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I have noticed you go past our house, sir, several times in the course of the last week or so. Our house, repeated the other. Meaning? Yes, said Mr Wegg, nodding, as the other pointed the clumsy forefinger of his right glove at the corner house. Oh! Now, what, pursued the old fellow, in an inquisitive manner, carrying his knotted stick in his left arm as if it were a baby, what do they allow you now? Its job work that I do for our house, returned Silas, drily, and with reticence; its not yet brought to an exact allowance. Oh! Its not yet brought to an exact allowance? No! Its not yet brought to an exact allowance. Oh! Morning, morning, morning! Appears to be rather a cracked old cock, thought Silas, qualifying his former good opinion, as the other ambled off. But, in a moment he was back again with the question: How did you get your wooden leg? Mr Wegg replied, (tartly to this personal inquiry), In an accident. Do you like it? Well! I havent got to keep it warm, Mr Wegg made answer, in a sort of desperation occasioned by the singularity of the question. He hasnt, repeated the other to his knotted stick, as he gave it a hug; he hasnt got ha! ha! to keep it warm! Did you ever hear of the name of Boffin? No, said Mr Wegg, who was growing restive under this examination. I never did hear of the name of Boffin. Do you like it? Why, no, retorted Mr Wegg, again approaching desperation; I cant say I do. Why dont you like it? I dont know why I dont, retorted Mr Wegg, approaching frenzy, but I dont at all. Now, Ill tell you something thatll make you sorry for that, said the stranger, smiling. My names Boffin. I cant help it! returned Mr Wegg. Implying in his manner the offensive addition, and if I could, I wouldnt. But theres another chance for you, said Mr Boffin, smiling still, Do you like the name of Nicodemus? Think it over. Nick, or Noddy. It is not, sir, Mr Wegg rejoined, as he sat down on his stool, with an air of gentle resignation, combined with melancholy candour; it is not a name as I could wish any one that I had a respect for, to call me by; but there may be persons that would not view it with the same objections. I dont know why, Mr Wegg added, anticipating another question. Noddy Boffin, said that gentleman. Noddy. Thats my name. Noddy or Nick Boffin. Whats your name? |
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