one regularly on that evening, to the great mirth and enjoyment both

of himself and his instructress. To relate how it was a long time before

his modesty could be so far prevailed upon as it admit of his sitting

down in the parlour, in the presence of an unknown gentleman - how,

when he did set down, he tucked up his sleeves and squared his

elbows and put his face close to the copy-book and squinted horribly

at the lines - how, from the very first moment of having the pen in his

hand, he began to wallow in blots, and to daub himself with ink up to

the very roots of his hair - how, if he did by accident form a letter

properly, he immediately smeared it out again with his arm in his

preparations to make another - how, at every fresh mistake, there

was a fresh burst of merriment from the child and louder and not less

hearty laugh from poor Kit himself - and how there was all the way

through, notwithstanding, a gentle wish on her part to teach, and an

anxious desire on his to learn - to relate all these particulars would no

doubt occupy more space and time than they deserve. It will be

sufficient to say that the lesson was given - that evening passed and

night came on - that the old man again grew restless and impatient -

that he quitted the house secretly at the same hour as before - and

that the child was once more left alone within its gloomy walls.

And now that I have carried this history so far in my own character

and introduced these personages to the reader, I shall for the

convenience of the narrative detach myself from its further course,

and leave those who have prominent and necessary parts in it to

speak and act for themselves.

The Old Curiosity Shop