Summary

Portrait of Charles Dickens Charles Dickens The Old Curiosity Shop — Chapter 69 (1841)

In one of the pauses of their discourse, and when half the night had worn away, the single gentleman, who had gradually become more and more silent and thoughtful, turned to his companion and said abruptly:
'Are you a good listener?'
'Like most other men, I suppose,' returned Mr Garland, smiling. 'I can be, if I am interested; and if not interested, I should still try to appear so. Why do you ask?'
'I have a short narrative on my lips,' rejoined his friend, 'and will try you with it.
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Charles Dickens Charles Dickens The Old Curiosity Shop — Chapter 69 (1841)

Little Barbara was not of a wayward or capricious nature, and, being full of remorse, melted into tears. To what more conversation this might have led, we need not stop to inquire; for the wheels of the carriage were heard at that moment, and, being followed by a smart ring at the garden gate, caused the bustle in the house, which had laid dormant for a short time, to burst again into tenfold life and vigour.
Simultaneously with the travelling equipage, arrived Mr Chuckster in a hackney cab, with certain papers and supplies of money for the single gentleman, into whose hands he delivered them.
Source: Wikisource

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