, and observe
the difference between the anatomy of nature and the anatomy of art. Do you
know,« said Mr. Pecksniff, leaning over the banisters, with an odd recollection
of his familiar manner among new pupils at home, »that I should very much like
to see Mrs. Todgers's notion of a wooden leg, if perfectly agreeable to
herself!«
    As it appeared impossible to entertain any reasonable hopes of him after
this speech, Mr. Jinkins and Mr. Gander went up stairs again, and once more got
him into bed. But they had not descended to the second floor before he was out
again; nor, when they had repeated the process, had they descended the first
flight, before he was out again. In a word, as often as he was shut up in his
own room, he darted out afresh, charged with some new moral sentiment, which he
continually repeated over the banisters, with extraordinary relish, and an
irrepressible desire for the improvement of his fellow creatures that nothing
could subdue.
    Under these circumstances, when they had got him into bed for the thirtieth
time or so, Mr. Jinkins held him, while his companion went down stairs in search
of Bailey junior, with whom he presently returned. That youth, having been
apprised of the service required of him, was in great spirits, and brought up a
stool, a candle, and his supper; to the end that he might keep watch outside the
bedroom door with tolerable comfort.
    When he had completed his arrangements, they locked Mr. Pecksniff in, and
left the key on the outside; charging the young page to listen attentively for
symptoms of an apoplectic nature, with which the patient might be troubled, and,
in case of any such presenting themselves, to summon them without delay. To
which Mr. Bailey modestly replied that »he hoped he knowed wot o'clock it wos in
gineral, and didn't date his letters to his friends, from Todgers's, for
nothing.«
 

                                   Chapter X

Containing Strange Matters; on which Many Events in This History May, for Their
                    Good or Evil Influence, Chiefly Depend.

But Mr. Pecksniff came to town on business. Had he forgotten that? Was he always
taking his pleasure with Todgers's jovial brood, unmindful of the serious
demands, whatever they might be, upon his calm consideration? No.
    Time and tide will wait for no man, saith the adage. But all men have to
wait for time and tide. That tide which, taken at the flood, would lead Seth
Pecksniff on
