Nor did he even then seek any prolonged
repose, but merely slumbered in his chair, until seven o'clock, when Mr
Tapley had appointed to come to him by his desire; and came--as fresh
and clean and cheerful as the morning itself.
'You are punctual,' said Mr Chuzzlewit, opening the door to him in reply
to his light knock, which had roused him instantly.
'My wishes, sir,' replied Mr Tapley, whose mind would appear from the
context to have been running on the matrimonial service, 'is to love,
honour, and obey. The clock's a-striking now, sir.'
'Come in!'
'Thank'ee, sir,' rejoined Mr Tapley, 'what could I do for you first,
sir?'
'You gave my message to Martin?' said the old man, bending his eyes upon
him.
'I did, sir,' returned Mark; 'and you never see a gentleman more
surprised in all your born days than he was.'
'What more did you tell him?' Mr Chuzzlewit inquired.
'Why, sir,' said Mr Tapley, smiling, 'I should have liked to tell him a
deal more, but not being able, sir, I didn't tell it him.'
'You told him all you knew?'
'But it was precious little, sir,' retorted Mr Tapley.
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