the Humph? into an
affirmative answer, But Ferdinand Barnacle looked knowingly at Bar as he
strolled up-stairs, and gave him no answer at all.

'Just so, just so,' said Bar, nodding his head, for he was not to be put
off in that way, 'and therefore I spoke of our sitting in Banco to take
a special argument--meaning this to be a high and solemn occasion, when,
as Captain Macheath says, "the judges are met: a terrible show!" We
lawyers are sufficiently liberal, you see, to quote the Captain, though
the Captain is severe upon us. Nevertheless, I think I could put in
evidence an admission of the Captain's,' said Bar, with a little jocose
roll of his head; for, in his legal current of speech, he always assumed
the air of rallying himself with the best grace in the world; 'an
admission of the Captain's that Law, in the gross, is at least
intended to be impartial. For what says the Captain, if I quote
him correctly--and if not,' with a light-comedy touch of his double
eye-glass on his companion's shoulder, 'my learned friend will set me
right:

"Since laws were made for every degree,
To curb vice in others as well as in me,
I wonder we ha'n't better company
Upon Tyburn Tree!"'

These words brought them to the drawing-room, where Mr Merdle stood
before the fire. So immensely astounded was Mr Merdle by the entrance
of Bar with such a reference in his mouth, that Bar explained himself
to have been quoting Gay. 'Assuredly not one of our Westminster Hall
authorities,' said he, 'but still no despicable one to a man possessing
the largely-practical Mr Merdle's knowledge of the world.'

Mr Merdle looked as if he thought he would say something, but
subsequently looked as if he thought he wouldn't. The interval afforded
time for Bishop to be announced. Bishop came in with meekness, and yet
with a strong and rapid step as if he wanted to get his seven-league
dress-shoes on, and go round the world to see that everybody was in
a satisfactory state. Bishop had no idea that there was anything
significant in the occasion. That was the most remarkable trait in
his demeanour. He was crisp, fresh, cheerful, affable, bland; but so
surprisingly innocent.

Bar sidled up to prefer his politest inquiries in reference to the
health of Mrs Bishop. Mrs Bishop had been a little unfortunate in the
article of taking cold at a Confirmation, but otherwise was well. Young
Mr Bishop was also well. He was down, with his young wif