'Thus much
more, if you force me to publish your shame before a third party, which
I was unwilling and indisposed to do. This lowly roof, sir, must not
be contaminated by the presence of one who has deceived, and cruelly
deceived, an honourable, beloved, venerated, and venerable gentleman;
and who wisely suppressed that deceit from me when he sought my
protection and favour, knowing that, humble as I am, I am an honest
man, seeking to do my duty in this carnal universe, and setting my face
against all vice and treachery. I weep for your depravity, sir,' said
Mr Pecksniff; 'I mourn over your corruption, I pity your voluntary
withdrawal of yourself from the flowery paths of purity and peace;' here
he struck himself upon his breast, or moral garden; 'but I cannot have
a leper and a serpent for an inmate. Go forth,' said Mr Pecksniff,
stretching out his hand: 'go forth, young man! Like all who know you, I
renounce you!'
With what intention Martin made a stride forward at these words, it is
impossible to say. It is enough to know that Tom Pinch caught him in
his arms, and that, at the same moment, Mr Pecksniff stepped back so
hastily, that he missed his footing, tumbled over a chair, and fell in
a sitting posture on the ground; where he remained without an effort
to get up again, with his head in a corner, perhaps considering it the
safest place.
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