'
'Certainly,' said Martin, stretching out his legs, and holding his wine
between his eye and the light. 'Mr Pecksniff knows that too. So do his
daughters. Eh?'
John Westlock smiled, but made no answer.
'By the bye,' said Martin, 'that reminds me. What's your opinion of
Pecksniff? How did he use you? What do you think of him now?--Coolly,
you know, when it's all over?'
'Ask Pinch,' returned the old pupil. 'He knows what my sentiments used
to be upon the subject. They are not changed, I assure you.'
'No, no,' said Martin, 'I'd rather have them from you.'
'But Pinch says they are unjust,' urged John with a smile.
'Oh! well! Then I know what course they take beforehand,' said Martin;
'and, therefore, you can have no delicacy in speaking plainly. Don't
mind me, I beg. I don't like him I tell you frankly. I am with him
because it happens from particular circumstances to suit my convenience.
I have some ability, I believe, in that way; and the obligation, if any,
will most likely be on his side and not mine. At the lowest mark, the
balance will be even, and there'll be no obligation at all.
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