her was the most obstinate old fool that ever lived. As for the
Bideawhiles,--he would bring an action against them. Squercum had
explained all that to him. But Melmotte was the biggest rogue the
world had ever produced. 'By George! the world,' he said, 'must be
coming to an end. There's that infernal scoundrel sitting in
Parliament just as if he had not robbed me of my property, and forged
my name, and--and--by George! he ought to be hung. If any man ever
deserved to be hung, that man deserves to be hung.' This he spoke
openly in the coffee-room of the club, and was still speaking as
Nidderdale was taking his seat at one of the tables. Dolly had been
dining, and had turned round upon his chair so as to face some
half-dozen men whom he was addressing.

Nidderdale leaving his chair walked up to him very gently. 'Dolly,'
said he, 'do not go on in that way about Melmotte when I am in the
room. I have no doubt you are mistaken, and so you'll find out in a
day or two. You don't know Melmotte.'

'Mistaken!' Dolly still continued to exclaim with a loud voice. 'Am I
mistaken in supposing that I haven't been paid my money?'

'I don't believe it has been owing very long.'

'Am I mistaken in supposing that my name has been forged to a letter?'

'I am sure you are mistaken if you think that Melmotte had anything to
do with it.'

'Squercum says--'

'Never mind Squercum. We all know what are the suspicions of a fellow
of that kind.'

'I'd believe Squercum a deuced sight sooner than Melmotte.'

'Look here, Dolly. I know more probably of Melmotte's affairs than you
do or perhaps than anybody else. If it will induce you to remain quiet
for a few days and to hold your tongue here,--I'll make myself
responsible for the entire sum he owes you.'

'The devil you will.'

'I will indeed.'

Nidderdale was endeavouring to speak so that only Dolly should hear
him, and probably nobody else did hear him; but Dolly would not lower
his voice. 'That's out of the question, you know,' he said. 'How could
I take your money? The truth is, Nidderdale, the man is a thief, and
so you'll find out, sooner or later. He has broken open a drawer in my
father's room and forged my name to a letter. Everybody knows it. Even
my governor knows it now,--and Bideawhile. Before many days are over
you'll find that he will be in gaol for forgery.'

This was very unpleasant, as every one knew that Nidderdale was either
engaged or becoming engaged to Melmott