| 368 | 369 | 370 | 371 | 372 |
| 1 | 198 | 396 | 594 | 792 |
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refresh himself with a slight supper, previous to beginning again. He
sat on the same side as Mr Weller, senior; and every time he could
contrive to do so, unseen by his wife, that gentleman indicated to his
son the hidden emotions of his bosom, by shaking his fist over the
deputy-shepherd's head; a process which afforded his son the most
unmingled delight and satisfaction, the more especially as Mr Stiggins
went on, quietly drinking the hot pine-apple rum-and-water, wholly
unconscious of what was going forward.
The major part of the conversation was confined to Mrs. Weller and
the reverend Mr Stiggins; and the topics principally descanted on,
were the virtues of the shepherd, the worthiness of his flock, and the
high crimes and misdemeanours of everybody beside - dissertations
which the elder Mr Weller occasionally interrupted by half-suppressed
references to a gentleman of the name of Walker, and other running
commentaries of the same kind.
At length Mr Stiggins, with several most indubitable symptoms of
having quite as much pine-apple rum-and-water about him as he
could comfortably accommodate, took his hat, and his leave; and Sam
was, immediately afterwards, shown to bed by his father. The
respectable old gentleman wrung his hand fervently, and seemed
disposed to address some observation to his son; but on Mrs. Weller
advancing towards him, he appeared to relinquish that intention, and
abruptly bade him good-night.
Sam was up betimes next day, and having partaken of a hasty
breakfast, prepared to return to London. He had scarcely set foot
without the house, when his father stood before him.
'
'
'
Goin', Sammy?' inquired Mr Weller.
Off at once,' replied Sam.
I vish you could muffle that 'ere Stiggins, and take him vith you,' said
Mr Weller.
'I am ashamed on you!' said Sam reproachfully; 'what do you let him
show his red nose in the Markis o' Granby at all, for?'
Mr Weller the elder fixed on his son an earnest look, and replied,
''Cause I'm a married man, Samivel,'cause I'm a married man. Ven
you're a married man, Samivel, you'll understand a good many things
as you don't understand now; but vether it's worth while goin' through
so much, to learn so little, as the charity-boy said ven he got to the
end of the alphabet, is a matter o' taste. I rayther think it isn't.' 'Well,'
said Sam, 'good-bye.'
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