 appearing to be
favoured by all the circumstances of his death, the verdict was to that effect.
He was left to be buried with a stake through his heart in the centre of four
lonely roads.
    It was rumoured afterwards that this horrible and barbarous ceremony had
been dispensed with, and that the remains had been secretly given up to Tom
Scott. But even here, opinion was divided; for some said Tom dug them up at
midnight, and carried them to a place indicated to him by the widow. It is
probable that both these stories may have had their origin in the simple fact of
Tom's shedding tears upon the inquest - which he certainly did, extraordinary as
it may appear. He manifested, besides, a strong desire to assault the jury; and
being restrained and conducted out of court, darkened its only window by
standing on his head upon the sill, until he was dexterously tilted upon his
feet again by a cautious beadle.
    Being cast upon the world by his master's death, he determined to go through
it upon his head and hands, and accordingly began to tumble for his bread.
Finding, however, his English birth an insurmountable obstacle to his
advancement in this pursuit (notwithstanding that his art was in high repute and
favour), he assumed the name of an Italian image lad, with whom he had become
acquainted; and afterwards tumbled with extraordinary success, and to
overflowing audiences.
    Little Mrs. Quilp never quite forgave herself the one deceit that lay so
heavy on her conscience, and never spoke or thought of it but with bitter tears.
Her husband had no relations, and she was rich. He had made no will, or she
would probably have been poor. Having married the first time at her mother's
instigation, she consulted in her second choice nobody but herself. It fell upon
a smart young fellow enough; and as he made it a preliminary condition that Mrs.
Jiniwin should be thenceforth an out-pensioner, they lived together after
marriage with no more than the average amount of quarrelling, and led a merry
life upon the dead dwarf's money.
    Mr. and Mrs. Garland, and Mr. Abel, went out as usual (except that there was
a change in their household, as will be seen presently), and in due time the
latter went into partnership with his friend the notary, on which occasion there
was a dinner, and a ball, and great extent of dissipation. Unto this ball there
happened to be invited the most bashful young lady that was ever seen, with whom
Mr. Abel
