To say truth, Paul, who at that time was an honest lad, was less charmed than he had anticipated by the conversation of these chevaliers of industry.

He was more pleased with the clever though self-sufficient remarks of a gentleman with a remarkably fine head of hair, and whom we would more impressively than the rest introduce to our reader under the appellation of Mr.Edward Pepper, generally termed Long Ned.

As this worthy was destined afterwards to be an intimate associate of Paul, our main reason for attending the hop at Bachelor Bill's is to note, as the importance of the event deserves, the epoch of the commencement of their acquaintance.
Long Ned and, Paul happened to sit next to each other at supper, and they conversed together so amicably that Paul, in the hospitality of his heart, expressed a hope that he should see Mr.Pepper at the Mug! "Mug,--Mug!" repeated Pepper, half shutting his eyes, with the air of a dandy about to be impertinent; "ah, the name of a chapel, is it not?
There's a sect called Muggletonians, I think ?" "As to that," said Paul, colouring at this insinuation against the Mug, "Mrs.Lobkins has no more religion than her betters; but the Mug is a very excellent house, and frequented by the best possible company." "Don't doubt it!" said Ned.

"Remember now that I was once there, and saw one Dummie Dunnaker,--is not that the name?
I recollect some years ago, when I first came out, that Dummie and I had an adventure together; to tell you the truth, it was not the sort of thing I would do now.
But--would you believe it, Mr.Paul ?--this pitiful fellow was quite rude to me the only time I ever met him since; that is to say, the only time I ever entered the Mug.

I have no notion of such airs in a merchant,--a merchant of rags! Those commercial fellows are getting quite insufferable." "You surprise me," said Paul.