 a home, and the constant
association with some who (however humble their sphere, and limited their
capacity) are not unmindful of their moral responsibilities.«
    »Oh Pa!« cried Mercy, holding up her finger archly. »See advertisement!«
    »Playful - playful warbler,« said Mr. Pecksniff. It may be observed in
connexion with his calling his daughter a warbler, that she was not at all
vocal, but that Mr. Pecksniff was in the frequent habit of using any word that
occurred to him as having a good sound, and rounding a sentence well, without
much care for its meaning. And he did this so boldly, and in such an imposing
manner, that he would sometimes stagger the wisest people with his eloquence,
and make them gasp again.
    His enemies asserted, by the way, that a strong trustfulness in sounds and
forms, was the master-key to Mr. Pecksniff's character.
    »Is he handsome, Pa?« inquired the younger daughter.
    »Silly Merry!« said the eldest: Merry being fond for Mercy. »What is the
premium, Pa? tell us that.«
    »Oh, good gracious, Cherry!« cried Miss Mercy, holding up her hands with the
most winning giggle in the world, »what a mercenary girl you are! oh you
naughty, thoughtful, prudent thing!«
    It was perfectly charming, and worthy of the Pastoral age, to see how the
two Miss Pecksniffs slapped each other after this, and then subsided into an
embrace expressive of their different dispositions.
    »He is well looking,« said Mr. Pecksniff, slowly and distinctly: »well
looking enough. I do not positively expect any immediate premium with him.«
    Notwithstanding their different natures, both Charity and Mercy concurred in
opening their eyes uncommonly wide at this announcement, and in looking for the
moment as blank as if their thoughts had actually had a direct bearing on the
main-chance.
    »But what of that!« said Mr. Pecksniff, still smiling at the fire. »There is
disinterestedness in the world, I hope? We are not all arrayed in two opposite
ranks: the offensive and the defensive. Some few there are who walk between; who
help the needy as they go; and take no part with either side? Umph?«
    There was something in these morsels of philanthropy which reassured the
sisters. They exchanged glances, and brightened very much.
    »Oh! let us not be for ever calculating, devising, and plotting for the
future,« said Mr. Pecksniff,
