and grand things, such as thunder-storms
and that, we're not always over and above glad to see it--I had better
turn upon this man than let this man turn upon me. It's clear to me
that I am done for. Therefore, if anybody is to split, I had better be
the person and have the advantage of it. Sarah, my dear, comparatively
speaking you're safe. I relate these circumstances for my own profit.'

With that, Mr Brass, in a great hurry, revealed the whole story;
bearing as heavily as possible on his amiable employer, and making
himself out to be rather a saint-like and holy character, though
subject--he acknowledged--to human weaknesses. He concluded thus:

'Now, gentlemen, I am not a man who does things by halves. Being in
for a penny, I am ready, as the saying is, to be in for a pound. You
must do with me what you please, and take me where you please. If you
wish to have this in writing, we'll reduce it into manuscript
immediately. You will be tender with me, I am sure. I am quite
confident you will be tender with me. You are men of honour, and have
feeling hearts. I yielded from necessity to Quilp, for though
necessity has no law, she has her lawyers. I yield to you from
necessity too; from policy besides; and because of feelings that have
been a pretty long time working within me. Punish Quilp, gentlemen.
Weigh heavily upon him. Grind him down. Tread him under foot. He has
done as much by me, for many and many a day.'

Having now arrived at the conclusion of his discourse, Sampson checked
the current of his wrath, kissed his glove again, and smiled as only
parasites and cowards can.

'And this,' said Miss Brass, raising her head, with which she had
hitherto sat resting on her hands, and surveying him from head to foot
with a bitter sneer, 'this is my brother, is it! This is my brother,
that I have worked and toiled for, and believed to have had something
of the man in him!'

'Sarah, my dear,' returned Sampson, rubbing his hands feebly; you
disturb our friends. Besides you--you're disappointed, Sarah, and, not
knowing what you say, expose yourself.'

'Yes, you pitiful dastard,' retorted the lovely damsel, 'I understand
you. You feared that I should be beforehand with you. But do you
think that I would have been enticed to say a word! I'd have scorned
it, if they had tried and tempted me for twenty years.'

'He he!' simpered Brass, who, in his deep debasement, really seemed to
have changed sexes