 liberty of saying so, sir, I don't think the milk which is boiled with
it is quite genuine; but I am aware, sir, that there is great adulteration of
milk, in London, and that the article in a pure state is difficult to be
obtained.«
    It appeared to me that the gentleman in spectacles backed his Twenty Eight
against Mr. Creakle's Twenty Seven, for each of them took his own man in hand.
    »What is your state of mind, Twenty Eight?« said the questioner in
spectacles.
    »I thank you, sir,« returned Mr. Littimer; »I see my follies now, sir. I am
a good deal troubled when I think of the sins of my former companions, sir; but
I trust they may find forgiveness.«
    »You are quite happy yourself?« said the questioner, nodding encouragement.
    »I am much obliged to you, sir,« returned Mr. Littimer. »Perfectly so.«
    »Is there anything at all on your mind, now?« said the questioner, »If so,
mention it, Twenty Eight.«
    »Sir,« said Mr. Littimer, without looking up, »if my eyes have not deceived
me, there is a gentleman present who was acquainted with me in my former life.
It may be profitable to that gentleman to know, sir, that I attribute my past
follies, entirely to having lived a thoughtless life in the service of young
men; and to having allowed myself to be led by them into weaknesses, which I had
not the strength to resist. I hope that gentleman will take warning, sir, and
will not be offended at my freedom. It is for his good. I am conscious of my own
past follies. I hope he may repent of all the wickedness and sin, to which he
has been a party.«
    I observed that several gentlemen were shading their eyes, each, with one
hand, as if they had just come into church.
    »This does you credit, Twenty Eight,« returned the questioner. »I should
have expected it of you. Is there anything else?«
    »Sir,« returned Mr. Littimer, slightly lifting up his eyebrows, but not his
eyes, »there was a young woman who fell into dissolute courses, that I
endeavoured to save, sir, but could not rescue. I beg that gentleman, if he has
it in his power, to inform that young woman from me that I forgive her her bad
conduct towards myself; and that I
