BOOK THE THIRD: A LONG LANE
Chapter 13: Give a Dog a Bad Name, and Hang Him (continued)
To all, Mr Fledgeby listened with the modest gravity becoming a
confiding young man who knew it all beforehand, and, when it
was finished, seriously shook his head. 'I don't like, Mr
Twemlow,' said Fledgeby, 'I don't like Riah's calling in the
principal. If he's determined to call it in, it must come.'
'But supposing, sir,' said Twemlow, downcast, 'that it can't come?'
'Then,' retorted Fledgeby, 'you must go, you know.'
'Where?' asked Twemlow, faintly.
'To prison,' returned Fledgeby. Whereat Mr Twemlow leaned his
innocent head upon his hand, and moaned a little moan of distress
and disgrace.
'However,' said Fledgeby, appearing to pluck up his spirits, 'we'll
hope it's not so bad as that comes to. If you'll allow me, I'll
mention to Mr Riah when he comes in, who you are, and I'll tell
him you're my friend, and I'll say my say for you, instead of your
saying it for yourself; I may be able to do it in a more business-like
way. You won't consider it a liberty?'
'I thank you again and again, sir,' said Twemlow. 'I am strong,
strongly, disinclined to avail myself of your generosity, though my
helplessness yields. For I cannot but feel that I--to put it in the
mildest form of speech--that I have done nothing to deserve it.'
'Where CAN he be?' muttered Fledgeby, referring to his watch
again. 'What CAN he have gone out for? Did you ever see him,
Mr Twemlow?'
'Never.'
'He is a thorough Jew to look at, but he is a more thorough Jew to
deal with. He's worst when he's quiet. If he's quiet, I shall take it
as a very bad sign. Keep your eye upon him when he comes in,
and, if he's quiet, don't be hopeful. Here he is!--He looks quiet.'
|