. Brass is of the same opinion, I suppose?«
    His friend nodded again, with a cunning look which seemed to hint that Mr.
Brass held stronger opinions on the subject than his sister; and seeming to
recollect herself, added imploringly, »But don't you ever tell upon me, or I
shall be beat to death.«
    »Marchioness,« said Mr. Swiveller, rising, »the word of a gentleman is as
good as his bond - sometimes better, as in the present case, where his bond
might prove but a doubtful sort of security. I am your friend, and I hope we
shall play many more rubbers together in this same saloon. But, Marchioness,«
added Richard, stopping in his way to the door, and wheeling slowly round upon
the small servant, who was following with the candle; »it occurs to me that you
must be in the constant habit of airing your eye at keyholes, to know all this.«
    »I only wanted,« replied the trembling Marchioness, »to know where the key
of the safe was hid; that was all; and I wouldn't have taken much, if I had
found it - only enough to squench my hunger.«
    »You didn't find it then?« said Dick. »But of course you didn't, or you'd be
plumper. Good night, Marchioness. Fare thee well, and if for ever, then for ever
fare thee well - and put up the chain, Marchioness, in case of accidents.«
    With this parting injunction, Mr. Swiveller emerged from the house; and
feeling that he had by this time taken quite as much to drink as promised to be
good for his constitution (purl being a rather strong and heady compound),
wisely resolved to betake himself to his lodgings, and to bed at once. Homeward
he went therefore; and his apartments (for he still retained the plural fiction)
being at no great distance from the office, he was soon seated in his own
bedchamber, where, having pulled off one boot and forgotten the other, he fell
into deep cogitation.
    »This Marchioness,« said Mr. Swiveller, folding his arms, »is a very
extraordinary person - surrounded by mysteries, ignorant of the taste of beer,
unacquainted with her own name (which is less remarkable), and taking a limited
view of society through the keyholes of doors - can these things be her destiny,
or has some unknown person started an opposition to the decrees of fate? It is a
