Mr Pickwick was affected; the two men looked so very miserable. The

sharp, involuntary glance Jingle had cast at a small piece of raw loin

of mutton, which Job had brought in with him, said more of their

reduced state than two hours' explanation could have done. Mr

Pickwick looked mildly at Jingle, and said -

I should like to speak to you in private. Will you step out for an

instant?'

Certainly,' said Jingle, rising hastily. 'Can't step far - no danger of

overwalking yourself here - spike park - grounds pretty - romantic,

but not extensive - open for public inspection - family always in town

housekeeper desperately careful - very.'

You have forgotten your coat,' said Mr Pickwick, as they walked out to

the staircase, and closed the door after them.

Eh?' said Jingle. 'Spout - dear relation - uncle Tom - couldn't help it -

must eat, you know. Wants of nature - and all that.'

What do you mean?'

Gone, my dear sir - last coat - can't help it. Lived on a pair of boots -

whole fortnight. Silk umbrella - ivory handle - week - fact - honour -

ask Job - knows it.'

Lived for three weeks upon a pair of boots, and a silk umbrella with

an ivory handle!' exclaimed Mr Pickwick, who had only heard of such

things in shipwrecks or read of them in Constable's Miscellany.

True,' said Jingle, nodding his head. 'Pawnbroker's shop - duplicates

here - small sums - mere nothing - all rascals.'

Oh,' said Mr Pickwick, much relieved by this explanation; 'I

understand you. You have pawned your wardrobe.'

Everything - Job's too - all shirts gone - never mind - saves washing.

Nothing soon - lie in bed - starve - die - inquest - little bone-house -

poor prisoner - common necessaries - hush it up - gentlemen of the

jury - warden's tradesmen - keep it snug - natural death - coroner's

order - workhouse funeral - serve him right - all over - drop the

curtain.'

Jingle delivered this singular summary of his prospects in life, with

his accustomed volubility, and with various twitches of the

countenance to counterfeit smiles. Mr Pickwick easily perceived that

his recklessness was assumed, and looking him full, but not

unkindly, in the face, saw that his eyes were moist with tears.

The Pickwick Papers