 by this reception of her proposal, and
looked at the old man, who tenderly took Nell's hand and detained it in his own,
as if she could have very well dispensed with his company or even his earthly
existence. After an awkward pause, she thrust her head out of the window again,
and had another conference with the driver upon some point on which they did not
seem to agree quite so readily as on their former topic of discussion; but they
concluded at last, and she addressed the grandfather again.
    »If you're really disposed to employ yourself,« said Mrs. Jarley, »there
would be plenty for you to do in the way of helping to dust the figures, and
take the checks, and so forth. What I want your grand-daughter for, is to point
'em out to the company; they would be soon learnt, and she has a way with her
that people wouldn't think unpleasant, though she does come after me; for I've
been always accustomed to go round with visitors myself, which I should keep on
doing now, only that my spirits make a little ease absolutely necessary. It's
not a common offer, bear in mind,« said the lady, rising into the tone and
manner in which she was accustomed to address her audiences; »it's Jarley's
wax-work, remember. The duty's very light and genteel, the company particularly
select, the exhibition takes place in assembly-rooms, town-halls, large rooms at
inns, or auction galleries. There is none of your open-air wagrancy at Jarley's,
recollect; there is no tarpaulin and sawdust at Jarley's, remember. Every
expectation held out in the handbills is realised to the utmost, and the whole
forms an effect of imposing brilliancy hitherto unrivalled in this kingdom.
Remember that the price of admission is only sixpence, and that this is an
opportunity which may never occur again!«
    Descending from the sublime when she had reached this point, to the details
of common life, Mrs. Jarley remarked that with reference to salary she could
pledge herself to no specific sum until she had sufficiently tested Nell's
abilities, and narrowly watched her in the performance of her duties. But board
and lodging, both for her and her grandfather, she bound herself to provide, and
she furthermore passed her word that the board should always be good in quality,
and in quantity plentiful.
    Nell and her grandfather consulted together, and while they were so engaged,
Mrs.
