 which awakened many wondering speculations in his mind. After a little
consideration, he resolved to supply Mr. Pancks with such leading information as
it was in his power to impart to him; well knowing that Mr. Pancks, if he failed
in his present research, was pretty sure to find other means of getting it.
    He, therefore, first requesting Mr. Pancks to remember his voluntary
declaration that his proprietor had no part in the disclosure, and that his own
intentions were good (two declarations which that coaly little gentleman with
the greatest ardour repeated), openly told him that as to the Dorrit lineage or
former place of habitation, he had no information to communicate, and that his
knowledge of the family did not extend beyond the fact that it appeared to be
now reduced to five members; namely, to two brothers, of whom one was single,
and one a widower with three children. The ages of the whole family he made
known to Mr. Pancks, as nearly as he could guess at them; and finally he
described to him the position of the Father of the Marshalsea, and the course of
time and events through which he had become invested with that character. To all
this, Mr. Pancks, snorting and blowing in a more and more portentous manner as
he became more interested, listened with great attention; appearing to derive
the most agreeable sensations from the painfullest parts of the narrative, and
particularly to be quite charmed by the account of William Dorrit's long
imprisonment.
    »In conclusion, Mr. Pancks,« said Arthur, »I have but to say this. I have
reasons beyond a personal regard, for speaking as little as I can of the Dorrit
family, particularly at my mother's house« (Mr. Pancks nodded), »and for knowing
as much as I can. So devoted a man of business as you are - eh?«
    For, Mr. Pancks had suddenly made that blowing effort with unusual force.
    »It's nothing,« said Pancks.
    »So devoted a man of business as yourself has a perfect understanding of a
fair bargain. I wish to make a fair bargain with you, that you shall enlighten
me concerning the Dorrit family, when you have it in your power, as I have
enlightened you. It may not give you a very flattering idea of my business
habits, that I failed to make my terms beforehand,« continued Clennam; »but I
prefer to make them a point of honour. I have seen so much business done on
sharp principles that, to tell you the
