n at the same time? I say, what's to
prevent our employing this worthy woman, your mother? What with one
job and another, there's lodging--and good lodging too--pretty well
all the year round, rent free, and a weekly allowance besides, Kit,
that would provide her with a great many comforts she don't at present
enjoy. Now what do you think of that? Do you see any objection? My
only desire is to serve you, Kit; therefore if you do, say so freely.'

As Brass spoke, he moved the hat twice or thrice, and shuffled among
the papers again, as if in search of something.

'How can I see any objection to such a kind offer, sir?' replied Kit
with his whole heart. 'I don't know how to thank you sir, I don't
indeed.'

'Why then,' said Brass, suddenly turning upon him and thrusting his
face close to Kit's with such a repulsive smile that the latter, even
in the very height of his gratitude, drew back, quite startled. 'Why
then, it's done.'

Kit looked at him in some confusion.

'Done, I say,' added Sampson, rubbing his hands and veiling himself
again in his usual oily manner. 'Ha ha! and so you shall find Kit, so
you shall find. But dear me,' said Brass, 'what a time Mr Richard is
gone! A sad loiterer to be sure! Will you mind the office one minute,
while I run up-stairs? Only one minute. I'll not detain you an
instant longer, on any account, Kit.'

Talking as he went, Mr Brass bustled out of the office, and in a very
short time returned. Mr Swiveller came back, almost at the same
instant; and as Kit was leaving the room hastily, to make up for lost
time, Miss Brass herself encountered him in the doorway.

'Oh!' sneered Sally, looking after him as she entered. 'There goes
your pet, Sammy, eh?'

'Ah! There he goes,' replied Brass. 'My pet, if you please. An
honest fellow, Mr Richard, sir--a worthy fellow indeed!'

'Hem!' coughed Miss Brass.

'I tell you, you aggravating vagabond,' said the angry Sampson, 'that
I'd stake my life upon his honesty. Am I never to hear the last of
this? Am I always to be baited, and beset, by your mean suspicions?
Have you no regard for true merit, you malignant fellow? If you come
to that, I'd sooner suspect your honesty than his.'

Miss Sally pulled out the tin snuff-box, and took a long, slow pinch,
regarding her brother with a steady gaze all the time.

'She drives me wild, Mr Richard, sir,' said Brass, 'she exasperates me
beyond all bearing. I am heated and excited,