'Yes,' said Martin. 'It's impossible to like Pinch better than I do,
or to do greater justice to his good qualities. He is the most willing
fellow I ever saw.'
'He's rather too willing,' observed John, who was quick in observation.
'It's quite a fault in him.'
'So it is,' said Martin. 'Very true. There was a fellow only a week or
so ago--a Mr Tigg--who borrowed all the money he had, on a promise to
repay it in a few days. It was but half a sovereign, to be sure; but
it's well it was no more, for he'll never see it again.'
'Poor fellow!' said John, who had been very attentive to these few
words. 'Perhaps you have not had an opportunity of observing that, in
his own pecuniary transactions, Tom's proud.'
'You don't say so! No, I haven't. What do you mean? Won't he borrow?'
John Westlock shook his head.
'That's very odd,' said Martin, setting down his empty glass. 'He's a
strange compound, to be sure.'
'As to receiving money as a gift,' resumed John Westlock; 'I think he'd
die first.'
'He's made up of simplicity,' said Martin. 'Help yourself.'
'You, however,' pursued John, filling his own glass, and looking at his
companion with some curiosity, 'who are older than the majority of Mr
Pecksniff's assistants, and have evidently had much more experience,
understand him, I have no doubt, and see how liable he is to be imposed
upon.
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