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"The gracious and merciful Heavens forbid!" cried Miss Pross.

"Far rather would I never see you again, dear Solomon, though I

have ever loved you truly, and ever shall. Say but one

affectionate word to me, and tell me there is nothing angry or

estranged between us, and I will detain you no longer."

Good Miss Pross! As if the estrangement between them had come of

any culpability of hers. As if Mr. Lorry had not known it for a

fact, years ago, in the quiet corner in Soho, that this precious

brother had spent her money and left her!

He was saying the affectionate word, however, with a far more

grudging condescension and patronage than he could have shown if

their relative merits and positions had been reversed (which is

invariably the case, all the world over), when Mr. Cruncher,

touching him on the shoulder, hoarsely and unexpectedly

interposed with the following singular question:

"I say! Might I ask the favour? As to whether your name is John

Solomon, or Solomon John?"