Which he did, at twenty; sticking the twenty on in a

business-like way, and putting it into the note, to look like a part of

the principal. If I had broken down after that, I should have been his

grubber for the next seven years at half wages and double grind. But

he's a perfect Patriarch; and it would do a man good to serve him on

such terms--on any terms.'

Arthur for his life could not have said with confidence whether Pancks

really thought so or not. 'When that was gone, sir,' resumed Pancks, 'and it did go, though I

dribbled it out like so much blood, I had taken Mr Rugg into the secret.

I proposed to borrow of Mr Rugg (or of Miss Rugg; it's the same thing;

she made a little money by a speculation in the Common Pleas once). He

lent it at ten, and thought that pretty high. But Mr Rugg's a red-haired

man, sir, and gets his hair cut. And as to the crown of his hat, it's

high. And as to the brim of his hat, it's narrow. And there's no more

benevolence bubbling out of him, than out of a ninepin.'

'Your own recompense for all this, Mr Pancks,' said Clennam, 'ought to

be a large one.' 'I don't mistrust getting it, sir,' said Pancks. 'I have made no

bargain. I owed you one on that score; now I have paid it. Money out of

pocket made good, time fairly allowed for, and Mr Rugg's bill settled,

a thousand pounds would be a fortune to me. That matter I place in your

hands. I authorize you now to break all this to the family in any way

you think best. Miss Amy Dorrit will be with Mrs Finching this morning.

The sooner done the better. Can't be done too soon.'

This conversation took place in Clennam's bed-room, while he was yet in

bed. For Mr Pancks had knocked up the house and made his way in, very

early in the morning; and, without once sitting down or standing still,

had delivered himself of the whole of his details (illustrated with a

variety of documents) at the bedside. He now said he would 'go and look

up Mr Rugg', from whom his excited state of mind appeared to require

another back; and bundling up his papers, and exchanging one more hearty

shake of the hand with Clennam, he went at full speed down-stairs, and

steamed off. Clennam, of course, resolved to go direct to Mr Casby's. He dressed

and got out so quickly that he found himself at the corner of the

patriarchal street nearly an hour before her time; but he was not sorry

to have the opportunity of calming himself with a leisurely walk.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024