 to
infer that the lodger was some great conjurer or chemist, or both, whose
residence under that roof could not fail at some future day to shed a great
credit and distinction on the name of Brass, and add a new interest to the
history of Bevis Marks.
    There was one point which Mr. Swiveller deemed it unnecessary to enlarge
upon, and that was the fact of the modest quencher, which, by reason of its
intrinsic strength and its coming close upon the heels of the temperate beverage
he had discussed at dinner, awakened a slight degree of fever, and rendered
necessary two or three other modest quenchers at the public-house in the course
of the evening.
 

                                 Chapter XXXVI

As the single gentleman after some weeks' occupation of his lodgings, still
declined to correspond, by word or gesture, either with Mr. Brass or his sister
Sally, but invariably chose Richard Swiveller as his channel of communication;
and as he proved himself in all respects a highly desirable inmate, paying for
everything beforehand, giving very little trouble, making no noise, and keeping
early hours; Mr. Richard imperceptibly rose to an important position in the
family, as one who had influence over this mysterious lodger, and could
negotiate with him, for good or evil, when nobody else durst approach his
person.
    If the truth must be told, even Mr. Swiveller's approaches to the single
gentleman were of a very distant kind, and met with small encouragement; but, as
he never returned from a monosyllabic conference with the unknown, without
quoting such expressions as »Swiveller, I know I can rely upon you,« - »I have
no hesitation in saying, Swiveller, that I entertain a regard for you,« -
»Swiveller, you are my friend, and will stand by me I am sure,« with many other
short speeches of the same familiar and confiding kind, purporting to have been
addressed by the single gentleman to himself, and to form the staple of their
ordinary discourse, neither Mr. Brass nor Miss Sally for a moment questioned the
extent of his influence, but accorded to him their fullest and most unqualified
belief.
    But quite apart from, and independent of, this source of popularity, Mr.
Swiveller had another, which promised to be equally enduring, and to lighten his
position considerably.
    He found favour in the eyes of Miss Sally Brass. Let not the light scorners
of female fascination erect their ears to listen to a new tale of love which
shall serve them for a jest; for Miss Brass, however accurately formed to be
beloved, was not of
