Otherwise, he muttered
discontentedly, he would have seen his beloved father-in-law 'far enough
off,' before he would have taken him into his confidence.
Primed in this artful manner, Mr Pecksniff presented himself at
dinner-time in such a state of suavity, benevolence, cheerfulness,
politeness, and cordiality, as even he had perhaps never attained
before. The frankness of the country gentleman, the refinement of
the artist, the good-humoured allowance of the man of the world;
philanthropy, forbearance, piety, toleration, all blended together in a
flexible adaptability to anything and everything; were expressed in Mr
Pecksniff, as he shook hands with the great speculator and capitalist.
'Welcome, respected sir,' said Mr Pecksniff, 'to our humble village! We
are a simple people; primitive clods, Mr Montague; but we can appreciate
the honour of your visit, as my dear son-in-law can testify. It is very
strange,' said Mr Pecksniff, pressing his hand almost reverentially,
'but I seem to know you. That towering forehead, my dear Jonas,' said Mr
Pecksniff aside, 'and those clustering masses of rich hair--I must have
seen you, my dear sir, in the sparkling throng.
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