I prefer being alone,' replied the single gentleman.

Oh!' said Quilp. And with that, he darted in again with one jerk and

clapped the little door to, like a figure in a Dutch clock when the hour

strikes.

Why it was only last night, sir,' whispered Kit's mother, 'that I left him

in Little Bethel.'

Indeed!' said her fellow-passenger. 'When did that person come here,

waiter?'

Come down by the night-coach, this morning, sir.'

Humph! And when is he going?'

Can't say, sir, really. When the chambermaid asked him just now if

he should want a bed, sir, he first made faces at her, and then wanted

to kiss her.'

Beg him to walk this way,' said the single gentleman. 'I should be glad

to exchange a word with him, tell him. Beg him to come at once, do

you hear?'

The man stared on receiving these instructions, for the single

gentleman had not only displayed as much astonishment as Kit's

mother at sight of the dwarf, but, standing in no fear of him, had been

at less pains to conceal his dislike and repugnance. He departed on

his errand, however, and immediately returned, ushering in its object.

Your servant, sir,' said the dwarf, 'I encountered your messenger half-

way. I thought you'd allow me to pay my compliments to you. I hope

you're well. I hope you're very well.'

There was a short pause, while the dwarf, with half-shut eyes and

puckered face, stood waiting for an answer. Receiving none, he turned

towards his more familiar acquaintance.

Christopher's mother!' he cried. 'Such a dear lady, such a worthy

woman, so blest in her honest son! How is Christopher's mother?

Have change of air and scene improved her? Her little family too, and

Christopher? Do they thrive? Do they flourish? Are they growing into

worthy citizens, eh?'

Making his voice ascend in the scale with every succeeding question,

Mr Quilp finished in a shrill squeak, and subsided into the panting

look which was customary with him, and which, whether it were

assumed or natural, had equally the effect of banishing all expression

The Old Curiosity Shop