In spite of
the indignation with which this glimpse of Mr Pecksniff had inspired
him, Martin could not help laughing heartily. Neither could Mark.
'We must inquire into this!' said Martin. 'Ask the landlord in, Mark.'
Mr Tapley retired for that purpose, and immediately returned with their
large-headed host in safe convoy.
'Pray, landlord!' said Martin, 'who is that gentleman who passed just
now, and whom you were looking after?'
The landlord poked the fire as if, in his desire to make the most of
his answer, he had become indifferent even to the price of coals; and
putting his hands in his pockets, said, after inflating himself to give
still further effect to his reply:
'That, gentlemen, is the great Mr Pecksniff! The celebrated architect,
gentlemen!'
He looked from one to the other while he said it, as if he were ready to
assist the first man who might be overcome by the intelligence.
'The great Mr Pecksniff, the celebrated architect, gentlemen.' said the
landlord, 'has come down here, to help to lay the first stone of a new
and splendid public building.'
'Is it to be built from his designs?' asked Martin.
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