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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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247 ‘Many happy returns of the day, my dear,’ replied the collector, returning the compliment. Now, this was an interesting thing. Here was a collector of water-rates, without his book, without his pen and ink, without his double knock, without his intimidation, kissing--actually kissing-- an agreeable female, and leaving taxes, summonses, notices that he had called, or announcements that he would never call again, for two quarters’ due, wholly out of the question. It was pleasant to see how the company looked on, quite absorbed in the sight, and to behold the nods and winks with which they expressed their gratification at finding so much humanity in a tax-gatherer. ‘Where will you sit, uncle?’ said Mrs Kenwigs, in the full glow of family pride, which the appearance of her distinguished relation occasioned. ‘Anywheres, my dear,’ said the collector, ‘I am not particular.’ Not particular! What a meek collector! If he had been an author, who knew his place, he couldn’t have been more humble. ‘Mr Lillyvick,’ said Kenwigs, addressing the collector, ‘some friends here, sir, are very anxious for the honour of--thank you-- Mr and Mrs Cutler, Mr Lillyvick.’ ‘Proud to know you, sir,’ said Mr Cutler; ‘I’ve heerd of you very often.’ These were not mere words of ceremony; for, Mr Cutler, having kept house in Mr Lillyvick’s parish, had heard of him very often indeed. His attention in calling had been quite extraordinary. ‘George, you know, I think, Mr Lillyvick,’ said Kenwigs; ‘lady from downstairs--Mr Lillyvick. Mr Snewkes--Mr Lillyvick. Miss Green--Mr Lillyvick. Mr Lillyvick--Miss Petowker of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Very glad to make two public characters |
