But he determined to proceed with cunning and caution, and to be very
keen on his observation of the gentility of Mr Montague's private
establishment. For it no more occurred to this shallow knave that
Montague wanted him to be so, or he wouldn't have invited him while his
decision was yet in abeyance, than the possibility of that genius being
able to overreach him in any way, pierced through his self-deceit by the
inlet of a needle's point. He had said, in the outset, that Jonas
was too sharp for him; and Jonas, who would have been sharp enough to
believe him in nothing else, though he had solemnly sworn it, believed
him in that, instantly.
It was with a faltering hand, and yet with an imbecile attempt at a
swagger, that he knocked at his new friend's door in Pall Mall when the
appointed hour arrived. Mr Bailey quickly answered to the summons. He
was not proud and was kindly disposed to take notice of Jonas; but Jonas
had forgotten him.
'Mr Montague at home?'
'I should hope he wos at home, and waiting dinner, too,' said Bailey,
with the ease of an old acquaintance. 'Will you take your hat up along
with you, or leave it here?'
Mr Jonas preferred leaving it there.
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