‘And when are you going to hear a full, true, and particular account of the life and adventures of Oliver Twist?’ asked Grimwig of Mr. Brownlow, at the conclusion of the meal; looking sideways at Oliver, as he resumed his subject.
‘To-morrow morning,’ replied Mr. Brownlow. ‘I would rather he was alone with me at the time. Come up to me to-morrow morning at ten o’clock, my dear.’
‘Yes, sir,’ replied Oliver. He answered with some hesitation, because he was confused by Mr. Grimwig’s looking so hard at him.
‘I’ll tell you what,’ whispered that gentleman to Mr. Brownlow; ‘he won’t come up to you to-morrow morning. I saw him hesitate. He is deceiving you, my good friend.’
‘I’ll swear he is not,’ replied Mr. Brownlow, warmly.
‘If he is not,’ said Mr. Grimwig, ‘I’ll—’ and down went the stick.
‘I’ll answer for that boy’s truth with my life!’ said Mr. Brownlow, knocking the table.
‘And I for his falsehood with my head!’ rejoined Mr. Grimwig, knocking the table also.
‘We shall see,’ said Mr. Brownlow, checking his rising anger.
‘We will,’ replied Mr. Grimwig, with a provoking smile; ‘we will.’