Mr. Jasper complying, sees and reads as follows:
Ethelinda, Reverential Wife of Mr. Thomas Sapsea, Auctioneer, valuer, estate agent, etc. , Of this city Whose Knowledge of the World, Though somewhat extensive, Never brought him acquainted with A spirit More capable of Looking up to him.
Stranger, pause And ask thyself the Question, Canst thou do likewise?
If Not, With a blush retire.
Mr. Sapsea having risen and stationed himself with his back to the fire, for the purpose of observing the effect of these lines on the countenance of a man of taste, consequently has his face towards the door, when his serving-maid, again appearing, announces, “Durdles is come, sir!” He promptly draws forth and fills the third wineglass, as being now claimed, and replies, “Show Durdles in.”
“Admirable!” quoth Mr. Jasper, handing back the paper.
“You approve, sir?”
“Impossible not to approve. Striking, characteristic, and complete.”
The auctioneer inclines his head, as one accepting his due and giving a receipt; and invites the entering Durdles to take off that glass of wine (handing the same), for it will warm him.
Durdles is a stonemason; chiefly in the gravestone, tomb, and monument way, and wholly of their colour from head to foot. No man is better known in Cloisterham. He is the chartered libertine of the place. Fame trumpets him a wonderful workman—which, for aught that anybody knows, he may be (as he never works); and a wonderful sot—which