| 397 | 398 | 399 | 400 | 401 |
| 1 | 133 | 265 | 398 | 530 |
|
'Thank you,' returned Kit. 'But I am to give it to himself, if you please.'
The excessive audacity of this retort so overpowered Mr Chuckster,
and so moved his tender regard for his friend's honour, that he
declared, if he were not restrained by official considerations, he must
certainly have annihilated Kit upon the spot; a resentment of the
affront which he did consider, under the extraordinary circumstances
of aggravation attending it, could but have met with the proper
sanction and approval of a jury of Englishmen, who, he had no doubt,
would have returned a verdict of justifiable Homicide, coupled with a
high testimony to the morals and character of the Avenger. Mr
Swiveller, without being quite so hot upon the matter, was rather
shamed by his friend's excitement, and not a little puzzled how to act
(
Kit being quite cool and good-humoured), when the single gentleman
was heard to call violently down the stairs.
'
'
'
'
Didn't I see somebody for me, come in?' cried the lodger.
Yes, Sir,' replied Dick. 'Certainly, Sir.'
Then where is he?' roared the single gentleman.
He's here, sir,' rejoined Mr Swiveller. 'Now young man, don't you hear
you're to go up-stairs? Are you deaf?'
Kit did not appear to think it worth his while to enter into any
altercation, but hurried off and left the Glorious Apollos gazing at each
other in silence.
'
Didn't I tell you so?' said Mr Chuckster. 'What do you think of that?'
Mr Swiveller being in the main a good-natured fellow, and not
perceiving in the conduct of Kit any villany of enormous magnitude,
scarcely knew what answer to return. He was relieved from his
perplexity, however, by the entrance of Mr Sampson and his sister,
Sally, at sight of whom Mr Chuckster precipitately retired.
Mr Brass and his lovely companion appeared to have been holding a
consultation over their temperate breakfast, upon some matter of
great interest and importance. On the occasion of such conferences,
they generally appeared in the office some half an hour after their
usual time, and in a very smiling state, as though their late plots and
designs had tranquillised their minds and shed a light upon their
toilsome way. In the present instance, they seemed particularly gay;
Miss Sally's aspect being of a most oily kind, and Mr Brass rubbing
his hands in an exceedingly jocose and light-hearted manner. 'Well,
Mr Richard,' said Brass. 'How are we this morning? Are we pretty
fresh and cheerful sir - eh, Mr Richard?'
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