“Crack,” said Tom.

He had long been a down-looking young fellow, but this characteristic had so increased of late, that he never raised his eyes to any face for three seconds together. Mrs. Sparsit consequently had ample means of watching his looks, if she were so inclined.

“ Mr. Harthouse is a great favourite of mine,” said Mrs. Sparsit, “as indeed he is of most people. May we expect to see him again shortly, Mr. Tom?”

“Why, I expect to see him tomorrow,” returned the whelp.