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'Tell me that again, cried Mr Dorrit, quite beside himself, 'and I'll take the poker to you! John Chivery backed to the door. 'Stop, sir! cried Mr Dorrit. 'Stop! Sit down. Confound you sit down! John Chivery dropped into the chair nearest the door, and Mr Dorrit walked up and down the room; rapidly at first; then, more slowly.
It would affect my daughter greatly, sir, if she heard it. As I perceive the mutton, I am glad she didn't hear it. Mr Pancks, on this occasion, pray face me. My dear, face Mr Chivery. But for a grave waggishness in Mr Rugg's manner of delivering this introduction to the feast, it might have appeared that Miss Dorrit was expected to be one of the company.
Helped out by the Courier and some half-dozen of the hotel servants, he was passing through the hall with a serene magnificence, when lo! a sight presented itself that struck him dumb and motionless. John Chivery, in his best clothes, with his tall hat under his arm, his ivory-handled cane genteelly embarrassing his deportment, and a bundle of cigars in his hand!
Please to ask for Mrs Chivery! These instructions, Mr Chivery, who had already let him out, cautiously called through a little slide in the outer door, which he could draw back from within for the inspection of visitors when it pleased him. Arthur Clennam, with the card in his hand, betook himself to the address set forth upon it, and speedily arrived there.
Why, good Heaven! if I was to lose the support and recognition of Chivery and his brother officers, I might starve to death here. While he spoke, he was opening and shutting his hands like valves; so conscious all the time of that touch of shame, that he shrunk before his own knowledge of his meaning. 'I ha! I can't think what it's owing to. I am sure I cannot imagine what the cause of it is.
'Perhaps Miss Dorrit may not be so ready as you, you see. 'Then she knows it, sir, said Mrs Chivery, 'by word of mouth. 'Are you sure? 'Sir, said Mrs Chivery, 'sure and certain as in this house I am.
Her arm was on his shoulder, but she did not look in his face while he spoke. Bending her head she looked another way. 'I hem! I can't think, Amy, what has given Chivery offence. He is generally so so very attentive and respectful. And to-night he was quite quite short with me. Other people there too!
I will not go away from here in anybody's debt. All the people who have been ha well behaved towards myself and my family, shall be rewarded. Chivery shall be rewarded. Young John shall be rewarded. I particularly wish, and intend, to act munificently, Mr Clennam. 'Will you allow me, said Arthur, laying his purse on the table, 'to supply any present contingencies, Mr Dorrit?
With no less readiness and condescension did he receive attentions from Chivery Senior, who always relinquished his arm-chair and newspaper to him, when he came into the Lodge during one of his spells of duty; and who had even mentioned to him, that, if he would like at any time after dusk quietly to step out into the fore-court and take a look at the street, there was not much to prevent him.
The prudent Mrs Chivery, who wondered greatly at this change, would have protested against it as detrimental to the Highland typification on the doorpost but for two forcible reasons; one, that her John was roused to take strong interest in the business which these starts were supposed to advance and this she held to be good for his drooping spirits; the other, that Mr Pancks confidentially agreed to pay her, for the occupation of her son's time, at the handsome rate of seven and sixpence per day.
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