ot into a scrape and run away
from somewhere, for doing something or other.'

'Oh!' said Nicholas, forcing a smile.

'That's a part of what he says,' added Mr Folair. 'I mention it as the
friend of both parties, and in strict confidence. I don't agree with
him, you know. He says he takes Digby to be more knave than fool; and
old Fluggers, who does the heavy business you know, HE says that when he
delivered messages at Covent Garden the season before last, there used
to be a pickpocket hovering about the coach-stand who had exactly the
face of Digby; though, as he very properly says, Digby may not be the
same, but only his brother, or some near relation.'

'Oh!' cried Nicholas again.

'Yes,' said Mr Folair, with undisturbed calmness, 'that's what they say.
I thought I'd tell you, because really you ought to know. Oh! here's
this blessed phenomenon at last. Ugh, you little imposition, I should
like to--quite ready, my darling,--humbug--Ring up, Mrs G., and let the
favourite wake 'em.'

Uttering in a loud voice such of the latter allusions as were
complimentary to the unconscious phenomenon, and giving the rest in a
confidential 'aside' to Nicholas, Mr Folair followed the ascent of
the curtain with his eyes, regarded with a sneer the reception of Miss
Crummles as the Maiden, and, falling back a step or two to advance with
the better effect, uttered a preliminary howl, and 'went on' chattering
his teeth and brandishing his tin tomahawk as the Indian Savage.

'So these are some of the stories they invent about us, and bandy from
mouth to mouth!' thought Nicholas. 'If a man would commit an inexpiable
offence against any society, large or small, let him be successful. They
will forgive him any crime but that.'

'You surely don't mind what that malicious creature says, Mr Johnson?'
observed Miss Snevellicci in her most winning tones.

'Not I,' replied Nicholas. 'If I were going to remain here, I might
think it worth my while to embroil myself. As it is, let them talk till
they are hoarse. But here,' added Nicholas, as Smike approached, 'here
comes the subject of a portion of their good-nature, so let he and I say
good night together.'

'No, I will not let either of you say anything of the kind,' returned
Miss Snevellicci. 'You must come home and see mama, who only came to
Portsmouth today, and is dying to behold you. Led, my dear, persuade Mr
Johnson.'

'Oh, I'm sure,' returned Miss Ledrook, with considerable vivaci