
personal appearance of the two, which were not unfavourable to the superior
plumpness of the younger sister. He allowed himself no great leisure for this
kind of observation, however, being busily engaged with the supper, which, as he
whispered in his fair companion's ear, was a contract business, and therefore
the more she ate, the better the bargain was. His father and Mr. Pecksniff,
probably acting on the same wise principle, demolished everything that came
within their reach, and by that means acquired a greasy expression of
countenance, indicating contentment, if not repletion, which it was very
pleasant to contemplate.
    When they could eat no more, Mr. Pecksniff and Mr. Jonas subscribed for two
sixpenny-worths of hot brandy-and-water, which the latter gentleman considered a
more politic order than one shilling's-worth; there being a chance of their
getting more spirit out of the innkeeper under this arrangement than if it were
all in one glass. Having swallowed his share of the enlivening fluid, Mr.
Pecksniff, under pretence of going to see if the coach were ready, went secretly
to the bar, and had his own little bottle filled, in order that he might refresh
himself at leisure in the dark coach without being observed.
    These arrangements concluded, and the coach being ready, they got into their
old places and jogged on again. But before he composed himself for a nap, Mr.
Pecksniff delivered a kind of grace after meat, in these words:
    »The process of digestion, as I have been informed by anatomical friends, is
one of the most wonderful works of nature. I do not know how it may be with
others, but it is a great satisfaction to me to know, when regaling on my humble
fare, that I am putting in motion the most beautiful machinery with which we
have any acquaintance. I really feel at such times as if I was doing a public
service. When I have wound myself up, if I may employ such a term,« said Mr.
Pecksniff with exquisite tenderness, »and know that I am Going, I feel that in
the lesson afforded by the works within me, I am a Benefactor to my Kind!«
    As nothing could be added to this, nothing was said; and Mr. Pecksniff,
exulting, it may be presumed, in his moral utility, went to sleep again.
    The rest of the night wore away in the usual manner. Mr. Pecksniff and Old
Anthony kept tumbling against each other and waking up much terrified, or
crushed their heads in opposite
