has exceeded anything you can imagine, it has indeed. Nothing but

the respect and obligation I owe to you, sir - '

As it was plain that Sampson was bent on a complimentary harangue,

unless he received a timely interruption, Mr Quilp politely tapped him

on the crown of his head with the little saucepan, and requested that

he would be so obliging as to hold his peace.

Practical, sir, practical,' said Brass, rubbing the place and smiling;

but still extremely pleasant - immensely so!'

Hearken to me, will you?' returned Quilp, 'or I'll be a little more

pleasant, presently. There's no chance of his comrade and friend

returning. The scamp has been obliged to fly, as I learn, for some

knavery, and has found his way abroad. Let him rot there.'

Certainly, sir. Quite proper. - Forcible!' cried Brass, glancing at the

admiral again, as if he made a third in company. 'Extremely forcible!'

'I hate him,' said Quilp between his teeth, 'and have always hated him,

for family reasons. Besides, he was an intractable ruffian; otherwise

he would have been of use. This fellow is pigeon-hearted and light-

headed. I don't want him any longer. Let him hang or drown - starve -

go to the devil.'

'By all means, sir,' returned Brass. 'When would you wish him, sir, to

ha, ha! - to make that little excursion?'

When this trial's over,' said Quilp. 'As soon as that's ended, send him

about his business.'

It shall be done, sir,' returned Brass; 'by all means. It will be rather a

blow to Sarah, sir, but she has all her feelings under control. Ah, Mr

Quilp, I often think, sir, if it had only pleased Providence to bring you

and Sarah together, in earlier life, what blessed results would have

flowed from such a union! You never saw our dear father, sir? - A

charming gentleman. Sarah was his pride and joy, sir. He would have

closed his eyes in bliss, would Foxey, Mr Quilp, if he could have found

her such a partner. You esteem her, sir?'

I love her,' croaked the dwarf.

You're very good, Sir,' returned Brass, 'I am sure. Is there any other

order, sir, that I can take a note of, besides this little matter of Mr

Richard?'

'None,' replied the dwarf, seizing the saucepan. 'Let us drink the lovely

Sarah.'

The Old Curiosity Shop