retire, and they withdrew, leaving the company yet seated round the

fire, and the dogs fast asleep at a humble distance.

After bidding the old man good night, Nell retired to her poor garret,

but had scarcely closed the door, when it was gently tapped at. She

opened it directly, and was a little startled by the sight of Mr Thomas

Codlin, whom she had left, to all appearance, fast asleep down stairs.

What is the matter?' said the child.

Nothing's the matter, my dear,' returned her visitor. 'I'm your friend.

Perhaps you haven't thought so, but it's me that's your friend - not

him.'

'Not who?' the child inquired.

'Short, my dear. I tell you what,' said Codlin, 'for all his having a kind

of way with him that you'd be very apt to like, I'm the real, open-

hearted man. I mayn't look it, but I am indeed.'

The child began to be alarmed, considering that the ale had taken

effect upon Mr Codlin, and that this commendation of himself was the

consequence.

'Short's very well, and seems kind,' resumed the misanthrope, 'but he

overdoes it. Now I don't.'

Certainly if there were any fault in Mr Codlin's usual deportment, it

was that he rather underdid his kindness to those about him, than

overdid it. But the child was puzzled, and could not tell what to say.

Take my advice,' said Codlin: 'don't ask me why, but take it. As long

as you travel with us, keep as near me as you can. Don't offer to leave

us - not on any account - but always stick to me and say that I'm your

friend. Will you bear that in mind, my dear, and always say that it was

me that was your friend?'

Say so where - and when?' inquired the child innocently.

O, nowhere in particular,' replied Codlin, a little put out as it seemed

by the question; 'I'm only anxious that you should think me so, and

do me justice. You can't think what an interest I have in you. Why

didn't you tell me your little history - that about you and the poor old

gentleman? I'm the best adviser that ever was, and so interested in

you - so much more interested than Short. I think they're breaking up

down stairs; you needn't tell Short, you know, that we've had this little

talk together. God bless you. Recollect the friend. Codlin's the friend,

The Old Curiosity Shop