[The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens]@TWC D-Link bookThe Old Curiosity Shop CHAPTER 3 6/13
I have done so, and now my visit's ended.
Come Dick.' 'Stop!' cried Mr Swiveller, as his companion turned toward the door. 'Sir!' 'Sir, I am your humble servant,' said Mr Quilp, to whom the monosyllable was addressed. 'Before I leave the gay and festive scene, and halls of dazzling light, sir,' said Mr Swiveller, 'I will with your permission, attempt a slight remark.
I came here, sir, this day, under the impression that the old min was friendly.' 'Proceed, sir,' said Daniel Quilp; for the orator had made a sudden stop. 'Inspired by this idea and the sentiments it awakened, sir, and feeling as a mutual friend that badgering, baiting, and bullying, was not the sort of thing calculated to expand the souls and promote the social harmony of the contending parties, I took upon myself to suggest a course which is THE course to be adopted to the present occasion.
Will you allow me to whisper half a syllable, sir ?' Without waiting for the permission he sought, Mr Swiveller stepped up to the dwarf, and leaning on his shoulder and stooping down to get at his ear, said in a voice which was perfectly audible to all present, 'The watch-word to the old min is--fork.' 'Is what ?' demanded Quilp. 'Is fork, sir, fork,' replied Mr Swiveller slapping his picket.
'You are awake, sir ?' The dwarf nodded.
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