Mind what I say to you,' whispered Quilp. 'See if you can get out of

her anything about her grandfather, or what they do, or how they live,

or what he tells her. I've my reasons for knowing, if I can. You women

talk more freely to one another than you do to us, and you have a soft,

mild way with you that'll win upon her. Do you hear?'

Yes, Quilp.'

Go then. What's the matter now?'

Dear Quilp,' faltered his wife. 'I love the child - if you could do without

making me deceive her - '

The dwarf muttering a terrible oath looked round as if for some

weapon with which to inflict condign punishment upon his

disobedient wife. the submissive little woman hurriedly entreated him

not to be angry, and promised to do as he bade her.

Do you hear me,' whispered Quilp, nipping and pinching her arm;

worm yourself into her secrets; I know you can. I'm listening,

recollect. If you're not sharp enough, I'll creak the door, and woe

betide you if I have to creak it much. Go!'

Mrs Quilp departed according to order, and her amiable husband,

ensconcing himself behind the partly opened door, and applying his

ear close to it, began to listen with a face of great craftiness and

attention.

Poor Mrs Quilp was thinking, however, in what manner to begin or

what kind of inquiries she could make; and it was not until the door,

creaking in a very urgent manner, warned her to proceed without

further consideration, that the sound of her voice was heard.

How very often you have come backwards and forwards lately to Mr

Quilp, my dear.'

'I have said so to grandfather, a hundred times,' returned Nell

innocently.

'And what has he said to that?'

Only sighed, and dropped his head, and seemed so sad and wretched

that if you could have seen him I am sure you must have cried; you

could not have helped it more than I, I know. How that door creaks!'

It often does.' returned Mrs Quilp, with an uneasy glance towards it.

But your grandfather - he used not to be so wretched?'

The Old Curiosity Shop