Never mind,' said the boy, nodding his head and rubbing it at the

same time; 'you see if ever I offer to strike anybody again because they

say you're an uglier dwarf than can be seen anywheres for a penny,

that's all.'

Do you mean to say, I'm not, you dog?' returned Quilp.

No!' retorted the boy.

Then what do you fight on my wharf for, you villain?' said Quilp.

Because he said so,' replied to boy, pointing to Kit, 'not because you

an't.'

Then why did he say,' bawled Kit, 'that Miss Nelly was ugly, and that

she and my master was obliged to do whatever his master liked? Why

did he say that?'

'He said what he did because he's a fool, and you said what you did

because you're very wise and clever - almost too clever to live, unless

you're very careful of yourself, Kit.' said Quilp, with great suavity in

his manner, but still more of quiet malice about his eyes and mouth.

Here's sixpence for you, Kit. Always speak the truth. At all times, Kit,

speak the truth. Lock the counting-house, you dog, and bring me the

key.'

The other boy, to whom this order was addresed, did as he was told,

and was rewarded for his partizanship in behalf of his master, by a

dexterous rap on the nose with the key, which brought the water into

his eyes. Then Mr Quilp departed with the child and Kit in a boat, and

the boy revenged himself by dancing on his head at intervals on the

extreme verge of the wharf, during the whole time they crossed the

river.

There was only Mrs Quilp at home, and she, little expecting the return

of her lord, was just composing herself for a refreshing slumber when

the sound of his footsteps roused her. She had barely time to seem to

be occupied in some needle-work, when he entered, accompanied by

the child; having left Kit downstairs.

Here's Nelly Trent, dear Mrs Quilp,' said her husband. 'A glass of

wine, my dear, and a biscuit, for she has had a long walk. She'll sit

with you, my soul, while I write a letter.'

Mrs Quilp looked tremblingly in her spouse's face to know what this

unusual courtesy might portend, and obedient to the summons she

saw in his gesture, followed him into the next room.

The Old Curiosity Shop