 Chapter 36 of The Old Curiosity Shop The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Chapter 36 As the single gentleman after some weeks' occupation of his lodgings still declined to correspond by word or gesture either with Mr. Brass or his sister Sally, but invariably chose Richard Swiveller as his channel of communication and as he proved himself in all respects are highly desirable inmate, paying for everything beforehand, giving very little trouble, making no noise and keeping early hours. Mr. Richard imperceptibly rose to an important position in the family as one who had influence over this mysterious lodger and could negotiate with him for good or evil when nobody else does approach his person. If the truth must be told, even Mr. Swiveller's approaches to the single gentleman were of a very distant kind and met with small encouragement. But as he never returned from a monosyllabic conference with the unknown, without quoting such expressions as Swiveller, I know I can rely upon you. I have no hesitation in saying, Swiveller, that I entertain a regard for you. Swiveller, you are my friend and will stand by me, I am sure. With many other short speeches of the same familiar and confiding kind, purporting to have been addressed by the single gentleman to himself and to form the staple of their ordinary discourse, neither Mr. Brass nor Miss Sally for a moment questioned the extent of his influence, but accorded to him their fullest and most unqualified belief. But quite apart from and independent of this source of popularity, Mr. Swiveller had another, which promised to be equally enduring and to lighten his position considerably. He found favour in the eyes of Miss Sally Brass. Let not the light's corners of female fascination erect their ears to listen to a new tale of love which shall serve them for a jest. For Miss Brass, however accurately formed to be beloved, was not of the loving kind. That amiable virgin, having clung to the skirts of the law from her earliest youth, having sustained herself by their aid, as it were, in her first running alone, and maintained a firm grasp upon them ever since, had passed her life in a kind of legal childhood. She had been remarkable when a tender prattler for an uncommon talent in counterfeiting the walk and manner of a bailiff, in which character she had learned to tap her little playfellows on the shoulder and to carry them off to imaginary-sponging houses, with the correctness of imitation which was the surprise and delight of all who witnessed her performances, and which was only to be exceeded by her exquisite manner of putting an execution into her doll's house and taking an exact inventory of the chairs and tables. These artless sports had naturally soothed and cheered the decline of her widowed father, a most exemplary gentleman called Old Foxy by his friends from his extreme sagacity, who encouraged them to the utmost, and whose chief regret on finding that he drew near to Hound's ditched churchyard was that his daughter could not take out an attorney's certificate and hold a place upon the roll. Filled with this affectionate and touching sorrow, he had solemnly confided her to his son Samson as an invaluable auxiliary, and from the old gentleman's decease to the period of which we treat, Miss Sally Brass had been the prop and pillar of his business. It is obvious that, having devoted herself from infancy to this one pursuit and study, Miss Brass could know but little of the world, otherwise than in connection with the law, and that from a lady gifted with such high tastes, proficiency, those gentler and softer arts in which women usually excel, was scarcely to be looked for. Miss Sally's accomplishments were all of a masculine and strictly legal kind. They began with the practice of an attorney, and they ended with it. She was in a state of lawful innocence, so to speak. The law had been her nurse, and, as bandy legs or such physical deformities in children are held to be the consequence of bad nursing, so, if in a mind so beautiful any moral twist or handiness could be found, Miss Sally Brass's nurse was alone to blame. It was on this lady, then, that Mr. Swivel burst in full freshness as something new and hitherto undreamed of, lighting up the office with scraps of song and merriment, conjuring with ink stands and boxes of wafers, catching three oranges in one hand, balancing stools upon his chin and pen knives on his nose, and constantly performing a hundred other feats with equal ingenuity. Four with such unbentings did Richard, in Mr. Brass's absence, relieve the tedium of his confinement. These social qualities, which Miss Sally first discovered by accident, gradually made such an impression upon her that she would entreat Mr. Swivel to relax as though she were not by, which Mr. Swivel, nothing loath, would readily consent to do. By these means a friendship sprung up between them. Mr. Swivel gradually came to look upon her, as her brother Samson did, and as he would have looked upon any other clerk. He imparted to her the mystery of going the old man or plain new market for fruit, ginger beer, baked potatoes, or even a modest venture of which Miss Brass did not scruple to partake. He would often persuade her to undertake his share of writing in addition to her own. Nay, he would sometimes reward her with a hearty slap on the back and protest that she was a devilish good fellow, a jolly dog and so forth, all of which compliments Miss Sally would receive in an entire good part and with perfect satisfaction. One circumstance troubled Mr. Swivel's mind very much, and that was that the small servant always remained somewhere in the bowels of the earth, under beavers marks, and never came to the surface unless the single gentleman rang his bell when she would answer it and immediately disappear again. She never went out, or came into the office, or had a clean face, or took off the cause apron, or looked out of any one of the windows, or stood at the street door for a breath of air, or had any rest or enjoyment whatever. Nobody ever came to see her, nobody spoke of her, nobody cared about her. Mr. Brass got said once that he believed she was a love child, which means anything but a child of love, and that was all the information Richard Swivel could obtain. It's of no use asking the dragon, thought to dick one day, as he said contemplating the features of Miss Sally Brass. I suspect if I asked any questions on that head, our alliance would be at an end. I wonder whether she is a dragon by the by, or something in the mermaid way. She has rather a scaly appearance, but mermaids are fond of looking at themselves in the glass, which she can't be, and they have a habit of combing their hair, which she hasn't. No, she is a dragon. Where are you going, old fellow? said dick aloud, as Miss Sally wiped her pen as usual on the green dress and approached from her seat. To dinner, answered the dragon. To dinner, thought to dick, that's another circumstance. I don't believe that small servant ever has anything to eat. Sammy won't be home, said Miss Brass, stop till I come back. I shan't be long. Dick nodded and followed Miss Brass with his eyes to the door, and with his ears to a little back parlor, where she and her brother took their meals. Now, said dick, walking up and down with his hands in his pockets, I'd give something, if I had it, to know how they use that child and where they keep her. My mother must have been a very inquisitive woman. I have no doubt I'm marked with a note of interrogation somewhere. My feelings I smother, but thou hast been the cause of this anguish, my, upon my word, said Mr. Swiveller, checking himself and falling thoughtfully into the client's chair. I should like to know how they use her. After running on in this way for some time, Mr. Swiveller softly opened the office door, with the intention of darting across the street for a glass of the mild porter. At that moment he caught a parting glimpse of the brown headdress of Miss Brass flitting down the kitchen stairs. And by Jove, thought Dick, she is going to feed the small servant, now or never. First peeping over the handrail and allowing the headdress to disappear in the darkness below, he groped his way down and arrived at the door of a back kitchen immediately after Miss Brass could enter the same, bearing in her hand a cold leg of mutton. It was a very dark, miserable place, very low and very damp. The walls disfigured by a thousand rents and blotches. The water was trickling out of a leaky butt and a most wretched cat was lapping up the drops with sickly eagerness of starvation. The grate, which was a wide one, was wound and screwed up tight, so as to hold no more than a little thin sandwich of fire. Everything was locked up. The coal cellar, the candle box, the salt box, the meat safe were all padlocked. There was nothing that a beetle could have lunged upon. The pinched and bigger aspect of the place would have killed a chameleon. He would have known at the first mouthful that the air was not eatable and must have given up the ghost and despair. The small servant stood with humility in presence of Miss Sally and hung her head. Are you there? said Miss Sally. Yes, ma'am, was the answer in a weak voice. Go further away from the leg of mutton or you'll be picking it, I know, said Miss Sally. The girl withdrew into a corner while Miss Brass took a key from her pocket and, opening the safe, brought from it a dreary waste of cold potatoes, looking as eatable as Stonehenge. This she placed before the small servant, ordering her to sit down before it and then, taking up a great carving knife, made a mighty show of sharpening it upon the carving fork. Do you see this? said Miss Brass, slicing off about two square inches of cold mutton after all this preparation and holding it out on the point of the fork. The small servant looked hard enough at it with her hungry eyes to see every shred of it, small as it was, and answered, Yes. Then don't you ever go and say, retorted Miss Sally, that you hadn't meet here, there, heated up. This was soon done. Now do you want any more? said Miss Sally. The hungry creature answered with a faint, No. They were evidently going through an established form. You've been helped once to meet, said Miss Brass, summing up the facts. You have had as much as you can eat. You're asked if you want any more, and you answer no. Then don't you ever go and say you were allowanceed, mind that? With those words, Miss Sally put the meat away and locked the safe and then, drawing near to the small servant, overlooked her while she finished the potatoes. It was plain that some extraordinary grudge was working in Miss Brass's gentle breast and that it was that which impelled her, without the smallest present cause, to wrap the child with the blade of the knife, now on her hand, now on her head, and now on her back, as if she found it quite impossible to stand so close to her without administering a few slight knocks. But Mr. Swivel was not a little surprised to see his fellow clerk after walking slowly backwards towards the door, as if she were trying to withdraw herself from the room but could not accomplish it. Doubts suddenly forward and falling on the small servant give her some hard blows with her clenched hand. The victim cried, but in a subdued manner, as if she feared to raise her voice and Miss Sally, comforting herself with a pinch of snuff, ascended the stairs, just as Richard had safely reached the office. End of Chapter 36 Chapter 37 of The Old Curiosity Shop The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Chapter 37 The single gentleman among his other peculiarities and he had a very plentiful stock of which he every day furnished some new specimen to comeost extraordinary and remarkable interest in the exhibition of punch. If the sound of a punch's voice at ever so remote a distance reached beavis marks, the single gentleman, though in bed and asleep, would start up and, hurrying on his clothes, make for the spot with all speed and presently return at the head of a long procession of idlers, having in the midst the theatre and its proprietors. Straightaway, the stage would be set up in front of Mr. Brass's house. The single gentleman would establish himself at the first-floor window and the entertainment would proceed with all its exciting accompaniments of fife and drum and shout to the excessive consternation of all sober votaries of business in that silent thoroughfare. It might have been expected that when the play was done both players and audience would have dispersed, but the epilogue was as bad as the play, where no sooner was the devil dead than the manager of the puppets and his partner were summoned by the single gentleman to his chamber, where they were regaled with strong waters from his private store and where they held with him long conversations, the purport of which no human being could fathom. But the secret of these discussions was of little importance. It was sufficient to know that while they were proceeding, the concourse without still lingered round the house, that boys beat upon the drum with their fists and imitated punch with their tender voices, that the office window was rendered opaque by flattened noses and the keyhole of the street door luminous with eyes, that every time the single gentleman or either of his guests was seen at the upper window or so much as the end of one of their noses was visible, there was a great shout of execration from the excluded mob who remained howling and yelling and refusing consolation until the exhibitors were delivered up to them to be attended elsewhere. It was sufficient in short to know that Beavis Marx was revolutionized by these popular movements and that peace and quietness fled from its precincts. Nobody was rendered more indignant by these proceedings than Mr. Samson Brass, who, as he could by no means afford to lose so profitable and inmate, deemed it prudent to pocket his lodges of front along with his cash and to annoy the audiences who clustered round his door by such imperfect means of retaliation as were open to him and which were confined to the trickling down of foul water on their heads from unseen watering pots, pelting them with fragments of tile and mortar from the roof of the house and bribing the drivers of hackney cabriolets to come suddenly round the corner and dash in among them precipitately. It may, at first sight, be matter of surprise to the thoughtless few that Mr. Brass, being a professional gentleman, should not have legally indicted some party or parties active in the promotion of the nuisance, but they will be good enough to remember that as doctors seldom take their own prescriptions and divines do not always practice what they preach, so lawyers are shy of meddling with the law on their own account, knowing it to be an edged tool of uncertain application, very expensive in the working and rather remarkable for its properties of close shaving than for its always shaving the right person. Come, said Mr. Brass one afternoon. This is two days without a punch. I am in hopes he has run through them all at last. Why are you in hopes? returned Miss Sally. What harm do they do? Here's a pretty sort of a fellow, cried Brass laying down his pen in despair. Now here's an aggravating animal. Well, what harm do they do? retorted Sally. What harm? cried Brass. Is it no harm to have a constant hallowing and hooting under one's very nose, distracting one from business and making one grind one's teeth with vexation? Is it no harm to be blinded and choked up and have the king's highway stopped with a set of screamers and roarers whose throats must be made of, of Brass, suggested Mr. Swivola. Ah, of Brass, said the lawyer, glancing at his clock to assure himself that he had suggested the word in good faith and without any sinister intention. Is that no harm? The lawyer stopped short in his invective and listening for a moment and recognizing the well-known voice rested his head upon his hand, raised his eyes to the ceiling and muttered faintly. There's another. Up went the single gentleman's window directly. There's another, repeated Brass, and if I could get a break in four blood horses to cut into the marks when the crowd is at its thickest, I'd give eight in pens and never grudge it. A distance quick was heard again. The single gentleman's door burst open. He ran violently down the stairs, out into the street and so passed the window, without any hat, towards the quarter whence the sound proceeded, bent no doubt upon securing the stranger's services directly. I wish I only knew who his friends were, muttered Samson, filling his pocket with papers. If they'd just get up a pretty little commission to lunatico at the Grey's Inn coffee house and give me the job, I'd be content to have the lodging's empty for one while at all events. With which words, and knocking his cat over his eyes, as if for the purpose of shutting out even a glimpse of the dreadful visitation, Mr Brass rushed from the house and hurried away. As Mr Swivola was decidedly favourable to these performances, upon the ground that looking at a punch, or indeed looking at anything out of window, was better than working. And as he had been, for this reason, at some pains to awaken in his fellow clerk a sense of their beauties and manifold desserts, both he and Miss Sally rose as with one accord and took up their positions at the window. Upon the silver of, as in a post of honour, sundry young ladies and gentlemen who were employed in the dry nurture of babies, and who made a point of being present with their young charges on such occasions, had already established themselves as comfortably as the circumstances would allow. The glass being dim, Mr Swivola, agreeably to a friendly custom which he had established between them, hitched off the brown headdress from Miss Sally's head and dusted it carefully therewith. By the time he had handed it back and its beautiful wearer had put it on again, which she did with perfect composure and indifference, the lodger returned with the show and showmen at his heels and a strong addition to the body of spectators. The exhibitor disappeared with all speed behind the drapery and his partner, stationing himself by the side of the theatre, surveyed the audience with a remarkable expression of melancholy which became more remarkable still when he had breathed a horn-pipe tune into that sweet musical instrument which is popularly termed a mouth organ without at all changing the mournful expression of the upper part of his face though his mouth and chin were of necessity in lively spasms. The drama proceeded to its close and held the spectators in chain in the customary manner. The sensation which kindles in large assemblies when they are relieved from a state of breathless suspense and are again free to speak and move was yet rife when the lodger as usual summoned the men upstairs. Both of you, he called from the window where only the actual exhibitor, a little fat man, prepared to obey the summons. I want to talk to you, come both of you. Come Tommy, said the little man. I aren't a talker, replied the other. Tell him so. What should I go and talk for? Don't you see the gentleman's got a bottle and a glass of there? Returned the little man. And couldn't you have said so at first? Retorted the other with sudden alacrity. Now, what are you waiting for? What are you going to keep the gentleman expecting us all day? Haven't you no manners? With this remonstrance, the melancholy man who was no other than Mr. Thomas Coddeline pushed past his friend and brother in the craft, Mr. Harris, otherwise short or trotters and hurried before him to the single gentleman's apartment. Now, my man, said the single gentleman, you have done very well. What will you take? Tell that little man behind to shut the door. Shut the door, can't you? Said Mr. Coddeline, turning graphically to his friend. You might have known that the gentleman wanted the door shut without being told, I think. Mr. Short obeyed, observing under his breath that his friend seemed unusually cranky and expressing a hope that there was no dairy in the neighborhood or his temper would certainly spoil its contents. The gentleman pointed to a couple of chairs and intimated by an emphatic nod of his head that he expected them to be seated. Mr. Coddeline, and short, after looking at each other with considerable doubt and indecision, at length sat down, each on the extreme edge of the chair pointed out to him and held their hats very tight while the single gentleman filled a couple of glasses from a bottle on the table beside him and presented them in due form. You're pretty well brown by the sun, both of you, said their entertainer. Have you been travelling? Mr. Short replied in the affirmative with a nod and a smile. Mr. Coddeline added a corroborative nod and a short groan, as if he still felt the weight of the temple on his shoulders. Wears, markets, races, and so forth, I suppose. Pursued the single gentleman. Yes, sir. Returned short. Britain, I all over the west of England. I have talked to many of your craft from north, east and south. Returned their host in rather a hasty manner. But I had never lighted on any from the west before. It's our regular summer circuit, is the west master. Said Short. That's the way it is. It takes the east of London and the spring and winter and the west of England in the summertime. Many is the hard days walking in rain and mud and with never a penny earned, we've had down in the west. Let me fill your glass again. Much a blage to you, sir, I think I will. Said Mr. Coddeline, suddenly thrusting in his own and turning short aside. I'm the sufferer, sir, in all the travelling and at all the staying at home. In town or country, wet or dry, hot or cold, Tom Coddeline suffers. But Tom Coddeline isn't a complain for all that. Oh, no! Short may complain, but if Coddeline grumbles by so much as a word, oh, dear, down with him. Down with him directly. It isn't his place to grumble. That's quite out of the question. Coddeline and without his usefulness. Observed short with an arch-look. But he don't always keep his eyes open. If I was asleep sometimes, you know. Remember them last races, Tommy? Will you never leave of aggravating a man? Said Coddeline. It's very like I was asleep when five and ten pens was collected in one round, isn't it? I was attending to my business and couldn't have my eyes in twenty places at once, like a peacock no more than you could. If I had a match for an old man and a young child, you aren't neither, so you don't throw that out against me. Or the cap fits your head quite as correct as it fits mine. You may as well drop the subject, Tom. Said short. It isn't particularly agreeable to the gentleman I dare say. Then you shouldn't have brought it up, returned Mr. Coddeline. And I asked the gentleman's pardon on your account, as a giddy chap that likes to air himself talk and don't much care what he talks about, so that he does talk. Their entertainer had sat perfectly quiet in the beginning of this dispute, looking first at one man and then in the other, as if you were lying in wait for an opportunity of putting some further question, or reverting to that from which the discourse had strayed. But, from the point where Mr. Coddeline was charged with sleepiness, he had shown an increasing interest in the discussion, which now attained a very high pitch. You are the two men I want. He said, You men I have been looking for and searching after. Where are that old man and that child you speak of? Sir, said short, hesitating and looking towards his friend. The old man and his grandchild who travelled with you. Where are they? It will be worth your while to speak out, I assure you. Much better worth your while than you believe. They left you, you say, at those races as I understand. They have been traced to that place and they are lost sight of. Have you no clue? Can you suggest no clue to their recovery? I always say, Thomas, cried short, turning with a look of amazement to his friend, that there was sure to be an inquiry after them to travel us. You said, returned Mr. Coddeline, did I always say that that blessed child was the most interesting I ever see? Did I always say I loved her and doted on her? Pretty creature, I think I hear her now. Coddeline's my friend, she says, with a tear of gratitude at trickling down her little eye. Coddeline's my friend, she says, not short. Shorts very well, she says. I have no quarrel with short. He means kind, I dare say, but Coddeline, she says, has the feeling for my money, though he may not look it. Repeating these words with great emotion, Mr. Coddeline rubbed the bridge of his nose with his coat-slave and, shaking his ketamine fully from side to side, left the single gentleman to infer that, from the moment when he lost sight of his dear young charge, his peace of mind and happiness had fled. Good heaven, said the single gentleman, pacing up and down the room. Have I found these men at last only to discover that they can give me no information or assistance? It would have been better to have lived on in hope from day to day and never to have lighted on them than to have my expectations scattered thus. Stay a minute, said short. A man of the name of Jerry. You know Jerry, Thomas? Oh, don't talk to me of Jerry's, replied Mr. Coddeline. How can I care a pinch of snap for Jerry's when I think of that air, darling child? Coddeline's, my friend, she says. Dear, good, kind Coddeline, as is always a devising pleasures for me. I don't object to short, she says, but I cotton to Coddeline once. Said that gentleman reflectively. She called me Father Coddeline. I thought I should have passed. A man of the name of Jerry, sir, said short, turning from his selfish colleague to then your acquaintance. What keeps a company of dancing dogs told me in an accidental sort of way that he had seen the old gentleman in connection with the traveling waxwork unbeknown to him? As they'd given us the slip and nothing had come of it and this was down in the country that he'd been seen, I took no measures about it and asked no questions, but I can if you like. Is this man in town? Said the impatient single gentleman. Speak faster. No, he isn't, but he will be tomorrow for he lodges in our house, replied Mr. Short rapidly. Then bring him here. Said the single gentleman. Here's a sovereign piece. If I can find these people through your means, it is but a prelude to twenty more. Return to me tomorrow and keep your own counsel on this subject, though I need hardly tell you that. For you'll do so for your own sakes. Now give me your address and leave me. The address was given, the two men departed, the crowd went with them, and the single gentleman for two mortal hours walked in uncommon agitation up and down his room, over the wandering heads of Mr. Swivola and Miss Sally Brass. End of Chapter 37 Chapter 38 of The Old Curiosity Shop The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Chapter 38 Kit. For it happens at this juncture not only that we have breathing time to follow his fortunes, but that the necessities of these adventures so adapt themselves to our ease and inclination as to call upon us imperatively to pursue the track we most desire to take. Kit. While the matters treated off in the last fifteen chapters were yet in progress, was, as the reader may suppose, gradually familiarizing himself more and more with Mr. and Mrs. Garland, Mr. Abel, the Pony and Barbara, and gradually coming to consider them one and all as his particular private friends, and Abel Cottage Finchley as his own proper home. Stay, the words are written and may go, but if they convey any notion that Kit, in the plentiful board and comfortable lodging of his new abode, began to think slightingly of the poor fare and furniture of his own dwelling, they do their office badly and commit injustice. Who so mindful of those he left at home, albeit they were but a mother and two young babies as Kit? What boastful father in the fullness of his heart ever related such wonders of his infant prodigy as Kit never worried of telling Barbara in the evening time concerning little Jacob, was there ever such a mother as Kit's mother on her son's showing, or was there ever such comfort in poverty as in the poverty of Kit's family, if any correct judgment might be arrived at from his own glowing account? And let me linger in this place for an instant to remark that if ever household of actions and loves are graceful things, they are graceful in the poor. The ties that bind the wealthy and the proud to home may be forged on earth, but those which link the poor man to his humble heart are of the true metal and bear the stamp of heaven. The man of high descent may love the holes and lands of his inheritance as part of himself, as trophies of his birth and power. His associations with them are associations of pride and wealth and triumph. The poor man's attachment to the tenements he holds which strangers have held before and may tomorrow occupy again, as a worthier root, struck deep into a purer soil. His household gods are of flesh and blood with no alloy of silver, gold or precious stone. He has no property but in the affections of his own heart, and when they in dear bare floors and walls, despite of rags and toil and scanty fare, that man has his love of home from God, and his rude heart becomes a solemn place. Oh, if those who rule the destinies of nations would but remember this. If they would but think how hard it is for the very poor to have engendered in their hearts that love of home from which all domestic virtues spring, when they live in dense and squalid masses where social decency is lost or rather never found. If they would but turn aside from the wide thoroughfares and great houses, and strive to improve the wretched dwellings in byways where only poverty may walk, many low roofs would point more truly to the sky than the loftiest steeple that now rears proudly from the midst of guilt and crime and horrible disease to mock them by its contrast. In hollow voices from workhouse, hospital and jail, this truth is preached from day to day and has been proclaimed for years. It is no light matter, no outcry from the working vulgar, no mere question of the people's health and comforts that may be whistled down on Wednesday nights. In love of home, the love of country has its rise, and who are the true patriots or the better in time of need, those who venerate the land, owning its food and stream and earth and all that they produce, or those who love their country, boasting not a food of ground in all its wide domain? Kit knew nothing about such questions, but he knew that his old home was a very poor place and that his new one was very unlike it, and yet he was constantly looking back with grateful satisfaction and affectionate anxiety, and often indicted square folded letters to his mother enclosing a shilling rating-pence or such other small remittance which Mr. Abel's liberality enabled him to make. Sometimes, being in the neighborhood, he had leisure to call upon her, and then great was the joy and pride of Kit's mother and extremely noisy the satisfaction of little Jacob and the baby, and cordial the congratulations of the whole court who listened with admiring ears to the accounts of Abel Cottage and could never be told too much of its wonders and magnificence. Although Kit was in the very highest favour with the old lady and gentleman, and Mr. Abel and Barbara, it is certain that no member of the family evinced such a remarkable partiality for him as the self-willed pony, who, from being the most obstinate, unopinionated pony on the face of the earth, was in his hands the meekest and most tractable of animals. It is true that in exact proportion as he became manageable by Kit, he became utterly ungovernable by anybody else, as if he had determined to keep him in the family at all risks and hazards, and that, even under the guidance of his favourite, he would sometimes perform a great variety of strange freaks and capers to the extreme discomposure of the old lady's nerves. But as Kit always represented that this was only his fun or a way he had of showing his attachment to his employers, Mrs. Garland gradually suffered herself to be persuaded into the belief in which she at last became so strongly confirmed that if, in one of these abolition he had overturned the chase, she would have been quite satisfied that he did it with the very best intentions. Besides, becoming in a short time a perfect marvel in all stable matters, Kit soon made himself a very tolerable gardener, a handy fellow within doors, and an indispensable attendant on Mr. Abel, who every day gave him some new proof of his confidence and approbation. Mr. Witherden, the notary too, regarded him with a friendly eye, and even Mr. Chakster would sometimes condescend to give him a slight nod, or to honour him with that peculiar form of recognition which is called taking a sight, or to favour him with some other salute combining pleasantry with patronage. One morning Kit drove Mr. Abel to the notary's office, which he sometimes did, and having set him down at the house, was about to drive off to a livery stable hard by when this same Mr. Chakster emerged from the office door and cried, Whoa! Dwelling upon the note a long time for the purpose of striking terror into the pony's heart, and asserting the supremacy of man over the inferior animals. Pull up, Snobby! cried Mr. Chakster, addressing himself to Kit, you are wanted inside here. Has Mr. Abel forgotten anything I wonder? said Kit as he dismounted. Ask no questions, Snobby. Returned Mr. Chakster, but go and see. Whoa! then will you? If that pony was mine, I'd break him. You must be very gentle with him, if you please, said Kit. Or you'll find him troublesome. You'd better not keep on pulling his ears, please. I know he won't like it. This remonstrance Mr. Chakster dained no other answer than addressing Kit with a lofty and distant air as young fella and requesting him to cut and come again with all speed. The young fella, complying, Mr. Chakster put his hands in his pockets and tried to look as if he were not mining the pony but happened to be lounging there by accident. Kit scraped his shoes very carefully, for he had not yet lost his reverence for the bundles of papers and the tin boxes, and tapped at the office door, which was quickly opened by the notary himself. Oh! coming, Christopher! said Mr. Witherden. Is that the lad? asked an elderly gentleman but of a stout bluff figure who was in the room. That's the lad, said Mr. Witherden. He fell in with my client Mr. Garland sir at this very door. I have reason to think he is a good lad, sir, and that you may believe what he says. Let me introduce Mr. Abel Garland sir, his young master, my artichal pupil sir, and most particular friend. My most particular friend sir, repeated the notary, drawing out his silk handkerchief and flourishing it about his face. Your servant sir, said the stranger gentleman. Your sir, I'm sure, replied Mr. Abel mildly. You were wishing to speak to Christopher sir? Yes, I was. Have I your permission? By all means! My business is no secret, or I should rather say it need be no secret here. Said the stranger observing that Mr. Abel and the notary were preparing to retire. It relates to a dealer in curiosities with whom he lived and in whom I am earnestly and warmly interested. I have been a stranger to this country gentlemen for very many years and if I am deficient in form and ceremony I hope you will forgive me. No forgiveness is necessary sir, none, whatever, replied the notary, and so said Mr. Abel. I have been making inquiries in the neighbourhood in which his old master lived, said the stranger, and I learn that he was served by this lad. I have found out his mother's house and have been directed by her to this place as the nearest in which I should be likely to find him. That's the cause of my presenting myself here this morning. I am very glad of any cause sir, said the notary, which procures me the honour of this visit. Sir, retorted the stranger, you speak like a mere man of the world and I think you something better, therefore pray do not sink your real character in paying and meaning compliments to me. Ham, coughed the notary, you are a plain speaker sir, and a plain dealer, return the stranger. It may be my long absence and inexperience that lead me to the conclusion, but if plain speakers are scarce in this part of the world my fancy plain dealers are still scarce sir. If my speaking should offend you sir, my dealing I hope will make amends. Mr. Witherden seemed a little disconcerted by the elderly gentleman's mode of conducting the dialogue, and as for Kit, he looked at him in open mouth astonishment, wondering what kind of language he would address to him if he talked in that free and easy way to a notary. It was with no harshness however, though with something of constitutional irritability and haste that he turned to Kit and said, if you think my lord that I am pursuing these inquiries with any other view than that of serving and reclaiming those I am in search of, you do me a very great wrong and deceive yourself. Don't be deceived, I beg of you, but rely upon my assurance. The fact is gentlemen, he added, turning again to the notary in his pupil, that I am in a very painful and wholly unexpected position. I came to this city with a darling object at my heart expecting to find an obstacle or difficulty in the way of its attainment. I find myself suddenly checked and stopped short in the execution of my design by a mystery which I cannot penetrate. Every effort I have made to penetrate it has only served to render it darker and more obscure. And I am afraid to stir openly in the matter lest those whom I anxiously pursue should fly still farther from me. I assure you that if you could give me any assistance you would not be sorry to do so, if you knew how greatly I stand in need of it and what a load it would relieve me from. There was a simplicity in this confidence which occasioned it to find a quick response in the breast of the good-natured notary, who replied in the same spirit that the stranger had not mistaken his desire and that if he could be of service to him, he would most readily. Kit was then put under examination and closely questioned by the unknown gentleman, touching his old master and the child, their lonely way of life, their retired habits and strict seclusion. The nightly absence of the old man, the solitary existence of the child at those times, his illness and recovery, Wilp's possession of the house and their sudden disappearance were all the subjects of much questioning and answer. Finally, Kit informed the gentleman that the premises were now to let and that a board upon the door referred all inquirers to Mr. Samson Brass' solicitor of Beavis Marks, from whom he might perhaps learn some further particulars. Not by inquiry, said the gentleman shaking his head, I live there. Live at Brass' their tannies? cried Mr. Witherton in some surprise, having professional knowledge of the gentleman in question. I was the reply. I entered on his lodgings the other day, chiefly because I had seen this very board. It matters little to me where I live, and I had a desperate hope that some intelligence might be cast in my way there, which would not reach me elsewhere. Yes, I live at Brass' more shame for me, I suppose. That's a mere matter of opinion, said the notary, shrugging his shoulders. He is looked upon as rather a doubtful character. Doubtful? echoed the other. I am glad to hear there is any doubt about it. I suppose that had been thoroughly settled long ago. Would really let me speak a word or two with you in private? Mr. Witherton consenting. They walked into that gentleman's private closet, and remained there in close conversation for some quarter of an hour, and they returned into the outer office. The stranger had left his hat in Mr. Witherton's room and seemed to have established himself in this short interval on quite a friendly footing. I'll not detain you any longer now, he said, putting a crown into Kit's hand and looking towards the notary. You shall hear from me again, not a word of this, you know, except to your master and mistress. Mother, sir, would be glad to know, said Kit Fortering, glad to know what? Anything so that it has no harm about Miss Nell. Would she? Well then, you may tell her if she can keep a secret, but mind, not a word of this to anybody else. Don't forget that. Be particular. I'll take care, sir, said Kit, angry, sir, and good morning. Now, it happened that the gentleman in his anxiety to impress upon Kit that he was not to tell anybody what had passed between them followed him out to the door to repeat his caution, and it further happened that at that moment the eyes of Mr. Richard Swibola were turned in that direction and beheld his mysterious friend and Kit together. It was quite an accident, and the way in which it came about was this. Mr. Chuckster, being a gentleman of occultivated taste and refined spirit, was one of that lodge of glorious apollos whereof Mr. Swibola was perpetual grand. Mr. Swibola, passing through the street in the execution of some brazen errand, and beholding one of his glorious brotherhood intensely gazing on a pony, crossed over to give him that fraternal greeting with which perpetual grands are by the very constitution of their office bound to cheer and encourage their disciples. He had scarcely bestowed upon him his blessing and followed it with a general remark touching the present state and prospects of the weather when, lifting up his eyes, he beheld a single gentleman of beaver's marks in earnest conversation with Christopher Nobles. Hello? said Dick. Who's that? He called to see my governor this morning, replied Mr. Chuckster. Beyond that, I don't know him from Adam. At least you know his name, said Dick. To which Mr. Chuckster replied, with an elevation of speech becoming a glorious apollo, that he was everlastingly blessed if he did. All I know, my dear fellow, said Mr. Chuckster running his fingers through his hair, is that he is the cause of my having stood here twenty minutes, for which I hate him with a mortal and a dying hatred, and would pursue him to the confines of eternity if I could afford the time. While they were thus disclosing, the subject of their conversation, who had not appeared to recognize Mr. Richard Swivola, re-entered the house, and Kit came down the steps and joined them, to whom Mr. Swivola again propounded his inquiry with no better success. He is a very nice gentleman, sir, said Kit, and that's all I know about him. Mr. Chuckster waxed roth at this answer, and without applying the remark to any particular case mentioned as a general truth, that it was expedient to break the heads of snobs and to tweak their noses. Without expressing his concurrence in this sentiment, Mr. Swivola, after a few moments of abstraction, inquired which way Kit was driving, and, being informed, declared it was his way, and that he would trespass on him for a lift. Kit would gladly have declined the preferred honor, but as Mr. Swivola was already established in the seat beside him, he had no means of doing so, otherwise, then by a forcible ejectment, and therefore drove briskly off. So briskly indeed, as to cut short the leave-taking between Mr. Chuckster and his Grand Master, and to occasion the former gentleman some inconvenience from having his corn squeezed by the impatient pony. As this girl was tired of standing, and Mr. Swivola was kind enough to stimulate him by shrill whistles and various sporting cries, they rattled off a too-sharp apace to admit of much conversation, especially as the pony, incensed by Mr. Swivola's admonitions, took a particular fancy for the lampposts and cartwheels, and evinced a strong desire to run on the pavement and rasp himself against the brick walls. It was not therefore until they had arrived at this table, and the chaise had been extricated from a very small doorway into which the pony dragged it under the impression that he could take it along with him into his usual stall, that Mr. Swivola found time to talk. It's hard work, said Richard. What do you say to some beer? Kit at first declined, but presently consented, and they adjourned to the neighbouring bar together. Well, drink our friend, what's his name? Said Dick, holding up the bright frothy pot. That was talking to you this morning, you know. I know him, a good fellow but eccentric, very. Here's what's his name? Kit pledged him. He lives in my house, said Dick, at least in the house occupied by the firm in which I am a sort of a managing partner, a difficult fellow to get anything out of, but we like him, we like him. I must be going, sir, if you please. Said Kit, moving away. Don't be in a hurry, Christopher, replied his patron, we'll drink your mother. Thank you, sir. An excellent woman that mother of yours, Christopher, said Mr. Swivola, who ran to catch me when I fell and kissed the place to make it well. My mother, a charming woman, is a liberal sort of fellow. We must get him to do something for your mother. Does he know her, Christopher? Kit shook his head, and glancing slyly at his questioner, thanked him and made off before he could say another word. Ahem, said Mr. Swivola pondering. This is Queer. Nothing but mystery is in connection with Brass' house. I'll keep my own counsel, however. Everybody and anybody has been in my confidences yet, but now I think I'll set up in business for myself. Queer. Very Queer. After pondering deeply and with the face of exceeding wisdom for some time, Mr. Swivola drank some more of the beer and summoning a small boy who had been watching his proceedings, poured forth the few remaining drops as a libation on the gravel and bait him carry the empty vessel to the bar with his compliments and above all things to lead a sober and temperate life and abstain from all intoxicating and exciting liquors. Having given him this piece of moral advice for his trouble, which, as he wisely observed, was far better than haypence, the perpetual grandmaster of the glorious Apollos thrust his hands into his pockets and sauntered away, still pondering as he went. End of Chapter 38 Chapter 39 of The Old Curiosity Shop The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Chapter 39 All that day, though he waited for Mr. Abel until evening, he'd kept clear of his mother's house, determined not to anticipate the pleasures of the morrow, but to let them come in their full rush of delight. For tomorrow was the great and long looked-for-a-poke in his life. Tomorrow was the end of his first quarter, the day of receiving for the first time one fourth part of his annual income of six pounds in one vast sum of thirty shillings. Tomorrow was to be a half-holiday devoted to a world of entertainments, and little Jacob was to know what oysters meant and to see a play. All manner of incidents combined in favour of the occasion. Not only had Mr. and Mrs. Garland forewarned him and they intended to make no deduction for his outfit from the great amount, but to pay him unbroken in all its gigantic grandeur. Not only had the unknown gentleman increased the stock by the sum of five shillings, which was a perfect godsend and in itself a fortune, not only had these things come to pass which nobody could have calculated upon, or in their wildest dreams have hoped, it was Barbara's quarter too. Barbara's quarter that very day and Barbara had a half-holiday as well as Kit, and Barbara's mother was going to make one of the party and to take tea with Kit's mother and cultivate her acquaintance. To be sure, Kit looked out of his window very early that morning to see which way the clouds were flying and to be sure Barbara would have seen at hers too if she had not sat up so late overnight starching and ironing small pieces of muslin and crimping them into frills and sewing them onto other pieces to form magnificent holes for next day's wear. But they were both up very early for all that and had small appetites for breakfast and less for dinner and were in a state of great excitement when Barbara's mother came in with astonishing accounts of the finest of the weather out of doors but with a very large umbrella notwithstanding for people like Barbara's mother seldom make holiday without one and when the bell rang for them to go upstairs and receive their quarter's money in gold and silver. Well, wasn't Mr. Garland kind when he said Christopher, here is your money and you have earned it well and wasn't Mrs. Garland kind when she said Barbara, here's yours and I'm much pleased with you and didn't kid sign his name bold to his receipt and didn't Barbara sign her name all trembling to hers and wasn't it beautiful to see how Mrs. Garland poured out Barbara's mother a glass of wine and didn't Barbara's mother speak up when she said here's blessing you, ma'am, as a good light day and you, sir, as a good gentleman and Barbara, my love to you and here's towards you, Mr. Christopher and wasn't she as long drinking it as if it had been a tumbler full and didn't she look genteel standing there with her gloves on and wasn't there plenty of laughing and talking among them as they reviewed all these things upon the top of the coach and didn't they pity the people who hadn't got a holiday? But kid's mother again wouldn't anybody have supposed she had come of a good stock and been a lady all her life? There she was, quite ready to receive them with a display of tea things that might have warmed the heart of a china shop and little Jacob and the baby in such a state of perfection that their clothes looked as good as new though heaven knows they were old enough didn't you say before they had sat down five minutes that Barbara's mother was exactly the sort of lady she expected and didn't Barbara's mother say that kid's mother was the very picture of what she had expected and didn't kid's mother compliment Barbara's mother on Barbara and didn't Barbara's mother compliment kid's mother on kid and wasn't Barbara herself quite fascinated with little Jacob and did ever a child show off when he was wanted as that child did or make such friends as he made and we're both widows too, said Barbara's mother we must have been made to know each other I haven't a doubt about it returned Mrs. Knubbles and what a pity it is we didn't know each other sooner but then you know it's such a pleasure said Barbara's mother to have it brought about by one's son and daughter that it's fully made up for now ain't it? to this kid's mother yielded her full ascent and tracing things back from effects to causes they naturally reverted to their deceased husbands respecting whose lives, deaths and burials they compared notes and discovered sundry circumstances that tallied with wonderful exactness such as Barbara's father having been exactly four years and ten months older than kid's father and one of them having died on a Wednesday and the other on a Thursday and both of them having been of a very fine make and remarkably good looking with other extraordinary coincidences these recollections being of a kind calculated to cast a shadow on the brightness of the holiday kid diverted the conversation to general topics and they were soon in great force again and as merry as before among other things kid told them about his old place and the extraordinary beauty of Nell of whom he had talked to Barbara a thousand times already but the last named circumstance failed to interest his hearers to anything like the extent he had supposed and even his mother said looking accidentally at Barbara at the same time that there was no doubt Ms. Nell was very pretty but she was but a child after all and there were many young women quite as pretty as she and Barbara mildly observed that she should think so and that she never could help believing Mr. Christopher must be under a mistake which kid wondered at very much not being able to conceive what reason she had for doubting him Barbara's mother too observed that it was very common for young folks to change at about 14 or 15 and whereas they had been very pretty before to grow up quite plain which truth she illustrated by many forcible examples especially one of a young men who being a builder with great prospects had been particular in his attentions to Barbara but whom Barbara would have nothing to say to which though everything happened for the best she almost thought was a pity kid said he thought so too and so he did honestly and he wondered what made Barbara so silent all at once and why his mother looked at him as if he shouldn't have said it however it was high time now to be thinking of the play for which great preparation was required in the way of shawls and bonnets not to mention one hunkerchief full of oranges and another of apples which took some time tying up in consequence of the fruit having a tendency to roll out at the corners at length everything was ready and they went off very fast kid's mother carrying the baby who was dreadfully wide awake and kid holding little Jacob in one hand and escorting Barbara with the other a state of things which occasioned the two mothers who walked behind to declare that they looked quite family forks and caused Barbara to blush and say now don't mother but kid said she had no call to mind what they said and indeed she need not have had if she had known how very far from kid's thoughts any love making was poor Barbara at last they got to the theatre which was arse place and in some two minutes after they had reached the yet an open door little Jacob was squeezed flat and the baby had received diverse concussions and Barbara's mother's umbrella had been carried several yards often passed back to her over the shoulders of the people and kid had hit a man on the head with the hunkerchief of apples for scouting his parent with unnecessary violence and there was a great uproar but when they were once passed the pay place and tearing away for very life with their checks in their hands and above all when they were fairly in the theatre and seated in such places that they couldn't have had better if they had picked them out and taken them before hand all this was looked upon as quite a capital joke and an essential part of the entertainment dear dear what a place it looked that arse place with all the paint gilding and looking glass the vague smell of horses suggestive of coming wonders the curtain that hit such gorgeous mysteries the clean white sawdust down in the circus the company coming in and taking their places the fiddlers looking carelessly up at them while they turned their instruments as if they didn't want the play to begin and knew it all before hand what a glow was that which burst upon them all when that long clear brilliant row of lights came slowly up and what the feverish excitement when the little bell rang and the music began in good earnest with strong parts for the drums and sweet effects for the triangles well might Barbara's mother say to Kit's mother that the gallery was the place to see from and wonder it wasn't much dearer than the boxes well might Barbara feel doubtful whether to laugh or cry in her flatter of delight 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 wink the fallen lady who made her cry the tyrant who made her tremble the man who sang the song with the ladies made and danced the chorus who made her laugh the pony who reared up on his hind legs when he saw the murderer and wouldn't hear of walking on all fours again until he was taken into custody a clown who ventured on such familiarities with the military man in boots the lady who jumped over the 9 and 20 ribbons and came down safe upon the horses back everything was delightful, splendid and surprising little Jacob applauded till his hands were sore Kit cried encore at the end of everything the three act piece included and Barbara's mother beat her umbrella on the floor in her ecstasies until it was nearly worn down to the gingham in the midst of all these fascinations Barbara's thoughts seemed to have been still running Kit had said at tea time for when they were coming out of the play she asked him with an hysterical simper if Miss Nell was as handsome as the lady who jumped over the ribbons as handsome as her said Kit double as handsome oh Christopher I'm sure she was the beautifulest creature ever was said Barbara nonsense returned Kit she was well enough I don't deny that I think how she was dressed and painted and what a difference that made why you are a good deal better looking than her Barbara oh Christopher said Barbara looking down you are any day said Kit and so's your mother poor Barbara what was all this though even all this to the extraordinary dissipation that ensued when Kit walking into an oyster shop as bored as if he lived there and not so much as looking at the counter or the man behind it let his party into a box a private box fitted up with red curtains white table clothes and crude stand complete and ordered a fierce gentleman with whiskers who acted as waiter and called him him Christopher Nobles sir to bring three dozen of his largest sized oysters and to look sharp about it yes Kit told this gentleman to look sharp and he not only said he would look sharp but he actually did and presently came running back with the newest loaves and the freshest butter and the largest oysters ever seen then said Kit to this gentleman a pot of beer just so and the gentleman instead of replying sir did you address that language to me only said pot of beer sir yes sir and went off and fetched it and put it on the table in a small decanter stand like those which blind men's docks carry about the streets in their mouths to catch the havens in and both Kit's mother and Barbara's mother declared as he turned away that he was one of the slimmest and gracefulest young men she had ever looked upon then they fell to work upon the supper in earnest and there was Barbara that foolish Barbara declaring that she couldn't eat more than two and wanting more pressing than you would believe before she would eat four though her mother and Kit's mother made up for it pretty well and ate and laughed and enjoyed themselves so thoroughly that he 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 sprinkled the pepper and the vinegar with a discretion beyond his ears and afterwards built a grotto on the table with the shells there was the baby too who had never closed an eye all night but had sat as good as gold trying to force a large orange into his mouth and gazing intently at the lights of the chandelier there he was sitting up in his mother's lap staring at the gas without winking and making indentations in his soft visage with an oyster shell to that degree that a heart of iron must have loved him in short there never was a more successful supper and when Kit ordered in a glass of something hot to finish with and proposed Mr. and Mrs. Garland before sending it round there were not six happier people in all the world but all happiness has an end hence the chief pleasure of its next beginning and as it was now growing late they agreed it was time to turn their faces homewards so after going a little out of their way to see Barbara and Barbara's mother saved to a friend's house where they were to pass the night Kit and his mother left them at the door with an early appointment for returning to Finchley next morning and a great many plans for next quarter's enjoyment then Kit took little Jacob on his back and giving his arm to his mother and a kiss to the baby they all trudged merrily home together Kit turned out at sunrise and with his faith in last night's enjoyment a little shaken by cool daylight and the return to everyday duties and occupations went to meet Barbara and her mother at the appointed place and being careful not to awaken any of the little household who were yet resting from their unusual fatigues Kit left his money on the chimney piece with an inscription in chalk calling his mother's attention to the circumstance and informing her that it came from her dutiful son and went his way with a hard something heavier than his pockets but free from any very great oppression notwithstanding Oh these holidays why will they leave us some regret why cannot we push them back only a week or two in our memories so as to put them at once at that convenient distance once they may be regarded either with a calming difference or a pleasant effort of recollection why will they hang about as like the flavour of yesterday's wine suggestive of headaches and lassitude and those good intentions for the future which under the earth form the everlasting pavement of a large estate and upon it usually endure until dinner time or thereabouts who will wonder that Barbara had a headache or that Barbara's mother was disposed to be cross or that she slightly underrated Astley's and thought the clown was older than they had taken him to be last night Kit was not surprised to hear her say so not he he had already had a misgiving that the inconstant actors in that dazzling vision had been doing the same thing the night before last and would do it again that night and the next and for weeks and months to come though he would not be there such is the difference between yesterday and today we are all going to the play or coming home from it however the son himself is weak when he first rises and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on by degrees they began to recall circumstances more and more pleasant in their nature until what between talking, walking and laughing they reached Finchley in such good heart that Barbara's mother declared she never felt less tired or in better spirits and so said Kit Barbara had been silent all the way but she said so too poor little Barbara she was very quiet they were at home in such good time that Kit had rubbed down the pony and made him a spruce as a racehorse before Mr. Garland came down to breakfast which punctual and industrious conduct the old lady and the old gentleman and Mr. Abel highly extolled at his usual hour or rather at his usual minute and second for he was the soul of punctuality Mr. Abel walked out to be overtaken by the London coach and Kit and the old gentleman went to work in the garden this was not the least pleasant of Kit's employments for on a fine day they were quite a family party the old lady sitting hard by with her work basket on a little table the old gentleman digging or pruning or clipping about with a large pair of shears or helping Kit in some way or other with greater seduity and Whisker looking on from his paddock in placid contemplation of them all today they were to trim the grape vine so Kit mounted halfway up a short ladder and began to slip and hammer away while the old gentleman with a great interest in his proceedings handed up the nails and threads of clothes as he wanted them the old lady and Whisker looked on as usual well Christopher said Mr. Garland and so you have made a new friend there I beg your pardon sir returned Kit looking down from the ladder you have made a new friend I hear from Mr. Abel said the old gentleman at the office oh yes sir yes he behaved very handsome sir I'm glad to hear it returned the old gentleman with a smile he is disposed to behave more handsomely still though Christopher indeed sir it's very kind in him but I don't want him to I'm sure said Kit hammering stoutly at an obturant nail he is rather anxious pursued the old gentleman to have you in his own service take care what you're doing or you will fall down and hurt yourself to have me in his service sir cried Kit who had stopped short in his work and faced about upon the ladder like some dexterous tumbler why sir I don't think he can be an earnest when he says that oh but he is indeed said Mr. Garland and he has taught Mr. Abel so I never heard of such a thing muttered Kit looking ruefully at his master and mistress I wonder at him that I do you seek Christopher said Mr. Garland this is a point of much importance to you you should understand and consider it in that light this gentleman is able to give you more money than I not I hope to carry through the various relations of master and servant more kindness and confidence but certainly Christopher to give you more money well said Kit after that sir wait a moment interposed Mr. Garland that is not all you were a very faithful servant to your old employers as I understand and should this gentleman recover them as it is his purpose to attempt doing by every means in his power I have no doubt that you being in his service would meet with your reward besides I did the old gentleman with a stronger emphasis besides having the pleasure of being again brought into communication with those to whom you seem to be so very strongly and disinterestedly attached you must think of all this Christopher and not be rash or hasty in your choice Kit did suffer one twinge one momentary pang in keeping the resolution he had already formed when this last argument passed swiftly into his thoughts and conjured up the realization of all his hopes and fancies but it was gone in a minute and he steadily rejoined that the gentleman must look out for somebody else as he did think he might have done at first he has no right to think that I'd been led away to go to him sir said Kit turning round again after half a minute's hammering does you think I am a fool he may perhaps Christopher if you refuse his offer said Mr Garland gravely then let him sir retorted Kit what do I care sir what he thinks why should I care for his thinking sir when I know that I should be a fool and worse than a fool sir to leave the kindest master and mistress that ever was or can be who took me out of the streets a very poor and hungry lad indeed poorer and hungrier perhaps than ever you think for sir to go to him or anybody if Miss Nell was to come back ma'am added Kit turning suddenly to his mistress why that would be another thing and perhaps if she wanted me I might ask you now and then to let me work for her when all was done at home but when she comes back I see now that she'll be rich as old master always said she would and being a rich young lady what could she want of me no no added Kit shaking his head sorrowfully she'll never want me anymore and bless her I hope she never may though I should like to see her too here Kit drove a nail into the wall very hard much harder than was necessary and having done so faced about again there's the pony sir said Kit whisk a ma'am and he knows so well I'm talking about him that he begins to neigh directly sir would he let anybody come near him but me ma'am here's the garden sir and Mr. Abel ma'am would Mr. Abel part with me sir or is there anybody that could be fonder of the garden ma'am it would break mother's heart sir and even little Jacob would have sense enough to cry his eyes out ma'am if he thought that Mr. Abel could wish to part with me so soon after having told me only the other day that he hoped we might be together for years to come there is no telling how long Kit might have stood upon the ladder addressing his master and mistress by turns and generally turning towards the wrong person if Barbara had not at that moment come running up to say that messenger from the office had brought a note which with an expression of some surprise at Kit's oratorical appearance she put into her master's hand oh said the old gentleman after reading it ask the messenger to walk this way Barbara tripping off to do as she was bid he turned to Kit and said that they would not pursue the subject any further and that Kit could not be more unwilling to part with them than they would be to part with Kit a sentiment which the old lady very generously echoed at the same time Christopher I did Mr. Garland glancing at the note in his hand if the gentleman should want to borrow you now and then for an hour or so or even a day or so at a time we must consent to lend you and you must consent to be lent oh here is the young gentleman how do you do sir the salutation was addressed to Mr. Chuckster who with his hat extremely on one side and his care a long way beyond it came swaggering up the walk hope I see you well sir returned that gentleman hope I see you well ma'am charming box this sir delicious country to be sure you want to take it back with you I find observed Mr. Garland I've got a chariot cab waiting on purpose replied the clerk a very spanking gray in that cab sir if you're a judge of horse flesh declining to inspect the spanking gray on the plea that he was but poorly acquainted with such matters and would but imperfectly appreciate his beauties Mr. Garland invited Mr. Chuckster to partake of a slight repast in the way of lunch and that gentleman readily consenting certain cold vines flanked with ale and wine were speedily prepared for his refreshment at this repast Mr. Chuckster exerted his at most abilities to enchant his entertainers and impress them with a conviction of the mental superiority of those who dwelt in town with which view he led the discourse to the small scandal of the day in which he was justly considered by his friends to shine prodigiously thus he was in a condition to relate the exact circumstances of the difference between the marquee of Misla and Lord Bobby which it appeared originated in a disputed bottle of champagne and not in a pigeon pie as erroneously reported in the newspapers Neither had Lord Bobby said to the marquee of Misla Misla, one of us, too, tells a lie and I'm not the man as incorrectly stated by the same authorities But Misla, you know where I'm to be found and damme sir, find me if you want me which of course entirely changed the aspect of this interesting question and placed it in a very different light He also acquainted them with a precise amount of the income guaranteed by the Duke of Thigsbury to Violetta Stetta of the Italian opera which it appeared was payable quarterly and not half-early as the public had been given to understand and which was exclusive and not inclusive as had been monstrously stated of jewellery, perfumery hair powder for five foot men and two daily changes of kid gloves for a page having entreated the old lady and gentlemen to set their minds at rest upon these absorbing points for they might rely on his statement being the correct one Mr. Chakster entertained them with theatrical chit chat and the court circular and so wound up a brilliant and fascinating conversation which he had maintained alone and without any assistance whatever for upwards of three quarters of an hour and now that the nag has got his wind again said Mr. Chakster rising in a graceful manner I'm afraid I must cut my stick Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Garland offered any opposition to this tearing himself away feeling no doubt that such a man could ill be spared from his proper sphere of action and therefore Mr. Chakster and Kit were shortly afterwards upon their way to town Kit being purged upon the box of the cabriolet beside the driver and Mr. Chakster seated in solitary state inside with one of his boots sticking out at each of the front windows when they reached the notary's house Kit followed into the office and was desired by Mr. Abel to sit down and wait for the gentleman who wanted him had gone out and perhaps might not return for some time this anticipation was strictly verified for Kit had had his dinner and his tea and had read all the lighter matter in the law list and the post office directory and had fallen asleep a great many times before the gentleman whom he had seen before came in which he did at last in a very great hurry he was closeted with Mr. Witherden for some little time and Mr. Abel had been called in to assist at the conference before Kit wondering very much what he was wanted for was summoned to attend them Christopher said the gentleman turning to him directly he entered the room I have found your old master and young mistress No sir, have you though? returned Kit his eyes sparkling with delight Where are they sir? How are they sir? Are they near here? A long way from here returned the gentleman shaking his head but I am going away tonight to bring them back and I want you to go with me Me sir? cried Kit full of joy and surprise the place said the strange gentleman turning thoughtfully to the notary indicated by this man of the dogs is how far from here? 60 miles? from 60 to 70 if we travel post all night we shall reach there in good time tomorrow morning now the only question is as they will not know me and the child God bless her would think that any stranger pursuing them had a design upon her grandfather's liberty can I do better than take this lad whom they both know and will regularly remember as an assurance to them of my friendly intentions? certainly not replied the notary take Christopher by all means I beg your pardon sir said Kit who had listened to this discourse with a lengthening countenance but if that's the reason I'm afraid I should do more harm than good Miss Nelsa she knows me and would trust in me I am sure but old master I don't know why gentlemen nobody does would not bear me in his side after he had been ill and Miss Nelsa herself told me that I must not go near him or let him see me anymore I should spoil all that you were doing if I went I'm afraid I'd give the world to go but you had better not take me sir another difficulty cried the impetuous gentleman was ever man so beset as I is there nobody else that know them nobody else in whom they had any confidence solitary as their lives were is there no one person who would serve my purpose is there Christopher said the notary not once sir replied Kit yes though there's my mother did they know her said the single gentleman know her sir why she was always coming backwards and forwards they were as kind to her as they were to me bless you sir she expected they'd come back to her house then where the devil is the woman said the impatient gentleman catching up his hat why isn't she here why is that woman always out of the way when she's most wanted in a word the single gentleman was bursting out of the office bent upon laying violent hands on Kit's mother forcing her into a post-chase and carrying her off when this novel kind of abduction was with some difficulty prevented by the joint efforts of Mr. Abel and the notary who restrained him by dint of their remonstrances and persuaded him to sound Kit upon the probability of her being able and willing to undertake such a journey on so short a notice this occasion some doubts on the part of Kit and some violent demonstrations on that of the single gentleman and a great many soothing speeches on that of the notary and Mr. Abel the upshot of the business was that Kit after weighing the matter in his mind and considering it carefully promised on behalf of his mother that she should be ready within two hours from that time to undertake the expedition and engaged to produce her in that place in all respects equipped and prepared for the journey before the specified period had expired having given this pledge which was rather a bold one and not particularly easy of redemption Kit lost no time in saling forth and taking measures for its immediate fulfillment This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens Chapter 41 Kit made his way through the crowded streets dividing the stream of people dashing across the busy roadways dividing into lanes and alleys and stopping or turning aside for nothing Kit came in front of the Old Curiosity Shop when he came to a stand partly from habit and partly from being out of breath It was a gloomy autumn evening and he thought the old place had never looked so dismal as in its dreary twilight The window was broken the rusty sashes rattling in their frames the deserted house a dull barrier dividing the glaring lights and bustle of the street into two long lines and standing in the midst cold dark and empty presented a cheerless spectacle which mingled harshly with the bright prospects the boy had been building up for its late inmates and came like a disappointment or misfortune Kit would have had a good fire roaring up the empty chimneys lights sparkling and shining through the windows people moving briskly to and fro voices in cheerful conversation something in unison with the new hopes that were a stir he had not expected that the house would wear any different aspect had known indeed that it could not but coming upon it in the midst of eager thoughts and expectations it checked the current in its flow and darkened it with a mournful shadow Kit, however, fortunately for himself was not learned enough or contemplative enough to be troubled with presages of evil afar off and having no mental spectacles to assist his vision in disrespect saw nothing but the dull house which jarred uncomfortably upon his previous thoughts so almost wishing that he had not passed it though hardly knowing why he hurried on again making up by his increased speed for the few moments he had lost now if she should be out, thought Kit as he approached the poor dwelling of his mother and I not able to find her this impatient gentleman would be in a pretty taking and sure enough there is no light and the door is fast now, God forgive me for saying so but if this is little battle's doing I wish little battle was was farther off said Kit checking himself and knocking at the door a second knock brought no reply from within the house but caused a woman over the way to look out and inquire who that was wanting Mrs. Nubbles May, said Kit, she's at little battle I suppose getting out the name of the obnoxious conventical with some reluctance and laying a spiteful emphasis upon the words the neighbour nodded ascent then pray tell me where it is, said Kit for I have come on a pressing matter and must fetch her out even if she was in the pulpit it was not very easy to procure a direction to the fold in question as none of the neighbours were of the flock that resorted thither and few knew anything more of it than the name at last a gossip of Mrs. Nubbles is who had accompanied her to chapel on one or two occasions when a comfortable cup of tea had preceded her devotions furnished the needful information which Kit had no sooner obtained then he started off again little Bethel might have been nearer and might have been in a straighter road though in that case the reverent gentleman who presided over its congregation would have lost his favourite allusion to the crooked ways by which it was approached and which enabled him to liken it to paradise itself in contradistinction to the parish church and the broad thoroughfare leading there unto Kit founded at last after some trouble and pausing at the door to take breath that he might enter with becoming decency passed into the chapel it was not badly named in one respect being in truth a particularly little Bethel a Bethel of the smallest dimensions with a small number of small pews and a small palpit in which a small gentleman by trade a shoemaker and by calling a divine was delivering in a by no means small voice a by no means small sermon judging of its dimensions by the condition of his audience which if their gross amount were but small comprised a still smaller number of hearers as the majority were slumbering among these was Kit's mother who finding it matter of extreme difficulty to keep her eyes open after the fatigues of last night and feeling their inclination to close strongly backed and seconded by the arguments of the preacher had yielded to the drowsiness that overpowered her and fallen asleep though not so soundly but that she could from time to time utter a slight and almost inaudible groan as if in recognition of the orator's doctrines the baby in her arms was as fast asleep as she and little Jacob whose youth prevented him from recognizing in this prolonged spiritual nourishment anything half as interesting as oysters was alternately very fast asleep and very wide awake as his inclination to slumber or his terror of being personally alluded to in the discourse gained the mastery over him and now I'm here thought Kit gliding into the nearest empty pew which was opposite his mother's and on the other side of the little aisle how am I ever to get at her or persuade her to come out I might as well be 20 miles off she'll never wake till it's all over and there goes the clock again if he would but leave off for a minute or if they'd only sing but there was little encouragement to believe that either event would happen for a couple of hours to come the preacher went on telling them what he meant to convince them of before he had done and it was clear that if he only kept to one half of his promises and forgot the other he was good for that time at least in his desperation and restlessness Kit cast his eyes about the chapel and happening to let them fall upon a little seat in front of the clerk's desk could scarcely believe them when they showed him Quilp he rubbed them twice or thrice but still they insisted that Quilp was there and there indeed he was sitting with his hands upon his knees and his hat between them on a little wooden bracket with the accustomed grin upon his dirty face and his eyes fixed upon the ceiling he certainly did not glance at Kit or at his mother and appeared utterly unconscious of their presence still Kit could not help feeling directly that the attention of the sly little fiend was fastened upon them and upon nothing else but astounded as he was by the apparition of the dwarf among the little bethalites and not free from a misgiving that it was the forerunner of some trouble or annoyance he was compelled to subdue his wonder and to take active measures for the withdrawal of his parent as the evening was now creeping on and the matter grew serious therefore the next time little Jacob woke Kit set himself to attract his wandering attention and this not being a very difficult task once knee is affected it he signed it to him to rouse his mother ill luck would have it however that just then the preacher in a forcible exposition of the head of his discourse leaned over upon the pulpit desk so that very little more of him than his legs remained inside and while he made vehement gestures with his right hand and held on with his left, stared or seemed to stare, straight into little Jacob's eyes threatening him by his strained look and attitude so it appeared to the child that if he so much as moved a muscle he the preacher would be literally and not figuratively down upon him that instant in this fearful state of things distracted by the sudden appearance of Kit and fascinated by the eyes of the preacher the miserable Jacob set bolt upright wholly incapable of motion strongly disposed to cry but afraid to do so and returning his pastor's gaze until his infant eyes seemed starting from their sockets if I must do it openly must thought Kit with that he walked softly out of his pew and into his mother's and as Mr. Swivel would have observed if he had been present collared the baby without speaking a word Hush mother! whispered Kit come along with me I've got something to tell you Where am I? said Mrs. Knubbles in this blessed little Bethel returned her son peevishly blessed indeed cried Mrs. Knubbles catching at the word oh Christopher how have I been edified this night yes yes I know said Kit hastily but come along mother everybody's looking at us don't make a noise bring Jacob that's right stay Satan stay cried the preacher as Kit was moving off the gentleman says you have to stay Christopher whispered his mother stay Satan stay roared the preacher again tempt not the woman that doth incline her ear to thee but hearken to the voice of him that calleth he hath a lamb from the fold cried the preacher raising his voice still higher and pointing to the baby he beareth off a lamb a precious lamb he goeth about like a wolf in the night season and invagoleth the tender lambs Kit was the best tempered fellow in the world but considering this strong language and being somewhat excited by the circumstances in which he was placed he faced round to the pulpit with the baby in his arms and replied aloud no I don't he's my brother cried the preacher he isn't said Kit indignantly how can you say such a thing and don't call me names if you please what harm have I done I shouldn't have come to take him away unless I was obliged you may depend upon that and I wanted to do it very quiet but you wouldn't let me now you have the goodness to abuse Satan and them as much as you like sir and to let me alone if you please so saying Kit marched out of the chapel followed by his mother and little Jacob and found himself in the open air with an indistinct recollection of having seen the people wake up and look surprised and of Guilp having remained throughout the interruption in his old attitude without moving his eye from the ceiling or appearing to take the smallest notice of anything that passed oh Kit said his mother with her handkerchief to her eyes what have you done I never can go there again never I'm glad of it mother what was there in the little bit of pleasure you took last night that made it necessary for you to be low-spirited and sorrowful tonight that's the way you do if you're happy or merry ever you come here to say along with that chap that you're sorry for it more shame for your mother that's going to say hash dear said Mrs. Knubbles you don't mean what you say I know but you're talking sinfulness don't I mean it but I do mean it we thought it Kit I don't believe mother that harmless cheerfulness and good humour are thought greater sins in heaven than shirt collars are and that those chaps are just about as right and sensible and putting down the one as in leaving off the other anything more about it if you'll promise not to cry that's all and you take the baby that's a lighter weight and give me little Jacob and as we go along which we must do pretty quick I can tell you the news I bring which will surprise you a little I can tell you there that's right now you look as if you'd never seen little Bethel in all your life as I hope you never will again and here's the baby and little Jacob on top of my back and catch hold of me tight around the neck and whenever a little Bethel pass and cause your precious lamb or says your brother's one you tell him it's the truest thing he's said for a twelfth month and that if he'd got a little more of the lamb himself and less of the mint sauce not being quite so sharp and sour over it I should like him all the better that's what you've got to say to him Jacob talking on in this way half in jest and half in earnest and cheering up his mother, the children and himself by the one simple process of determining to be in a good humour Kit led them briskly forward and on the road home related what had passed at the daughter's house and the purpose with which he had intruded on the solemnities of little Bethel his mother was not a little startled on learning what service was required of her and presently fell into a confusion of ideas of which the most prominent were that it was a great honour and dignity to ride in a post-chase and that it was a moral impossibility to leave the children behind but this objection and a great many others founded upon certain articles of dress being at the wash and certain other articles having no existence in the wardrobe of Mrs. Knubbles were overcome by Kit who opposed to each and every of them the pleasure of recovering Nell and the delight it would be to bring her back in triumph there's only ten minutes now mother said Kit when they reached home there's a band box throw in what you want and we'll be off directly to tell how Kit then hustled into the box all sorts of things which could by no remote contingency be wanted and how he left out everything likely to be of the smallest use how a neighbour was persuaded to come and stop with the children and how the children at first cried dismally and then laughed heartily on being promised all kinds of impossible and unheard of toys how Kit's mother wouldn't leave off kissing them and how Kit couldn't make up his mind to be vexed with her for doing it would take more time and room than we can spare so passing over all such matters it is sufficient to say that within a few minutes after the two hours had expired Kit and his mother arrived at the notary's door where a posed chaise was already waiting with four horses I declare said Kit quite aghast at the preparations well you are going to do it mother here she is sir here is my mother she's quite ready sir that's well return the gentleman now don't be in a flatter mom you'll be taken great care of where's the box with the new clothing and necessaries for them here it is said the notary in with it Christopher alright sir replied Kit quite ready now sir then come along said the single gentleman and thereupon he gave his arm to Kit's mother handed her into the carriage as politely as you please and took his seat beside her up went the steps bang when the door round world the wheels and off they rattled with Kit's mother hanging out at the window waving a damn pocket hunker chief and screaming out a great many messages to little Jacob and the baby of which nobody heard a word Kit stood in the middle of the road and looked after them with tears in his eyes not brought there by the departure he witnessed but by the return to which he looked forward they went away he thought on food with nobody to speak to them or say a kind word at parting and they'll come back drawn by four horses with this rich gentleman for their friend and all their troubles over she'll forget that she taught me to write whatever Kit thought about after this took some time to think of for he stood gazing up the lines of shining lamps long after the shades had disappeared and did not return into the house until the notary and Mr. Abel who had themselves lingered outside till the sound of the wheels was no longer distinguishable had several times wondered what could possibly detain him End of chapter 41