'Smashed, sir, by a cask of sugar.'

'He is a good creature,' said Mr Cheeryble, with great earnestness. 'He
is a kind soul. I am very much obliged to Trimmers. Trimmers is one of
the best friends we have. He makes a thousand cases known to us that we
should never discover of ourselves. I am VERY much obliged to Trimmers.'
Saying which, Mr Cheeryble rubbed his hands with infinite delight, and
Mr Trimmers happening to pass the door that instant, on his way out,
shot out after him and caught him by the hand.

'I owe you a thousand thanks, Trimmers, ten thousand thanks. I take it
very friendly of you, very friendly indeed,' said Mr Cheeryble, dragging
him into a corner to get out of hearing. 'How many children are there,
and what has my brother Ned given, Trimmers?'

'There are six children,' replied the gentleman, 'and your brother has
given us twenty pounds.'

'My brother Ned is a good fellow, and you're a good fellow too,
Trimmers,' said the old man, shaking him by both hands with trembling
eagerness. 'Put me down for another twenty--or--stop a minute, stop a
minute. We mustn't look ostentatious; put me down ten pound, and Tim
Linkinwater ten pound. A cheque for twenty pound for Mr Trimmers, Tim.
God bless you, Trimmers--and come and dine with us some day this week;
you'll always find a knife and fork, and we shall be delighted. Now, my
dear sir--cheque from Mr Linkinwater, Tim. Smashed by a cask of sugar,
and six poor children--oh dear, dear, dear!'

Talking on in this strain, as fast as he could, to prevent any friendly
remonstrances from the collector of the subscription on the large amount
of his donation, Mr Cheeryble led Nicholas, equally astonished and
affected by what he had seen and heard in this short space, to the
half-opened door of another room.

'Brother Ned,' said Mr Cheeryble, tapping with his knuckles, and
stooping to listen, 'are you busy, my dear brother, or can you spare
time for a word or two with me?'

'Brother Charles, my dear fellow,' replied a voice from the inside, so
like in its tones to that which had just spoken, that Nicholas started,
and almost thought it was the same, 'don't ask me such a question, but
come in directly.'

They went in, without further parley. What was the amazement of Nicholas
when his conductor advanced, and exchanged a warm greeting with another
old gentleman, the very type and model of himself--the same face, the
same figure, the same coat, waistcoat, and ne