street. There is exceedingly mild porter, sir, in the immediate vicinity,

and the contingent advantages are extraordinary.'

What's the rent?' said the single gentleman.

One pound per week,' replied Dick, improving on the terms.

I'll take 'em.'

The boots and clothes are extras,' said Dick; 'and the fires in winter

time are - '

Are all agreed to,' answered the single gentleman.

Two weeks certain,' said Dick, 'are the - '

Two weeks!' cried the single gentleman gruffly, eyeing him from top to

toe. 'Two years. I shall live here for two years. Here. Ten pounds down.

The bargain's made.'

Why you see,' said Dick, 'my name is not Brass, and - '

Who said it was? My name's not Brass. What then?'

The name of the master of the house is,' said Dick.

I'm glad of it,' returned the single gentleman; 'it's a good name for a

lawyer. Coachman, you may go. So may you, Sir.'

Mr Swiveller was so much confounded by the single gentleman riding

roughshod over him at this rate, that he stood looking at him almost

as hard as he had looked at Miss Sally. The single gentleman,

however, was not in the slightest degree affected by this circumstance,

but proceeded with perfect composure to unwind the shawl which was

tied round his neck, and then to pull off his boots. Freed of these

encumbrances, he went on to divest himself of his other clothing,

which he folded up, piece by piece, and ranged in order on the trunk.

Then, he pulled down the window-blinds, drew the curtains, wound

up his watch, and, quite leisurely and methodically, got into bed.

Take down the bill,' were his parting words, as he looked out from

between the curtains; 'and let nobody call me till I ring the bell.'

With that the curtains closed, and he seemed to snore immediately.

This is a most remarkable and supernatural sort of house!' said Mr

Swiveller, as he walked into the office with the bill in his hand. 'She-

dragons in the business, conducting themselves like professional

The Old Curiosity Shop