'So he is,' echoed Mr. Narcissus Nobbs, a middle-aged gentleman, with no nose to speak of, but possessing a redundancy of chin and a wonderful capacity of mouth--'so he is, Slinkey; his position--his earning--his talent--his wealth--' 'Oh, d----n his wealth,' ejaculated Mr. Solomon Jenks, a young gentleman who affected a charming frankness and abruptness in his speech, but who was in reality the most specious flatterer of the entire party. Mr. Jenks rejoiced in the following personal advantages: red hair, a blue nose, goggle eyes, and jaws of transparent thinness. 'D----n his wealth!' said Jenks--'who cares for _that_? Sydney's a good fellow--a capital dog--an excellent, d----d good sort of a whole-souled devil--but his _wealth_ is no merit. If he lost every shilling he has in the world, why curse me if I shouldn't like him all the better for it! I almost wish the rascal would become penniless tomorrow, in order to afford me an opportunity of showing him the disinterestedness of my friendship. I would divide my purse with him, take him by the hand and say--Frank, my boy, I like you for yourself alone, and d----n me if you are not welcome to all I have in the world--That's how I would do it.' 'I thank you gentlemen, for your kind consideration,' said Frank; 'I trust I may never be necessitated to apply to any of my friends, for aid in a disagreeable emergency--but should such ever unfortunately be the case, be assured that I shall not hesitate to avail myself of your generous assistance.' 'Bravo--capital--excellent!' responded the choir of flatterers, in full chorus, and their glasses were again emptied in honor of their host. It was midnight ere these worthies took their departure. When at length they were all gone, and Frank found himself alone, he exclaimed--'Thank heaven, I am at last rid of those miserable and servile fellows, who in my presence load me with the most extravagant praise and adulation, while behind my back they doubtless ridicule my supposed credulity. I have too long tolerated them--henceforth, I discard and cast them off.' He approached the window, and drawing aside the curtain, looked forth into the streets. The moon was shining brightly; and its rays fell with dazzling lustre upon the snow which covered the ground. It was a most lovely night, altho' excessively cold; and Sydney, feeling not the least inclination to retire to rest, said to himself: 'What is to prevent me from beginning my career of usefulness and charity to-night? The hour is late--but misery sleeps not, and 'tis never too late to alleviate the sufferings of distressed humanity. Yes, I will go forth, even at the midnight hour, and perchance I may encounter some poor fellow-creature worthy of my aid, or visit some abode of poverty where I can minister to the comfort of its wretched inmates.'