Enemies the most obstinate and courageous can't hold out against

starvation; so the elder Osborne felt himself pretty easy about his

adversary in the encounter we have just described; and as soon as

George's supplies fell short, confidently expected his unconditional

submission. It was unlucky, to be sure, that the lad should have

secured a stock of provisions on the very day when the first encounter

took place; but this relief was only temporary, old Osborne thought,

and would but delay George's surrender. No communication passed

between father and son for some days. The former was sulky at this

silence, but not disquieted; for, as he said, he knew where he could

put the screw upon George, and only waited the result of that

operation. He told the sisters the upshot of the dispute between them,

but ordered them to take no notice of the matter, and welcome George on

his return as if nothing had happened. His cover was laid as usual

every day, and perhaps the old gentleman rather anxiously expected him;

but he never came. Some one inquired at the Slaughters' regarding him,

where it was said that he and his friend Captain Dobbin had left town.

One gusty, raw day at the end of April--the rain whipping the pavement

of that ancient street where the old Slaughters' Coffee-house was once

situated--George Osborne came into the coffee-room, looking very

haggard and pale; although dressed rather smartly in a blue coat and

brass buttons, and a neat buff waistcoat of the fashion of those days.

Here was his friend Captain Dobbin, in blue and brass too, having

abandoned the military frock and French-grey trousers, which were the

usual coverings of his lanky person.

Dobbin had been in the coffee-room for an hour or more. He had tried

all the papers, but could not read them. He had looked at the clock

many scores of times; and at the street, where the rain was pattering

down, and the people as they clinked by in pattens, left long

reflections on the shining stone: he tattooed at the table: he bit his

nails most completely, and nearly to the quick (he was accustomed to

ornament his great big hands in this way): he balanced the tea-spoon

dexterously on the milk jug: upset it, &c., &c.; and in fact showed

those signs of disquietude, and practised those desperate attempts at

amusement, which men are accustomed to employ when very anxious, and

expectant, and perturbed in mind.

Some of his comrades, gentlemen who used the room, joked him about the

splendour of his costume and his agitation of manner. One asked him if

he was going to be married? Dobbin laughed, and said he would send his

acquaintance (Major Wagstaff of the Engineers) a piece of cake when

that event took place. At length Captain Osborne made his appearance,

very smartly dressed, but very pale and agitated as we have said. He

wiped his pale face with a large yellow bandanna pocket-handkerchief

that was prodigiously scented. He shook hands with Dobbin, looked at

the clock, and told John, the waiter, to bring him some curacao. Of

this cordial he swallowed off a couple of glasses with nervous

eagerness. His friend asked with some interest about his health.




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