Free eBooks at Planet eBook.com 1 1
charmingly, sir!’
I acknowledged this compliment, and ordered the negus,
which was soon produced. ‘Quite an uncommon dissi-
pation!’ said Mr. Chillip, stirring it, ‘but I can’t resist so
extraordinary an occasion. You have no family, sir?’
I shook my head.
‘I was aware that you sustained a bereavement, sir, some
time ago,’ said Mr. Chillip. ‘I heard it from your father-in-
law’s sister. Very decided character there, sir?’
‘Why, yes,’ said I, ‘decided enough. Where did you see
her, Mr. Chillip?’
‘Are you not aware, sir,’ returned Mr. Chillip, with his
placidest smile, ‘that your father-in-law is again a neigh-
bour of mine?’
‘No,’ said I.
‘He is indeed, sir!’ said Mr. Chillip. ‘Married a young lady
of that part, with a very good little property, poor thing.
- And this action of the brain now, sir? Don’t you find it fa-
tigue you?’ said Mr. Chillip, looking at me like an admiring
Robin.
I waived that question, and returned to the Murdstones.
‘I was aware of his being married again. Do you attend the
family?’ I asked.
‘Not regularly. I have been called in,’ he replied. ‘Strong
phrenological developments of the organ of firmness, in Mr.
Murdstone and his sister, sir.’
I replied with such an expressive look, that Mr. Chillip
was emboldened by that, and the negus together, to give his
head several short shakes, and thoughtfully exclaim, ‘Ah,
