| 269 | 270 | 271 | 272 | 273 |
| 1 | 133 | 265 | 398 | 530 |
|
Notary. It was with no harshness, however, though with something of
constitutional irritability and haste, that he turned to Kit and said:
'
If you think, my lad, that I am pursuing these inquiries with any
other view than that of serving and reclaiming those I am in search of,
you do me a very great wrong, and deceive yourself. Don't be deceived,
I beg of you, but rely upon my assurance. The fact is, gentlemen,' he
added, turning again to the Notary and his pupil, 'that I am in a very
painful and wholly unexpected position. I came to this city with a
darling object at my heart, expecting to find no obstacle or difficulty in
the way of its attainment. I find myself suddenly checked and stopped
short, in the execution of my design, by a mystery which I cannot
penetrate. Every effort I have made to penetrate it, has only served to
render it darker and more obscure; and I am afraid to stir openly in
the matter, lest those whom I anxiously pursue, should fly still farther
from me. I assure you that if you could give me any assistance, you
would not be sorry to do so, if you knew how greatly I stand in need of
it, and what a load it would relieve me from.'
There was a simplicity in this confidence which occasioned it to find a
quick response in the breast of the good-natured Notary, who replied,
in the same spirit, that the stranger had not mistaken his desire, and
that if he could be of service to him, he would, most readily.
Kit was then put under examination and closely questioned by the
unknown gentleman, touching his old master and the child, their
lonely way of life, their retired habits, and strict seclusion. The nightly
absence of the old man, the solitary existence of the child at those
times, his illness and recovery, Quilp's possession of the house, and
their sudden disappearance, were all the subjects of much
questioning and answer. Finally, Kit informed the gentleman that the
premises were now to let, and that a board upon the door referred all
inquirers to Mr Sampson Brass, Solicitor, of Bevis Marks, from whom
he might perhaps learn some further particulars.
'
Not by inquiry,' said the gentleman shaking his head. 'I live there.'
Live at Brass's the attorney's!' cried Mr Witherden in some surprise:
'
having professional knowledge of the gentleman in question.
'
Aye,' was the reply. 'I entered on his lodgings t'other day, chiefly
because I had seen this very board. it matters little to me where I live,
and I had a desperate hope that some intelligence might be cast in my
way there, which would not reach me elsewhere. Yes, I live at Brass's -
more shame for me, I suppose?'
'
That's a mere matter of opinion,' said the Notary, shrugging his
shoulders. 'He is looked upon as rather a doubtful character.'
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