He would visit the old man, or
even Richard Swiveller might visit him, and by affecting a deep
concern in his behalf, and imploring him to settle in some worthy
home, lead to the child's remembering him with gratitude and
favour. Once impressed to this extent, it would be easy, he said,
to win her in a year or two, for she supposed the old man to be
poor, as it was a part of his jealous policy (in common with many
other misers) to feign to be so, to those about him.
'He has feigned it often enough to me, of late,' said Trent.
'Oh! and to me too!' replied the dwarf. 'Which is more
extraordinary, as I know how rich he really is.'
'I suppose you should,' said Trent.
'I think I should indeed,' rejoined the dwarf; and in that, at
least, he spoke the truth.
After a few more whispered words, they returned to the table, and
the young man rousing Richard Swiveller informed him that he was
waiting to depart. This was welcome news to Dick, who started up
directly. After a few words of confidence in the result of their
project had been exchanged, they bade the grinning Quilp good
night.
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