that if he could; and, indeed, he did more as it + was, for he helped Paul to undress and helped him to bed in the kindest + manner possible, and then sat down by the bedside and chuckled very + much, while Mr. Feeder leaning over the bottom of the bedstead set all + the little bristles on his head, bolt upright with his bony hands, and + then made believe to spar at Paul, with great science, on account of his + being all right again, which was so funny and kind, too, in Mr. Feeder, + that Paul, not being able to make up his mind whether to laugh or cry, + did both at once. +</p> +<p> + Everything that could minister to Paul's comfort was done for him, and + in those days just before the holidays when the other young gentlemen + were labouring for dear life, Paul was such a privileged pupil as had + never been seen in that house before. He could hardly believe it + himself, but his liberty lasted from hour to hour, from day to day; and + little Dombey was caressed by every one. +</p> +<p> + At last, the great night of the reception arrived. +</p> +<p> + When Paul was dressed, which was very soon done, for he felt unwell and + drowsy and not able to stand about it very long, he went down into the + drawing-room. Shortly afterwards Mrs. Blimber appeared, looking lovely, + Paul thought, and Miss Blimber came down soon after her mama. Mr. Toots + and Mr. Feeder were the next arrivals. Each of these gentlemen brought + his hat in his hand as if he lived somewhere else; and when they were + announced by the butler. Doctor Blimber said, "Aye, aye, aye! God bless + my soul!" and seemed extremely glad to see them. Mr. Toots was one blaze + of jewellery and buttons, and all the other young gentlemen were tightly + cravatted, curled, and pumped, and all came in with their hats in their + hands at separate times and were announced and introduced. Soon Paul + slipped down from the cushioned corner of a sofa, and went downstairs + into the tearoom to be ready for Florence. Presently she came; looking + so beautiful in her simple ball-dress, with her fresh flowers in her + hand, that when she knelt down, to take Paul round the neck and kiss + him, he could hardly make up his mind to let her go again, or to take + away her bright and loving eyes from his face. +</p> +<p> + "But what is the matter, Floy?" asked Paul, almost sure that he saw a + tear there. +</p> +<p> + "Nothing, darling, nothing," returned Florence. +</p> +<p> + Paul touched her cheek gently with his finger, and it <i>was</i> a tear. +</p> +<p> + "We'll go home together, and I'll nurse you, love," said Florence. +</p> +<p> + "Nurse me?" echoed Paul. +</p> +<p> + "Floy," said Paul, holding a ringlet of her dark hair in his hand. "Tell + me, dear. Do you think I have grown old-fashioned?" +</p> +<p> + His sister laughed, and fondled him and told him, "No." +</p> +<p> + Through the evening Paul sat in his corner watching the dancing and + beaming with pride as he heard praise showered on Dombey's sister. They + all loved her—how could they help it, Paul had known beforehand that + they must and would, and few would have thought with what triumph and + delight he watched her. Thus little Paul sat musing, listening, looking + on and dreaming; and was very happy. Until the time came for taking + leave, and then indeed there was a sensation in the party. Every one + took the heartiest sort of leave of him. +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, Doctor Blimber," said Paul, stretching out his hand. +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, my little friend," returned the doctor. +</p> +<p> + "I'm very much obliged to you, sir," said Paul, looking innocently up + into his awful face. "Ask them to take care of Diogenes, if you please." +</p> +<p> + Diogenes was the dog who had never received a friend into his + confidence, before Paul. The doctor promised that every attention should + be paid to Diogenes in Paul's absence, and Paul having again thanked + him, and shaken hands with him, bade adieu to Mrs. Blimber and Cornelia. + Cornelia, taking both Paul's hands in hers said,—"Dombey, Dombey, you + have always been my favourite pupil. God bless you!" And it showed, Paul + thought, how easily one might do injustice to a person; for Miss Blimber + meant it—although she was a Forcer. +</p> +<p> + A buzz then went round among the young gentlemen, of "Dombey's going! + little Dombey's going!" and there was a general move after Paul and + Florence down the staircase and into the hall, in which the whole + Blimber family were included. The servants with the butler at their head + had all an interest in seeing Little Dombey go, and even the young man + taking out his books and trunks to the coach melted visibly. Nothing + could restrain them from taking quite a noisy leave of Paul; waving hats + after him, pressing downstairs to shake hands with him, crying + individually "Dombey! don't forget me!" Paul whispered to Florence, as + she wrapped him up before the door was opened. Did she hear them? Would + she ever forget it? Was she glad to know it? And a lively delight was in + his eyes as he spoke to her. +</p> +<p> + Once for a last look he turned and gazed upon the faces thus addressed + to him, surprised to see how shining and how bright and how numerous + they were. They swam before him, as he looked, and next moment he was in + the dark coach outside holding close to Florence. From that time, + whenever he thought of Doctor Blimber's it came back as he had seen it + in this last view; and it never seemed a real place again, but always a + dream, full of eyes. +</p> +<p> + And so ended little Paul's school days at Doctor Blimber's, for once at + home again he never rose from his little bed. He lay there (listening to + the noises in the street), quite tranquilly, not caring much how the + time went, but watching it and everything about him with observing eyes. + When the sunbeams struck into his room through the rustling blinds, and + quivered on the opposite wall like golden water, he knew that evening + was coming on, and that the sky was red and beautiful. As the reflection + died away, and a gloom went creeping up the wall, he watched it + deepen—deepen, into night. Then he thought how the long streets were + dotted with lamps, and how the peaceful stars were shining overhead. His + fancy had a strange tendency to wander to the river, which he knew was + flowing through the great city; and now he thought how black it was and + how deep it would look reflecting the hosts of stars—and more than all, + how steadily it rolled away to meet the sea. +</p> +<p> + As it grew later in the night, and footsteps in the street became so + rare that he could hear their coming, count them as they passed, and + lose them in the hollow distance, he would lie and watch the + many-coloured ring about the candle, and wait patiently for day. When + day began to dawn again, he watched for the sun and when its cheerful + light began to sparkle in the room, he pictured to himself—pictured! he + saw—the high church towers rising up into the morning sky, the town + reviving, waking, starting into life once more, the river glistening as + it rolled (but rolling fast as ever), and the country bright with dew. + Familiar sounds came by degrees into the street below; the servants in + the house were roused and busy; faces looked in at the door, and voices + asked his attendants softly how he was. Paul always answered for + himself, "I am better. I am a great deal better, thank you. Tell papa + so." +</p> +<p> + By little and little he got tired of the bustle of the day, the noise of + carriages and carts, and people passing and re-passing; and would fall + asleep, or be troubled with a restless, and uneasy sense again—the + child could hardly tell whether this were in his sleeping or his waking + moments—of that rushing river. +</p> +<p> + "Why will it never stop, Floy?" he would sometimes ask her. "It is + bearing me away I think." +</p> +<p> + But Floy could always soothe and reassure him: and it was his daily + delight to make her lay her head down on his pillow, and take some rest. +</p> +<p> + "You are always watching me, Floy, let me watch you now." They would + prop him up with cushions in a corner of his bed, and there he would + recline the while she lay beside him, bending forwards oftentimes to + kiss her. +</p> +<p> + Thus the flush of the day in its heat and light, would gradually + decline; and again the golden water would be dancing on the wall. +</p> +<p> + He was visited by as many as three grave doctors—they used to assemble + downstairs and come up together—and the room was so quiet and Paul was + so observant of them (though he never asked of anybody what they said) + that he even knew the difference in the sound of their watches. +</p> +<p> + The people round him changed as unaccountably as on that first night at + Doctor Blimber's—except Florence; Florence never changed. Old Mrs. + Pipchin dozing in an easy chair, often changed to someone else and Paul + was quite content to shut his eyes again and see what happened next, + without emotion. But one figure with its head upon its hand returned so + often and remained so long, and sat so still and solemn, never speaking, + never being spoken to, and rarely lifting up its face, that Paul began + to wonder languidly if it were real. +</p> +<p> + "Floy," he said, "what is that?" +</p> +<p> + "Where, dearest?" +</p> +<p> + "There, at the bottom of the bed." +</p> +<p> + "There's nothing there except papa." +</p> +<p> + The figure lifted up its head, and rose, and coming to the bedside said: + "My own boy! Don't you know me?" +</p> +<p> + Paul looked it in the face and thought, was this his father? But the + face so altered to his thinking, thrilled while he gazed, as if it were + in pain; and before he could reach out both his hands to take it between + them and draw it towards him, the figure turned away quickly from the + little bed, and went out at the door. The next time he observed the + figure sitting at the bottom of the bed, he called to it: +</p> +<p> + "Don't be so sorry for me, dear papa. Indeed, I am quite happy." +</p> +<p> + His father coming and bending down to him, which he did quickly, Paul + held him round the neck and repeated those words to him several times + and very earnestly. This was the beginning of his always saying in the + morning that he was a great deal better, and that they were to tell his + father so. +</p> +<p> + How many times the golden water danced on the wall; how many nights the + dark, dark river rolled away towards the sea in spite of him, Paul never + counted, never sought to know. If their kindness could have increased, + or his sense of it, they were more kind, and he more grateful every day; + but whether they were many days or few appeared of little moment now to + the gentle boy. +</p> +<p> + One night he had been thinking of his mother and her picture in the + drawing-room downstairs. The train of thought suggested to him to + inquire if he had ever seen his mother; for he could not remember + whether they had told him yes or no, the river running very fast and + confusing his mind. +</p> +<p> + "Floy, did I ever see mama?" +</p> +<p> + "No, darling; why?" +</p> +<p> + "Did I ever see any kind face like mama's looking at me when I was a + baby, Floy?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh yes, dear." +</p> +<p> + "Whose, Floy?" +</p> +<p> + "Your old nurse's, often." +</p> +<p> + "And where is my old nurse?" said Paul. "Is she dead, too? Floy are we + all dead except you?" +</p> +<p> + There was a hurry in the room for an instant—longer perhaps—then all + was still again, and Florence, with her face quite colourless but + smiling, held his head upon her arm. Her arm trembled very much. +</p> +<p> + "Show me that old nurse, Floy, if you please." +</p> +<p> + "She is not here, darling; she shall come to-morrow." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you, Floy." +</p> +<p> + Paul closed his eyes with these words and fell asleep. When he awoke the + sun was high and the broad day was clear and warm. He lay a little, + looking at the windows, which were open, and the curtains rustling in + the air, and waving to and fro, then he said, "Floy, is it to-morrow? Is + she come?" The next thing that happened was a noise of footsteps on the + stairs, and then Paul woke—woke mind and body—and sat upright in his + bed. He saw them now about him. There was no gray mist before them as + there had been some time in the night. He knew them every one and called + them by their names. +</p> +<p> + "And who is this? Is this my old nurse?" said the child, regarding with + a radiant smile a figure coming in. +</p> +<p> + Yes, yes. No other stranger would have shed those tears at sight of + him, and called him her dear boy, her pretty boy, her own poor blighted + child. No other woman would have stooped down by his bed, and taken up + his wasted hand, and put it to her lips and breast, as one who had some + right to fondle it. +</p> +<p> + "Floy, this is a kind, good face," said Paul. "I am glad to see it + again. Don't go away, old nurse. Stay here." +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, my child," cried Mrs. Pipchin, hurrying to his bed's head. + "Not good-bye?" +</p> +<p> + For an instant Paul looked at her with the wistful face with which he + had so often gazed upon her in his corner by the fire. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, yes," he said, placidly, "good-bye. Where is papa?" +</p> +<p> + He felt his father's breath upon his cheek before the words had parted + from his lips. +</p> +<p> + "Now lay me down," he said, "and, Floy, come close to me, and let me see + you." +</p> +<p> + Sister and brother wound their arms around each other, and the golden + light came streaming in, and fell upon them, locked together. +</p> +<p> + "How fast the river runs, between its green banks and the rushes, Floy. + But it's very near the sea. I hear the waves." +</p> +<p> + Presently he told her that the motion of the boat upon the stream was + lulling him to rest. How near the banks were now. How bright the flowers + growing on them, and how tall the rushes. Now the boat was out at sea + but gliding smoothly on. And now there was a shore before him. Who stood + on the bank? +</p> +<p> + He put his hands together as he had been used to do at his prayers. He + did not remove his arms to do it, but they saw him fold them so, behind + her neck, +</p> +<p> + "Mama is like you, Floy. I know her by the face. But tell them that the + print upon the stairs at school is not divine enough. The light about + the head is shining on me as I go." +</p> +<p> + The golden ripple on the wall came back again, and nothing else stirred + in the room. The old, old fashion. The fashion that came in with our + first garments, and will last unchanged until our race has run its + course, and the wide firmament is rolled up like a scroll. The old, old + fashion—Death. +</p> +<p> + Oh, thank God for that older fashion yet,—of Immortality! +</p> +<p> </p> +<a name="CH10"></a> +<hr> +<h2> + PIP +</h2> +<hr> +<a name="image-11"></a> +<p class="ctr"><img src="images/pip.jpg" width="246" height="359" + alt="Pip and Miss Haversham" ></p> +<h4>Pip and Miss Haversham</h4> +<p> </p> +<h3> + PIP +</h3> +<p> + My father's family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my + infant tongue could make of both names nothing more explicit than Pip. + So I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pip. +</p> +<p> + My mother and father both being dead, I was brought up by my sister, + Mrs. Joe Gargery, who was more than twenty years older than I, and a + veritable shrew by nature. She had acquired a great reputation among the + neighbours because she had brought me up by hand. Not understanding this + expression, and knowing her to have a hard and heavy hand, and to be + much in the habit of laying it upon her husband as well as upon me, I + supposed that Joe Gargery and I were both brought up by hand. +</p> +<p> + Joe, her husband, was a mild, good-natured, sweet-tempered, easy-going, + foolish, dear fellow, with light curly hair and blue eyes, and he and I + were great chums, as well as fellow-sufferers under the rule of my + sharp-tongued sister. +</p> +<p> + One afternoon I was wandering in the church-yard where my mother and + father were buried, when I was accosted by a fearful man all in coarse + grey, with a great iron on his leg. He wore no hat and had broken shoes, + and an old rag tied round his head. He limped and shivered, and glared + and growled, his teeth chattering, as he seized me by the chin. +</p> +<p> + "O don't cut my throat, sir!" I pleaded in terror. "Pray don't do it, + sir!" +</p> +<p> + "Tell us your name," said the man, "quick!" +</p> +<p> + "Pip, sir," +</p> +<p> + "Show us where you live," he said. "Point out the place!" +</p> +<p> + I pointed to where our village lay, and then the man, after looking at + me for a moment, turned me upside down and emptied my pockets, but there + was nothing in them except a piece of bread. When the church came to + itself, for he was so sudden and strong that he made it go head over + heels before me,—I was seated on a high tombstone trembling, while he + ate the bread ravenously. Then he came nearer to my tombstone, took me + by both arms, and tilted me back as far as he could hold me, looking + into my eyes. +</p> +<p> + "Now lookee here," he said, "you get me a file and you get me wittles; + you bring both to me to-morrow morning early, that file and them + wittles. You bring the lot to me at that old Battery yonder. You do it, + and you never dare to say a word concerning your having seen such a + person as me, and you shall be let live. You fail in any partickler and + your heart and your liver shall be tore out, roasted and ate! Now I + ain't alone, as you may think. There is a young man hid with me who + hears the words I speak. It is in wain for a boy to attempt to hide + himself from that young man. A boy may lock his door, may be warm in + bed, may draw the clothes over his head, may think himself comfortable + and safe, but that young man will soon creep and creep his way to him + and tear him open. I am a-keeping the young man from harming of you at + the present moment with great difficulty. Now what do you say?" +</p> +<p> + I said I would get him the file and what food I could, and would come to + him early in the morning. +</p> +<p> + "Say, Lord strike me dead, if you don't!" +</p> +<p> + I said so and he took me down. I faltered a good night, and he turned + to go, walking as if he were numb and stiff. When I saw him turn to look + once more at me, I made the best use of my legs, having a terrible fear + of him, and of the young man, and I ran home without once stopping. +</p> +<p> + I found the forge shut up and Joe alone in the kitchen. The minute I + raised the latch, he said: +</p> +<p> + "Mrs. Joe has been out a dozen times looking for you, Pip, and she's out + now, and what's more, she's got Tickler with her." +</p> +<p> + At this dismal intelligence I looked with great depression at the fire. + Tickler was a wax-ended piece of cane, worn smooth by contact with my + tickled frame. +</p> +<p> + "She sot down," said Joe, "and she got up, and she made a grab at + Tickler, and she rampaged out. Now she's a-coming! Go behind the door, + old chap!" +</p> +<p> + I took the advice, but my sister, throwing the door wide open, and + finding an obstruction behind it, guessed the cause, and applied Tickler + to its further investigation. +</p> +<p> + "Where have you been, you young monkey?" she asked, stamping her foot; + "Tell me directly what you've been doing to wear me away with fret and + fright and worrit?" +</p> +<p> + "I have only been in the church-yard," said I, crying and rubbing + myself, but my answer did not satisfy my sister, who kept on scolding + and applying Tickler to my person until she was obliged to see to the + tea things. Though I was very hungry, I dared not eat my bread and + butter, for I felt that I must have something in reserve to take my + dreadful acquaintance in case I could find nothing else. Therefore, at a + moment when no one was looking, I put a hunk of bread and butter down + the leg of my trousers. Joe thought I had eaten it in one gulp, which + greatly distressed him, and I was borne off and dosed with tar water. +</p> +<p> + Conscience is a dreadful thing when it accuses man or boy. The guilty + knowledge that I was going to rob Mrs. Joe, united to the necessity of + keeping one hand on my bread and butter as I sat or moved about, almost + drove me out of my mind, but as it was Christmas Eve, I was obliged to + stir the pudding for next day for one whole hour. I tried to do it with + the load on my leg, and found the tendency of exercise was to bring the + bread out at my ankle, so I managed to slip away and deposit it in my + garret room. Later there was a sound of firing in the distance. "Ah," + said Joe, "there's another convict off!" +</p> +<p> + "What does that mean, Joe," said I. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Joe answered, "Escaped, escaped," and Joe added,—"There was one + off last night, and they fired warning of him. And now it appears + they're firing warning of another." +</p> +<p> + "Who's firing?" said I. +</p> +<p> + "Drat that boy," said my sister, frowning. "What a questioner he is! Ask + no questions and you'll be told no lies!" +</p> +<p> + I waited a while, and then as a last resort, I said,—"Mrs. Joe, I + should like to know—if you wouldn't much mind—where the firing comes + from?" +</p> +<p> + "Lord bless the boy!" she exclaimed, "from the Hulks!" +</p> +<p> + "Oh-h," said I, looking at Joe, "Hulks! And please what's Hulks?" +</p> +<p> + "That's the way with this boy," exclaimed my sister, "answer him one + question, and he'll ask you a dozen directly. Hulks are prison ships + right 'cross the meshes." (We always used that name for marshes in our + country.) +</p> +<p> + "I wonder who's put in prison ships, and why they're put there," said I. +</p> +<p> + This was too much for Mrs. Joe, who immediately rose. "I tell ye what, + young fellow," said she, "I didn't bring you up by hand to badger + people's lives out. People are put in the Hulks because they murder and + rob and forge and do all sorts of bad; and they always begin by asking + questions. Now you get along to bed!" +</p> +<p> + I was never allowed a candle and as I crept up in the dark I felt + fearfully sensible that the Hulks were handy for me. I was clearly on + the way there. I had begun by asking questions and I was going to rob + Mrs. Joe. I was also in mortal terror of the young man who wanted my + heart and liver, and of my acquaintance with the iron on his leg, and if + I slept at all that night it was only to imagine myself drifting down + the river on a strong spring tide to the Hulks, a ghostly pirate calling + out to me through a speaking trumpet that I had better come ashore and + be hanged there at once. I was afraid to sleep even if I could have, for + I knew that at the first dawn of morning I must rob the pantry and be + off. +</p> +<p> + So as early as possible I crept downstairs to the pantry and secured + some bread, some rind of cheese, half a jar of mincemeat, some brandy + from a stone bottle which I poured into a bottle of my own and then + filled the stone one up with water. I also took a meat bone and a + beautiful pork pie. Then I got a file from among Joe's tools, and with + this and my other plunder made my way with all dispatch along the + river-side. Presently I came upon what I supposed was the man I was + searching for, for he too was dressed in coarse gray and had a great + iron on his leg, but his face was different. +</p> +<p> + "It's the young man," I thought, feeling my heart beat fast at the idea. + He swore at me as I passed, and tried in a weak way to hit me, but then + he ran away and I continued my trip to the Battery, and there was the + right man in a ravenous condition. He was gobbling mincemeat, meat-bone, + bread, cheese, and pork pie all at once, when he turned suddenly and + said: +</p> +<p> + "You're not a deceiving imp? You brought no one with you?" I answered + no, and he resumed his meal, snapping at the food as a dog would do. + While he was eating, I ventured to remark that I had met the young man + he spoke of, at which the man showed the greatest surprise, and became + so violently excited that I was very much afraid of him. I was also + afraid of remaining away from home any longer. I told him I must go, but + he took no notice, so I thought the best thing I could do was to slip + off, which I did. +</p> +<p> + "And where the deuce ha' you been?" was Mrs. Joe's Christmas salutation. +</p> +<p> + I said I had been down to hear the carols. "Ah well," observed Mrs. Joe, + "you might ha' done worse," and then went on with her work as we were to + have company for dinner, and the feast was to be one that occasioned + extensive arrangements. My sister had too much to do to go to church, + but Joe and I went, arrayed in our Sunday best. When we reached home we + found the table laid, Mrs. Joe dressed and the front door unlocked—(it + never was at any other time) and everything most splendid. And still not + a word about the robbery. The company arrived; Mr. Wopsle, Mr. and Mrs. + Hubble, and Uncle Pumblechook, Joe's uncle, who lived in the nearest + town and drove his own chaise cart. +</p> +<p> + Dinner was a brilliant success, but so rich that Uncle Pumblechook was + entirely overcome, and was obliged to call for brandy. Oh heavens! he + would say it was weak, and I should be lost! I held tight to the leg of + the table and awaited my fate. The brandy was poured out and Uncle + Pumblechook drank it off. Instantly he sprang to his feet, turned round + several times in an appalling, spasmodic whooping-cough dance, and + rushed out at the door to the great consternation of the company. Mrs. + Joe and Joe ran out and brought him back, and as he sank into his chair + he gasped the one word, "Tar!" I had filled up the bottle from the + tar-water jug! Oh misery! I knew he would be worse by and by! +</p> +<p> + "Tar?" cried my sister. "Why how ever could tar come there?" Fortunately + at that moment. Uncle Pumblechook called for hot gin and water, and my + sister had to employ herself actively in getting it. For the time at + least, I was saved. By degrees I became calmer and able to partake of + pudding, and was beginning to think I should get over the day, when my + sister said, "You must finish with such a delicious present of Uncle + Pumblechook's, a savoury pork pie!" She went out to the pantry to get + it. I am not certain whether I uttered a shrill yell of terror merely in + spirit or in the hearing of the company. I felt that I must run away, so + I released the leg of the table and ran for my life. But at the door, I + ran head foremost into a party of soldiers ringing down the butt-ends of + their muskets on our doorstep. This apparition caused the dinner party + to rise hastily, while Mrs. Joe who was re-entering the kitchen, + empty-handed, stopped short in her lament of "Gracious goodness, + gracious me, what's gone—with the—pie!" and stared at the visitors. +</p> +<p> + Further acquaintance with the military gentlemen proved that they had + not come for me, as I fully expected, but merely to have a pair of + hand-cuffs mended, which Joe at once proceeded to do, and while the + soldiers waited they stood about the kitchen, and piled their arms in + the corner, telling us that they were on the search for the two convicts + who had escaped from the prison ships. When Joe's job was done, he + proposed that some of us go with them to see the hunt. Only Mr. Wopsle + cared to go, and then Joe said he would take me. To this Mrs. Joe merely + remarked: "If you bring the boy back, with his head blown to bits with a + musket, don't look to me to put it together again!" +</p> +<p> + The soldiers took a polite leave of the ladies and then we started off, + Joe whispering to me, "I'd give a shilling if they'd cut and run, Pip!" +</p> +<p> + There was no doubt in my mind that the man I had succoured and the other + one I had seen, were the convicts in question, and as we went on and on, + my heart thumped violently. The man had asked me if I was a deceiving + imp. Would he believe now that I had betrayed him? +</p> +<p> + On we went, and on and on, down banks and up banks, and over gates, + hearing the sound of shouting in the distance. As we came nearer to the + sound, the soldiers ran like deer. Water was splashing, mud was flying, + and oaths were being sworn, and then, "Here are both men!" panted the + sergeant, struggling in a ditch. "Surrender, you two! Come asunder!" + Other soldiers ran to help, and dragged up from the ditch my convict and + the other one. Both were bleeding and panting and struggling, but of + course I knew them both directly. While the manacles were being put on + their hands, my convict saw me for the first time. I looked at him + eagerly, and slightly moved my hands and shook my head, trying to assure + him of my innocence, but he did not in any way show me that he + understood my gestures. We soon set off, the convicts kept apart, and + each surrounded by a separate guard. Mr. Wopsle would have liked to turn + back, but Joe was resolved to see it out, so we went on with the party, + carrying torches which flared up and lighted our way. We could not go + fast because of the lameness of the prisoners, and they were so spent + that we had to halt two or three times while they rested. After an hour + or two of this travelling, we came to a hut where there was a guard. + Here the sergeant made some sort of a report, and an entry in a book, + and then the other convict was drafted to go on board the Hulks first. + My convict only looked at me once. While we stood in the hut, he looked + thoughtfully into the fire. Suddenly he turned to the sergeant and + remarked that he wished to say something about his escape, adding that + it might prevent some persons being laid under suspicions. +</p> +<p> + "You can say what you like," returned the sergeant, and the convict + continued: +</p> +<p> + "A man can't starve, at least I can't. I took some wittles up at the + village yonder—where the church stands a'most out on the marshes, and + I'll tell you where from. From the blacksmith's." +</p> +<p> + "Halloa, Pip!" said Joe, staring at me. +</p> +<p> + "It was some broken wittles—and a dram of liquor—and a pie." +</p> +<p> + "Have you happened to miss such an article as a pie, blacksmith?" asked + the sergeant. +</p> +<p> + "My wife did, at the very moment when you came in. Don't you know, Pip?" +</p> +<p> + "So," said my convict, looking at Joe, "so you're the blacksmith, are + you? Then I'm sorry to say, I've eat your pie." +</p> +<p> + "God knows you're welcome to it, so far as it was ever mine," returned + Joe. "We don't know what you've done, but we wouldn't have you starve to + death for it, poor miserable fellow-creature, would we, Pip?" +</p> +<p> + Something that I had noticed before, clicked in the man's throat, and he + turned his back. The boat was ready for him, and we saw him rowed off by + a crew of convicts like himself. +</p> +<p> + We saw the boat go alongside of the Hulks, and we saw the prisoner taken + up the side and disappear, and then the excitement was all over. I was + so tired and sleepy by that time that Joe took me on his back and + carried me home, and when we arrived there I was fast asleep. When at + last I was roused by the heat and noise and lights, Joe was relating the + story of our expedition and of the convict's confession of his theft + from our pantry. This was all I heard that night, for my sister + clutched me, as a slumbrous offence to the company's eyesight, and + assisted me very forcefully up to bed, and after that the subject of the + convict and the robbery was only mentioned on a few occasions when + something brought it to mind. In regard to my part of it, I do not + recall any tenderness of conscience in reference to Mrs. Joe, when the + fear of being found out was lifted off me. But I dearly loved Joe, and + it was on my mind that I ought to tell him the whole truth. And yet I + did not, fearing that I might lose his love and confidence, and that he + would think me worse than I really was. And so he never heard the truth + of the matter. At this time I was only odd-boy about the forge, or + errand boy for any neighbour who wanted a job done, and in the evenings + I went to a school kept by Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt, who used to go to + sleep from six to seven every evening, in the society of youth who paid + twopence per week each for the improving opportunity of seeing her do + it. With her assistance, and the help of her granddaughter, Biddy, I + struggled through the alphabet, as if it had been a bramble bush, + getting considerably worried and scratched by each letter. After that, + the nine figures began to add to my misery, but at last I began to read, + write, and cipher on the smallest scale. +</p> +<p> + One night, about a year after our hunt for the convicts, Joe and I sat + together in the chimney corner while I struggled with a letter which I + was writing on my slate to Joe, for practice. As we sat there, Joe made + the fire and swept the hearth, for we were momentarily expecting Mrs. + Joe. It was market day, and she had gone to market with Uncle + Pumblechook to assist him in buying such household stuffs and goods as + required a woman's judgment. Just as we had completed our preparations, + she and Uncle Pumblechook drove up, and came in wrapped up to the eyes, + for it was a bitter night. +</p> +<p> + "Now," said Mrs. Joe, unwrapping herself in haste and excitement, "if + this boy ain't grateful to-night, he never will be!" +</p> +<p> + I looked as grateful as any boy could who had no idea what he was to be + grateful about, and after many side remarks addressed to the others, + Mrs. Joe informed me that Miss Havisham wished me to go and play at her + house for her amusement. "And of course, he's going," added my sister + severely, "And he had better play there, or I'll work him!" +</p> +<p> + I had heard of Miss Havisham, everybody for miles round had heard of + her, as an immensely rich and grim old lady, who lived a life of + seclusion in a large and dismal house, barricaded against robbers. +</p> +<p> + "Well, to be sure," said Joe, astounded, "I wonder how she comes to know + Pip!" +</p> +<p> + "Noodle," said my sister, "who said she knew him? Couldn't she ask Uncle + Pumblechook if he knew of a boy to go and play there? And couldn't Uncle + Pumblechook, being always thoughtful for us, then mention this boy, that + I have forever been a willing slave to?" After this she added, "For + anything we can tell, the boy's fortune is made by this. Uncle + Pumblechook has offered to take him into town to-night and keep him over + night, and to take him with his own hands to Miss Havisham's to-morrow + morning, and Lor-a-mussy me!" cried my sister. "Here I stand talking, + with Uncle Pumblechook waiting, and the mare catching cold at the door, + and the boy grimed with dirt from the hair of his head to the sole of + his foot!" With that she pounced on me and I was scraped and kneaded, + and towelled and thumped, and harrowed and reaped, until I was really + quite beside myself. When at last my ablutions were completed, I was put + into clean linen of the stiffest character, and in my tightest and + fearfullest suit, I was then delivered over to Mr. Pumblechook, who said + dramatically: "Boy, be forever grateful to all friends, but especially + unto them which brought you up by hand!" +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, Joe." +</p> +<p> + "God bless you, Pip, old chap!" +</p> +<p> + I had never parted from him before, and what with my feelings, and what + with soap-suds, I could at first see no stars from the chaise cart. But + they twinkled out one by one without throwing any light on the question + why on earth I was going to play at Miss Havisham's, and what on earth I + was expected to play at. +</p> +<p> + I spent the night with Uncle Pumblechook, and the next morning we + started off for Miss Havisham's, and within a quarter hour had reached + the house, which looked dismal, and had a great many iron bars to it. + Some of the windows had been walled up, and the others were rustily + barred. There was a court-yard in front which was also barred, so after + ringing the bell we had to wait until some one should open it. Presently + a window was raised and a voice asked "What name?" to which my conductor + replied, "Pumblechook." Then the window was shut, and a very pretty, + proud-appearing young lady came down with keys in her hand. She opened + the gate to let me in, and Uncle Pumblechook was about to follow, when + the young lady remarked that Miss Havisham did not wish to see him. She + said it in such an undiscussible way that Uncle Pumblechook dared not + protest, and so I followed my young guide in alone and crossed the + court-yard. We entered the house by a side door—the great front + entrance had chains across it—and we went through many passages, and up + a staircase, in the dark except for a single candle. At last we came to + the door of a room, and she said, "Go in." +</p> +<p> + I answered, more in shyness than politeness, "After you, miss." But she + answered, "Don't be ridiculous, boy; I am not going in," and scornfully + walked away, and what was worse, took the candle with her. +</p> +<p> + This was most uncomfortable, and I was half afraid. However, there was + only one thing to be done, so I knocked at the door, and was told from + within to enter. I entered and found myself in a pretty, large room, + well lighted with wax candles. No glimpse of daylight was to be seen in + it. It was a dressing-room, as I supposed from the furniture, though + much of it was of forms and uses quite unknown to me then. But prominent + in it was a draped table with a gilded looking-glass, and that I made + out to be a fine lady's dressing-table. +</p> +<p> + In an arm chair sat the strangest lady I have ever seen or shall ever + see. She was dressed in rich white—in satin and lace and silks—all of + white. Even her shoes were white, and she had a long white veil + dependent from her hair, and bridal flowers in her hair,—and the hair, + too, was white. Some bright jewels sparkled on her neck and hands and + others lay sparkling on the table. Dresses, less splendid than the one + she wore, and half-packed trunks, were scattered about. She had but one + shoe on and the other was on the table near by—her veil was but half + arranged; her watch and chain were not put on; and there were lace, + trinkets, handkerchief, gloves, some flowers, and a Prayer-book in a + heap before the looking-glass. Then she spoke, "Who is it?" +</p> +<p> + "Pip, ma'am." +</p> +<p> + "Pip?" +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Pumblechook's boy, ma'am. Come—to play." +</p> +<p> + "Come nearer; let me look at you. Come close." +</p> +<p> + When I stood before her, avoiding her eyes, I took in all the details of + the room and saw that her watch and clock had both stopped. +</p> +<p> + "Look at me," said Miss Havisham. "You are not afraid of a woman who + has not seen the sun since you were born?" +</p> +<p> + I regret to say that I was not afraid of telling the enormous lie + comprehended in the answer, "No." +</p> +<p> + "Do you know what I touch here?" she said, laying her hands on her left + side. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, ma'am." +</p> +<p> + "What do I touch?" +</p> +<p> + "Your heart." +</p> +<p> + "Broken." +</p> +<p> + She said the word eagerly, and with a weird smile that had a kind of + boast in it. +</p> +<p> + "I am tired," said Miss Havisham. "I have a sick fancy that I want to + see some play. I want diversion, and I have done with men and women. + There, there," with an impatient movement of the fingers of her right + hand, "play, play, play!" +</p> +<p> + For a moment, with the fear of my sister "working me" before my eyes, I + had a desperate idea of starting round the room in the assumed character + of Mr. Pumblechook's chaise cart. But I felt so unequal to the + performance that I gave it up, and stood looking at Miss Havisham in + what I suppose she took for a dogged manner, and presently she said: +</p> +<p> + "Are you sullen and obstinate?" +</p> +<p> + "No, ma'am," I said. "I am very sorry for you and very sorry I can't + play just now. If you complain of me, I shall get into trouble with my + sister, so I would do it, if I could, but it's new here, and so strange + and so fine, and—melancholy." I stopped, fearing I might have said too + much, and we took another look at each other. Before she spoke again, + she looked at herself in the glass, then she turned, and flashing a look + at me, said, "Call Estella. You can do that. Call Estella. At the door." +</p> +<p> + To stand in the dark in the mysterious passage of an unknown house, + bawling "Estella" to a scornful young lady neither visible nor + responsive, and feeling it a dreadful liberty to roar out her name, was + almost as bad as playing to order. But she answered at last, and her + light came trembling along the dark passage, like a star. Miss Havisham + beckoned her to come close to her, took up a jewel, and tried its effect + against the pretty brown hair. "Your own, one day, my dear," she said, + "and you will use it well. Let me see you play cards with this boy." +</p> +<p> + "With this boy! Why, he is a common labouring boy!" then she asked, with + greatest disdain, "What do you play, boy?" +</p> +<p> + "Nothing but 'beggar my neighbour,' miss." +</p> +<p> + "Beggar him," said Miss Havisham to Estella. So we sat down to cards, + and Miss Havisham sat, corpse-like, watching as we played. +</p> +<p> + "He calls the knaves Jacks, this boy," said Estella, with disdain, + before the first game was out. "And what coarse hands he has, and what + thick boots!" +</p> +<p> + I had never thought of being ashamed of my hands before, but now I began + to notice them. Her contempt for me was so strong that I caught it. +</p> +<p> + She won the game, and I dealt. I misdealt, as was only natural, when I + knew she was lying in wait for me to do wrong, and she denounced me for + a clumsy, stupid, labouring boy. +</p> +<p> + "You say nothing of her," remarked Miss Havisham to me. "She says many + hard things of you, yet you say nothing of her. What do you think of + her?" +</p> +<p> + "I don't like to say," I stammered. +</p> +<p> + "Tell me in my ear," said Miss Havisham, bending down. +</p> +<p> + "I think she is very proud," I replied in a whisper—"and very + pretty—and very insulting." +</p> +<p> + "Anything else?" +</p> +<p> + "I think I should like to go home." +</p> +<p> + "You shall go soon," said Miss Havisham aloud. "Play the game out!" I + played the game to an end, and Estella beggared me. +</p> +<p> + "When shall I have you here again?" said Miss Havisham. "I know nothing + of the days of the week or of the weeks of the year. Come again after + six days. You hear?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, ma'am." +</p> +<p> + "Estella, take him down. Let him have something to eat, and let him roam + about and look about him while he eats. Go, Pip." +</p> +<p> + I followed Estella down as I had followed her up, and at last I stood + again in the glare of daylight which quite confounded me, for I felt as + if I had been in the candle-light of the strange room many hours. +</p> +<p> + "You are to wait here, you boy, you," said Estella, and disappeared in + the house. While she was gone I looked at my coarse hands and my common + boots, and they troubled me greatly. +</p> +<p> + I determined to ask Joe why he had taught me to call the picture-cards + Jacks. I wished Joe had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then + I should have been so too. Estella came back with some bread and meat + and a little mug of beer which she set down as insolently as if I were a + dog in disgrace. I was so humiliated and hurt that tears sprang to my + eyes. When she saw them she looked at me with a quick delight. This gave + me the power to keep them back and to look at her; then she gave a + contemptuous toss of her head, and left me to my meal. At first, so + bitter were my feelings that, after she was gone, I hid behind one of + the gates to the brewery and cried. As I cried I kicked the wall and + took a hard twist at my hair. However, I came out from behind the gate, + the bread and meat were acceptable and the beer was warm and tingling, + and I was soon in spirits to look about me. I had surveyed the rank old + garden when Estella came back with the keys to let me out. She gave me a + triumphant look as she opened the gate. I was passing out without + looking at her, when she touched me with a taunting cry,—— +</p> +<p> + "Why don't you cry?" +</p> +<p> + "Because I don't want to." +</p> +<p> + "You do," she said; "you have been crying and you are near crying now!" + As she spoke she laughed, pushed me out, and locked the gate upon me, + and I set off on the four-mile walk home, pondering as I went along, on + what I had seen and heard. +</p> +<p> + Of course, when I reached home they were very curious to know all about + Miss Havisham's, and asked many questions that I was not in a mood to + answer. The worst of it was that Uncle Pumblechook, devoured by + curiosity, came gaping over too at tea-time to have the details divulged + to him. I was not in a good humour anyway that night, so the sight of my + tormentors made me vicious in my reticence. +</p> +<p> + After asking a number of questions with no satisfaction, Uncle + Pumblechook began again. +</p> +<p> + "Now, boy," he said, "what was Miss Havisham a-doing of when you went in + to-day?" +</p> +<p> + "She was sitting," I answered, "in a black velvet coach." +</p> +<p> + My hearers stared at one another—as they well might—and repeated, "In + a black velvet coach?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said I, "and Miss Estella, that's her niece, I think, handed her + in cake and wine at the coach window on a gold plate. And we all had + cake and wine on gold plates. And I got up behind the coach to eat mine + because she told me to." +</p> +<p> + "Was anybody else there?" asked Mr. Pumblechook. +</p> +<p> + "Four dogs," said I. +</p> +<p> + "Large or small?" +</p> +<p> + "Immense," said I. "And they fought for veal cutlets out of a silver + basket." +</p> +<p> + My hearers stared at one another again in utter amazement. I was + perfectly frantic and would have told them anything. +</p> +<p> + "Where was this coach, in the name of gracious?" asked my sister. +</p> +<p> + "In Miss Havisham's room." They stared again. "But there weren't any + horses to it." I added this saving clause in the moment of rejecting + four richly caparisoned coursers, which I had had wild thoughts of + harnessing. +</p> +<p> + "Can this be possible, uncle?" asked Mrs. Joe. "What can the boy mean?" +</p> +<p> + "I'll tell you, mum," said Mr. Pumblechook. "My opinion is it is a + sedan-chair. Well, boy, and what did you play at?" +</p> +<p> + "We played with flags," I said. +</p> +<p> + "Flags!" echoed my sister. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said I. "Estella waved a blue flag, and I waved a red one, and + Miss Havisham waved one sprinkled all over with little gold stars, out + at the coach window. And then we all waved our swords and hurrahed." +</p> +<p> + "Swords!" repeated my sister. "Where did you get swords from?" +</p> +<p> + "Out of the cupboard," said I. "And I saw pistols in it—and jam—and + pills. And there was only candlelight in the room." +</p> +<p> + If they had asked me any more questions I should undoubtedly have + betrayed myself for I was just on the point of mentioning that there was + a balloon in the yard and should have hazarded the statement, but that + my invention was divided between that phenomenon and a bear in the + brewery. +</p> +<p> + My hearers were so much occupied, however, in discussing the marvels I + had already presented to them, that I escaped. The subject still held + them when Joe came in, and my experiences were at once related to him. + Now, when I saw his big blue eyes open in helpless amazement, I became + penitent, but only in regard to him. And so, after Mr. Pumblechook had + driven off, and my sister was busy, I stole into the forge and confessed + my guilt. +</p> +<p> + "You remember all that about Miss Havisham's?" I said. +</p> +<p> + "Remember!" said Joe. "I believe you! Wonderful!" +</p> +<p> + "It's a terrible thing, Joe. It ain't true." +</p> +<p> + "What are you a-telling of, Pip?" cried Joe. "You don't mean to say it!" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I do;—it's lies, Joe." +</p> +<p> + "But not all of it? Why, sure you don't mean to say, Pip, that there was + no black welvet co-ch?" For I stood there shaking my head. "But at least + there was dogs, Pip? Come, Pip, if there warn't no weal cutlets, at + least there was dogs? A puppy, come." +</p> +<p> + "No, Joe," I said. "There was nothing of the kind." +</p> +<p> + As I fixed my eyes hopelessly on him, he looked at me in dismay. "Pip, + old chap," he said, "this won't do, I say. Where do you expect to go to? + What possessed you?" +</p> +<p> + "I don't know what possessed me," I replied, hanging my head, "but I + wish you hadn't taught me to call knaves at cards Jacks, and I wish my + boots weren't so thick, nor my hands so coarse." +</p> +<p> + Then I told Joe that I felt very miserable, but I hadn't liked to tell + Mrs. Joe and Uncle Pumblechook about the beautiful young lady at Miss + Havisham's who was so proud, and that she had said I was common, and + that I wished I was not common, and that the lies had come out of it + somehow, though I didn't know how. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Joe after a good deal of thought, "there's one thing you + may be sure of, Pip, namely, that lies is lies. Howsoever they come, + they didn't ought to come, and they come from the father of lies and + work round to the same. Don't you tell no more of 'em, Pip. They ain't + the way to get out of being common, old chap. And as to being common, I + don't make it out at all clear. You're sure an uncommon scholar." +</p> +<p> + This I denied in the face of Joe's most forcible arguments, and at the + end of our talk, I said, "You are not angry with me, Joe?" +</p> +<p> + "No, old chap, but if you can't get to being uncommon through going + straight, you'll never get to do it through going crooked. So don't tell + no more on 'em, Pip. Don't never do it no more." +</p> +<p> + When I got up to my little room and said my prayers, I thought over + Joe's advice and knew that it was right, and yet my mind was in such a + disturbed and unthankful state, that for a long time I lay awake, not + thinking over my sins, but still mourning that Joe and Mrs. Joe and I + were all common. +</p> +<p> + That was a memorable day for me, and it wrought great changes in me. I + began to see things and people from a new point of view, and from that + day dates the beginning of my great expectations. +</p> +<p> + One night, a little later, I was at the village Public House with Joe, + who was smoking his pipe with friends. In the room there was a stranger, + who, when he heard me addressed as Pip, turned and looked at me. He kept + looking hard at me, and nodding at me, and I returned his nods as + politely as possible. Presently, after seeing that Joe was not looking, + he nodded again and then rubbed his leg—in a very odd way, it struck + me—and later, he stirred his rum and water pointedly at me, and he + tasted it pointedly at me. And he did both, not with the spoon but with + a file. He did this so that nobody but I saw the file, and then he wiped + it and put it in his pocket I knew it to be Joe's file, and I knew that + he was my convict the minute I saw the instrument. I sat gazing at him, + spell-bound, but he took very little more notice of me; only when Joe + and I started to go, he stopped us. +</p> +<p> + "Stop half a minute, Mr. Gargery," he said; "I think I've got a bright + shilling somewhere in my pocket; if I have, the boy shall have it." He + took it out, folded it in some crumpled paper and gave it to me. + "Yours," said he. "Mind—your own!" I thanked him, staring at him beyond + the bounds of good manners, and holding tight to Joe, and then we went + towards home, I in a manner stupefied, and thinking only of this turning + up of my old misdeed and old acquaintance. +</p> +<p> + We found my sister was not in a very bad temper, and Joe was encouraged + to tell her about the shilling. I took it out of the paper to show her. + "But what's this?" she said, catching up the paper. It was nothing less + than two one-pound notes! Joe caught up his hat and ran with them to the + Public House to restore them to their owner, only to find that he had + gone. Then my sister sealed them up in a piece of paper, and put them on + the top of a press in the state parlour, and there they remained. +</p> +<p> + On the appointed day I returned to Miss Havisham, and as before, was + admitted by Estella. As we went up stairs we met a gentleman groping his + way down. He was bald, with a large head and bushy black eyebrows. His + eyes were deep set and disagreeably keen. He was nothing to me, but I + observed him well as he passed. +</p> +<p> + Estella led me this time into another part of the house, and into a + gloomy room where there were some other people, saying,—— +</p> +<p> + "You are to go and stand there, boy, till you are wanted." +</p> +<p> + "There" being the window, I crossed to it and stood looking out, at a + deserted house and old garden, in a very uncomfortable state of mind. + There were three ladies and one gentleman in the room, who all stopped + talking and looked at me. Later I found out that they were particular + friends of Miss Havisham. The ringing of a distant bell caused Estella + to say, "Now, boy!" and to conduct me to Miss Havisham's room, leaving + me near the door, where I stood until Miss Havisham cast her eyes upon + me. +</p> +<p> + "Are you ready to play?" she asked. +</p> +<p> + I answered, in some confusion, "I don't think I am, ma'am, except at + cards; I could do that if I was wanted." +</p> +<p> + She looked searchingly at me and then asked, "If you are unwilling to + play, boy, are you willing to work?" +</p> +<p> + As I answered this in the affirmative, she presently laid a hand on my + shoulder. In the other she had a stick on which she leaned, and she + looked like the witch of the place. She looked all round the room in a + glaring manner, and then said, "Come, come, come! walk me, walk me!" +</p> +<p> + From this I made out that my work was to walk Miss Havisham round and + round the room. Accordingly I started at once and she leaned on my + shoulder. She was not strong, and soon she said, "Slower!" Still she + went at a fitful, impatient speed, and the hand on my shoulder twitched. + After a while she bade me call Estella, and on we started again round + the room. If she had been alone I should have been sufficiently + embarrassed, but as she brought with her the visitors, I didn't know + what to do. I would have stopped, but Miss Havisham twitched my + shoulder, and we posted on,—I feeling shamefaced embarrassment. The + visitors remained for some time, and after they left Miss Havisham + directed us to play cards as before, and as before, Estella treated me + with cold scorn. After half a dozen games, a day was set for my return, + and I was taken into the yard to be fed in the former dog-like manner. + Prowling about, I scrambled over the wall into the deserted garden that + I had seen from the window. I supposed the house belonging to it was + empty, and to my surprise I was confronted by the vision of a pale young + gentleman with red eyelids and light hair, in a window, who speedily + came down and stood beside me. +</p> +<p> + "Halloa!" said he; "young fellow, who let you in?" +</p> +<p> + "Miss Estella." +</p> +<p> + "Who gave you leave to prowl about? Come and fight," said the pale young + gentleman. +</p> +<p> + What could I do but follow him? His manner was so final and I was so + astonished that I followed where he led, as if under a spell. "Stop a + minute, though," he said, "I ought to give you a reason for fighting + too. There it is!" In a most irritating manner he slapped his hands + against one another, flung one of his legs up behind him, pulled my + hair, dipped his head and butted it into my stomach. This bull-like + proceeding, besides that it was unquestionably to be regarded in the + light of a liberty, was particularly disagreeable just after bread and + meat. I therefore hit out at him and was going to hit out again, when he + said, "Aha! Would you?" and began dancing backwards and forwards in a + manner quite unparalleled within my limited experience. +</p> +<p> + "Laws of the game!" said he. Here he skipped from his left leg on to his + right. "Regular rules!" Here he skipped from his right leg on to his + left. "Come to the ground and go through the preliminaries!" Here he + dodged backwards and forwards, and did all sorts of things, while I + looked helplessly at him. I was secretly afraid of him, but I felt + convinced that his light head of hair could have had no business in the + pit of my stomach. Therefore I followed him without a word, to a retired + nook of the garden. On his asking me if I was satisfied with the + ground, and on my replying "Yes," he fetched a bottle of water and a + sponge dipped in vinegar, and then fell to pulling off, not only his + jacket and waistcoat, but his shirt too, in a manner at once + light-hearted, business-like, and bloodthirsty. +</p> +<p> + My heart failed me when I saw him squaring at me with every + demonstration of mechanical nicety, and eyeing my anatomy as if he were + minutely choosing his bone. I never have been so surprised in my life as + I was when I let out the first blow and saw him lying on his back, with + a bloody nose and his face exceedingly foreshortened. But he was on his + feet directly, and after sponging himself began squaring again. The + second greatest surprise I have ever had in my life was seeing him on + his back again, looking up at me out of a black eye. His spirit inspired + me with great respect. He was always knocked down, but he would be up + again in a moment, sponging himself or drinking out of the water bottle, + and then came at me with an air and a show that made me believe he + really was going to do for me at last. He got heavily bruised, for I am + sorry to record that the more I hit him, the harder I hit him, but he + came up again, and again, and again, until at last he got a bad fall + with the back of his head against the wall. Even after that he got up + and turned round and round confusedly a few times, not knowing where I + was, but finally went on his knees to his sponge and threw it up, + panting out, "That means you have won!" +</p> +<p> + He seemed so brave and innocent, that although I had not proposed the + contest, I felt but a gloomy satisfaction in my victory. Indeed, I go so + far as to hope that I regarded myself as a species of savage young wolf + or other wild beast. However, I got dressed, and I said, "Can I help + you?" and he said, "No, thankee," and I said, "Good afternoon," and he + said, "Same to you!" +</p> +<p> + When I got into the courtyard I found Estella waiting with the keys to + let me out. What with the visitors, and what with the cards, and what + with the fight, my stay had lasted so long that when I neared home the + light on the spit of sand off the point on the marshes was gleaming + against a black night-sky, and Joe's furnace was flinging a path of fire + across the road. +</p> +<p> + When the day came for my return to the scene of my fight with the pale + young gentleman, I became very much afraid as I recalled him on his back + in various stages of misery, and the more I thought about it, the more + certain I felt that his blood would be on my head and that the law would + avenge it, and I felt that I never could go back. However, go to Miss + Havisham's I must, and go I did. And behold, nothing came of the late + struggle! The pale young gentleman was nowhere to be seen, and only in + the corner where the combat had taken place could I detect any evidences + of his existence. There were traces of his gore in that spot, and I + covered them with garden-mould from the eye of men, and breathed more + quietly again. +</p> +<p> + That same day I began on a regular occupation of pushing Miss Havisham + in a light garden chair (when she was tired of walking with her hand on + my shoulder) round through the rooms. Over and over and over again we + made these journeys, sometimes lasting for three hours at a stretch, and + from that time I returned to her every alternate day at noon for that + purpose, and kept returning through a period of eight or ten months. As + we began to be more used to one another, Miss Havisham talked more to + me, and asked me many questions about myself. I told her I believed I + was to be apprenticed to Joe, and enlarged on knowing nothing, and + wanting to know everything, hoping that she might offer me some help. + But she did not, on the contrary she seemed to prefer my being ignorant. + Nor did she give me any money, nor anything but my daily dinner. + Estella always let me in and out. Sometimes she would coldly tolerate + me, sometimes condescend to me, sometimes be quite familiar with me, and + at other times she would tell me that she hated me; and all the time my + admiration for her grew apace. +</p> +<p> + There was a song Joe used to hum at the forge, of which the burden was + "Old Clem." The song imitated the beating upon iron. Thus you were to + hammer;—Boys round—Old Clem! With a thump and a sound—Old Clem! Beat + it out, beat it out—Old Clem! With a clink for the stout—Old Clem! + Blow the fire, blow the fire—Old Clem! Roaring dryer, soaring + higher—Old Clem! One day I was crooning this ditty as I pushed Miss + Havisham about. It happened to catch her fancy and she took it up in a + low brooding voice. After that it became customary with us to sing it as + we moved about, and often Estella joined in, though the whole strain was + so subdued that it made less noise in the grim old house than the + lightest breath of wind. How could my character fail to be influenced by + such surroundings? Is it to be wondered at if my thoughts were dazed, as + my eyes were, when I came out into the natural light from the misty + yellow rooms? +</p> +<p> + We went on this way for a long time, but one day Miss Havisham stopped + short as she and I were walking and said, with displeasure: "You are + growing tall, Pip!" +</p> +<p> + In answer I suggested that this might be a thing over which I had no + control, and she said no more at that time, but on the following day she + said: +</p> +<p> + "Tell me the name again of the blacksmith of yours to whom you were to + be apprenticed?" +</p> +<p> + "Joe Gargery, ma'am," +</p> +<p> + "You had better be apprenticed at once. Would Gargery come here with + you, and bring your indentures, do you think?" +</p> +<p> + I signified that I thought he would consider it an honour to be asked. +</p> +<p> + "Then let him come!" +</p> +<p> + "At any particular time, Miss Havisham?" +</p> +<p> + "There, there, I know nothing about time. Let him come soon, and come + alone with you!" +</p> +<p> + In consequence, two days later, Joe, arrayed in his Sunday clothes, set + out with me to visit Miss Havisham, and as he thought his court dress + necessary to the occasion, it was not for me to tell him that he looked + far better in his working dress. We arrived at Miss Havisham's, and as + usual Estella opened the door, and led the way to Miss Havisham's room. + She immediately addressed Joe, asking him questions about himself and + about having me for apprentice and finally she asked to see my + indentures, which Joe produced; I am afraid I was ashamed of the dear + good fellow—I know I was when I saw Estella's eyes were laughing + mischievously. +</p> +<p> + Miss Havisham then took a little bag from the table and handed it to me. +</p> +<p> + "Pip has earned a premium here," she said, "and here it is. There are + five and twenty guineas in the bag. Give it to your Master, Pip." +</p> +<p> + I handed it to Joe, who said a few embarrassed words of gratitude to + Miss Havisham. +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, Pip," she said. "Let them out, Estella." +</p> +<p> + "Am I to come again, Miss Havisham?" I asked. +</p> +<p> + "No—Gargery is your master now. Gargery! One word!" Joe stepped back + and she added, "The boy has been a good boy here, and that is his + reward. Of course, as an honest man, you will expect no other." +</p> +<p> + Then we went down, and in a moment we were outside of the gate, and it + was locked and Estella was gone. When we stood in the daylight alone, + Joe backed up against a wall, breathless with amazement, and repeated + at intervals, "Astonishing! Pip, I do assure you this is as-ton-ishing!" + Then we walked away, back to Mr. Pumblechook's, where we found my + sister, and told her the great news of my earnings, and she was as much + pleased as was possible for her to be. +</p> +<p> + It is a miserable thing to feel ashamed of home, I assure you. To me + home had never been a very pleasant place on account of sister's temper, + but Joe had sanctified it, and I believed in it. I had believed in the + Best Parlour, as a most elegant place, I had believed in the Front Door + as a mysterious portal of the Temple of State, I had believed in the + kitchen as a chaste though not magnificent apartment; I had believed in + the forge, as the glowing road to manhood and independence. Within a + single year all this was changed. Now it was all coarse and common to + me, and I would not have had Miss Havisham and Estella see it for the + world. Once it had seemed to me that as Joe's apprentice I should be + distinguished and happy. Now I regret to say that I was as dejected and + miserable as was possible to be, and in my ungracious breast there was a + shame of all that surrounded me. +</p> +<p> + Toward the end of my first year as Joe's apprentice I suggested that I + go and call on Miss Havisham. He thought well of it, and so I went. +</p> +<p> + Everything was unchanged, except that a strange young woman came to the + door, and I found that Estella was abroad being educated, and Miss + Havisham was alone. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said she. "I hope you want nothing; you'll get nothing!" +</p> +<p> + "No, indeed," I replied, "I only want you to know that I am doing very + well and am always much obliged to you." We had little other + conversation, and soon she dismissed me, and as the gate closed on me, I + felt more than ever dissatisfied with my home, and my trade, and with + everything! +</p> +<p> + When I reached home, some one hastened out to tell me that the house + had been entered during my absence, and that my sister had been attacked + and badly injured. Nothing had been taken from the house, but my sister + had been struck a terrible blow, and lay very ill in bed for months, and + when at last she could come down stairs again her mind was never quite + clear, and she was unable to speak. So it was necessary to have Biddy + come and take up the house-keeping, and meanwhile I kept up the routine + of my apprenticeship-life, varied only by the arrival of my several + birthdays, on each of which I paid another visit to Miss Havisham. +</p> +<p> + On a Saturday night, in the fourth year of my apprenticeship to Joe, he + and I sat by a fire at the inn—the Three Jolly Bargemen, with a group + of men. One of them was a strange gentleman who entered into the + discussion on hand with zest, and then, rising, stood before the fire. + "From information I have received," said he, looking round, "I have + reason to believe there is a blacksmith among you, by name Joseph + Gargery. Which is the man?" +</p> +<p> + "Here is the man," said Joe. +</p> +<p> + The gentleman beckoned him out of his place, and said: "You have an + apprentice called Pip. Is he here?" +</p> +<p> + To this I responded in the affirmative. The stranger did not recognise + me, but I recognised him as the gentleman I had met on the stairs on my + second visit to Miss Havisham. I had known him from the moment I had + first been confronted with his bushy eyebrows and black eyes. +</p> +<p> + "I wish to have a private conference with you both," he said. "Perhaps + we had better go to your house to have it." +</p> +<p> + So, in a wondering silence, we walked away with him towards home, and + when we got there Joe let us in by the front door, and our conference + was held in the state parlour. +</p> +<p> + The stranger proceeded to tell us that he was a lawyer, Jaggers by + name, and that he was the bearer of an offer to Joe, which was, that he + should cancel my indentures, at my request, and for my good. He went on + to say that his communication was to the effect that I had Great + Expectations. Joe and I gasped and looked at one another as Mr. Jaggers + continued: +</p> +<p> + "I am instructed to tell Pip that he will come into a handsome property, + and that it is the desire of the present owner of that property that he + be at once removed from here, and be brought up as befits a young + gentleman of Great Expectations." +</p> +<p> + My dream was out! My wild fancy was realised; Miss Havisham was going to + make my fortune on a grand scale. +</p> +<p> + I listened breathlessly while Mr. Jaggers added that my benefactor + wished me to keep always the name of Pip, and also that the name of the + benefactor was to remain a secret until such time as the person chose to + reveal it. After stating these conditions, Mr. Jaggers paused, and asked + if I had any objections to complying with them, to which I stammered + that I had not, and Mr. Jaggers continued that he had been made my + guardian, that he would provide me with a sum of money ample for my + education and maintenance, and that he should advise my residing in + London, and having as tutor one Matthew Pocket, whom I had heard + mentioned by Miss Havisham. +</p> +<p> + "First," continued Mr. Jaggers, "you should have some new clothes. You + will want some money. I will leave you twenty guineas, and will expect + you in London on this day week." +</p> +<p> + He produced a purse and counted out the money, then eyeing Joe, he said, + "Well, Joe Gargery, you look dumbfounded?" +</p> +<p> + "I am!" said Joe, with decision. +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Mr. Jaggers, "what if I were to make you a present as + compensation?" +</p> +<p> + "For what?" said Joe. +</p> +<p> + "For the loss of the boy's services." +</p> +<p> + Joe laid a hand on my shoulder with the touch of a woman, saying: +</p> +<p> + "Pip is that hearty welcome to go free with his services, to honour and + fortune, as no words can tell him! But if you think as money can make + compensation to me for the loss of the little child what come to the + forge,—and ever the best of friends—-" +</p> +<p> + O dear, good Joe, whom I was so ready to leave, and so unthankful to—I + see you again to-day, and in a very different light. I feel the loving + tremble of your hand upon my arm as solemnly to-day as if it had been + the rustle of an angel's wing. But, at the time, I was lost in the mazes + of my good fortune, and thought of nothing else, and as Joe remained + firm on the money question, Mr. Jaggers rose to go, giving me a few last + instructions for reaching London. +</p> +<p> + Then he left and we vacated the state parlour at once for the kitchen, + where my sister and Biddy were sitting. I told the news of my great + expectations and received congratulations, which had in them a touch of + sadness which I rather resented. +</p> +<p> + That night Joe stayed out on the doorstep, smoking a pipe much later + than usual, which seemed to hint to me that he wanted comforting, for + some reason, but in my arrogant happiness, I could not understand his + feelings. +</p> +<p> + During the next week I was very busy making my preparations to leave. + With some assistance I selected a suit, and went also to the hatter's + and boot-maker's and hosier's, and also engaged my place on the Saturday + morning coach. Then I went to make my farewells to Uncle Pumblechook, + whom I found awaiting me with pride and impatience, for the news had + reached him. He shook hands with me at least a hundred times, and + blessed me, and stood waving his hand at me until I passed out of + sight. It was now Friday, and I dressed up in my new clothes to make a + farewell visit to Miss Havisham. I felt awkward and self-conscious, and + rang the bell constrainedly on account of the still long fingers of my + new gloves. Miss Havisham received me as usual, and I explained to her + that I was to start for London on the morrow, and that I had come into a + fortune, for which I was more grateful than I could express. She asked + me a number of questions, and then said: +</p> +<p> + "Well, you have a promising career before you. Be good, deserve it, and + abide by Mr. Jagger's instructions. Good-bye, Pip." She stretched out + her hand, and I knelt down and kissed it,—and so I left my fairy + god-mother, with both her hands on her crutch-stick, standing in the + middle of the dimly-lighted room. +</p> +<p> + I little dreamed then that it was not to her that I owed my Great + Expectations, but to my older acquaintance, the convict, for whom I had + robbed my sister's larder long ago. But of this I little dreamed, and + knew nothing until years later. +</p> +<p> + And now the six days had gone, and to-morrow looked me in the face. As + my departure drew near I became more appreciative of the society of my + family. On this last evening I dressed myself in my new clothes for + their delight, and sat in my splendour until bedtime. We had a hot + supper on the occasion, and pretended to be in high spirits, although + none of us were. +</p> +<p> + All night my broken sleep was filled with fantastic visions, and I arose + early and sat by my window, taking a last look at the familiar view. + Then came an early, hurried breakfast, and then I kissed my sister and + Biddy, and threw my arms around Joe's neck, took up my little + portmanteau, and walked out. Presently I heard a scuffle behind me, and + there was Joe, throwing an old shoe after me. I waved my hat, and dear + old Joe waved his arm over his head, crying huskily, "Hooroar!" +</p> +<p> + I walked away rapidly then, thinking it was not so hard to go, after + all. But then came a thought of the peaceful village where I had been so + care-free and innocent, and beyond was the great unknown world,—and in + a moment, I broke into tears, sobbing: +</p> +<p> + "Good-bye, oh my dear, dear friend!" I was better after that, more + sorry, more aware of my ingratitude to Joe, more gentle. +</p> +<p> + So subdued was I by my tears that when I was on the coach, I + deliberated, with an aching heart, whether I should not get down when we + changed horses, and walk back for one more evening at home and a better + parting, but while I was still deliberating, we went on, and changed + again, and then it was too late and too far for me to go back, and I + must go on. + And the mists had all solemnly risen about me now, and the world lay + spread before me, and I must go on. And so my boyhood came to an end, + and the first stage of my Great Expectations was over. +</p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11227 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11227-h/images/bolder.jpg b/11227-h/images/bolder.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..928474a --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/bolder.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/david.jpg b/11227-h/images/david.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..30f7ca0 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/david.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/deputy.jpg b/11227-h/images/deputy.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1fe26e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/deputy.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/dotheboys.jpg b/11227-h/images/dotheboys.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..501ad5c --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/dotheboys.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/jo.jpg b/11227-h/images/jo.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3e8aba0 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/jo.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/kit.jpg b/11227-h/images/kit.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5858f55 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/kit.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/oliver.jpg b/11227-h/images/oliver.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a68daa --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/oliver.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/paul.jpg b/11227-h/images/paul.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d877e58 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/paul.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/pip.jpg b/11227-h/images/pip.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..38aac2a --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/pip.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/tim.jpg b/11227-h/images/tim.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2c34018 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/tim.jpg diff --git a/11227-h/images/tommy.jpg b/11227-h/images/tommy.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c24e614 --- /dev/null +++ b/11227-h/images/tommy.jpg |
