Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. V, No. XXIX., October, 1852Various
Religion
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. V, No. XXIX., October, 1852
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
"That's Jo!" says Mr. Snagsby.
Jo stands amazed in the disc of light, like a ragged figure in a magic
lantern, trembling to think that he has offended against the law in
not having moved on far enough. Mr. Snagsby, however, giving him the
consolatory assurance, "It's only a job you will be paid for, Jo,"
he recovers; and, on being taken outside by Mr. Bucket for a little
private confabulation, tells his tale satisfactorily, though out of
breath.
"I have squared it with the lad," says Mr. Bucket, returning, "and it's
all right. Now, Mr. Snagsby, we're ready for you."
First, Jo has to complete his errand of good-nature by handing over the
physic he has been to get, which he delivers with the laconic verbal
direction that "it's to be all took d'rectly." Secondly Mr. Snagsby has
to lay upon the table half-a-crown, his usual panacea for an immense
variety of afflictions. Thirdly, Mr. Bucket has to take Jo by the arm
a little above the elbow and walk him on before him: without which
observance, neither the Tough Subject nor any other subject could be
professionally conducted to Lincoln's Inn Fields. These arrangements
completed, they give the women good-night, and come out once more into
black and foul Tom-all-Alone's.
By the noisome ways through which they descended into that pit, they
gradually emerge from it; the crowd flitting, and whistling, and
skulking about them, until they come to the verge, where restoration of
the bull's-eyes is made to Darby. Here the crowd, like a concourse of
imprisoned demons turns back, yelling and is seen no more. Through the
clearer and fresher streets, never so clear and fresh to Mr. Snagsby's
mind as now, they walk and ride, until they come to Mr. Tulkinghorn's
gate.
As they ascend the dim stairs (Mr. Tulkinghorn's chambers being on the
first floor), Mr. Bucket mentions that he has the key of the outer door
in his pocket, and that there is no need to ring. For a man so expert
in most things of that kind, Bucket takes time to open the door, and
makes some noise too. It may be that he sounds a note of preparation.
Howbeit, they come at last into the hall, where a lamp is burning, and
so into Mr. Tulkinghorn's usual room--the room where he drank his old
wine to-night. He is not there, but his two old-fashioned candlesticks
are; and the room is tolerably light.
Mr. Bucket, still having his professional hold of Jo, and appearing to
Mr. Snagsby to possess an unlimited number of eyes, makes a little way
into this room, when Jo starts, and stops.
"What's the matter?" says Bucket in a whisper.
"There she is!" cries Jo.
"Who?"
"The lady!"
A female figure, closely vailed, stands in the middle of the room,
where the light falls upon it. It is quite still, and silent. The front
of the figure is toward them, but it takes no notice of their entrance,
and remains like a statue.
"Now, tell me," says Bucket aloud, "how you know that to be the lady."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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