exceedingly happy to have the honour of making Mr
Chuzzlewit's acquaintance. The doctor drew Jonas a little apart, and
whispered behind his hand:

'Men of the world, my dear sir--men of the world. Hem! Mr Wolf--literary
character--you needn't mention it--remarkably clever weekly paper--oh,
remarkably clever! Mr Pip--theatrical man--capital man to know--oh,
capital man!'

'Well!' said Wolf, folding his arms and resuming a conversation which
the arrival of Jonas had interrupted. 'And what did Lord Nobley say to
that?'

'Why,' returned Pip, with an oath. 'He didn't know what to say. Same,
sir, if he wasn't as mute as a poker. But you know what a good fellow
Nobley is!'

'The best fellow in the world!' cried Wolf. 'It as only last week that
Nobley said to me, "By Gad, Wolf, I've got a living to bestow, and if
you had but been brought up at the University, strike me blind if I
wouldn't have made a parson of you!"'

'Just like him,' said Pip with another oath. 'And he'd have done it!'

'Not a doubt of it,' said Wolf. 'But you were going to tell us--'

'Oh, yes!' cried Pip. 'To be sure. So I was. At first he was dumb--sewn
up, dead, sir--but after a minute he said to the Duke, "Here's Pip.
Ask Pip. Pip's our mutual friend. Ask Pip. He knows." "Damme!" said the
Duke, "I appeal to Pip then. Come, Pip. Bandy or not bandy? Speak out!"
"Bandy, your Grace, by the Lord Harry!" said I. "Ha, ha!" laughed the
Duke. "To be sure she is. Bravo, Pip. Well said Pip. I wish I may die
if you're not a trump, Pip. Pop me down among your fashionable visitors
whenever I'm in town, Pip." And so I do, to this day.'

The conclusion of this story gave immense satisfaction, which was in
no degree lessened by the announcement of dinner. Jonas repaired to the
dining room, along with his distinguished host, and took his seat at the
board between that individual and his friend the doctor. The rest fell
into their places like men who were well accustomed to the house; and
dinner was done full justice to, by all parties.

It was a good a one as money (or credit, no matter which) could produce.
The dishes, wines, and fruits were of the choicest kind. Everything was
elegantly served. The plate was gorgeous. Mr Jonas was in the midst of
a calculation of the value of this item alone, when his host disturbed
him.

'A glass of wine?'

'Oh!' said Jonas, who had had several glasses already. 'As much of that
as you like! It's too good to refuse.'

'We