Page 1076 - bleak-house

CHAPTER LIV

Springing a Mine

Refreshed by sleep, Mr. Bucket rises betimes in the morn-
ing and prepares for a field-day. Smartened up by the aid of
a clean shirt and a wet hairbrush, with which instrument,
on occasions of ceremony, he lubricates such thin locks as
remain to him after his life of severe study, Mr. Bucket lays
in a breakfast of two mutton chops as a foundation to work
upon, together with tea, eggs, toast, and marmalade on a
corresponding scale. Having much enjoyed these strength-
ening matters and having held subtle conference with his
familiar demon, he confidently instructs Mercury ‘just
to mention quietly to Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, that
whenever he’s ready for me, I’m ready for him.’ A gracious
message being returned that Sir Leicester will expedite
his dressing and join Mr. Bucket in the library within ten
minutes, Mr. Bucket repairs to that apartment and stands
before the fire with his finger on his chin, looking at the
blazing coals.
Thoughtful Mr. Bucket is, as a man may be with weighty
work to do, but composed, sure, confident. From the ex-
pression of his face he might be a famous whist-player for a

1076 Bleak House