'
She tried to disengage her hand, but might as well have tried to free
herself from the embrace of an affectionate boa-constrictor; if anything
so wily may be brought into comparison with Pecksniff.
'Although I am a widower,' said Mr Pecksniff, examining the rings upon
her fingers, and tracing the course of one delicate blue vein with his
fat thumb, 'a widower with two daughters, still I am not encumbered,
my love. One of them, as you know, is married. The other, by her own
desire, but with a view, I will confess--why not?--to my altering my
condition, is about to leave her father's house. I have a character,
I hope. People are pleased to speak well of me, I think. My person
and manner are not absolutely those of a monster, I trust. Ah! naughty
Hand!' said Mr Pecksniff, apostrophizing the reluctant prize, 'why did
you take me prisoner? Go, go!'
He slapped the hand to punish it; but relenting, folded it in his
waistcoat to comfort it again.
'Blessed in each other, and in the society of our venerable friend, my
darling,' said Mr Pecksniff, 'we shall be happy. When he is wafted to a
haven of rest, we will console each other.
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