| 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 |
| 1 | 133 | 265 | 398 | 530 |
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child remembered, for the first time, one of the nurses having told her
that Quilp always locked both the house- doors at night, and kept the
keys on the table in his bedroom.
It was not without great fear and trepidation that little Nell slipped off
her shoes and gliding through the store-room of old curiosities, where
Mr Brass - the ugliest piece of goods in all the stock - lay sleeping on a
mattress, passed into her own little chamber.
Here she stood, for a few moments, quite transfixed with terror at the
sight of Mr Quilp, who was hanging so far out of bed that he almost
seemed to be standing on his head, and who, either from the
uneasiness of this posture, or in one of his agreeable habits, was
gasping and growling with his mouth wide open, and the whites (or
rather the dirty yellows) of his eyes distinctly visible. It was no time,
however, to ask whether anything ailed him; so, possessing herself of
the key after one hasty glance about the room, and repassing the
prostrate Mr Brass, she rejoined the old man in safety. They got the
door open without noise, and passing into the street, stood still.
'
Which way?' said the child.
The old man looked, irresolutely and helplessly, first at her, then to
the right and left, then at her again, and shook his head. It was plain
that she was thenceforth his guide and leader. The child felt it, but
had no doubts or misgiving, and putting her hand in his, led him
gently away.
It was the beginning of a day in June; the deep blue sky unsullied by
a cloud, and teeming with brilliant light. The streets were, as yet,
nearly free from passengers, the houses and shops were closed, and
the healthy air of morning fell like breath from angels, on the sleeping
town.
The old man and the child passed on through the glad silence, elate
with hope and pleasure. They were alone together, once again; every
object was bright and fresh; nothing reminded them, otherwise than
by contrast, of the monotony and constraint they had left behind;
church towers and steeples, frowning and dark at other times, now
shone in the sun; each humble nook and corner rejoiced in light; and
the sky, dimmed only by excessive distance, shed its placid smile on
everything beneath.
Forth from the city, while it yet slumbered, went the two poor
adventurers, wandering they knew not whither.
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