, and to acknowledge his infinite superiority to himself.
The new pupil received Tom's compliments very graciously; and having by this
time conceived a real regard for him, in his own peculiar way, predicted that
they would always be the very best of friends, and that neither of them, he was
certain (but particularly Tom), would ever have reason to regret the day on
which they became acquainted. Mr. Pinch was delighted to hear him say this, and
felt so much flattered by his kind assurances of friendship and protection, that
he was at a loss how to express the pleasure they afforded him. And indeed it
may be observed of this friendship, such as it was, that it had within it more
likely materials of endurance than many a sworn brotherhood that has been rich
in promise; for so long as the one party found a pleasure in patronising, and
the other in being patronised (which was in the very essence of their respective
characters), it was of all possible events among the least probable, that the
twin demons, Envy and Pride, would ever arise between them. So in very many
cases of friendship, or what passes for it, the old axiom is reversed, and like
clings to unlike more than to like.
    They were both very busy on the afternoon succeeding the family's departure:
Martin with the grammar-school: and Tom in balancing certain receipts of rents,
and deducting Mr. Pecksniff's commission from the same; in which abstruse
employment he was much distracted by a habit his new friend had of whistling
aloud, while he was drawing. They were not a little startled by the unexpected
obtrusion into that sanctuary of genius, of a human head, which although a
shaggy and somewhat alarming head, in appearance, smiled affably upon them from
the doorway, in a manner that was at once waggish, conciliatory, and expressive
of approbation.
    »I am not industrious myself, gents both,« said the head, »but I know how to
appreciate that quality in others. I wish I may turn gray and ugly, if it isn't,
in my opinion, next to genius, one of the very charmingest qualities of the
human mind. Upon my soul, I am grateful to my friend Pecksniff for helping me to
the contemplation of such a delicious picture as you present. You remind me of
Whittington, afterwards thrice Lord Mayor of London. I give you my unsullied
word of honour, that you very strongly remind me of that historical character.
You are a pair of Whittingtons, gents, without the
