Grewgious knew what he said,
though it was very apparent that he meant to say something highly
friendly and appreciative.
If Heaven, Rosa thought, had but sent such courage and skill to her
poor mother's aid! And he to have been so slight and young then!
'I don't wish to be complimented upon it, I thank you; but I think
I have an idea,' Mr. Grewgious announced, after taking a jog-trot
or two across the room, so unexpected and unaccountable that they
all stared at him, doubtful whether he was choking or had the cramp
- 'I THINK I have an idea. I believe I have had the pleasure of
seeing Mr. Tartar's name as tenant of the top set in the house next
the top set in the corner?'
'Yes, sir,' returned Mr. Tartar. 'You are right so far.'
'I am right so far,' said Mr. Grewgious. 'Tick that off;' which he
did, with his right thumb on his left. 'Might you happen to know
the name of your neighbour in the top set on the other side of the
party-wall?' coming very close to Mr. Tartar, to lose nothing of
his face, in his shortness of sight.
'Landless.'
'Tick that off,' said Mr. Grewgious, taking another trot, and then
coming back. 'No personal knowledge, I suppose, sir?'
'Slight, but some.'
'Tick that off,' said Mr. Grewgious, taking another trot, and again
coming back. 'Nature of knowledge, Mr. Tartar?'
'I thought he seemed to be a young fellow in a poor way, and I
asked his leave - only within a day or so - to share my flowers up
there with him; that is to say, to extend my flower-garden to his
windows.
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