At this repast, Mr Chuckster exerted his utmost abilities to enchant

his entertainers, and impress them with a conviction of the mental

superiority of those who dwelt in town; with which view he led the

discourse to the small scandal of the day, in which he was justly

considered by his friends to shine prodigiously. Thus, he was in a

condition to relate the exact circumstances of the difference between

the Marquis of Mizzler and Lord Bobby, which it appeared originated

in a disputed bottle of champagne, and not in a pigeon-pie, as

erroneously reported in the newspapers; neither had Lord Bobby said

to the Marquis of Mizzler, 'Mizzler, one of us two tells a lie, and I'm not

the man,' as incorrectly stated by the same authorities; but 'Mizzler,

you know where I'm to be found, and damme, sir, find me if you want

me' - which, of course, entirely changed the aspect of this interesting

question, and placed it in a very different light. He also acquainted

them with the precise amount of the income guaranteed by the Duke

of Thigsberry to Violetta Stetta of the Italian Opera, which it appeared

was payable quarterly, and not half-yearly, as the public had been

given to understand, and which was EXclusive, and not INclusive (as

had been monstrously stated,) of jewellery, perfumery, hair-powder for

five footmen, and two daily changes of kid-gloves for a page. Having

entreated the old lady and gentleman to set their minds at rest on

these absorbing points, for they might rely on his statement being the

correct one, Mr Chuckster entertained them with theatrical chit-chat

and the court circular; and so wound up a brilliant and fascinating

conversation which he had maintained alone, and without any

assistance whatever, for upwards of three-quarters of an hour.

'And now that the nag has got his wind again,' said Mr Chuckster

rising in a graceful manner, 'I'm afraid I must cut my stick.'

Neither Mr nor Mrs Garland offered any opposition to his tearing

himself away (feeling, no doubt, that such a man could ill be spared

from his proper sphere of action), and therefore Mr Chuckster and Kit

were shortly afterwards upon their way to town; Kit being perched

upon the box of the cabriolet beside the driver, and Mr Chuckster

seated in solitary state inside, with one of his boots sticking out at

each of the front windows.

When they reached the Notary's house, Kit followed into the office,

and was desired by Mr Abel to sit down and wait, for the gentleman

who wanted him had gone out, and perhaps might not return for some

time. This anticipation was strictly verified, for Kit had had his dinner,

and his tea, and had read all the lighter matter in the Law-List, and

the Post-Office Directory, and had fallen asleep a great many times,

before the gentleman whom he had seen before, came in; which he did

at last in a very great hurry.

The Old Curiosity Shop