Why, really Marchioness,' said Mr Swiveller, thoughtfully; 'several

ladies and gentlemen - not exactly professional persons, but

tradespeople, ma'am, tradespeople - have made the same remark. The

obscure citizen who keeps the hotel over the way, inclined strongly to

that opinion to-night when I ordered him to prepare the banquet. It's a

popular prejudice, Marchioness; and yet I am sure I don't know why,

for I have been trusted in my time to a considerable amount, and I

can safely say that I never forsook my trust until it deserted me -

never. Mr Brass is of the same opinion, I suppose?'

His friend nodded again, with a cunning look which seemed to hint

that Mr Brass held stronger opinions on the subject than his sister;

and seeming to recollect herself, added imploringly, 'But don't you

ever tell upon me, or I shall be beat to death.'

Marchioness,' said Mr Swiveller, rising, 'the word of a gentleman is as

good as his bond - sometimes better, as in the present case, where his

bond might prove but a doubtful sort of security. I am your friend,

and I hope we shall play many more rubbers together in this same

saloon. But, Marchioness,' added Richard, stopping in his way to the

door, and wheeling slowly round upon the small servant, who was

following with the candle; 'it occurs to me that you must be in the

constant habit of airing your eye at keyholes, to know all this.'

I only wanted,' replied the trembling Marchioness, 'to know where the

key of the safe was hid; that was all; and I wouldn't have taken much,

if I had found it - only enough to squench my hunger.'

'You didn't find it then?' said Dick. 'But of course you didn't, or you'd

be plumper. Good night, Marchioness. Fare thee well, and if for ever,

then for ever fare thee well - and put up the chain, Marchioness, in

case of accidents.'

With this parting injunction, Mr Swiveller emerged from the house;

and feeling that he had by this time taken quite as much to drink as

promised to be good for his constitution (purl being a rather strong

and heady compound), wisely resolved to betake himself to his

lodgings, and to bed at once. Homeward he went therefore; and his

apartments (for he still retained the plural fiction) being at no great

distance from the office, he was soon seated in his own bed-chamber,

where, having pulled off one boot and forgotten the other, he fell into

deep cogitation.

This Marchioness,' said Mr Swiveller, folding his arms, 'is a very

extraordinary person - surrounded by mysteries, ignorant of the taste

of beer, unacquainted with her own name (which is less remarkable),

and taking a limited view of society through the keyholes of doors -

can these things be her destiny, or has some unknown person started

The Old Curiosity Shop