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- Herausgeber: Strelbytskyy Multimedia Publishing
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
Charles Dickens is the greatest writer of the Victorian era who became the classic of English literature while still being alive. This book contains the cream of author's creations. Here can be found an amusing novel about the adventures of English gentlemen The Pickwick Papers and fascinating story Great Expectations about wealth that came upon a young apprentice Pip. The book is garnished with such novels as Oliver Twist which is about a young vagrant who unexpectedly finds relatives and David Copperfield that describes the power of human will in overcoming any difficulties on the way to happiness. Dickens can be called one of the most human loving authors, he teaches the reader to be sincerely happy or sad. To be sad because of the horrible misery the characters of his books feel, to be happy due to kind and soft humour inseparable with the narration of his characters' life adventures. Contents: - A Tale of Two Cities - Great Expectations - A Christmas Carol in Prose - Hard Times - Oliver Twist, or The Parish Boy's Progress - David Copperfield - Bleak house - The Pickwick Papers - Our Mutual Friend - Little Dorrit - The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby - The Old Curiosity Shop - American Notes for General Circulation - Dombey and Son - The Mystery of Edwin Drood - A tale of the riots of 'eighty - Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit - Three Ghost Stories - Hunted Down - Pictures from Italy - A child's history of England - To be Read at Dusk - The Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home - The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain - Holiday Romance - The Lamplighter - The Seven Poor Travellers -- In Three Chapters - Mugby Junction - George Silverman's Explanation - The Wreck of the Golden Mary - Doctor Marigold - Master Humphrey's Clock - The Battle of Life - Mudfog and Other Sketches
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Charles Dickens
The Complete Works of Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens is the greatest writer of the Victorian era who became the classic of English literature while still being alive. This book contains the cream of author’s creations. Here can be found an amusing novel about the adventures of English gentlemen The Pickwick Papers and fascinating story Great Expectations about wealth that came upon a young apprentice Pip. The book is garnished with such novels as Oliver Twist which is about a young vagrant who unexpectedly finds relatives and David Copperfield that describes the power of human will in overcoming any difficulties on the way to happiness. Dickens can be called one of the most human loving authors, he teaches the reader to be sincerely happy or sad. To be sad because of the horrible misery the characters of his books feel, to be happy due to kind and soft humour inseparable with the narration of his characters’ life adventures.
Contents
A Tale of Two Cities
Book the First Recalled to Life
I The Period
II The Mail
III The Night Shadows
IV The Preparation
V The Wine-shop
VI The Shoemaker
Book the Second The Golden Thread
I Five Years Later
II A Sight
III A Disappointment
IV Congratulatory
V The Jackal
VI Hundreds of People
VII Monseigneur in Town
VIII Monseigneur in the Country
IX The Gorgon's Head
X Two Promises
XI A Companion Picture
XII The Fellow of Delicacy
XIII The Fellow of No Delicacy
XIV The Honest Tradesman
XV Knitting
XVI Still Knitting
XVII One Night
XVIII Nine Days
XIX An Opinion
XX A Plea
XXI Echoing Footsteps
XXII The Sea Still Rises
XXIII Fire Rises
XXIV Drawn to the Loadstone Rock
Book the Third The Track of a Storm
I In Secret
II The Grindstone
III The Shadow
IV Calm in Storm
V The Wood-Sawyer
VI Triumph
VII A Knock at the Door
VIII A Hand at Cards
IX The Game Made
X The Substance of the Shadow
XI Dusk
XII Darkness
XIII Fifty-two
XIV The Knitting Done
XV The Footsteps Die Out For Ever
Great Expectations
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXIX
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXXV
Chapter XXXVI
Chapter XXXVII
Chapter XXXVIII
Chapter XXXIX
Chapter XL
Chapter XLI
Chapter XLII
Chapter XLIII
Chapter XLIV
Chapter XLV
Chapter XLVI
Chapter XLVII
Chapter XLVIII
Chapter XLIX
Chapter L
Chapter LI
Chapter LII
Chapter LIII
Chapter LIV
Chapter LV
Chapter LVI
Chapter LVII
Chapter LVIII
Chapter LIX
A Christmas Carol in Prose
Stave 1 Marley's Ghost
Stave 2 The First of the Three Spirits
Stave 3 The Second of the Three Spirits
Stave 4 The Last of the Spirits
Stave 5 The End of It
Hard Times
BOOK THE FIRST SOWING
CHAPTER I THE ONE THING NEEDFUL
CHAPTER II MURDERING THE INNOCENTS
CHAPTER III A LOOPHOLE
CHAPTER IV MR. BOUNDERBY
CHAPTER V THE KEYNOTE
CHAPTER VI SLEARY'S HORSEMANSHIP
CHAPTER VII MRS. SPARSIT
CHAPTER VIII NEVER WONDER
CHAPTER IX SISSY'S PROGRESS
CHAPTER X STEPHEN BLACKPOOL
CHAPTER XI NO WAY OUT
CHAPTER XII THE OLD WOMAN
CHAPTER XIII RACHAEL
CHAPTER XIV THE GREAT MANUFACTURER
CHAPTER XV FATHER AND DAUGHTER
CHAPTER XVI HUSBAND AND WIFE
BOOK THE SECOND REAPING
CHAPTER I EFFECTS IN THE BANK
CHAPTER II MR. JAMES HARTHOUSE
CHAPTER III THE WHELP
CHAPTER IV MEN AND BROTHERS
CHAPTER V MEN AND MASTERS
CHAPTER VI FADING AWAY
CHAPTER VII GUNPOWDER
CHAPTER VIII EXPLOSION
CHAPTER IX HEARING THE LAST OF IT
CHAPTER X MRS. SPARSIT'S STAIRCASE
CHAPTER XI LOWER AND LOWER
CHAPTER XII DOWN
BOOK THE THIRD GARNERING
CHAPTER I ANOTHER THING NEEDFUL
CHAPTER II VERY RIDICULOUS
CHAPTER III VERY DECIDED
CHAPTER IV LOST
CHAPTER V FOUND
CHAPTER VI THE STARLIGHT
CHAPTER VII WHELP-HUNTING
CHAPTER VIII PHILOSOPHICAL
CHAPTER IX FINAL
Oliver Twist, or The Parish Boy's Progress
CHAPTER I TREATS OF THE PLACE WHERE OLIVER TWIST WAS BORN AND OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES ATTENDING HIS BIRTH
CHAPTER II TREATS OF OLIVER TWIST'S GROWTH, EDUCATION, AND BOARD
CHAPTER III RELATES HOW OLIVER TWIST WAS VERY NEAR GETTING A PLACE WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A SINECURE
CHAPTER IV OLIVER, BEING OFFERED ANOTHER PLACE, MAKES HIS FIRST ENTRY INTO PUBLIC LIFE
CHAPTER V OLIVER MINGLES WITH NEW ASSOCIATES. GOING TO A FUNERAL FOR THE FIRST TIME, HE FORMS AN UNFAVOURABLE NOTION OF HIS MASTER'S BUSINESS
CHAPTER VI OLIVER, BEING GOADED BY THE TAUNTS OF NOAH, ROUSES INTO ACTION, AND RATHER ASTONISHES HIM
CHAPTER VII OLIVER CONTINUES REFRACTORY
CHAPTER VIII OLIVER WALKS TO LONDON. HE ENCOUNTERS ON THE ROAD A STRANGE SORT OF YOUNG GENTLEMAN
CHAPTER IX CONTAINING FURTHER PARTICULARS CONCERNING THE PLEASANT OLD GENTLEMAN, AND HIS HOPEFUL PUPILS
CHAPTER X OLIVER BECOMES BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH THE CHARACTERS OF HIS NEW ASSOCIATES; AND PURCHASES EXPERIENCE AT A HIGH PRICE. BEING A SHORT, BUT VERY IMPORTANT CHAPTER, IN THIS HISTORY
CHAPTER XI TREATS OF MR. FANG THE POLICE MAGISTRATE; AND FURNISHES A SLIGHT SPECIMEN OF HIS MODE OF ADMINISTERING JUSTICE
CHAPTER XII IN WHICH OLIVER IS TAKEN BETTER CARE OF THAN HE EVER WAS BEFORE. AND IN WHICH THE NARRATIVE REVERTS TO THE MERRY OLD GENTLEMAN AND HIS YOUTHFUL FRIENDS
CHAPTER XIII SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES ARE INTRODUCED TO THE INTELLIGENT READER, CONNECTED WITH WHOM VARIOUS PLEASANT MATTERS ARE RELATED, APPERTAINING TO THIS HISTORY
CHAPTER XIV COMPRISING FURTHER PARTICULARS OF OLIVER'S STAY AT MR. BROWNLOW'S, WITH THE REMARKABLE PREDICTION WHICH ONE MR. GRIMWIG UTTERED CONCERNING HIM, WHEN HE WENT OUT ON AN ERRAND
CHAPTER XV SHOWING HOW VERY FOND OF OLIVER TWIST, THE MERRY OLD JEW AND MISS NANCY WERE
CHAPTER XVI RELATES WHAT BECAME OF OLIVER TWIST, AFTER HE HAD BEEN CLAIMED BY NANCY
CHAPTER XVII OLIVER'S DESTINY CONTINUING UNPROPITIOUS, BRINGS A GREAT MAN TO LONDON TO INJURE HIS REPUTATION
CHAPTER XVIII HOW OLIVER PASSED HIS TIME IN THE IMPROVING SOCIETY OF HIS REPUTABLE FRIENDS
CHAPTER XIX IN WHICH A NOTABLE PLAN IS DISCUSSED AND DETERMINED ON
CHAPTER XX WHEREIN OLVER IS DELIVERED OVER TO MR. WILLIAM SIKES
CHAPTER XXI THE EXPEDITION
CHAPTER XXII THE BURGLARY
CHAPTER XXIII WHICH CONTAINS THE SUBSTANCE OF A PLEASANT CONVERSATION BETWEEN MR. BUMBLE AND A LADY; AND SHOWS THAT EVEN A BEADLE MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE ON SOME POINTS
CHAPTER XXIV TREATS ON A VERY POOR SUBJECT. BUT IS A SHORT ONE, AND MAY BE FOUND OF IMPORTANCE IN THIS HISTORY
CHAPTER XXV WHEREIN THIS HISTORY REVERTS TO MR. FAGIN AND COMPANY
CHAPTER XXVI IN WHICH A MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER APPEARS UPON THE SCENE; AND MANY THINGS, INSEPARABLE FROM THIS HISTORY, ARE DONE AND PERFORMED
CHAPTER XXVII ATONES FOR THE UNPOLITENESS OF A FORMER CHAPTER; WHICH DESERTED A LADY, MOST UNCEREMONIOUSLY
CHAPTER XXVIII LOOKS AFTER OLIVER, AND PROCEEDS WITH HIS ADVENTURES
CHAPTER XXIX HAS AN INTRODUCTORY ACCOUNT OF THE INMATES OF THE HOUSE, TO WHICH OLIVER RESORTED
CHAPTER XXX RELATES WHAT OLIVER'S NEW VISITORS THOUGHT OF HIM
CHAPTER XXXI INVOLVES A CRITICAL POSITION
CHAPTER XXXII OF THE HAPPY LIFE OLIVER BEGAN TO LEAD WITH HIS KIND FRIENDS
CHAPTER XXXIII WHEREIN THE HAPPINESS OF OLIVER AND HIS FRIENDS, EXPERIENCES A SUDDEN CHECK
CHAPTER XXXIV CONTAINS SOME INTRODUCTORY PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO A YOUNG GENTLEMAN WHO NOW ARRIVES UPON THE SCENE; AND A NEW ADVENTURE WHICH HAPPENED TO OLIVER
CHAPTER XXXV CONTAINING THE UNSATISFACTORY RESULT OF OLIVER'S ADVENTURE; AND A CONVERSATION OF SOME IMPORTANCE BETWEEN HARRY MAYLIE AND ROSE
CHAPTER XXXVI IS A VERY SHORT ONE, AND MAY APPEAR OF NO GREAT IMPORTANCE IN ITS PLACE, BUT IT SHOULD BE READ NOTWITHSTANDING, AS A SEQUEL TO THE LAST, AND A KEY TO ONE THAT WILL FOLLOW WHEN ITS TIME ARRIVES
CHAPTER XXXVII IN WHICH THE READER MAY PERCEIVE A CONTRAST, NOT UNCOMMON IN MATRIMONIAL CASES
CHAPTER XXXVIII CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF WHAT PASSED BETWEEN MR. AND MRS. BUMBLE, AND MR. MONKS, AT THEIR NOCTURNAL INTERVIEW
CHAPTER XXXIX INTRODUCES SOME RESPECTABLE CHARACTERS WITH WHOM THE READER IS ALREADY ACQUAINTED, AND SHOWS HOW MONKS AND THE JEW LAID THEIR WORTHY HEADS TOGETHER
CHAPTER XL A STRANGE INTERVIEW, WHICH IS A SEQUEL TO THE LAST CHAMBER
CHAPTER XLI CONTAINING FRESH DISCOVERIES, AND SHOWING THAT SUPRISES, LIKE MISFORTUNES, SELDOM COME ALONE
CHAPTER XLII AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE OF OLIVER'S, EXHIBITING DECIDED MARKS OF GENIUS, BECOMES A PUBLIC CHARACTER IN THE METROPOLIS
CHAPTER XLIII WHEREIN IS SHOWN HOW THE ARTFUL DODGER GOT INTO TROUBLE
CHAPTER XLIV THE TIME ARRIVES FOR NANCY TO REDEEM HER PLEDGE TO ROSE MAYLIE. SHE FAILS
CHAPTER XLV NOAH CLAYPOLE IS EMPLOYED BY FAGIN ON A SECRET MISSION
CHAPTER XLVI THE APPOINTMENT KEPT
CHAPTER XLVII FATAL CONSEQUENCES
CHAPTER XLVIII THE FLIGHT OF SIKES
CHAPTER XLIX MONKS AND MR. BROWNLOW AT LENGTH MEET. THEIR CONVERSATION, AND THE INTELLIGENCE THAT INTERRUPTS IT
CHAPTER L THE PURSUIT AND ESCAPE
CHAPTER LI AFFORDING AN EXPLANATION OF MORE MYSTERIES THAN ONE, AND COMPREHENDING A PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE WITH NO WORD OF SETTLEMENT OR PIN-MONEY
CHAPTER LII FAGIN'S LAST NIGHT ALIVE
CHAPTER LIII AND LAST
David Copperfield
PREFACE TO THE CHARLES DICKENS EDITION
CHAPTER 1. I AM BORN
CHAPTER 2. I OBSERVE
CHAPTER 3. I HAVE A CHANGE
CHAPTER 4. I FALL INTO DISGRACE
CHAPTER 5. I AM SENT AWAY FROM HOME
CHAPTER 6. I ENLARGE MY CIRCLE OF ACQUAINTANCE
CHAPTER 7. MY ‘FIRST HALF’ AT SALEM HOUSE
CHAPTER 8. MY HOLIDAYS. ESPECIALLY ONE HAPPY AFTERNOON
CHAPTER 9. I HAVE A MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY
CHAPTER 10. I BECOME NEGLECTED, AND AM PROVIDED FOR
CHAPTER 11. I BEGIN LIFE ON MY OWN ACCOUNT, AND DON’T LIKE IT
CHAPTER 12. LIKING LIFE ON MY OWN ACCOUNT NO BETTER, I FORM A GREAT RESOLUTION
CHAPTER 13. THE SEQUEL OF MY RESOLUTION
CHAPTER 14. MY AUNT MAKES UP HER MIND ABOUT ME
CHAPTER 15. I MAKE ANOTHER BEGINNING
CHAPTER 16. I AM A NEW BOY IN MORE SENSES THAN ONE
CHAPTER 17. SOMEBODY TURNS UP
CHAPTER 18. A RETROSPECT
CHAPTER 19. I LOOK ABOUT ME, AND MAKE A DISCOVERY
CHAPTER 20. STEERFORTH’S HOME
CHAPTER 21. LITTLE EM’LY
CHAPTER 22. SOME OLD SCENES, AND SOME NEW PEOPLE
CHAPTER 23. I CORROBORATE Mr. DICK, AND CHOOSE A PROFESSION
CHAPTER 24. MY FIRST DISSIPATION
CHAPTER 25. GOOD AND BAD ANGELS
CHAPTER 26. I FALL INTO CAPTIVITY
CHAPTER 27. TOMMY TRADDLES
CHAPTER 28. Mr. MICAWBER’S GAUNTLET
CHAPTER 29. I VISIT STEERFORTH AT HIS HOME, AGAIN
CHAPTER 30. A LOSS
CHAPTER 31. A GREATER LOSS
CHAPTER 32. THE BEGINNING OF A LONG JOURNEY
CHAPTER 33. BLISSFUL
CHAPTER 34. MY AUNT ASTONISHES ME
CHAPTER 35. DEPRESSION
CHAPTER 36. ENTHUSIASM
CHAPTER 37. A LITTLE COLD WATER
CHAPTER 38. A DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP
CHAPTER 39. WICKFIELD AND HEEP
CHAPTER 40. THE WANDERER
CHAPTER 41. DORA’S AUNTS
CHAPTER 42. MISCHIEF
CHAPTER 43. ANOTHER RETROSPECT
CHAPTER 44. OUR HOUSEKEEPING
CHAPTER 45. MR. DICK FULFILS MY AUNT’S PREDICTIONS
CHAPTER 46. INTELLIGENCE
CHAPTER 47. MARTHA
CHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC
CHAPTER 49. I AM INVOLVED IN MYSTERY
CHAPTER 50. Mr. PEGGOTTY’S DREAM COMES TRUE
CHAPTER 51. THE BEGINNING OF A LONGER JOURNEY
CHAPTER 52. I ASSIST AT AN EXPLOSION
CHAPTER 53. ANOTHER RETROSPECT
CHAPTER 54. Mr. MICAWBER’S TRANSACTIONS
CHAPTER 55. TEMPEST
CHAPTER 56. THE NEW WOUND, AND THE OLD
CHAPTER 57. THE EMIGRANTS
CHAPTER 58. ABSENCE
CHAPTER 59. RETURN
CHAPTER 60. AGNES
CHAPTER 61. I AM SHOWN TWO INTERESTING PENITENTS
CHAPTER 62. A LIGHT SHINES ON MY WAY
CHAPTER 63. A VISITOR
CHAPTER 64. A LAST RETROSPECT
Bleak house
PREFACE
CHAPTER I In Chancery
CHAPTER II In Fashion
CHAPTER III A Progress
CHAPTER IV Telescopic Philanthropy
CHAPTER V A Morning Adventure
CHAPTER VI Quite at Home
CHAPTER VII The Ghost's Walk
CHAPTER VIII Covering a Multitude of Sins
CHAPTER IX Signs and Tokens
CHAPTER X The Law-Writer
CHAPTER XI Our Dear Brother
CHAPTER XII On the Watch
CHAPTER XIII Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER XIV Deportment
CHAPTER XV Bell Yard
CHAPTER XVI Tom-all-Alone's
CHAPTER XVII Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER XVIII Lady Dedlock
CHAPTER XIX Moving On
CHAPTER XX A New Lodger
CHAPTER XXI The Smallweed Family
CHAPTER XXII Mr. Bucket
CHAPTER XXIII Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER XXIV An Appeal Case
CHAPTER XXV Mrs. Snagsby Sees It All
CHAPTER XXVI Sharpshooters
CHAPTER XXVII More Old Soldiers Than One
CHAPTER XXVIII The Ironmaster
CHAPTER XXIX The Young Man
CHAPTER XXX Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER XXXI Nurse and Patient
CHAPTER XXXII The Appointed Time
CHAPTER XXXIII Interlopers
CHAPTER XXXIV A Turn of the Screw
CHAPTER XXXV Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER XXXVI Chesney Wold
CHAPTER XXXVII Jarndyce and Jarndyce
CHAPTER XXXVIII A Struggle
CHAPTER XXXIX Attorney and Client
CHAPTER XL National and Domestic
CHAPTER XLI In Mr. Tulkinghorn's Room
CHAPTER XLII In Mr. Tulkinghorn's Chambers
CHAPTER XLIII Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER XLIV The Letter and the Answer
CHAPTER XLV In Trust
CHAPTER XLVI Stop Him!
CHAPTER XLVII Jo's Will
CHAPTER XLVIII Closing in
CHAPTER XLIX Dutiful Friendship
CHAPTER L Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER LI Enlightened
CHAPTER LII Obstinacy
CHAPTER LIII The Track
CHAPTER LIV Springing a Mine
CHAPTER LV Flight
CHAPTER LVI Pursuit
CHAPTER LVII Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER LVIII A Wintry Day and Night
CHAPTER LIX Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER LX Perspective
CHAPTER LXI A Discovery
CHAPTER LXII Another Discovery
CHAPTER LXIII Steel and Iron
CHAPTER LXIV Esther's Narrative
CHAPTER LXV Beginning the World
CHAPTER LXVI Down in Lincolnshire
CHAPTER LXVII The Close of Esther's Narrative
The Pickwick Papers
Chapter 1 The Pickwickians
Chapter 2 The first Day’s Journey, and the first Evening’s Adventures; with their Consequences
Chapter 3 A new Acquaintance — The Stroller’s Tale — A disagreeable Interruption, and an unpleasant Encounter
Chapter 4 A Field Day and Bivouac — More new Friends — An Invitation to the Country
Chapter 5 A short one — Showing, among other Matters, how Mr. Pickwick undertook to drive, and Mr. Winkle to ride, and how they both did it
Chapter 6 An old — fashioned Card — party — The Clergyman’s verses — The Story of the Convict’s Return
Chapter 7 How Mr. Winkle, instead of shooting at the Pigeon and killing the Crow, shot at the Crow and wounded the Pigeon; how the Dingley Dell Cricket Club played All — Muggleton, and how All — Muggleton dined at the Dingley Dell Expense; with other interesting a
Chapter 8 Strongly illustrative of the Position, that the Course of True Love is not a Railway
Chapter 9 A Discovery and a Chase
Chapter 10 Clearing up all Doubts (if any existed) of the Disinterestedness of Mr. A. Jingle’s Character
Chapter 11 Involving another Journey, and an Antiquarian Discovery; Recording Mr. Pickwick’s Determination to be present at an Election; and containing a Manuscript of the old Clergyman’s
Chapter 12 Descriptive of a very important Proceeding on the Part of Mr. Pickwick; no less an Epoch in his Life, than in this History
Chapter 13 Some Account of Eatanswill; of the State of Parties therein; and of the Election of a Member to serve in Parliament for that ancient, loyal, and patriotic Borough
Chapter 14 Comprising a brief Description of the Company at the Peacock assembled; and a Tale told by a Bagman
Chapter 15 In which is given a faithful Portraiture of two distinguished Persons; and an accurate Description of a public Breakfast in their House and Grounds: which public Breakfast leads to the Recognition of an old Acquaintance, and the Commencement of anoth
Chapter 16 Too full of Adventure to be briefly described
Chapter 17 Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some Cases, acts as a Quickener to inventive Genius
Chapter 18 Briefly illustrative of two Points; first, the Power of Hysterics, and, secondly, the Force of Circumstances
Chapter 19 A pleasant Day with an unpleasant Termination
Chapter 20 Showing how Dodson and Fogg were Men of Business, and their Clerks Men of pleasure; and how an affecting Interview took place between Mr. Weller and his long — lost Parent; showing also what Choice Spirits assembled at the Magpie and Stump, and what a
Chapter 21 In which the old Man launches forth into his favourite Theme, and relates a Story about a queer Client
Chapter 22 Mr. Pickwick journeys to Ipswich and meets with a romantic Adventure with a middle — aged Lady in yellow Curl — papers
Chapter 23 In which Mr. Samuel Weller begins to devote his Energies to the Return Match between himself and Mr. Trotter
Chapter 24 Wherein Mr. Peter Magnus grows jealous, and the middle — aged Lady apprehensive, which brings the Pickwickians within the Grasp of the Law
Chapter 25 Showing, among a Variety of pleasant Matters, how majestic and impartial Mr. Nupkins was; and how Mr. Weller returned Mr. Job Trotter’s Shuttlecock as heavily as it came — With another Matter, which will be found in its Place
Chapter 26 Which contains a brief Account of the Progress of the Action of Bardell against Pickwick
Chapter 27 Samuel Weller makes a Pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his Mother — in — law
Chapter 28 A good — humoured Christmas Chapter, containing an Account of a Wedding, and some other Sports beside: which although in their Way even as good Customs as Marriage itself, are not quite so religiously kept up, in these degenerate Times
Chapter 29 The Story of the Goblins who stole a Sexton
Chapter 30 How the Pickwickians made and cultivated the Acquaintance of a Couple of nice young Men belonging to one of the liberal Professions; how they disported themselves on the Ice; and how their Visit came to a Conclusion
Chapter 31 Which is all about the Law, and sundry Great Authorities learned therein
Chapter 32 Describes, far more fully than the Court Newsman ever did, a Bachelor’s Party, given by Mr. Bob Sawyer at his Lodgings in the Borough
Chapter 33 Mr. Weller the elder delivers some Critical Sentiments respecting Literary Composition; and, assisted by his Son Samuel, pays a small Instalment of Retaliation to the Account of the Reverend Gentleman with the Red Nose
Chapter 34 Is wholly devoted to a full and faithful Report of the memorable Trial of Bardell against Pickwick
Chapter 35 In which Mr. Pickwick thinks he had better go to Bath; and goes accordingly
Chapter 36 The chief Features of which will be found to be an authentic Version of the Legend of Prince Bladud, and a most extraordinary Calamity that befell Mr. Winkle
Chapter 37 Honourably accounts for Mr. Weller’s Absence, by describing a Soiree to which he was invited and went; also relates how he was intrusted by Mr. Pickwick with a Private Mission of Delicacy and Importance
Chapter 38 How Mr. Winkle, when he stepped out of the Frying — pan, walked gently and comfortably into the Fire
Chapter 39 Mr. Samuel Weller, being intrusted with a Mission of Love, proceeds to execute it; with what Success will hereinafter appear
Chapter 40 Introduces Mr. Pickwick to a new and not uninteresting Scene in the great Drama of Life
Chapter 41 What befell Mr. Pickwick when he got into the Fleet; what Prisoners he saw there; and how he passed the Night
Chapter 42 Illustrative, like the preceding one, of the old Proverb, that Adversity brings a Man acquainted with strange Bedfellows — Likewise containing Mr. Pickwick’s extraordinary and startling Announcement to Mr. Samuel Weller
Chapter 43 Showing how Mr. Samuel Weller got into Difficulties
Chapter 44 Treats of divers little Matters which occurred in the Fleet, and of Mr. Winkle’s mysterious Behaviour; and shows how the poor Chancery Prisoner obtained his Release at last
Chapter 45 Descriptive of an affecting Interview between Mr. Samuel Weller and a Family Party. Mr. Pickwick makes a Tour of the diminutive World he inhabits, and resolves to mix with it, in Future, as little as possible
Chapter 46 Records a touching Act of delicate Feeling not unmixed with Pleasantry, achieved and performed by Messrs. Dodson and Fogg
Chapter 47 Is chiefly devoted to Matters of Business, and the temporal Advantage of Dodson and Fogg — Mr. Winkle reappears under extraordinary Circumstances — Mr. Pickwick’s Benevolence proves stronger than his Obstinacy
Chapter 48 Relates how Mr. Pickwick, with the Assistance of Samuel Weller, essayed to soften the Heart of Mr. Benjamin Allen, and to mollify the Wrath of Mr. Robert Sawyer
Chapter 49 Containing the Story of the Bagman’s Uncle
Chapter 50 How Mr. Pickwick sped upon his Mission, and how he was reinforced in the Outset by a most unexpected Auxiliary
Chapter 51 In which Mr. Pickwick encounters an old Acquaintance — To which fortunate Circumstance the Reader is mainly indebted for Matter of thrilling Interest herein set down, concerning two great Public Men of Might and Power
Chapter 52 Involving a serious Change in the Weller Family, and the untimely Downfall of Mr. Stiggins
Chapter 53 Comprising the final Exit of Mr. Jingle and Job Trotter, with a great Morning of business in Gray’s Inn Square — Concluding with a Double Knock at Mr. Perker’s Door
Chapter 54 Containing some Particulars relative to the Double Knock, and other Matters: among which certain interesting Disclosures relative to Mr. Snodgrass and a Young Lady are by no Means irrelevant to this History
Chapter 55 Mr. Solomon Pell, assisted by a Select Committee of Coachmen, arranges the affairs of the elder Mr. Weller
Chapter 56 An important Conference takes place between Mr. Pickwick and Samuel Weller, at which his Parent assists — An old Gentleman in a snuff — coloured Suit arrives unexpectedly
Chapter 57 In which the Pickwick Club is finally dissolved, and everything concluded to the Satisfaction of Everybody
Our Mutual Friend
BOOK THE FIRST
Chapter 1 The Cup and the Lip on the Look Out
Chapter 2 The Man from Somewhere
Chapter 3 Another Man
Chapter 4 The R. Wilfer Family
Chapter 5 Boffin's Bower
Chapter 6 Cut Adrift
Chapter 7 Mr Wegg Looks After Himself
Chapter 8 Mr Boffin in Consultation
Chapter 9 Mr and Mrs Boffin in Consultation
Chapter 10 A Marriage Contract
Chapter 11 Podsnappery
Chapter 12 The Sweat of an Honest Man's Brow
Chapter 13 Tracking the Bird of Prey
Chapter 14 The Bird of Prey Brought Down
Chapter 15 Two New Servants
Chapter 16 Minders and Re-Minders
Chapter 17 A Dismal Swamp
BOOK THE SECOND
Chapter 1 Birds of a Feather of an Educational Character
Chapter 2 Still Educational
Chapter 3 A Piece of Work
Chapter 4 Cupid Prompted
Chapter 5 Mercury Prompting
Chapter 6 A Riddle Without an Answer
Chapter 7 In Which a Friendly Move Is Originated
Chapter 8 In Which an Innocent Elopement Occurs
Chapter 9 In Which the Orphan Makes His Will
Chapter 10 A Successor
Chapter 11 Some Affairs of the Heart
Chapter 12 More Birds of Prey
Chapter 13 A Solo and a Duett
Chapter 14 Strong of Purpose
Chapter 15 The Whole Case So Far
Chapter 16 An Anniversary Occasion
BOOK THE THIRD
Chapter 1 A Long Lane Lodgers in Queer Street
Chapter 2 A Respected Friend in a New Aspect
Chapter 3 The Same Respected Friend in More Aspects Than One
Chapter 4 A Happy Return of the Day
Chapter 5 The Golden Dustman Falls Into Bad Company
Chapter 6 The Golden Dustman Falls Into Worse Company
Chapter 7 The Friendly Move Takes Up a Strong Position
Chapter 8 The End of a Long Journey
Chapter 9 Somebody Becomes the Subject of a Prediction
Chapter 10 Scouts Out
Chapter 11 In the Dark
Chapter 12 Meaning Mischief
Chapter 13 Give a Dog a Bad Name, and Hang Him
Chapter 14 Mr Wegg Prepares a Grindstone for Mr Boffin's Nose
Chapter 15 The Golden Dustman At His Wors
Chapter 16 The Feast of the Three Hobgoblins
Chapter 17 A Social Chorus
BOOK THE FOURTH
Chapter 1 A Turning Setting Traps
Chapter 2 The Golden Dustman Rises a Little
Chapter 3 The Golden Dustman Sinks Again
Chapter 4 A Runaway Match
Chapter 5 Concerning the Mendicant's Bride
Chapter 6 A Cry for Help
Chapter 7 Better to Be Abel Than Cain
Chapter 8 A Few Grains of Pepper
Chapter 9 Two Places Vacated
Chapter 10 The Dolls' Dressmaker Discovers a Word
Chapter 11 Effect Is Given to the Dolls' Dressmaker's Discovery
Chapter 12 The Passing Shadow
Chapter 13 Showing How the Golden Dustman Helped to Scatter Dust
Chapter 14 Checkmate to the Friendly Move
Chapter 15 What Was Caught in the Traps That Were Set
Chapter 16 Persons and Things in General
POSTSCRIPT In Lieu of Preface
Little Dorrit
Preface Preface to the 1857 Edition
BOOK THE FIRST Poverty
CHAPTER 1 Sun and Shadow
CHAPTER 2 Fellow Travellers
CHAPTER 3 Home
CHAPTER 4 Mrs Flintwinch Has a Dream
CHAPTER 5 Family Affairs
CHAPTER 6 The Father of the Marshalsea
CHAPTER 7 The Child of the Marshalsea
CHAPTER 8 The Lock
CHAPTER 9 Little Mother
CHAPTER 10 Containing the Whole Science of Government
CHAPTER 11 Let Loose
CHAPTER 12 Bleeding Heart Yard
CHAPTER 13 Patriarchal
CHAPTER 14 Little Dorrit's Party
CHAPTER 15 Mrs Flintwinch Has Another Dream
CHAPTER 16 Nobody's Weakness
CHAPTER 17 Nobody's Rival
CHAPTER 18 Little Dorrit's Lover
CHAPTER 19 The Father of the Marshalsea in Two Or Three Relations
CHAPTER 20 Moving in Society
CHAPTER 21 Mr Merdle's Complaint
CHAPTER 22 A Puzzle
CHAPTER 23 Machinery in Motion
CHAPTER 24 Fortune-Telling
CHAPTER 25 Conspirators and Others
CHAPTER 26 Nobody's State of Mind
CHAPTER 27 Five-And-Twenty
CHAPTER 28 Nobody's Disappearance
CHAPTER 29 Mrs Flintwinch Goes on Dreaming
CHAPTER 30 The Word of a Gentleman
CHAPTER 31 Spirit
CHAPTER 32 More Fortune-Telling
CHAPTER 33 Mrs Merdle's Complaint
CHAPTER 34 A Shoal of Barnacles
CHAPTER 35 What Was Behind Mr Pancks on Little Dorrit's Hand
The Marshalsea Becomes an Orphan
BOOK THE SECOND Riches
CHAPTER 1 Fellow Travellers
CHAPTER 2 Mrs General
CHAPTER 3 On the Road
CHAPTER 4 A Letter from Little Dorrit
CHAPTER 5 Something Wrong Somewhere
CHAPTER 6 Something Right Somewhere
CHAPTER 7 Mostly, Prunes and Prism
CHAPTER 8 The Dowager Mrs Gowan Is Reminded That 'It Never Does'
CHAPTER 9 Appearance and Disappearance
CHAPTER 10 The Dreams of Mrs Flintwinch Thicken
CHAPTER 11 A Letter from Little Dorrit
CHAPTER 12 In Which a Great Patriotic Conference Is Holden
CHAPTER 13 The Progress of an Epidemic
CHAPTER 14 Taking Advice
CHAPTER 15 No Just Cause Or Impediment Why These Two Persons Should Not Be Joined Together
CHAPTER 16 Getting on
CHAPTER 17 Missing
CHAPTER 18 A Castle in the Air
CHAPTER 19 The Storming of the Castle in the Air
CHAPTER 20 Introduces the Next
CHAPTER 21 The History of a Self-Tormentor
CHAPTER 22 Who Passes by This Road So Late?
CHAPTER 23 Mistress Affery Makes a Conditional Promise, Respecting Her Dreams
CHAPTER 24 The Evening of a Long Day
CHAPTER 25 The Chief Butler Resigns the Seals of Office
CHAPTER 26 Reaping the Whirlwind
CHAPTER 27 The Pupil of the Marshalsea
CHAPTER 28 An Appearance in the Marshalsea
CHAPTER 29 A Plea in the Marshalsea
CHAPTER 30 Closing in
CHAPTER 31 Closed
CHAPTER 32 Going
CHAPTER 33 Going!
CHAPTER 34 Gone
The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby
Chapter 1 Introduces all the Rest
Chapter 2 Of Mr Ralph Nickleby, and his Establishments, and his Undertakings, and of a great Joint Stock Company of vast national Importance
Chapter 3 Mr Ralph Nickleby receives Sad Tidings of his Brother, but bears up nobly against the Intelligence communicated to him. The Reader is informed how he liked Nicholas, who is herein introduced, and how kindly he proposed to make his Fortune at once
Chapter 4 Nicholas and his Uncle (to secure the Fortune without loss of time) wait upon Mr Wackford Squeers, the Yorkshire Schoolmaster
Chapter 5 Nicholas starts for Yorkshire. Of his Leave-taking and his Fellow-Travellers, and what befell them on the Road
Chapter 6 In which the Occurrence of the Accident mentioned in the last Chapter, affords an Opportunity to a couple of Gentlemen to tell Stories against each other
Chapter 7 Mr and Mrs Squeers at Home
Chapter 8 Of the Internal Economy of Dotheboys Hall
Chapter 9 Of Miss Squeers, Mrs Squeers, Master Squeers, and Mr Squeers; and of various Matters and Persons connected no less with the Squeerses than Nicholas Nickleby
Chapter 10 How Mr Ralph Nickleby provided for his Niece and Sister-in-Law
Chapter 11 Newman Noggs inducts Mrs and Miss Nickleby into their New Dwelling in the City
Chapter 12 Whereby the Reader will be enabled to trace the further course of Miss Fanny Squeer's Love, and to ascertain whether it ran smooth or otherwise
Chapter 13 Nicholas varies the Monotony of Dothebys Hall by a most vigorous and remarkable proceeding, which leads to Consequences of some Importance
Chapter 14 Having the Misfortune to treat of none but Common People, is necessarily of a Mean and Vulgar Character
Chapter 15 Acquaints the Reader with the Cause and Origin of the Interruption described in the last Chapter, and with some other Matters necessary to be known
Chapter 16 Nicholas seeks to employ himself in a New Capacity, and being unsuccessful, accepts an engagement as Tutor in a Private Family
Chapter 17 Follows the Fortunes of Miss Nickleby
Chapter 18 Miss Knag, after doting on Kate Nickleby for three whole Days, makes up her Mind to hate her for evermore. The Causes which led Miss Knag to form this Resolution
Chapter 19 Descriptive of a Dinner at Mr Ralph Nickleby's, and of the Manner in which the Company entertained themselves, before Dinner, at Dinner, and after Dinner
Chapter 20 Wherein Nicholas at length encounters his Uncle, to whom he expresses his Sentiments with much Candour. His Resolution.
Chapter 21 Madam Mantalini finds herself in a Situation of some Difficulty, and Miss Nickleby finds herself in no Situation at all
Chapter 22 Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his Fortune. He encounters Mr Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest
Chapter 23 Treats of the Company of Mr Vincent Crummles, and of his Affairs, Domestic and Theatrical
Chapter 24 Of the Great Bespeak for Miss Snevellicci, and the first Appearance of Nicholas upon any Stage
Chapter 25 Concerning a young Lady from London, who joins the Company, and an elderly Admirer who follows in her Train; with an affecting Ceremony consequent on their Arrival
Chapter 26 Is fraught with some Danger to Miss Nickleby's Peace of Mind
Chapter 27 Mrs Nickleby becomes acquainted with Messrs Pyke and Pluck, whose Affection and Interest are beyond all Bounds
Chapter 28 Miss Nickleby, rendered desperate by the Persecution of Sir Mulberry Hawk, and the Complicated Difficulties and Distresses which surround her, appeals, as a last resource, to her Uncle for Protection
Chapter 29 Of the Proceedings of Nicholas, and certain Internal Divisions in the Company of Mr Vincent Crummles
Chapter 30 Festivities are held in honour of Nicholas, who suddenly withdraws himself from the Society of Mr Vincent Crummles and his Theatrical Companions
Chapter 31 Of Ralph Nickleby and Newman Noggs, and some wise Precautions, the success or failure of which will appear in the Sequel
Chapter 32 Relating chiefly to some remarkable Conversation, and some remarkable Proceedings to which it gives rise
Chapter 33 In which Mr Ralph Nickleby is relieved, by a very expeditious Process, from all Commerce with his Relations
Chapter 34 Wherein Mr Ralph Nickleby is visited by Persons with whom the Reader has been already made acquainted
Chapter 35 Smike becomes known to Mrs Nickleby and Kate. Nicholas also meets with new Acquaintances. Brighter Days seem to dawn upon the Family
Chapter 36 Private and confidential; relating to Family Matters. Showing how Mr Kenwigs underwent violent Agitation, and how Mrs Kenwigs was as well as could be expected
Chapter 37 Nicholas finds further Favour in the Eyes of the brothers Cheeryble and Mr Timothy Linkinwater. The brothers give a Banquet on a great Annual Occasion. Nicholas, on returning Home from it, receives a mysterious and important Disclosure from the Lips
Chapter 38 Comprises certain Particulars arising out of a Visit of Condolence, which may prove important hereafter. Smike unexpectedly encounters a very old Friend, who invites him to his House, and will take no Denial
Chapter 39 In which another old Friend encounters Smike, very opportunely and to some Purpose
Chapter 40 In which Nicholas falls in Love. He employs a Mediator, whose Proceedings are crowned with unexpected Success, excepting in one solitary Particular
Chapter 41 Containing some Romantic Passages between Mrs Nickleby and the Gentleman in the Small-clothes next Door
Chapter 42 Illustrative of the convivial Sentiment, that the best of Friends must sometimes part
Chapter 43 Officiates as a kind of Gentleman Usher, in bringing various People together
Chapter 44 Mr Ralph Nickleby cuts an old Acquaintance. It would also appear from the Contents hereof, that a Joke, even between Husband and Wife, may be sometimes carried too far
Chapter 45 Containing Matter of a surprising Kind
Chapter 46 Throws some Light upon Nicholas's Love; but whether for Good or Evil the Reader must determine
Chapter 47 Mr Ralph Nickleby has some confidential Intercourse with another old Friend. They concert between them a Project, which promises well for both
Chapter 48 Being for the Benefit of Mr Vincent Crummles, and positively his last Appearance on this Stage
Chapter 49 Chronicles the further Proceedings of the Nickleby Family, and the Sequel of the Adventure of the Gentleman in the Small-clothes
Chapter 50 Involves a serious Catastrophe
Chapter 51 The Project of Mr Ralph Nickleby and his Friend approaching a successful Issue, becomes unexpectedly known to another Party, not admitted into their Confidence
Chapter 52 Nicholas despairs of rescuing Madeline Bray, but plucks up his Spirits again, and determines to attempt it. Domestic Intelligence of the Kenwigses and Lillyvicks
Chapter 53 Containing the further Progress of the Plot contrived by Mr Ralph Nickleby and Mr Arthur Gride
Chapter 54 The Crisis of the Project and its Result
Chapter 55 Of Family Matters, Cares, Hopes, Disappointments, and Sorrows
Chapter 56 Ralph Nickleby, baffled by his Nephew in his late Design, hatches a Scheme of Retaliation which Accident suggests to him, and takes into his Counsels a tried Auxiliary
Chapter 57 How Ralph Nickleby's Auxiliary went about his Work, and how he prospered with it
Chapter 58 In which one Scene of this History is closed
Chapter 59 The Plots begin to fail, and Doubts and Dangers to disturb the Plotter
Chapter 60 The Dangers thicken, and the Worst is told
Chapter 61 Wherein Nicholas and his Sister forfeit the good Opinion of all worldly and prudent People
Chapter 62 Ralph makes one last Appointment--and keeps it
Chapter 63 The Brothers Cheeryble make various Declarations for themselves and others. Tim Linkinwater makes a Declaration for himself
Chapter 64 An old Acquaintance is recognised under melancholy Circumstances, and Dotheboys Hall breaks up for ever
Chapter 65 Conclusion
The Old Curiosity Shop
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 45
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 47
CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 49
CHAPTER 50
CHAPTER 51
CHAPTER 52
CHAPTER 53
CHAPTER 54
CHAPTER 55
CHAPTER 56
CHAPTER 57
CHAPTER 58
CHAPTER 59
CHAPTER 60
CHAPTER 61
CHAPTER 62
CHAPTER 63
CHAPTER 64
CHAPTER 65
CHAPTER 66
CHAPTER 67
CHAPTER 68
CHAPTER 69
CHAPTER 70
CHAPTER 71
CHAPTER 72
CHAPTER 73
American Notes for General Circulation
CHAPTER I — GOING AWAY
CHAPTER II — THE PASSAGE OUT
CHAPTER III — BOSTON
CHAPTER IV — AN AMERICAN RAILROAD. LOWELL AND ITS FACTORY SYSTEM
CHAPTER V — WORCESTER. THE CONNECTICUT RIVER. HARTFORD. NEW
CHAPTER VI — NEW YORK
CHAPTER VII — PHILADELPHIA, AND ITS SOLITARY PRISON
CHAPTER VIII — WASHINGTON. THE LEGISLATURE. AND THE PRESIDENT’S
CHAPTER IX — A NIGHT STEAMER ON THE POTOMAC RIVER. VIRGINIA ROAD, AND A BLACK DRIVER. RICHMOND. BALTIMORE. THE HARRISBURG MAIL, AND A GLIMPSE OF THE CITY. A CANAL BOAT
CHAPTER X — SOME FURTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CANAL BOAT, ITS DOMESTIC
CHAPTER XI — FROM PITTSBURG TO CINCINNATI IN A WESTERN STEAMBOAT
CHAPTER XII — FROM CINCINNATI TO LOUISVILLE IN ANOTHER WESTERN
CHAPTER XIII — A JAUNT TO THE LOOKING-GLASS PRAIRIE AND BACK
CHAPTER XIV — RETURN TO CINCINNATI. A STAGE-COACH RIDE FROM THAT
CHAPTER XV–IN CANADA; TORONTO; KINGSTON; MONTREAL; QUEBEC; ST
CHAPTER XVI — THE PASSAGE HOME
CHAPTER XVII — SLAVERY
CHAPTER XVIII–CONCLUDING REMARKS
POSTSCRIPT
Dombey and Son
CHAPTER 1 Dombey and Son
CHAPTER 2 In which Timely Provision is made for an Emergency that will sometimes arise in the best-regulated Families
CHAPTER 3 In which Mr Dombey, as a Man and a Father, is seen at the Head of the Home-Department
CHAPTER 4 In which some more First Appearances are made on the Stage of these Adventures
CHAPTER 5 Paul's Progress and Christening
CHAPTER 6 Paul's Second Deprivation
CHAPTER 7 A Bird's-eye Glimpse of Miss Tox's Dwelling-place: also of the State of Miss Tox's Affections
CHAPTER 8 Paul's Further Progress, Growth and Character
CHAPTER 9 In which the Wooden Midshipman gets into Trouble
CHAPTER 10 Containing the Sequel of the Midshipman's Disaster
CHAPTER 11 Paul's Introduction to a New Scene
CHAPTER 12 Paul's Education
CHAPTER 13 Shipping Intelligence and Office Business
CHAPTER 14 Paul grows more and more Old-fashioned, and goes Home for the Holidays
CHAPTER 15 Amazing Artfulness of Captain Cuttle, and a new Pursuit for Walter Gay
CHAPTER 16 What the Waves were always saying
CHAPTER 17 Captain Cuttle does a little Business for the Young People
CHAPTER 18 Father and Daughter
CHAPTER 19 Walter goes away
CHAPTER 20 Mr Dombey goes upon a Journey
CHAPTER 21 New Faces
CHAPTER 22 A Trifle of Management by Mr Carker the Manager
CHAPTER 23 Florence solitary, and the Midshipman mysterious
CHAPTER 24 The Study of a Loving Heart
CHAPTER 25 Strange News of Uncle Sol
CHAPTER 26 Shadows of the Past and Future
CHAPTER 27 Deeper Shadows
CHAPTER 28 Alterations
CHAPTER 29 The Opening of the Eyes of Mrs Chick
CHAPTER 30 The interval before the Marriage
CHAPTER 31 The Wedding
CHAPTER 32 The Wooden Midshipman goes to Pieces
CHAPTER 33 Contrasts
CHAPTER 34 Another Mother and Daughter
CHAPTER 35 The Happy Pair
CHAPTER 36 Housewarming
CHAPTER 37 More Warnings than One
CHAPTER 38 Miss Tox improves an Old Acquaintance
CHAPTER 39 Further Adventures of Captain Edward Cuttle, Mariner
CHAPTER 40 Domestic Relations
CHAPTER 41 New Voices in the Waves
CHAPTER 42 Confidential and Accidental
CHAPTER 43 The Watches of the Night
CHAPTER 44 A Separation
CHAPTER 45 The Trusty Agent
CHAPTER 46 Recognizant and Reflective
CHAPTER 47 The Thunderbolt
CHAPTER 48 The Flight of Florence
CHAPTER 49 The Midshipman makes a Discovery
CHAPTER 50 Mr Toots's Complaint
CHAPTER 51 Mr Dombey and the World
CHAPTER 52 Secret Intelligence
CHAPTER 53 More Intelligence
CHAPTER 54 The Fugitives
CHAPTER 55 Rob the Grinder loses his Place
CHAPTER 56 Several People delighted, and the Game Chicken disgusted
CHAPTER 57 Another Wedding
CHAPTER 58 After a Lapse
CHAPTER 59 Retribution
CHAPTER 60 Chiefly Matrimonial
CHAPTER 61 Relenting
CHAPTER 62 Final
PREFACE OF 1848
PREFACE OF 1867
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Chapter 1 The Dawn
Chapter 2 A Dean, and a Chapter also
Chapter 3 The Nun's House
Chapter 4 Mr. Sapsea
Chapter 5 Mr. Durdles and Friend
Chapter 6 Philanthropy in Minor Canon Corner
Chapter 7 More Confidences than one
Chapter 8 Daggers drawn
Chapter 9 Birds in the Bush
Chapter 10 Smoothing the Way
Chapter 11 A Picture and a Ring
Chapter 12 A Night with Durdles
Chapter 13 Both at their Best
Chapter 14 When shall these three meet again?
Chapter 15 Impeached
Chapter 16 Devoted
Chapter 17 Philanthropy, Professional and Unprofessional
Chapter 18 A Settler in Cloisterham
Chapter 19 Shadow on the Sun-dial
Chapter 20 A Flight
Chapter 21 A Recognition
Chapter 22 A gritty State of Things comes on
Chapter 23 The Dawn again
A tale of the riots of ‘eighty
PREFACE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter the Last
Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit
PREFACE
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTORY, CONCERNING THE PEDIGREE OF THE CHUZZLEWIT FAMILY
CHAPTER TWO WHEREIN CERTAIN PERSONS ARE PRESENTED TO THE READER, WITH WHOM HE MAY, IF HE PLEASE, BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED
CHAPTER THREE IN WHICH CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS ARE INTRODUCED; ON THE SAME TERMS AS IN THE LAST CHAPTER
CHAPTER FOUR FROM WHICH IT WILL APPEAR THAT IF UNION BE STRENGTH, AND FAMILY AFFECTION BE PLEASANT TO CONTEMPLATE, THE CHUZZLEWITS WERE THE STRONGEST AND MOST AGREEABLE FAMILY IN THE WORLD
CHAPTER FIVE CONTAINING A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE INSTALLATION OF MR PECKSNIFF'S NEW PUPIL INTO THE BOSOM OF MR PECKSNIFF'S FAMILY. WITH ALL THE FESTIVITIES HELD ON THAT OCCASION, AND THE GREAT ENJOYMENT OF MR PINCH
CHAPTER SIX COMPRISES, AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS, PECKSNIFFIAN AND ARCHITECTURAL, AND EXACT RELATION OF THE PROGRESS MADE BY MR PINCH IN THE CONFIDENCE AND FRIENDSHIP OF THE NEW PUPIL
CHAPTER SEVEN IN WHICH MR CHEVY SLYME ASSERTS THE INDEPENDENCE OF HIS SPIRIT, AND THE BLUE DRAGON LOSES A LIMB
CHAPTER EIGHT ACCOMPANIES MR PECKSNIFF AND HIS CHARMING DAUGHTERS TO THE CITY OF LONDON; AND RELATES WHAT FELL OUT UPON THEIR WAY THITHER
CHAPTER NINE TOWN AND TODGER'S
CHAPTER TEN CONTAINING STRANGE MATTER, ON WHICH MANY EVENTS IN THIS HISTORY MAY, FOR THEIR GOOD OR EVIL INFLUENCE, CHIEFLY DEPEND
CHAPTER ELEVEN WHEREIN A CERTAIN GENTLEMAN BECOMES PARTICULAR IN HIS ATTENTIONS TO A CERTAIN LADY; AND MORE COMING EVENTS THAN ONE, CAST THEIR SHADOWS BEFORE
CHAPTER TWELVE WILL BE SEEN IN THE LONG RUN, IF NOT IN THE SHORT ONE, TO CONCERN MR PINCH AND OTHERS, NEARLY. MR PECKSNIFF ASSERTS THE DIGNITY OF OUTRAGED VIRTUE. YOUNG MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT FORMS A DESPERATE RESOLUTION
CHAPTER THIRTEEN SHOWING WHAT BECAME OF MARTIN AND HIS DESPARATE RESOLVE, AFTER HE LEFT MR PECKSNIFF'S HOUSE; WHAT PERSONS HE ENCOUNTERED; WHAT ANXIETIES HE SUFFERED; AND WHAT NEWS HE HEARD
CHAPTER FOURTEEN IN WHICH MARTIN BIDS ADIEU TO THE LADY OF HIS LOVE; AND HONOURS AN OBSCURE INDIVIDUAL WHOSE FORTUNE HE INTENDS TO MAKE BY COMMENDING HER TO HIS PROTECTION
CHAPTER FIFTEEN THE BURDEN WHEREOF, IS HAIL COLUMBIA!
CHAPTER SIXTEEN MARTIN DISEMBARKS FROM THAT NOBLE AND FAST-SAILING LINE-OF-PACKET SHIP, “THE SCREW”, AT THE PORT OF NEW YORK, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. HE MAKES SOME ACQUAINTANCES, AND DINES AT A BOARDINGHOUSE. THE PARTICULARS OF THOSE TRANSACTIONS
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN MARTIN ENLARGES HIS CIRCLE OF AQUAINTANCE; INCREASES HIS STOCK OF WISDOM; AND HAS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY OF COMPARING HIS OWN EXPERIENCES WITH THOSE OF LUMMY NED OF THE LIGHT SALISBURY, AS RELATED BY HIS FRIEND MR WILLIAM SIMMONS
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN DOES BUSINESS WITH THE HOUSE OF ANTHONY CHUZZLEWIT AND SON, FROM WHICH ONE OF THE PARTNERS RETIRES UNEXPECTEDLY
CHAPTER NINETEEN THE READER IS BROUGHT INTO COMMUNICATION WITH SOME PROFESSIONAL PERSONS, AND SHEDS A TEAR OVER THE FILAIL PIETY OF GOOD MR JONAS
CHAPTER TWENTY IS A CHAPTER OF LOVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE MORE AMERICAN EXPERIENCES, MARTIN TAKES A PARTNER, AND MAKES A PURCHASE. SOME ACCOUNT OF EDEN, AS IT APPEARED ON PAPER. ALSO OF THE BRITISH LION. ALSO OF THE KIND OF SYMPATHY PROFESSED AND ENTERTAINED BY THE WATERTOAST ASSOCIATION OF UNITED SYMPATHISERS
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO FROM WHICH IT WILL BE SEEN THAT MARTIN BECAME A LION OF HIS OWN ACCOUNT. TOGETHER WITH THE REASON WHY
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE MARTIN AND HIS PARTNER TAKE POSSESSION OF THEIR ESTATE. THE JOYFUL OCCASION INVOLVES SOME FURTHER ACCOUNT OF EDEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR REPORTS PROGRESS IN CERTAIN HOMELY MATTERS OF LOVE, HATRED, JEALOUSY, AND REVENGE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE IS IN PART PROFESSIONAL, AND FURNISHES THE READER WITH SOME VALUABLE HINTS IN RELATION TO THE MANAGEMENT OF A SICK CHAMBER
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX AN UNEXPECTED MEETING, AND A PROMISING PROSPECT
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN SHOWING THAT OLD FRIENDS MAY NOT ONLY APPEAR WITH NEW FACES, BUT IN FALSE COLOURS. THAT PEOPLE ARE PRONE TO BITE, AND THAT BITERS MAY SOMETIMES BE BITTEN.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT MR MONTAGUE AT HOME. AND MR JONAS CHUZZLEWIT AT HOME
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE IN WHICH SOME PEOPLE ARE PRECOCIOUS, OTHERS PROFESSIONAL, AND OTHERS MYSTERIOUS; ALL IN THEIR SEVERAL WAYS
CHAPTER THIRTY PROVES THAT CHANGES MAY BE RUNG IN THE BEST-REGULATED FAMILIES, AND THAT MR PECKNIFF WAS A SPECIAL HAND AT A TRIPLE-BOB-MAJOR
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE MR PINCH IS DISCHARGED OF A DUTY WHICH HE NEVER OWED TO ANYBODY, AND MR PECKSNIFF DISCHARGES A DUTY WHICH HE OWES TO SOCIETY
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO TREATS OF TODGER'S AGAIN; AND OF ANOTHER BLIGHTED PLANT BESIDES THE PLANTS UPON THE LEADS
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE FURTHER PROCEEDINGS IN EDEN, AND A PROCEEDING OUT OF IT. MARTIN MAKES A DISCOVERY OF SOME IMPORTANCE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR IN WHICH THE TRAVELLERS MOVE HOMEWARD, AND ENCOUNTER SOME DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS UPON THE WAY
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE ARRIVING IN ENGLAND, MARTIN WITNESSES A CEREMONY, FROM WHICH HE DERIVES THE CHEERING INFORMATION THAT HE HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN IN HIS ABSENCE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX TOM PINCH DEPARTS TO SEEK HIS FORTUNE. WHAT HE FINDS AT STARTING
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN TOM PINCH, GOING ASTRAY, FINDS THAT HE IS NOT THE ONLY PERSON IN THAT PREDICAMENT. HE RETALIATES UPON A FALLEN FOE
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT SECRET SERVICE
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE CONTAINING SOME FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY OF THE PINCHES; WITH STRANGE NEWS FROM THE CITY, NARROWLY CONCERNING TOM
CHAPTER FORTY THE PINCHES MAKE A NEW ACQUAINTANCE, AND HAVE FRESH OCCASION FOR SURPRISE AND WONDER
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE MR JONAS AND HIS FRIEND, ARRIVING AT A PLEASANT UNDERSTANDING, SET FORTH UPON AN ENTERPRISE
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO CONTINUATION OF THE ENTERPRISE OF MR JONAS AND HIS FRIEND
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE HAS AN INFLUENCE ON THE FORTUNES OF SEVERAL PEOPLE. MR PECKSNIFF IS EXHIBITED IN THE PLENITUDE OF POWER; AND WIELDS THE SAME WITH FORTITUDE AND MAGNANIMITY
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR FURTHER CONTINUATION OF THE ENTERPRISE OF MR JONAS AND HIS FRIEND
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE IN WHICH TOM PINCH AND HIS SISTER TAKE A LITTLE PLEASURE; BUT QUITE IN A DOMESTIC WAY, AND WITH NO CEREMONY ABOUT IT
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX IN WHICH MISS PECKSNIFF MAKES LOVE, MR JONAS MAKES WRATH, MRS GAMP MAKES TEA, AND MR CHUFFEY MAKES BUSINESS
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN CONCLUSION OF THE ENTERPRISE OF MR JONAS AND HIS FRIEND
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT BEARS TIDINGS OF MARTIN AND OF MARK, AS WELL AS OF A THIRD PERSON NOT QUITE UNKNOWN TO THE READER. EXHIBITS FILIAL PIETY IN AN UGLY ASPECT; AND CASTS A DOUBTFUL RAY OF LIGHT UPON A VERY DARK PLACE
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE IN WHICH MRS HARRIS ASSISTED BY A TEAPOT, IS THE CAUSE OF A DIVISION BETWEEN FRIENDS
CHAPTER FIFTY SURPRISES TOM PINCH VERY MUCH, AND SHOWS HOW CERTAIN CONFIDENCES PASSED BETWEEN HIM AND HIS SISTER
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE SHEDS NEW AND BRIGHTER LIGHT UPON THE VERY DARK PLACE; AND CONTAINS THE SEQUEL OF THE ENTERPRISE OF MR JONAS AND HIS FRIEND
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO IN WHICH THE TABLES ARE TURNED, COMPLETELY UPSIDE DOWN
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE WHAT JOHN WESTLOCK SAID TO TOM PINCH'S SISTER; WHAT TOM PINCH'S SISTER SAID TO JOHN WESTLOCK; WHAT TOM PINCH SAID TO BOTH OF THEM; AND HOW THEY ALL PASSED THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR GIVES THE AUTHOR GREAT CONCERN. FOR IT IS THE LAST IN THE BOOK
Three Ghost Stories
SIGNAL The Signal Man
HAUNTED I The Haunted House The Mortals in the House
HAUNTED II (continued) The Ghost in Master B.'s Room
TRIAL The Trial for Murder
Hunted Down
I
II
III
IV
V
Pictures from Italy
THE READER'S PASSPORT
CHAPTER I GOING THROUGH FRANCE
CHAPTER II LYONS, THE RHONE, AND THE GOBLIN OF AVIGNON
CHAPTER III AVIGNON TO GENOA
CHAPTER IV GENOA AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD
CHAPTER V TO PARMA, MODENA, AND BOLOGNA
CHAPTER VI THROUGH BOLOGNA AND FERRARA
CHAPTER VII AN ITALIAN DREAM
CHAPTER VIII BY VERONA, MANTUA, AND MILAN, ACROSS THE PASS OF THE SIMPLON INTO SWITZERLAND
CHAPTER IX TO ROME BY PISA AND SIENA
CHAPTER X ROME
CHAPTER XI A RAPID DIORAMA
A child’s history of England
CHAPTER I-ANCIENT ENGLAND AND THE ROMANS
CHAPTER II-ANCIENT ENGLAND UNDER THE EARLY SAXONS
CHAPTER III-ENGLAND UNDER THE GOOD SAXON, ALFRED
CHAPTER IV-ENGLAND UNDER ATHELSTAN AND THE SIX BOY-KINGS
CHAPTER V-ENGLAND UNDER CANUTE THE DANE
CHAPTER VI-ENGLAND UNDER HAROLD HAREFOOT, HARDICANUTE, AND EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
CHAPTER VII-ENGLAND UNDER HAROLD THE SECOND, AND CONQUERED BY THE NORMANS
CHAPTER VIII-ENGLAND UNDER WILLIAM THE FIRST, THE NORMAN CONQUEROR
CHAPTER IX-ENGLAND UNDER WILLIAM THE SECOND, CALLED RUFUS
CHAPTER X-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE FIRST, CALLED FINE-SCHOLAR
CHAPTER XI-ENGLAND UNDER MATILDA AND STEPHEN
CHAPTER XII-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE SECOND
PART THE SECOND
CHAPTER XIII-ENGLAND UNDER RICHARD THE FIRST, CALLED THE LION-HEART
CHAPTER XIV-ENGLAND UNDER KING JOHN, CALLED LACKLAND
CHAPTER XV-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE THIRD, CALLED, OF WINCHESTER
CHAPTER XVI-ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE FIRST, CALLED LONGSHANKS
CHAPTER XVII-ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE SECOND
CHAPTER XVIII-ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE THIRD
CHAPTER XIX-ENGLAND UNDER RICHARD THE SECOND
CHAPTER XX-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE FOURTH, CALLED BOLINGBROKE
CHAPTER XXI-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE FIFTH
SECOND PART
CHAPTER XXII-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE SIXTH
PART THE SECOND: THE STORY OF JOAN OF ARC
PART THE THIRD
CHAPTER XXIII-ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE FOURTH
CHAPTER XXIV-ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE FIFTH
CHAPTER XXV-ENGLAND UNDER RICHARD THE THIRD
CHAPTER XXVI-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE SEVENTH
CHAPTER XXVII-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE EIGHTH, CALLED BLUFF KING HAL AND BURLY KING HARRY
CHAPTER XXVIII-ENGLAND UNDER HENRY THE EIGHTH
CHAPTER XXIX-ENGLAND UNDER EDWARD THE SIXTH
CHAPTER XXX-ENGLAND UNDER MARY
CHAPTER XXXI-ENGLAND UNDER ELIZABETH
SECOND PART
THIRD PART
CHAPTER XXXII-ENGLAND UNDER JAMES THE FIRST
SECOND PART
CHAPTER XXXIII-ENGLAND UNDER CHARLES THE FIRST
SECOND PART
THIRD PART
FOURTH PART
CHAPTER XXXIV-ENGLAND UNDER OLIVER CROMWELL
SECOND PART
CHAPTER XXXV-ENGLAND UNDER CHARLES THE SECOND, CALLED THE MERRY MONARCH
SECOND PART
CHAPTER XXXVI-ENGLAND UNDER JAMES THE SECOND
CHAPTER XXXVII
To be Read at Dusk
The Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain
CHAPTER I The Gift Bestowed
CHAPTER II The Gift Diffused
CHAPTER III The Gift Reversed
Holiday Romance
PART I Introductory Romance. From the Pen of William Tinkling, Esq. (Aged eight.)
PART II Romance. From the Pen of Miss Alice Rainbird (Aged seven.)
PART III Romance. From the Pen of Lieut.-Col. Robin Redforth (Aged nine.)
PART IV Romance. From the Pen of Miss Nettie Ashford (Aged half-past six.)
The Lamplighter
THE SEVEN POOR TRAVELLERS — IN THREE CHAPTERS
CHAPTER I IN THE OLD CITY OF ROCHESTER
CHAPTER II THE STORY OF RICHARD DOUBLEDICK
CHAPTER III THE ROAD
MUGBY JUNCTION
CHAPTER I — BARBOX BROTHERS
CHAPTER II — BARBOX BROTHERS AND CO
CHAPTER III — THE BOY AT MUGBY
GEORGE SILVERMAN’S EXPLANATION
FIRST CHAPTER
SECOND CHAPTER
THIRD CHAPTER
FOURTH CHAPTER
FIFTH CHAPTER
SIXTH CHAPTER
SEVENTH CHAPTER
EIGHTH CHAPTER
NINTH CHAPTER
The Wreck of the Golden Mary
Part I The Wreck
Part II
Part III John Steadiman
DOCTOR MARIGOLD
Master Humphrey's Clock
CHAPTER I Master Humphrey, from His Clock-Side in the Chimney Corner
THE CLOCK-CASE
The manuscript runs thus Introduction to the Giant Chronicles
First Night of the Giant Chronicles
Correspondence to Master Humphrey
CHAPTER II Master Humphrey, from His Clock-Side in the Chimney-Corner
The Clock-case A Confession Found in a Prison in the Time of Charles the Second
Correspondence
CHAPTER III Master Humphrey's Visitor
Mr. Pickwick's Tale
Second Chapter of Mr. Pickwick's Tale
Further Particulars of Master Humphrey's Visitor
CHAPTER IV The Clock
CHAPTER V Mr. Weller's Watch
CHAPTER VI Master Humphrey, from His Clock-Side in the Chimney Corner
The Deaf Gentleman from His Own Apartment
The Battle of Life
CHAPTER I Part the First
CHAPTER II Part the Second
CHAPTER III Part the Third
MUDFOG AND OTHER SKETCHES
PUBLIC LIFE OF MR. TULRUMBLE — ONCE MAYOR OF MUDFOG
FULL REPORT OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MUDFOG ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF EVERYTHING
FULL REPORT OF THE SECOND MEETING OF THE MUDFOG ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF EVERYTHING
THE PANTOMIME OF LIFE
SOME PARTICULARS CONCERNING A LION
MR. ROBERT BOLTON: THE ‘GENTLEMAN CONNECTED WITH THE PRESS’
FAMILIAR EPISTLE FROM A PARENT TO A CHILD AGED TWO YEARS AND TWO MONTHS
A Tale of Two Cities
Book the First
Recalled to Life
I
The Period
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way-in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
There were a king with a large jaw and a queen with a plain face, on the throne of England; there were a king with a large jaw and a queen with a fair face, on the throne of France. In both countries it was clearer than crystal to the lords of the State preserves of loaves and fishes, that things in general were settled for ever.
It was the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five. Spiritual revelations were conceded to England at that favoured period, as at this. Mrs. Southcott had recently attained her five-and-twentieth blessed birthday, of whom a prophetic private in the Life Guards had heralded the sublime appearance by announcing that arrangements were made for the swallowing up of London and Westminster. Even the Cock-lane ghost had been laid only a round dozen of years, after rapping out its messages, as the spirits of this very year last past (supernaturally deficient in originality) rapped out theirs.
Mere messages in the earthly order of events had lately come to the English Crown and People, from a congress of British subjects in America: which, strange to relate, have proved more important to the human race than any communications yet received through any of the chickens of the Cock-lane brood.
France, less favoured on the whole as to matters spiritual than her sister of the shield and trident, rolled with exceeding smoothness down hill, making paper money and spending it.
Under the guidance of her Christian pastors, she entertained herself, besides, with such humane achievements as sentencing a youth to have his hands cut off, his tongue torn out with pincers, and his body burned alive, because he had not kneeled down in the rain to do honour to a dirty procession of monks which passed within his view, at a distance of some fifty or sixty yards. It is likely enough that, rooted in the woods of France and Norway, there were growing trees, when that sufferer was put to death, already marked by the Woodman, Fate, to come down and be sawn into boards, to make a certain movable framework with a sack and a knife in it, terrible in history. It is likely enough that in the rough outhouses of some tillers of the heavy lands adjacent to Paris, there were sheltered from the weather that very day, rude carts, bespattered with rustic mire, snuffed about by pigs, and roosted in by poultry, which the Farmer, Death, had already set apart to be his tumbrils of the Revolution.
But that Woodman and that Farmer, though they work unceasingly, work silently, and no one heard them as they went about with muffled tread: the rather, forasmuch as to entertain any suspicion that they were awake, was to be atheistical and traitorous.
In England, there was scarcely an amount of order and protection to justify much national boasting. Daring burglaries by armed men, and highway robberies, took place in the capital itself every night; families were publicly cautioned not to go out of town without removing their furniture to upholsterers' warehouses for security; the highwayman in the dark was a City tradesman in the light, and, being recognised and challenged by his fellowtradesman whom he stopped in his character of "the Captain," gallantly shot him through the head and rode away; the mail was waylaid by seven robbers, and the guard shot three dead, and then got shot dead himself by the other four, "in consequence of the failure of his ammunition: " after which the mail was robbed in peace; that magnificent potentate, the Lord Mayor of London, was made to stand and deliver on Turnham Green, by one highwayman, who despoiled the illustrious creature in sight of all his retinue; prisoners in London gaols fought battles with their turnkeys, and the majesty of the law fired blunderbusses in among them, loaded with rounds of shot and ball; thieves snipped off diamond crosses from the necks of noble lords at Court drawing-rooms; musketeers went into St. Giles's, to search for contraband goods, and the mob fired on the musketeers, and the musketeers fired on the mob, and nobody thought any of these occurrences much out of the common way. In the midst of them, the hangman, ever busy and ever worse than useless, was in constant requisition; now, stringing up long rows of miscellaneous criminals; now, hanging a housebreaker on Saturday who had been taken on Tuesday; now, burning people in the hand at Newgate by the dozen, and now burning pamphlets at the door of Westminster Hall; to-day, taking the life of an atrocious murderer, and to-morrow of a wretched pilferer who had robbed a farmer's boy of sixpence.
All these things, and a thousand like them, came to pass in and close upon the dear old year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five. Environed by them, while the Woodman and the Farmer worked unheeded, those two of the large jaws, and those other two of the plain and the fair faces, trod with stir enough, and carried their divine rights with a high hand. Thus did the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five conduct their Greatnesses, and myriads of small creatures-the creatures of this chronicle among the rest-along the roads that lay before them.
II
The Mail
It was the Dover road that lay, on a Friday night late in November, before the first of the persons with whom this history has business.
The Dover road lay, as to him, beyond the Dover mail, as it lumbered up Shooter's Hill. He walked up hill in the mire by the side of the mail, as the rest of the passengers did; not because they had the least relish for walking exercise, under the circumstances, but because the hill, and the harness, and the mud, and the mail, were all so heavy, that the horses had three times already come to a stop, besides once drawing the coach across the road, with the mutinous intent of taking it back to Blackheath. Reins and whip and coachman and guard, however, in combination, had read that article of war which forbade a purpose otherwise strongly in favour of the argument, that some brute animals are endued with Reason; and the team had capitulated and returned to their duty.
