id to Sarah, sir,' returned Brass, 'that he was of
no use at all in the business. You can't put any confidence in him,
sir. If you'll believe me I've found that fellow, in the commonest
little matters of the office that have been trusted to him, blurting
out the truth, though expressly cautioned. The aggravation of that
chap sir, has exceeded anything you can imagine, it has indeed.
Nothing but the respect and obligation I owe to you, sir--'

As it was plain that Sampson was bent on a complimentary harangue,
unless he received a timely interruption, Mr Quilp politely tapped him
on the crown of his head with the little saucepan, and requested that
he would be so obliging as to hold his peace.

'Practical, sir, practical,' said Brass, rubbing the place and smiling;
'but still extremely pleasant--immensely so!'

'Hearken to me, will you?' returned Quilp, 'or I'll be a little more
pleasant, presently. There's no chance of his comrade and friend
returning. The scamp has been obliged to fly, as I learn, for some
knavery, and has found his way abroad. Let him rot there.'

'Certainly, sir. Quite proper.--Forcible!' cried Brass, glancing at
the admiral again, as if he made a third in company. 'Extremely
forcible!'

'I hate him,' said Quilp between his teeth, 'and have always hated him,
for family reasons. Besides, he was an intractable ruffian; otherwise
he would have been of use. This fellow is pigeon-hearted and
light-headed. I don't want him any longer. Let him hang or
drown--starve--go to the devil.'

'By all means, sir,' returned Brass. 'When would you wish him, sir,
to--ha, ha!--to make that little excursion?'

'When this trial's over,' said Quilp. 'As soon as that's ended, send
him about his business.'

'It shall be done, sir,' returned Brass; 'by all means. It will be
rather a blow to Sarah, sir, but she has all her feelings under
control. Ah, Mr Quilp, I often think, sir, if it had only pleased
Providence to bring you and Sarah together, in earlier life, what
blessed results would have flowed from such a union! You never saw our
dear father, sir?--A charming gentleman. Sarah was his pride and joy,
sir. He would have closed his eyes in bliss, would Foxey, Mr Quilp, if
he could have found her such a partner. You esteem her, sir?'

'I love her,' croaked the dwarf.

'You're very good, Sir,' returned Brass, 'I am sure. Is there any
other order, sir, that I can take a note of, besides this lit