And still the old clock ticked and ticked, and carried all the world
toward eternity; the fire-light crackled, and the voices laughed;--the
portrait looked serenely down, and smiled.
CHAPTER LII.
HOW MR. JINKS DETERMINED TO SPARE VERTY.
Ralph stretched himself.
Mr. Jinks sipped his rum, and ruminated.
Ralph was smiling; Mr. Jinks scowling, and evidently busy with great
thoughts, which caused his brows to corrugate into hostile frowns.
It was the room of Mr. Jinks, in Bousch's tavern, which saw the
companions seated thus opposite to each other--the time, after
breakfast; the aim of the parties, discussion upon any or every topic.
Mr. Jinks was clad in his habitual costume: half dandy, half
_militaire_; and when he moved, his great sword rattled against his
grasshopper legs in a way terrifying to hear.
Ralph, richly dressed as usual, and reclining in his chair, smiled
lazily, and looked at the scowling Mr. Jinks. The apartment in which
the worthies were seated was one possessing the advantages of dormer
windows, and an extensive prospect over the roofs of Winchester; the
furniture was rough; and in the corner a simple couch stood, whereon
Mr.
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