Oliver Twist

Chapter 34

on your part, my boy, is there?' demanded the gentleman in a

tremulous voice. 'Do not deceive me, by awakening hopes that are

not to be fulfilled.'

'I would not for the world, sir,' replied Oliver. 'Indeed you

may believe me. Mr. Losberne's words were, that she would live

to bless us all for many years to come. I heard him say so.'

The tears stood in Oliver's eyes as he recalled the scene which

was the beginning of so much happiness; and the gentleman turned

his face away, and remained silent, for some minutes. Oliver

thought he heard him sob, more than once; but he feared to

interrupt him by any fresh remark--for he could well guess what

his feelings were--and so stood apart, feigning to be occupied

with his nosegay.

All this time, Mr. Giles, with the white nightcap on, had been

sitting on the steps of the chaise, supporting an elbow on each

knee, and wiping his eyes with a blue cotton pocket-handkerchief

dotted with white spots. That the honest fellow had not been

feigning emotion, was abundantly demonstrated by the very red

eyes with which he regarded the young gentleman, when he turned

round and addressed him.

'I think you had better go on to my mother's in the chaise,

Giles,' said he. 'I would rather walk slowly on, so as to gain a

little time before I see her. You can say I am coming.'

'I beg your pardon, Mr. Harry,' said Giles: giving a final

polish to his ruffled countenance with the handkerchief; 'but if

you would leave the postboy to say that, I should be very much

obliged to you. It wouldn't be proper for the maids to see me in

this state, sir; I should never have any more authority with them

if they did.'

'Well,' rejoined Harry Maylie, smiling, 'you can do as you like.

Let him go on with the luggage, if you wish it, and do you follow

with us. Only first exchange that nightcap for some more

appropriate covering, or we shall be taken for madmen.'

Mr. Giles, reminded of his unbecoming costume, snatched off and

pocketed his nightcap; and substituted a hat, of grave and sober

shape, which he took out of the chaise. This done, the postboy

drove off; Giles, Mr. Maylie, and Oliver, followed at their

leisure.

As they walked along, Oliver glanced from time to time with much

interest and curiosity at the new comer. He seemed about

five-and-twenty years of age, and was of the middle height; his

countenance was frank and handsome; and his demeanor easy and

prepossessing. Notwithstanding the difference between youth and