Richard Swiveller was utterly aghast at this unexpected alteration of

circumstances, which threatened the complete overthrow of the

project in which he bore so conspicuous a part, and seemed to nip his

prospects in the bud. Having only received from Frederick Trent, late

on the previous night, information of the old man's illness, he had

come upon a visit of condolence and inquiry to Nell, prepared with the

first instalment of that long train of fascinations which was to fire her

heart at last. And here, when he had been thinking of all kinds of

graceful and insinuating approaches, and meditating on the fearful

retaliation which was slowly working against Sophy Wackles - here

were Nell, the old man, and all the money gone, melted away,

decamped he knew not whither, as if with a fore-knowledge of the

scheme and a resolution to defeat it in the very outset, before a step

was taken.

In his secret heart, Daniel Quilp was both surprised and troubled by

the flight which had been made. It had not escaped his keen eye that

some indispensable articles of clothing were gone with the fugitives,

and knowing the old man's weak state of mind, he marvelled what

that course of proceeding might be in which he had so readily

procured the concurrence of the child. It must not be supposed (or it

would be a gross injustice to Mr Quilp) that he was tortured by any

disinterested anxiety on behalf of either. His uneasiness arose from a

misgiving that the old man had some secret store of money which he

had not suspected; and the idea of its escaping his clutches,

overwhelmed him with mortification and self-reproach.

In this frame of mind, it was some consolation to him to find that

Richard Swiveller was, for different reasons, evidently irritated and

disappointed by the same cause. It was plain, thought the dwarf, that

he had come there, on behalf of his friend, to cajole or frighten the old

man out of some small fraction of that wealth of which they supposed

him to have an abundance. Therefore, it was a relief to vex his heart

with a picture of the riches the old man hoarded, and to expatiate on

his cunning in removing himself even beyond the reach of

importunity.

Well,' said Dick, with a blank look, 'I suppose it's of no use my staying

here.'

Not the least in the world,' rejoined the dwarf.

You'll mention that I called, perhaps?' said Dick.

Mr Quilp nodded, and said he certainly would, the very first time he

saw them.

The Old Curiosity Shop