
seen, and if I could have thought the act consistent with abstraction of mind, I
should have deemed that Miss Skiffins performed it mechanically.
    By-and-by, I noticed Wemmick's arm beginning to disappear again, and
gradually fading out of view. Shortly afterwards, his mouth began to widen
again. After an interval of suspense on my part that was quite enthralling and
almost painful, I saw his hand appear on the other side of Miss Skiffins.
Instantly, Miss Skiffins stopped it with the neatness of a placid boxer, took
off that girdle or cestus as before, and laid it on the table. Taking the table
to represent the path of virtue, I am justified in stating that during the whole
time of the Aged's reading, Wemmick's arm was straying from the path of virtue
and being recalled to it by Miss Skiffins.
    At last the Aged read himself into a light slumber. This was the time for
Wemmick to produce a little kettle, a tray of glasses, and a black bottle with a
porcelain-topped cork, representing some clerical dignitary of a rubicund and
social aspect. With the aid of these appliances we all had something warm to
drink: including the Aged, who was soon awake again. Miss Skiffins mixed, and I
observed that she and Wemmick drank out of one glass. Of course I knew better
than to offer to see Miss Skiffins home, and under the circumstances I thought I
had best go first: which I did, taking a cordial leave of the Aged, and having
passed a pleasant evening.
    Before a week was out, I received a note from Wemmick, dated Walworth,
stating that he hoped he had made some advance in that matter appertaining to
our private and personal capacities, and that he would be glad if I could come
and see him again upon it. So, I went out to Walworth again, and yet again, and
yet again, and I saw him by appointment in the City several times, but never
held any communication with him on the subject in or near Little Britain. The
upshot was, that we found a worthy young merchant or shipping-broker, not long
established in business, who wanted intelligent help, and who wanted capital,
and who in due course of time and receipt would want a partner. Between him and
me, secret articles were signed of which Herbert was the subject, and I paid him
half of my five hundred pounds down, and engaged for sundry other payments:
some, to fall due at certain dates out of my income: some contingent on my
coming
