Jingle thrust his hands into the
place where his trousers pockets used to be, and, dropping his chin upon his
breast, sank back into his chair.
    Mr. Pickwick was affected; the two men looked so very miserable. The sharp
involuntary glance Jingle had cast at a small piece of raw loin of mutton, which
Job had brought in with him, said more of their reduced state than two hours'
explanation could have done. Mr. Pickwick looked mildly at Jingle, and said:
    »I should like to speak to you in private. Will you step out for an
instant?«
    »Certainly,« said Jingle, rising hastily. »Can't step far - no danger of
over-walking yourself here - Spike park - grounds pretty - romantic, but not
extensive - open for public inspection - family always in town - housekeeper
desperately careful - very.«
    »You have forgotten your coat,« said Mr. Pickwick, as they walked out to the
staircase, and closed the door after them.
    »Eh?« said Jingle. »Spout - dear relation - uncle Tom - couldn't help it -
must eat, you know. Wants of nature - and all that.«
    »What do you mean?«
    »Gone, my dear sir - last coat - can't help it. Lived on a pair of boots -
whole fortnight. Silk umbrella - ivory handle - week - fact - honour - ask Job -
knows it.«
    »Lived for three weeks upon a pair of boots, and a silk umbrella with an
ivory handle!« exclaimed Mr. Pickwick, who had only heard of such things in
shipwrecks, or read of them in Constable's Miscellany.
    »True,« said Jingle, nodding his head. »Pawnbroker's shop - duplicates here
- small sums - mere nothing - all rascals.«
    »Oh,« said Mr. Pickwick, much relieved by this explanation; »I understand
you. You have pawned your wardrobe.«
    »Everything - Job's too - all shirts gone - never mind - saves washing.
Nothing soon - lie in bed - starve - die - Inquest - little bone-house - poor
prisoner - common necessaries - hush it up - gentlemen of the jury - warden's
tradesmen - keep it snug - natural death - coroner's order - workhouse funeral -
serve him right - all over - drop the curtain.«
    Jingle delivered this singular summary or his prospects in life, with his
accustomed volubility, and with various twitches of the countenance to
counterfeit smiles.