
Fawkes.« These remarkable words wrought (as well they might) a strong impression
on his mind, and he was in the habit of repeating them very often. The just
interpretation which they bear, and the conclusion to which they lead, are
triumphant and irresistible. The old lady, naturally strong-minded, was
nevertheless frail and fading; she was notoriously subject to that confusion of
ideas, or, to say the least, of speech, to which age and garrulity are liable.
The slight, the very slight confusion, apparent in these expressions, is
manifest and is ludicrously easy of correction. »Aye, aye,« quoth she, and it
will be observed that no emendation whatever is necessary to be made in these
two initiative remarks, »Aye, aye! This lantern was carried by my forefather« -
not fourth son, which is preposterous - »on the fifth of November. And he was
Guy Fawkes.« Here we have a remark at once consistent, clear, natural, and in
strict accordance with the character of the speaker. Indeed the anecdote is so
plainly susceptible of this meaning, and no other, that it would be hardly worth
recording in its original state, were it not a proof of what may be (and very
often is) affected not only in historical prose but in imaginative poetry, by
the exercise of a little ingenious labour on the part of a commentator.
    It has been said that there is no instance in modern times, of a Chuzzlewit
having been found on terms of intimacy with the Great. But here again the
sneering detractors who weave such miserable figments from their malicious
brains, are stricken dumb by evidence. For letters are yet in the possession of
various branches of the family, from which it distinctly appears, being stated
in so many words, that one Diggory Chuzzlewit was in the habit of perpetually
dining with Duke Humphrey. So constantly was he a guest at that nobleman's
table, indeed; and so unceasingly were His Grace's hospitality and companionship
forced, as it were, upon him; that we find him uneasy, and full of constraint
and reluctance: writing his friends to the effect that if they fail to do so and
so by bearer, he will have no choice but to dine again with Duke Humphrey: and
expressing himself in a very marked and extraordinary manner as one surfeited of
High Life and Gracious Company.
    It has been rumoured, and it is needless to say the rumour originated in the
same base quarters, that a certain male Chuzzlewit, whose birth must be admitted
to be involved in some
