 to fortune, was marked down in the table, and about to flow. No
idle Pecksniff lingered far inland, unmindful of the changes of the stream; but
there, upon the water's edge, over his shoes already, stood the worthy creature,
prepared to wallow in the very mud, so that it slid towards the quarter of his
hope.
    The trustfulness of his two fair daughters was beautiful indeed. They had
that firm reliance on their parent's nature, which taught them to feel certain
that in all he did, he had his purpose straight and full before him. And that
its noble end and object was himself, which almost of necessity included them,
they knew. The devotion of these maids was perfect.
    Their filial confidence was rendered the more touching, by their having no
knowledge of their parent's real designs, in the present instance. All that they
knew of his proceedings, was, that every morning, after the early breakfast, he
repaired to the post-office and inquired for letters. That task performed, his
business for the day was over; and he again relaxed, until the rising of another
sun proclaimed the advent of another post.
    This went on, for four or five days. At length, one morning, Mr. Pecksniff
returned with a breathless rapidity, strange to observe in him, at other times
so calm; and, seeking immediate speech with his daughters, shut himself up with
them in private conference, for two whole hours. Of all that passed in this
period, only the following words of Mr. Pecksniff's utterance are known.
    »How he has come to change so very much (if it should turn out as I expect,
that he has), we needn't stop to inquire. My dears, I have my thoughts upon the
subject, but I will not impart them. It is enough that we will not be proud,
resentful, or unforgiving. If he wants our friendship, he shall have it. We know
our duty, I hope!«
    That same day at noon, an old gentleman alighted from a hackney-coach at the
post-office, and, giving his name, inquired for a letter addressed to himself,
and directed to be left till called for. It had been lying there, some days. The
superscription was in Mr. Pecksniff's hand, and it was sealed with Mr.
Pecksniff's seal.
    It was very short, containing indeed nothing more than an address »with Mr.
Pecksniff's respectful, and (notwithstanding what has
