When Mr.Brownlow admitted that on no one point of inquiry could he yet return a satisfactory answer; and that he had postponed any investigation into Oliver's previous history until he thought the boy was strong enough to hear it; Mr.Grimwig chuckled maliciously.

And he demanded, with a sneer, whether the housekeeper was in the habit of counting the plate at night; because if she didn't find a table-spoon or two missing some sunshiny morning, why, he would be content to--and so forth.
All this, Mr.Brownlow, although himself somewhat of an impetuous gentleman: knowing his friend's peculiarities, bore with great good humour; as Mr.Grimwig, at tea, was graciously pleased to express his entire approval of the muffins, matters went on very smoothly; and Oliver, who made one of the party, began to feel more at his ease than he had yet done in the fierce old gentleman's presence.
'And when are you going to hear a full, true, and particular account of the life and adventures of Oliver Twist ?' asked Grimwig of Mr.
Brownlow, at the conclusion of the meal; looking sideways at Oliver, as he resumed his subject.
'To-morrow morning,' replied Mr.Brownlow.

'I would rather he was alone with me at the time.

Come up to me to-morrow morning at ten o'clock, my dear.' 'Yes, sir,' replied Oliver.

He answered with some hesitation, because he was confused by Mr.Grimwig's looking so hard at him.
'I'll tell you what,' whispered that gentleman to Mr.Brownlow; 'he won't come up to you to-morrow morning.