Charles Dickens

“ It was not until he had quite exhausted his several subjects of meditation, and had breathed into the flute the whole sentiment of the purl down to its very dregs, and had nearly maddened the people of the house, and at both the next doors, and over the way--that he shut up the music-book, extinguished the candle, and finding himself greatly lightened and relieved in his mind, turned round and fell asleep. ”

“ Although at another time Mr Swiveller might have looked upon this as a doubtful compliment, he felt it, under the then- existing circumstances, a great relief to be assured that he was not wrongfully suspected. When he had made a suitable reply, Mr Brass wrung him by the hand, and fell into a brown study, as did Miss Sally likewise. Richard too remained in a thoughtful state; fearing every moment to hear the Marchioness impeached, and unable to resist the conviction that she must be guilty. ”

“ We will let it lie there, Sir, if you please, and we will not take it up by any means.' With that, Mr Brass patted him twice or thrice on the shoulder, in a most friendly manner, and entreated him to believe that he had as much faith in his honesty as he had in his own. ”

“ He wouldn't, wouldn't he?' said Dick.
'Miss Sally keeps him in such order,' said the small servant; 'he always asks her advice, he does; and he catches it sometimes. Bless you, you wouldn't believe how much he catches it.'
'I suppose,' said Dick, 'that they consult together, a good deal, and talk about a great many people--about me for instance, sometimes, eh, Marchioness?'
The Marchioness nodded amazingly.
'Complimentary?' said Mr Swiveller. ”

“ In particular, I have missed three half-crowns at three different times.'
'You don't mean that?' cried Dick. 'Be careful what you say, old boy, for this is a serious matter. Are you quite sure? Is there no mistake?'
'It is so, and there can't be any mistake at all,' rejoined Miss Brass emphatically.
'Then by Jove,' thought Richard, laying down his pen, 'I am afraid the Marchioness is done for!'
The more he discussed the subject in his thoughts, the more probable it appeared to Dick that the miserable little servant was the culprit. ”

“ The air was 'Away with melancholy'--a composition, which, when it is played very slowly on the flute, in bed, with the further disadvantage of being performed by a gentleman but imperfectly acquainted with the instrument, who repeats one note a great many times before he can find the next, has not a lively effect. ”

“ Some men in his blighted position would have taken to drinking; but as Mr Swiveller had taken to that before, he only took, on receiving the news that Sophy Wackles was lost to him for ever, to playing the flute ”