ntion him--he died a great gentleman. I bought it of
an individual that he gave it to, and that lived here after him. But the
individual wasn't any ways equal to him. Most individuals would find it
hard to come up to his level.'

Arthur drew the little table nearer, rested his arm upon it, and kept it
there.

'Perhaps you may not be aware, sir,' said Young John, 'that I intruded
upon him when he was over here in London. On the whole he was of opinion
that it WAS an intrusion, though he was so good as to ask me to sit
down and to inquire after father and all other old friends. Leastways
humblest acquaintances. He looked, to me, a good deal changed, and I
said so when I came back. I asked him if Miss Amy was well--'

'And she was?'

'I should have thought you would have known without putting the question
to such as me,' returned Young John, after appearing to take a large
invisible pill. 'Since you do put me the question, I am sorry I can't
answer it. But the truth is, he looked upon the inquiry as a liberty,
and said, "What was that to me?" It was then I became quite aware I was
intruding: of which I had been fearful before. However, he spoke very
handsome afterwards; very handsome.'

They were both silent for several minutes: except that Young John
remarked, at about the middle of the pause, 'He both spoke and acted
very handsome.'

It was again Young John who broke the silence by inquiring:

'If it's not a liberty, how long may it be your intentions, sir, to go
without eating and drinking?'

'I have not felt the want of anything yet,' returned Clennam. 'I have no
appetite just now.'

'The more reason why you should take some support, sir,' urged Young
John. 'If you find yourself going on sitting here for hours and hours
partaking of no refreshment because you have no appetite, why then you
should and must partake of refreshment without an appetite. I'm going to
have tea in my own apartment. If it's not a liberty, please to come and
take a cup. Or I can bring a tray here in two minutes.'

Feeling that Young John would impose that trouble on himself if he
refused, and also feeling anxious to show that he bore in mind both
the elder Mr Chivery's entreaty, and the younger Mr Chivery's apology,
Arthur rose and expressed his willingness to take a cup of tea in Mr
john's apartment. Young John locked his door for him as they went out,
slided the key into his pocket with great dexterity, and led the way to
his own