more kindness and confidence, but certainly, Christopher, to give you

more money.'

Well,' said Kit, 'after that, Sir - '

Wait a moment,' interposed Mr Garland. 'That is not all. You were a

very faithful servant to your old employers, as I understand, and

should this gentleman recover them, as it is his purpose to attempt

doing by every means in his power, I have no doubt that you, being in

his service, would meet with your reward. Besides,' added the old

gentleman with stronger emphasis, 'besides having the pleasure of

being again brought into communication with those to whom you

seem to be very strongly and disinterestedly attached. You must think

of all this, Christopher, and not be rash or hasty in your choice.'

Kit did suffer one twinge, one momentary pang, in keeping the

resolution he had already formed, when this last argument passed

swiftly into his thoughts, and conjured up the realization of all his

hopes and fancies. But it was gone in a minute, and he sturdily

rejoined that the gentleman must look out for somebody else, as he

did think he might have done at first.

He has no right to think that I'd be led away to go to him, sir,' said

Kit, turning round again after half a minute's hammering. 'Does he

think I'm a fool?'

He may, perhaps, Christopher, if you refuse his offer,' said Mr

Garland gravely.

Then let him, sir,' retorted Kit; 'what do I care, sir, what he thinks?

why should I care for his thinking, sir, when I know that I should be a

fool, and worse than a fool, sir, to leave the kindest master and

mistress that ever was or can be, who took me out of the streets a very

poor and hungry lad indeed - poorer and hungrier perhaps than even

you think for, sir - to go to him or anybody? If Miss Nell was to come

back, ma'am,' added Kit, turning suddenly to his mistress, 'why that

would be another thing, and perhaps if she wanted me, I might ask

you now and then to let me work for her when all was done at home.

But when she comes back, I see now that she'll be rich as old master

always said she would, and being a rich young lady, what could she

want of me? No, no,' added Kit, shaking his head sorrowfully, 'she'll

never want me any more, and bless her, I hope she never may, though

I should like to see her too!'

Here Kit drove a nail into the wall, very hard - much harder than was

necessary - and having done so, faced about again.

The Old Curiosity Shop