But he did, unquestionably;
though not so much--to do him justice--with reference to their ancient
clerk, as in exultation at the sharpness of Jonas. For the same reason
that young man's coarse allusions, even to himself, filled him with a
stealthy glee; causing him to rub his hands and chuckle covertly, as if
he said in his sleeve, 'I taught him. I trained him. This is the heir of
my bringing-up. Sly, cunning, and covetous, he'll not squander my money.
I worked for this; I hoped for this; it has been the great end and aim
of my life.'
What a noble end and aim it was to contemplate in the attainment truly!
But there be some who manufacture idols after the fashion of themselves,
and fail to worship them when they are made; charging their deformity on
outraged nature. Anthony was better than these at any rate.
Chuffey boggled over his plate so long, that Mr Jones, losing patience,
took it from him at last with his own hands, and requested his father
to signify to that venerable person that he had better 'peg away at his
bread;' which Anthony did.
'Aye, aye!' cried the old man, brightening up as before, when this was
communicated to him in the same voice, 'quite right, quite right.
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