Will be seen in the long run, if not in the short one, to
concern mr. pinch and others, nearly. Mr. Pecksniff asserts the dignity of
outraged virtue. Young Martin Chuzzlewit forms a desperate resolution
MR. PINCH AND MARTIN, little dreaming of the stormy weather that impended,
made themselves very comfortable in the Pecksniffian halls, and improved their
friendship daily. Martin's facility, both of invention and execution, being
remarkable, the grammar-school proceeded with great vigour; and Tom repeatedly
declared, that if there were anything like certainty in human affairs, or
impartiality in human judges, a design so new and full of merit could not fail
to carry off the first prize when the time of competition arrived. Without being
quite so sanguine himself, Martin had his hopeful anticipations too; and they
served to make him brisk and eager at his task.
`If I should turn out a great architect, Tom,' said the new pupil one day, as
he stood at a little distance from his drawing, and eyed it with much
complacency, `I'll tell you what should be one of the things I'd build.'
`Aye!' cried Tom. `What?'
`Why, your fortune.'
`No!' said Tom Pinch, quite as much delighted as if the thing were done.
`Would you though? How kind of you to say so.'
`I'd build it up, Tom,' returned Martin, `on such a strong foundation, that
it should last your life--aye, and your children's lives too, and their
children's after them. I'd be your patron, Tom. I'd take you under my
protection. Let me see the man who should give the cold shoulder to anybody I
chose to protect and patronise, if I were at the top of the tree, Tom!'
`Now, I don't think,' said Mr. Pinch, `upon my word, that I was ever more
gratified than by this. I really don't.'
`Oh! I mean what I say,' retorted Martin, with a manner as free and easy in
its condescension to, not to say in its compassion for, the other, as if he were
already First Architect in ordinary to all the Crowned Heads in Europe. `I'd do
it. I'd provide for you.'
`I am afraid,' said Tom, shaking his head, `that I should be a mighty awkward
person to provide for.'
`Pooh, pooh!' rejoined Martin. `Never mind that. If I took it in my head to
say, "Pinch is a clever fellow; I approve of Pinch;" I should like to know the
man who would venture to put himself in opposition to me. Besides, confound it,
Tom, you could be useful to me in a hundred ways.'
`If I were not useful in one or two, it shouldn't be for want of trying,'
said Tom.
`For instance,' pursued Martin, after a short reflection, `you'd be a capital
fellow, now, to see that my ideas were properly carried out; and to overlook the
works in their progress before they were sufficiently advanced to be very
interesting to me; and to take all that sort of plain sailing. Then you'd be a
splendid fellow to show people over my studio, and to talk about Art to 'em,
when I couldn't be bored myself, and all that kind of thing. For it would be
devilish creditable, Tom (I'm quite in earnest, I give you my word), to have a
man of your information about one, instead of some ordinary blockhead. Oh, I'd
take care of you. You'd be useful, rely upon it!'
To say that Tom had no idea of playing first fiddle in any social orchestra,
but was always quite satisfied to be set down for the hundred and fiftieth
violin in the band, or thereabouts, is to express his modesty in very inadequate
terms. He was much delighted, therefore, by these observations.
`I should be married to her then, Tom, of course,' said Martin.
What was that which checked Tom Pinch so suddenly, in the high flow of his
gladness: bringing the blood into his honest cheeks, and a remorseful feeling to
his honest heart, as if he were unworthy of his friend's regard?
`I should be married to her then,' said Martin, looking with a smile towards
the light: `and we should have, I hope, children about us. They'd be very fond
of you, Tom.'
But not a word said Mr. Pinch. The words he would have uttered died upon his
lips, and found a life more spiritual in self-denying thoughts.
`All the children hereabouts are fond of you, Tom, and mine would be, of
course,' pursued Martin. `Perhaps I might name one of 'em after you. Tom, eh?
Well, I don't know. Tom's not a bad name. Thomas Pinch Chuzzlewit. T. P. C. on
his pinafores. No objection to that, I should say?'
Tom cleared his throat, and smiled.
`She would like you, Tom, I know,' said Martin.
`Aye!' cried Tom Pinch, faintly.
`I can tell exactly what she would think of you,' said Martin leaning his
chin upon his hand, and looking through the window-glass as if he read there
what he said; `I know her so well. She would smile, Tom, often at first when you
spoke to her, or when she looked at you--merrily too--but you wouldn't mind
that. A brighter smile you never saw.'
`No, no,' said Tom. `I wouldn't mind that.'
`She would be as tender with you, Tom,' said Martin, `as if you were a child
yourself. So you are almost, in some things, an't you, Tom?'
Mr. Pinch nodded his entire assent.
`She would always be kind and good-humoured, and glad to see you,' said
Martin; `and when she found out exactly what sort of fellow you were (which
she'd do very soon), she would pretend to give you little commissions to
execute, and to ask little services of you, which she knew you were burning to
render; so that when she really pleased you most, she would try to make you
think you most pleased her. She would take to you uncommonly, Tom; and would
understand you far more delicately than I ever shall; and would often say, I
know, that you were a harmless, gentle, well-intentioned, good fellow.'
How silent Tom Pinch was!
`In honour of old time,' said Martin, `and of her having heard you play the
organ in this damp little church down here--for nothing too--we will have one in
the house. I shall build an architectural music-room on a plan of my own, and
it'll look rather knowing in a recess at one end. There you shall play away,
Tom, till you tire yourself; and, as you like to do so in the dark, it shall be
dark; and many's the summer evening she and I will sit and listen to you, Tom;
be sure of that!'
It may have required a stronger effort on Tom Pinch's part to leave the seat
on which he sat, and shake his friend by both hands, with nothing but serenity
and grateful feeling painted on his face; it may have required a stronger effort
to perform this simple act with a pure heart, than to achieve many and many a
deed to which the doubtful trumpet blown by Fame has lustily resounded.
Doubtful, because from its long hovering over scenes of violence, the smoke and
steam of death have clogged the keys of that brave instrument; and it is not
always that its notes are either true er tuneful.
`It's a proof of the kindness of human nature,' said Tom, characteristically
putting himself quite out of sight in the matter, `that everybody who comes
here, as you have done, is more considerate and affectionate to me than I should
have any right to hope, if I were the most sanguine creature in the world; or
should have any power to express, if I were the most eloquent. It really
overpowers me. But trust me,' said Tom, `that I am not ungrateful; that I never
forget; and that if I can ever prove the truth of my words to you, I will.'
`That's all right,' observed Martin, leaning back in his chair with a hand in
each pocket, and yawning drearily. `Very fine talking, Tom; but I'm at
Pecksniff's, I remember, and perhaps a mile or so out of the high-road to
fortune just at this minute. So you've heard again this morning from what's his
name, eh?'
`Who may that be?' asked Tom, seeming to enter a mild protest on behalf of
the dignity of an absent person.
`You know. What is it? Northkey.'
`Westlock,' rejoined Tom, in rather a louder tone than usual.
`Ah! to be sure,' said Martin, `Westlock. I knew it was something connected
with a point of the compass and a door. Well! and what says Westlock?'
`Oh! he has come into his property,' answered Tom, nodding his head, and
smiling.
`He's a lucky dog,' said Martin. `I wish it were mine instead. Is that all
the mystery you were to tell me?'
`No,' said Tom: `not all.'
`What's the rest?' asked Martin.
`For the matter of that,' said Tom, `it's no mystery, and you won't think
much of it; but it's very pleasant to me. John always used to say when he was
here, "Mark my words, Pinch. When my father's executors cash up"--he used
strange expressions now and then, but that was his way.'
`Cash-up's a very good expression,' observed Martin, `when other people don't
apply it to you. Well? What a slow fellow you are, Pinch!'
`Yes, I am I know,' said Tom; `but you'll make me nervous if you tell me so.
I'm afraid you have put me out a little now, for I forget what I was going to
say.'
`When John's father's executors cashed up,' said Martin impatiently.
`Oh yes, to be sure,' cried Tom; `yes. "Then," says John, "I'll give you a
dinner, Pinch, and come down to Salisbury on purpose." Now, when John wrote the
other day--the morning Pecksniff left, you know--he said his business was on the
point of being immediately settled, and as he was to receive his money directly,
when could I meet him at Salisbury? I wrote and said, any day this week; and I
told him besides, that there was a new pupil here, and what a fine fellow you
were, and what friends we had become. Upon which John writes back this
letter'--Tom produced it--`fixes to-morrow; sends his compliments to you; and
begs that we three may have the pleasure of dining together; not at the house
where you and I were, either; but at the very first hotel in the town. Read what
he says.'
`Very well,' said Martin, glancing over it with his customary coolness: `much
obliged to him. I'm agreeable.'
Tom could have wished him to be a little more astonished, a little more
pleased, or in some form or other a little more interested in such a great
event. But he was perfectly self-obsessed: and falling into his favourite solace
of whistling, took another turn at the grammar-school, as if nothing at all had
happened.
Mr. Pecksniff's horse being regarded in the light of a sacred animal, only to
be driven by him, the chief priest of that temple, or by some person distinctly
nominated for the time being to that high office by himself, the two young men
agreed to walk to Salisbury; and so, when the time came, they set off on foot;
which was, after all, a better mode of travelling than in the gig, as the
weather was very cold and very dry.
Better! A rare strong, hearty, healthy walk--four statute miles an
hour--preferable to that rumbling, tumbling, jolting, shaking, scraping,
creaking, villanous old gig? Why, the two things will not admit of comparison.
It is an insult to the walk, to set them side by side. Where is an instance of a
gig having ever circulated a man's blood, unless when, putting him in danger of
his neck, it awakened in his veins and in his ears, and all along his spine, a
tingling heat, much more peculiar than agreeable? When did a gig ever sharpen
anybody's wits and energies, unless it was when the horse bolted, and, crashing
madly down a steep hill with a stone wall at the bottom, his desperate
circumstances suggested to the only gentleman left inside, some novel and
unheard-of mode of dropping out behind? Better than the gig!
The air was cold, Tom; so it was, there was no denying it; but would it have
been more genial in the gig? The blacksmith's fire burned very bright, and
leaped up high, as though it wanted men to warm; but would it have been less
tempting, looked at from the clammy cushions of a gig? The wind blew keenly,
nipping the features of the hardy wight who fought his way along; blinding him
with his own hair if he had enough to it, and wintry dust if he hadn't; stopping
his breath as though he had been soused in a cold bath; tearing aside his
wrappings-up, and whistling in the very marrow of his bones; but it would have
done all this a hundred times more fiercely to a man in a gig, wouldn't it? A
fig for gigs!
Better than the gig! When were travellers by wheels and hoofs seen with such
red-hot cheeks as those? when were they so good-humouredly and merrily bloused?
when did their laughter ring upon the air, as they turned them round, what time
the stronger gusts came sweeping up; and, facing round again as they passed by,
dashed on, in such a glow of ruddy health as nothing could keep pace with, but
the high spirits it engendered? Better than the gig! Why, here is a man in a gig
coming the same way now. Look at him as he passes his whip into his left hand,
chafes his numbed right fingers on his granite leg, and beats those marble toes
of his upon the foot-board. Ha, ha, ha! Who would exchange this rapid hurry of
the blood for yonder stagnant misery, though its pace were twenty miles for one?
Better than the gig! No man in a gig could have such interest in the
milestones. No man in a gig could see, or feel, or think, like merry users of
their legs. How, as the wind sweeps on, upon these breezy downs, it tracks its
flight in darkening ripples on the grass, and smoothest shadows on the hills!
Look round and round upon this bare bleak plain, and see even here, upon a
winter's day, how beautiful the shadows are! Alas! it is the nature of their
kind to be so. The loveliest things in life, Tom, are but shadows; and they come
and go, and change and fade away, as rapidly as these!
Another mile, and then begins a fall of snow, making the crow, who skims away
so close above the ground to shirk the wind, a blot of ink upon the landscape.
But though it drives and drifts against them as they walk, stiffening on their
skirts, and freezing in the lashes of their eyes, they wouldn't have it fall
more sparingly, no, not so much as by a single flake, although they had to go a
score of miles. And, lo! the towers of the Old Cathedral rise before them, even
now! and by-and-bye they come into the sheltered streets, made strangely silent
by their white carpet; and so to the Inn for which they are bound; where they
present such flushed and burning faces to the cold waiter, and are so brimful of
vigour, that he almost feels assaulted by their presence; and, having nothing to
oppose to the attack (being fresh, or rather stale, from the blazing fire in the
coffee-room), is quite put out of his pale countenance.
A famous Inn! the hall a very grove of dead game, and dangling joints of
mutton; and in one corner an illustrious larder, with glass doors, developing
cold fowls and noble joints, and tarts wherein the raspberry jam coyly withdrew
itself, as such a precious creature should, behind a lattice work of pastry. And
behold, on the first floor, at the court-end of the house, in a room with all
the window-curtains drawn, a fire piled half-way up the chimney, plates warming
before it, wax candles gleaming everywhere, and a table spread for three, with
silver and glass enough for thirty--John Westlock! Not the old John of
Pecksniff's, but a proper gentleman: looking another and a grander person, with
the consciousness of being his own master and having money in the bank: and yet
in some respects the old John too, for he seized Tom Pinch by both his hands the
instant he appeared, and fairly hugged him, in his cordial welcome.
`And this,' said John, `is Mr. Chuzzlewit. I am very glad to see him!' John
had an off-hand manner of his own; so they shook hands warmly, and were friends
in no time.
`Stand off a moment, Tom,' cried the old pupil, laying one hand on each of
Mr. Pinch's shoulders, and holding him out at arm's length. `Let me look at you!
Just the same! Not a bit changed!'
`Why, it's not so very long ago, you know,' said Tom Pinch, `after all.'
`It seems an age to me,' cried John. `and so it ought to seem to you, you
dog.' And then he pushed Tom down into the easiest chair, and clapped him on the
back so heartily, and so like his old self in their old bedroom at old
Pecksniff's that it was a toss-up with Tom Pinch whether he should laugh or cry.
Laughter won it; and they all three laughed together.
`I have ordered everything for dinner, that we used to say we'd have, Tom,'
observed John Westlock.
`No!' said Tom Pinch. `Have you?'
`Everything. Don't laugh, if you can help it, before the waiters. I couldn't
when I was ordering it. It's like a dream.'
John was wrong there, because nobody ever dreamed such soup as was put upon
the table directly afterwards; or such fish; or such sidedishes; or such a top
and bottom; or such a course of birds and sweets; or in short anything
approaching the reality of that entertainment at ten-and-sixpence a head,
exclusive of wines. As to them, the man who can dream such iced champagne, such
claret, port, or sherry, had better go to bed and stop there.
But perhaps the finest feature of the banquet was, that nobody was half so
much amazed by everything as John himself, who in his high delight was
constantly bursting into fits of laughter, and then endeavouring to appear
preternaturally solemn, lest the waiters should conceive he wasn't used to it.
Some of the things they brought him to carve, were such outrageous practical
jokes, though, that it was impossible to stand it; and when Tom Pinch insisted,
in spite of the deferential advice of an attendant, not only on breaking down
the outer wall of a raised pie with a tablespoon, but on trying to eat it
afterwards, John lost all dignity, and sat behind the gorgeous dish-cover at the
head of the table, roaring to that extent that he was audible in the kitchen.
Nor had he the least objection to laugh at himself, as he demonstrated when they
had all three gathered round the fire and the dessert was on the table; at which
period the head waiter inquired with respectful solicitude whether that port,
being a light and tawny wine, was suited to his taste, or whether he would wish
to try a fruity port with greater body. To this John gravely answered that he
was well satisfied with what he had, which he esteemed, as one might say, a
pretty tidy vintage: for which the waiter thanked him and withdrew. And then
John told his friends, with a broad grin, that he supposed it was all right, but
he didn't know; and went off into a perfect shout.
They were very merry and full of enjoyment the whole time, but not the least
pleasant part of the festival was when they all three sat about the fire,
cracking nuts, drinking wine and talking cheerfully. It happened that Tom Pinch
had a word to say to his friend the organist's assistant, and so deserted his
warm corner for a few minutes at this season, lest it should grow too late;
leaving the other two young men together.
They drank his health in his absence, of course; and John Westlock took that
opportunity of saying, that he had never had even a peevish word with Tom during
the whole term of their residence in Mr. Pecksniff's house. This naturally led
him to dwell upon Tom's character, and to hint that Mr. Pecksniff understood it
pretty well. He only hinted this, and very distantly: knowing that it pained Tom
Pinch to have that gentleman disparaged, and thinking it would be as well to
leave the new pupil to his own discoveries.
`Yes,' said Martin. `It's impossible to like Pinch better than I do, or to do
greater justice to his good qualities. He is the most willing fellow I ever
saw.'
`He's rather too willing,' observed John, who was quick in observation. `It's
quite a fault in him.'
`So it is,' said Martin. `Very true. There was a fellow only a week or so
ago--a Mr. Tigg--who borrowed all the money he had, on a promise to repay it in
a few days. It was but half a sovereign, to be sure; but it's well it was no
more, for he'll never see it again.'
`Poor fellow!' said John, who had been very attentive to these few words.
`Perhaps you have not had an opportunity of observing that, in his own pecuniary
transactions, Tom's proud.'
`You don't say so! No, I haven't. What do you mean? Won't he borrow?'
John Westlock shook his head.
`That's very odd,' said Martin, setting down his empty glass. `He's a strange
compound, to be sure.'
`As to receiving money as a gift,' resumed John Westlock; `I think he'd die
first.'
`He's made up of simplicity,' said Martin. `Help yourself.'
`You, however,' pursued John, filling his own glass, and looking at his
companion with some curiosity, `who are older than the majority of Mr.
Pecksniff's assistants, and have evidently had much more experience, understand
him, I have no doubt, and see how liable he is to be imposed upon.'
`Certainly,' said Martin, stretching out his legs, and holding his wine
between his eye and the light. `Mr. Pecksniff knows that too. So do his
daughters. Eh?'
John Westlock smiled, but made no answer.
`By-the-bye,' said Martin, `that reminds me. What's your opinion of Pecksniff?
How did he use you? What do you think of him now? Coolly, you know, when it's
all over?'
`Ask Pinch,' returned the old pupil. `He knows what my sentiments used to be
upon the subject. They are not changed, I assure you.'
`No, no,' said Martin, `I'd rather have them from you.'
`But Pinch says they are unjust' urged John with a smile.
`Oh! well! Then I know what course they take beforehand,' said Martin; `and,
therefore, you can have no delicacy in speaking plainly. Don't mind me, I beg. I
don't like him I tell you frankly. I am with him because it happens from
particular circumstances to suit my convenience. I have some ability, I believe,
in that way; and the obligation, if any, will most likely be on his side and not
mine. At the lowest mark, the balance will be even, and there'll be no
obligation at all. So you may talk to me, as if I had no connexion with him.'
`If you press me to give my opinion--' returned John Westlock.
`Yes, I do,' said Martin. `You'll oblige me.'
`--I should say,' resumed the other, `that he is the most consummate
scoundrel on the face of the earth.'
`Oh!' said Martin, as coolly as ever. `That's rather strong.'
`Not stronger than he deserves,' said John; `and if he called upon me to
express my opinion of him to his face, I would do so in the very same terms,
without the least qualification. His treatment of Pinch is in itself enough to
justify them; but when I look back upon the five years I passed in that house,
and remember the hyprocrisy, the knavery, the meannesses, the false pretences,
the lip service of that fellow, and his trading in saintly semblances for the
very worst realities; when I remember how often I was the witnes of all this and
how often I was made a kind of party to it, by the fact of being there, with him
for my teacher; I swear to you that I almost despise myself.'
Martin drained his glass, and looked at the fire.
`I don't mean to say that is a right feeling,' pursued John Westlock `because
it was no fault of mine; and I can quite understand -- you for instance, fully
appreciating him, and yet being forced by circumstances to remain there. I tell
you simply what my feeling is; and even now, when, as you say, it's all over;
and when I have the satisfaction of knowing that he always hated me, and we
always quarrelled, and I always told him my mind; even now, I feel sorry that I
didn't yield to an impulse I often had, as a boy, of running away from him and
going abroad.'
`Why abroad?' asked Martin, turning his eyes upon the speaker.
`In search,' replied John Westlock, shrugging his shoulders, `of the
livelihood I couldn't have earned at home. There would have been something
spirited in that. But, come! Fill your glass, and let us forget him.'
`As soon as you please,' said Martin. `In reference to myself and my
connexion with him, I have only to repeat what I said before. I have taken my
own way with him so far, and shall continue to do so, even more than ever; for
the fact is, to tell you the truth, that I believe he looks to me to supply his
defects, and couldn't afford to lose me. I had a notion of that in first going
there. Your health!'
`Thank you,' returned young Westlock. `Yours. And may the new pupil turn out
as well as you can desire!'
`What new pupil?'
`The fortunate youth, born under an auspicious star,' returned John Westlock,
laughing; `whose parents, or guardians, are destined to be hooked by the
advertisement. What! Don't you know that he has advertised again?'
`No.'
`Oh, yes. I read it just before dinner in the old newspaper. I know it to be
his; having some reason to remember the style. Hush! Here's Pinch. Strange, is
it not, that the more he likes Pecksniff (if he can like him better than he
does), the greater reason one has to like him? Not a word more, or we shall
spoil his whole enjoyment.'
Tom entered as the words were spoken, with a radiant smile upon his face; and
rubbing his hands, more from a sense of delight than because he was cold (for he
had been running fast), sat down in his warm corner again, and was as happy as
only Tom Pinch could be. There is no other simile that will express his state of
mind.
`And so,' he said, when he had gazed at his friend for some time in silent
pleasure, `so you really are a gentleman at last, John. Well, to be sure!'
`Trying to be, Tom; trying to be,' he rejoined good-humouredly. `There is no
saying what I may turn out, in time.'
`I suppose you wouldn't carry your own box to the mail now?' said Tom Pinch,
smiling; `although you lost it altogether by not taking it.'
`Wouldn't I?' retorted John. `That's all you know about it, Pinch. It must be
a very heavy box that I wouldn't carry to get away from Pecksniff's, Tom.'
`There!' cried Pinch, turning to Martin, `I told you so. The great fault in
his character is his injustice to Pecksniff. You mustn't mind a word he says on
that subject. His prejudice is most extraordinary.'
`The absence of anything like prejudice on Tom's part, you know,' said John
Westlock, laughing heartily, as he laid his hand on Mr. Pinch's shoulder, `is
perfectly wonderful. If one man ever had a profound knowledge of another, and
saw him in a true light, and in his own proper colours, Tom has that knowledge
of Mr. Pecksniff.'
`Why, of course I have,' cried Tom. `That's exactly what I have so often said
to you. If you knew him as well as I do -- John, I'd give almost any money to
bring that about -- you'd admire, respect, and reverence him. You couldn't help
it. Oh, how you wounded his feelings when you went away!'
`If I had known whereabout his feelings lay,' retorted young Westlock, `I'd
have done my best, Tom, with that end in view, you may depend upon it. But as I
couldn't wound him in what he has not, and in what he knows nothing of, except
in his ability to probe them to the quick in other people, I am afraid I can lay
no claim to your compliment.'
Mr. Pinch, being unwilling to protract a discussion which might possibly
corrupt Martin, forbore to say anything in reply to this speech; but John
Westlock, whom nothing short of an iron gag would have silenced when Mr.
Pecksniff's merits were once in question, continued notwithstanding.
`His feelings! oh, he's a tender-hearted man. His feelings! Oh, he's a
considerate, conscientious, self-examining, moral vagabond, he is! His feelings!
Oh! -- what's the matter, Tom?'
Mr. Pinch was by this time erect upon the hearth-rug, buttoning his coat with
great energy.
`I can't bear it,' said Tom, shaking his head. `No. I really cannot. You must
excuse me, John. I have a great esteem and friendship for you; I love you very
much; and have been perfectly charmed and overjoyed to-day, to find you just the
same as ever; but I cannot listen to this.'
`Why, it's my old way, Tom; and you say yourself that you are glad to find me
unchanged.'
`Not in this respect,' said Tom Pinch. `You must excuse me, John. I cannot,
really; I will not. It's very wrong; you should be more guarded in your
expressions. It was bad enough when you and I used to be alone together, but
under existing circumstances, I can't endure it, really. No. I cannot, indeed.'
`You are quite right!' exclaimed the other, exchanging looks with Martin.
`and I am quite wrong, Tom. I don't know how the deuce we fell on this unlucky
theme. I beg your pardon with all my heart.'
`You have a free and manly temper, I know,' said Pinch; `and therefore, your
being so ungenerous in this one solitary instance, only grieves me the more.
It's not my pardon you have to ask, John. You have done me nothing but
kindnesses.'
`Well! Pecksniff's pardon then,' said young Westlock. `Anything Tom, or
anybody. Pecksniff's pardon. Will that do? Here! let us drink Pecksniff's
health!'
`Thank you,' cried Tom, shaking hands with him eagerly, and filling a bumper.
`Thank you; I'll drink it with all my heart, John. Mr. Pecksniff's health, and
prosperity to him!'
John Westlock echoed the sentiment, or nearly so; for he drank Mr.
Pecksniff's health, and something to him; but what, was not quite audible. The
general unanimity being then completely restored, they drew their chairs closer
round the fire, and conversed in perfect harmony and enjoyment until bed-time.
No slight circumstance, perhaps, could have better illustrated the difference
of character between John Westlock and Martin Chuzzlewit, than the manner in
which each of the young men contemplated Tom Pinch, after the little rupture
just described. There was a certain amount of jocularity in the looks of both,
no doubt, but there all resemblance ceased. The old pupil could not do enough to
show Tom how cordially he felt towards him, and his friendly regard seemed of a
graver and more thoughtful kind than before. The new one, on the other hand, had
no impulse but to laugh at the recollection of Tom's extreme absurdity; and
mingled with his amusement there was something slighting and contemptuous,
indicative, as it appeared, of his opinion that Mr. Pinch was much too far gone
in simplicity to be admitted as the friend, on serious and equal terms, of any
rational man.
John Westlock, who did nothing by halves, if he could help it, had provided
beds for his two guests in the hotel; and after a very happy evening, they
retired. Mr. Pinch was sitting on the side of his bed with his cravat and shoes
off, ruminating on the manifold good qualities of his old friend, when he was
interrupted by a knock at his chamber door, and the voice of John himself.
`You're not asleep yet, are you, Tom?'
`Bless you, no! not I. I was thinking of you,' replied Tom, opening the door.
`Come in.'
`I am not going to detail you,' said John; `but I have forgotten all the
evening a little commission I took upon myself; and I am afraid I may forget it
again, if I fail to discharge it at once. You know a Mr. Tigg, Tom, I believe?'
`Tigg!' cried Tom. `Tigg! The gentleman who borrowed some money of me?'
`Exactly,' said John Westlock. `He begged me to present his compliments, and
to return it with many thanks. Here it is. I suppose it's a good one, but he is
rather a doubtful kind of customer, Tom.'
Mr. Pinch received the little piece of gold with a face whose brightness
might have shamed the metal; and said he had no fear about that. He was glad, he
added, to find Mr. Tigg so prompt and honourable in his dealings; very glad.
`Why, to tell you the truth, Tom,' replied his friend, `he is not always so.
If you'll take my advice, you'll avoid him as much as you can, in the event of
your encountering him again. And by no means, Tom -- pray bear this in mind, for
I am very serious -- by no means lend him money any more.'
`Aye, aye!' said Tom, with his eyes wide open.
`He is very far from being a reputable acquaintance,' returned young
Westlock; `and the more you let him know you think so, the better for you, Tom.'
`I say, John,' quoth Mr. Pinch, as his countenance fell, and he shook his
head in a dejected manner. `I hope you are not getting into bad company.'
`No, no,' he replied laughing. `Don't be uneasy on that score.'
`Oh, but I am uneasy,' said Tom Pinch; `I can't help it, when I hear you
talking in that way. If Mr. Tigg is what you describe him to be, you have no
business to know him, John. You may laugh, but I don't consider it by any means
a laughing matter, I assure you.'
`No, no,' returned his friend, composing his features. `Quite right. It is
not, certainly.'
`You know, John,' said Mr. Pinch, `your very good nature and kindness of
heart make you thoughtless, and you can't be too careful on such a point as
this. Upon my word, if I thought you were falling among bad companions, I should
be quite wretched, for I know how difficult you would find it to shake them off.
I would much rather have lost this money, John, than I would have had it back
again on such terms.'
`I tell you, my dear good old fellow,' cried his friend, shaking him to and
fro with both hands, and smiling at him with a cheerful, open countenance, that
would have carried conviction to a mind much more suspicious than Tom's; `I tell
you there is no danger.'
`Well!' cried Tom, `I am glad to hear it; I am overjoyed to hear it. I am
sure there is not, when you say so in that manner. You won't take it ill, John,
that I said what I did just now!'
`Ill!' said the other, giving his hand a hearty squeeze; `why what do you
think I am made of? Mr. Tigg and I are not on such an intimate footing that you
need be at all uneasy, I give you my solemn assurance of that, Tom. You are
quite comfortable now?'
`Quite,' said Tom.
`Then once more, good night!'
`Good night!' cried Tom; `and such pleasant dreams to you as should attend
the sleep of the best fellow in the world!'
`-- Except Pecksniff,' said his friend, stopping at the door for a moment,
and looking gaily back.
`Except Pecksniff,' answered Tom, with great gravity; `of course.'
And thus they parted for the night; John Westlock full of light-heartedness
and good humour, and poor Tom Pinch quite satisfied; though still, as he turned
over on his side in bed, he muttered to himself, `I really do wish, for all
that, though, that he wasn't acquainted with Mr. Tigg.'
They breakfasted together very early next morning, for the two young men
desired to get back again in good season; and John Westlock was to return to
London by the coach that day. As he had some hours to spare, he bore them
company for three or four miles on their walk, and only parted from them at last
in sheer necessity. The parting was an unusually hearty one, not only as between
him and Tom Pinch, but on the side of Martin also, who had found in the old
pupil a very different sort of person from the milksop he had prepared himself
to expect.
Young Westlock stopped upon a rising ground, when he had gone a little
distance, and looked back. They were walking at a brisk pace, and Tom appeared
to be talking earnestly. Martin had taken off his great-coat, the wind being now
behind them, and carried it upon his arm. As he looked, he saw Tom relieve him
of it, after a faint resistance, and, throwing it upon his own, encumber himself
with the weight of both. This trivial incident impressed the old pupil mightily,
for he stood there, gazing after them, until they were hidden from his view;
when he shook his head, as if he were troubled by some uneasy reflection, and
thoughtfully retraced his steps to Salisbury.
In the meantime, Martin and Tom pursued their way, until they halted, safe
and sound, at Mr. Pecksniff's house, where a brief epistle from that good
gentleman to Mr. Pinch announced the family's return by that night's coach. As
it would pass the corner of the lane at about six o'clock in the morning, Mr.
Pecksniff requested that the gig might be in waiting at the finger-post about
that time, together with a cart for the luggage. And to the end that he might be
received with the greater honour, the young men agreed to rise early, and be
upon the spot themselves.
It was the least cheerful day they had yet passed together. Martin was out of
spirits and out of humour, and took every opportunity of comparing his condition
and prospects with those of young Westlock: much to his own disadvantage always.
This mood of his depressed Tom: and neither that morning's parting, nor
yesterday's dinner, helped to mend the matter. So the hours dragged on heavily
enough; and they were glad to go to bed early.
They were not quite so glad to get up again at half-past four o'clock, in all
the shivering discomfort of a dark winter's morning; but they turned out
punctually, and were at the finger-post full half-an-hour before the appointed
time. It was not by any means a lively morning, for the sky was black and
cloudy, and it rained hard; but Martin said there was some satisfaction in
seeing that brute of a horse (by this, he meant Mr. Pecksniff's Arab steed)
getting very wet; and that he rejoiced, on his account, that it rained so fast.
From this it may be inferred that Martin's spirits had not improved, as indeed
they had not; for while he and Mr. Pinch stood waiting under a hedge, looking at
the rain, the gig, the cart, and its reeking driver, he did nothing but grumble;
and, but that it is indispensable to any dispute that there should be two
parties to it, he would certainly have picked a quarrel with Tom.
At length the noise of wheels was faintly audible in the distance and
presently the coach came splashing through the mud and mire with one miserable
outside passenger crouching down among wet straw, under a saturated umbrella;
and the coachman, guard, and horses, in a fellowship of dripping wretchedness.
Immediately on its stopping, Mr. Pecksniff let down the window-glass and hailed
Tom Pinch.
`Dear me, Mr. Pinch! Is it possible that you are out upon this very inclement
morning?'
`Yes, sir,' cried Tom, advancing eagerly, `Mr. Chuzzlewit and I, sir.'
`Oh!' said Mr. Pecksniff, looking not so much at Martin as at the spot on
which he stood. `Oh! Indeed. Do me the favour to see to the trunks, if you
please, Mr. Pinch.'
Then Mr. Pecksniff descended, and helped his daughters to alight; but
neighter he nor the young ladies took the slightest notice of Martin who had
advanced to offer his assistance, but was repulsed by Mr. Pecksniff's standing
immediately before his person, with his back towards him. In the same manner,
and in profound silence, Mr. Pecksniff handed his daughters into the gig; and
following himself and taking the reins, drove off home.
Lost in astonishment, Martin stood staring at the coach, and when the coach
had driven away, at Mr. Pinch, and the luggage, until the cart moved off too;
when he said to Tom:
`Now will you have the goodness to tell me what this portends?'
`What?' asked Tom.
`This fellow's behaviour. Mr. Pecksniff's, I mean. You saw it?'
`No. Indeed I did not,' cried Tom. `I was busy with the trunks.'
`It is no matter,' said Martin. `Come! Let us make haste back!' And without
another word started off at such a pace, that Tom had some difficulty in keeping
up with him.
He had no care where he went, but walked through little heaps of mud and
little pools of water with the utmost indifference; looking straight before him,
and sometimes laughing in a strange manner within himself. Tom felt that
anything he could say would only render him the more obstinate, and therefore
trusted to Mr. Pecksniff's manner when they reached the house, to remove the
mistaken impression under which he felt convinced so great a favourite as the
new pupil must unquestionably be labouring. But he was not a little amazed
himself, when they did reach it, and entered the parlour where Mr. Pecksniff was
sitting alone before the fire, drinking some hot tea, to find that instead of
taking favourable notice of his relative and keeping him, Mr. Pinch, in the
background, he did exactly the reverse, and was so lavish in his attentions to
Tom, that Tom was thoroughly confounded.
`Take some tea, Mr. Pinch, take some tea,' said Pecksniff, stirring the fire.
`You must be very cold and damp. Pray take some tea, and come into a warm place,
Mr. Pinch.'
Tom saw that Martin looked at Mr. Pecksniff as though he could have easily
found it in his heart to give him an invitation to a very warm place; but he was
quite silent, and standing opposite that gentleman at the table, regarded him
attentively.
`Take a chair, Pinch,' said Pecksniff. `Take a chair, if you please. How have
things gone on in our absence, Mr. Pinch?'
`You -- you will be very much pleased with the grammar-school, sir,' said
Tom. `It's nearly finished.'
`If you will have the goodness, Mr. Pinch,' said Pecksniff, waving his hand
and smiling, `we will not discuss anything connected with that question at
present. What have you been doing, Thomas, humph?'
Mr. Pinch looked from master to pupil, and from pupil to master, and was so
perplexed and dismayed that he wanted presence of mind to answer the question.
In this awkward interval, Mr. Pecksniff (who was perfectly conscious of Martin's
gaze, though he had never once glanced towards him) poked the fire very much,
and when he couldn't do that any more, drank tea assiduously.
`Now, Mr. Pecksniff,' said Martin at last, in a very quiet voice, `if you
have sufficiently refreshed and recovered yourself, I shall be glad to hear what
you mean by this treatment of me.'
`And what,' said Mr. Pecksniff, turning his eyes on Tom Pinch, even more
placidly and gently than before, `what have you been doing, Thomas, humph?'
When he had repeated this inquiry, he looked round the walls of the room as
if he were curious to see whether any nails had been left there by accident in
former times.
Tom was almost at his wit's end what to say between the two, and had already
made a gesture as if he would call Mr. Pecksniff's attention to the gentleman
who had last addressed him, when Martin saved him further trouble by doing so
himself.
`Mr. Pecksniff,' he said, softly rapping the table twice or thrice, and
moving a step or two nearer, so that he could have touched him with his hand;
`you heard what I said just now. Do me the favour to reply, if you please. I ask
you:' he raised his voice a little here: `what you mean by this?'
`I will talk to you, sir,' said Mr. Pecksniff in a severe voice, as he looked
at him for the first time, `presently.'
`You are very obliging,' returned Martin; `presently will not do. I must
trouble you to talk to me at once.'
Mr. Pecksniff made a feint of being deeply interested in his pocketbook, but
it shook in his hands; he trembled so.
`Now,' retorted Martin, rapping the table again. `Now. Presently will not do.
Now!'
`Do you threaten me, sir?' cried Mr. Pecksniff.
Martin looked at him, and made no answer; but a curious observer might have
detected an ominous twitching at his mouth, and perhaps an involuntary
attraction of his right hand in the direction of Mr. Pecksniff's cravat.
`I lament to be obliged to say, sir,' resumed Mr. Pecksniff, `that it would
be quite in keeping with your character if you did threaten me. You have
deceived me. You have imposed upon a nature which you knew to be confiding and
unsuspicious. You have obtained admission, sir,' said Mr. Pecksniff, rising, `to
this house, on perverted statements and on false pretences.'
`Go on,' said Martin, with a scornful smile. `I understand you now. What
more?'
`Thus much more, sir,' cried Mr. Pecksniff, trembling from head to foot, and
trying to rub his hands, as though he were only cold. `Thus much more, if you
force me to publish your shame before a third party, which I was unwilling and
indisposed to do. This lowly roof, sir, must not be contaminated by the presence
of one who has deceived, and cruelly deceived, and honourable, beloved,
venerated, and venerable gentleman; and who wisely suppressed that deceit from
me when he sought my protection and favour, knowing that, humble as I am, I am
an honest man, seeking to do my duty in this carnal universe, and setting my
face against all vice and treachery. I weep for your depravity, sir,' said Mr.
Pecksniff; `I mourn over your corruption, I pity your voluntary withdrawal of
yourself from the flowery paths of purity and peace;' here he struck himself
upon his breast, or moral garden; `but I cannot have a leper and a serpent for
an inmate. Go forth,' said Mr. Pecksniff, stretching out his hand: `go forth,
young man! Like all who know you, I renounce you!'
With what intention Martin made a smile forward at these words, it is
impossible to say. It is enough to know that Tom Pinch caught him in his arms,
and that, at the same moment, Mr. Pecksniff stepped back so hastily, that he
missed his footing, tumbled over a chair, and fell in a sitting posture on the
ground; where he remained without an effort to get up again, with his head in a
corner: perhaps considering it the safest place.
`Let me go, Pinch!' cried Martin, shaking him away. `Why do you hold me? Do
you think a blow could make him a more abject creature than he is? Do you think
that if I spat upon him, I could degrade him to a lower level than his own? Look
at him. Look at him, Pinch!'
Mr. Pinch involuntarily did so. Mr. Pecksniff. sitting, as has been already
mentioned, on the carpet, with his head in an acute angle of the wainscot, and
all the damage and detriment of an uncomfortable journey about him, was not
exactly a model of all that is prepossessing and dignified in man, certainly.
Still he was Pecksniff; it was impossible to deprive him of that unique and
paramount appeal to Tom. And he returned Tom's glance, as if he would have said,
`Aye, Mr. Pinch, look at me! Here I am! You know what the Poet says about an
honest man. and an honest man is one of the few great works that can be seen for
nothing! Look at me!'
`I tell you,' said Martin, `that as he lies there, disgraced, bought, used; a
cloth for dirty hands, a mat for dirty feet, a lying, fawning, servile hound, he
is the very last and worst among the vermin of the world. And mark me, Pinch!
The day will come -- he knows it: see it written on his face, while I speak! --
when even you will find him out, and will know him as I do, and as he knows I
do. He renounce me! Cast your eyes on the Renouncer, Pinch, and be the wiser for
the recollection!'
He pointed at him as he spoke, with unutterable contempt, and flinging his
hat upon his head, walked from the room and from the house. He went so rapidly
that he was already clear of the village, when he heard Tom Pinch calling
breathlessly after him in the distance.
`Well! what now?' he said, when Tom came up.
`Dear, dear!' cried Tom, `are you going?'
`Going!' he echoed. `Going!'
`I didn't so much mean that, as were you going now at once, in this bad
weather, on foot, without your clothes, with no money?' cried Tom.
`Yes,' he answered sternly, `I am.'
`And where?' cried Tom. `Oh where will you go?'
`I don't know,' he said. `Yes, I do. I'll go to America!'
`No, no,' cried Tom, in a kind of agony. `Don't go there. Pray don't. Think
better of it. Don't be so dreadfully regardless of yourself. Don't go to
America!'
`My mind is made up,' he said. `Your friend was right. I'll go to America.
God bless you, Pinch!'
`Take this!' cried Tom, pressing a book upon him in great agitation. `I must
make haste back, and can't say anything I would. Heaven be with you. Look at the
leaf I have turned down. Good-bye, good-bye!'
The simple fellow wrung him by the hand, with tears stealing down his cheeks;
and they parted hurriedly upon their separate ways.
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