Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/138

108 complain of my steward, who has just distrained you for rent, you dog!—No wonder you look so worn in the rigging. Come, follow me. I can't walk with thee. It would look too like Northumberland House and the Butcher's abode next door, taking a stroll together."

"Really, Mr. Pepper," said our hero, colouring, and by no means pleased with the ingenious comparison of his friend, "if you are ashamed of my clothes, which I own might be newer, I will not wound you with my"

"Pooh! my lad—pooh," cried Long Ned, interrupting him, "never take offence. I never do. I never take any thing but money,—except, indeed, watches. I don't mean to hurt your feelings;—all of us have been poor once. 'Gad, I remember when I had not a dud to my back, and now, you see me—you see me, Paul!—But come, 'tis only through the streets you need separate from me. Keep a little behind—very little—that will do.—Ay, that will do," repeated Long Ned, mutteringly to himself, "they'll take him for a bailiff. It looks handsome now-a-days to be so attended. It shows one had credit once!"