In fact, an idea had suddenly occurred to Mr. Duck which rendered him personally anxious to be left alone in Gurth Egerton’s house.
When the brother and sister were gone, not without sundry injunctions from the lady to Jabez to be careful and not to be frightened of noises and ghosts, etc., that gentleman, instead of lighting his pipe and sitting down to a comfortable smoke, hunted about, found a candle, lit it, and stood still, in an attitude of deep consideration.
‘I’ll search the house from top to bottom but I’ll find’em, if they ain’t locked up,’ he said. ‘At any rate I can read’em, and see how far I have committed myself.’
Having first carefully examined the sitting-room, looked in all the cupboards, boxes, and chimney ornaments, Jabez proceeded, candle in hand, to find out where Mrs. Turvey’s other apartments were situated.
It was a very improper proceeding on his part—a mean and despicable trick, which should have caused him to blush, and which will, I am sure, gentle reader, cause you to blush for him. I will not attempt to palliate his offence. It was shocking, but he did it; and we are compelled, in our position of faithful chronicler and attentive reader, to look on. But we have recorded our protest, and done our duty so far. Jabez soon found the room dedicated to the slumbers of his Susan.
It was full of little boxes and baskets, all of which Jabez deliberately rummaged in his search for something which he had set his heart on finding.
But his diligence was not rewarded.
The time passed on, and his search grew hurried. He did not know how much longer he would be undisturbed. Susan had a latch-key, and could let herself in at any minute.
He would put up the chain at the front door. He could easily say he was nervous.
The idea was no sooner conceived than it was carried out. Now, he was secure from surprise. Now, he could continue his investigations without alarm.