‘Never!’ said the two Miss Pecksniffs.
‘Of all the ridiculous young fellows that ever I had to deal with,’ resumed Mrs Todgers, ‘that is the most ridiculous and unreasonable. Mr Jinkins is hard upon him sometimes, but not half as hard as he deserves. To mention such a gentleman as Mr Jinkins in the same breath with him—you know it’s too much! And yet he’s as jealous of him, bless you, as if he was his equal.’
The young ladies were greatly entertained by Mrs Todgers’s account, no less than with certain anecdotes illustrative of the youngest gentleman’s character, which she went on to tell them. But Mr Pecksniff looked quite stern and angry; and when she had concluded, said in a solemn voice:
‘Pray, Mrs Todgers, if I may inquire, what does that young gentleman contribute towards the support of these premises?’
‘Why, sir, for what he has, he pays about eighteen shillings a week!’ said Mrs Todgers.
‘Eighteen shillings a week!’ repeated Mr Pecksniff.
‘Taking one week with another; as near that as possible,’ said Mrs Todgers.
Mr Pecksniff rose from his chair, folded his arms, looked at her, and shook his head.
‘And do you mean to say, ma’am—is it possible, Mrs Todgers—that for such a miserable consideration as eighteen shillings a week, a female of your understanding can so far demean herself as to wear a double face, even for an instant?’
‘I am forced to keep things on the square if I can, sir,’ faltered Mrs Todgers. ‘I must preserve peace among them, and keep my connection together, if possible, Mr Pecksniff. The profit is very small.’