'He's a deal
pleasanter without his senses than with 'em. He was the cruellest,
wickedest, out-and-outerest old flint that ever drawed breath.'
'Indeed!' said Kate.
'By George!' replied the keeper, shaking his head so emphatically that
he was obliged to frown to keep his hat on. 'I never come across such a
vagabond, and my mate says the same. Broke his poor wife's heart, turned
his daughters out of doors, drove his sons into the streets; it was a
blessing he went mad at last, through evil tempers, and covetousness,
and selfishness, and guzzling, and drinking, or he'd have drove many
others so. Hope for HIM, an old rip! There isn't too much hope going'
but I'll bet a crown that what there is, is saved for more deserving
chaps than him, anyhow.'
With which confession of his faith, the keeper shook his head again, as
much as to say that nothing short of this would do, if things were to
go on at all; and touching his hat sulkily--not that he was in an ill
humour, but that his subject ruffled him--descended the ladder, and took
it away.
During this conversation, Mrs Nickleby had regarded the man with a
severe and steadfast look.
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