Page 158 - bleak-house

fant Bonds of Joy, was one of the very few children who
manifested consciousness on that occasion after a fervid ad-
dress of two hours from the chairman of the evening.’
Alfred glowered at us as if he never could, or would, for-
give the injury of that night.
‘You may have observed, Miss Summerson,’ said Mrs.
Pardiggle, ‘in some of the lists to which I have referred, in
the possession of our esteemed friend Mr. Jarndyce, that the
names of my young family are concluded with the name of
O. A. Pardiggle, F.R.S., one pound. That is their father. We
usually observe the same routine. I put down my mite first;
then my young family enrol their contributions, according
to their ages and their little means; and then Mr. Pardiggle
brings up the rear. Mr. Pardiggle is happy to throw in his
limited donation, under my direction; and thus things are
made not only pleasant to ourselves, but, we trust, improv-
ing to others.’
Suppose Mr. Pardiggle were to dine with Mr. Jellyby,
and suppose Mr. Jellyby were to relieve his mind after din-
ner to Mr. Pardiggle, would Mr. Pardiggle, in return, make
any confidential communication to Mr. Jellyby? I was quite
confused to find myself thinking this, but it came into my
head.
‘You are very pleasantly situated here!’ said Mrs. Pardig-
gle.
We were glad to change the subject, and going to the
window, pointed out the beauties of the prospect, on which
the spectacles appeared to me to rest with curious indiffer-
ence.

158 Bleak House