 have met with
the proper sanction and approval of a jury of Englishmen, who, he had no doubt,
would have returned a verdict of Justifiable Homicide, coupled with a high
testimony to the morals and character of the Avenger. Mr. Swiveller, without
being quite so hot upon the matter, was rather shamed by his friend's
excitement, and not a little puzzled how to act (Kit being quite cool and
good-humoured), when the single gentleman was heard to call violently down the
stairs.
    »Didn't I see somebody for me, come in?« cried the lodger. »Yes, sir,«
replied Dick. »Certainly, sir.«
    »Then where is he?« roared the single gentleman.
    »He's here, sir,« rejoined Mr. Swiveller. »Now, young man, don't you hear
you're to go up stairs? Are you deaf?«
    Kit did not appear to think it worth his while to enter into any
altercation, but hurried off and left the Glorious Apollos gazing at each other
in silence.
    »Didn't I tell you so?« said Mr. Chuckster. »What do you think of that?«
    Mr. Swiveller being in the main a good-natured fellow, and not perceiving in
the conduct of Kit any villany of enormous magnitude, scarcely knew what answer
to return. He was relieved from his perplexity, however, by the entrance of Mr.
Sampson and his sister Sally, at sight of whom Mr. Chuckster precipitately
retired.
    Mr. Brass and his lovely companion appeared to have been holding a
consultation over their temperate breakfast, upon some matter of great interest
and importance. On the occasion of such conferences, they generally appeared in
the office some half an hour after their usual time, and in a very smiling
state, as though their late plots and designs had tranquillised their minds and
shed a light upon their toilsome way. In the present instance, they seemed
particularly gay; Miss Sally's aspect being of a most oily kind, and Mr. Brass
rubbing his hands in an exceedingly jocose and light-hearted manner.
    »Well, Mr. Richard,« said Brass. »How are we this morning? Are we pretty
fresh and cheerful, sir - eh, Mr. Richard?«
    »Pretty well, sir,« replied Dick.
    »That's well,« said Brass. »Ha ha! We should be as gay as larks, Mr. Richard
- why not? It's a pleasant world we live in
