'It as only last week that
Nobley said to me, "By Gad, Wolf, I've got a living to bestow, and if
you had but been brought up at the University, strike me blind if I
wouldn't have made a parson of you!"'
'Just like him,' said Pip with another oath. 'And he'd have done it!'
'Not a doubt of it,' said Wolf. 'But you were going to tell us--'
'Oh, yes!' cried Pip. 'To be sure. So I was. At first he was dumb--sewn
up, dead, sir--but after a minute he said to the Duke, "Here's Pip.
Ask Pip. Pip's our mutual friend. Ask Pip. He knows." "Damme!" said the
Duke, "I appeal to Pip then. Come, Pip. Bandy or not bandy? Speak out!"
"Bandy, your Grace, by the Lord Harry!" said I. "Ha, ha!" laughed the
Duke. "To be sure she is. Bravo, Pip. Well said Pip. I wish I may die
if you're not a trump, Pip. Pop me down among your fashionable visitors
whenever I'm in town, Pip." And so I do, to this day.'
The conclusion of this story gave immense satisfaction, which was in
no degree lessened by the announcement of dinner. Jonas repaired to the
dining room, along with his distinguished host, and took his seat at the
board between that individual and his friend the doctor.
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