The Steam-Packet: A Tale of the River and the Ocean — page 382: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE STEAM PACKET. 295 the name of Smith, and circumstances favourably conspired to make me acquainted with his penitential sentiments, and his resolution to throw himself upon Mr. Pifpaf’s mercy by the exposure of the villain Buckram. I detained the letter which chance threw in my way, with a view of ascertaining how matters would proceed, and of throwing my testimony into the scale if it were required. I know the world— I have been tossed about by it, and amongst its people; and I have not succeeded in amassing a large fortune without becoming acquainted with all the peculiarities and passions of men. My lord, and you, gentlemen,” added the newly-found relative, addressing himself to Mr. Pifpafand Mr. Smale, ‘I will guarantee the future integrity of this young man. You, my lord, may safely honour him with the friend- ship of which he has vainly boasted hitherto; you, Mr. Pifpaf, may award him the hand of your daughter; and you, Augustus, will en- deavour to render yourself worthy of your position as the nephew and heir to the title and fortune of Sir William Staunton.” As the baronet—for such indeed he was—concluded his address to those present, Augustus sank down upon his knees, and kissing his uncle’s hand, wept over it copiously. ‘“‘Rise—rise, Augustus,” said Sir William, ‘* and let a veil for ever be drawn over the past. Perhaps I am to be blamed for much of your past misconduct—I, who although aware that your parents were no more, neglected to interest myself in their child.”’ “And I willingly offer you my friendship, Captain Pentonville,”’ said the Earl of Noodleton, advancing, and shaking our hero cordially by the hand. ‘‘ Your parents and my family were upon most intimate terms—my father was your godfather, and why should not we endea- vour to perpetuate the good feeling ? ” _ Augustus poured forth his gratitude in suitable terms, for the hand- some and generous conduct of his lordship, and then turning towards Mr. Pifpaf, he said, ‘‘ And you, my dear sir—can you pardon me ?— can you forgive me?” ‘Pentonville, my dear boy,” returned our worthy old friend, whim-: pering and smiling as he spoke, ‘‘ I should have pardoned you without all this—I should have forgiven you in a day or two, I know I should ! ” 3 _ “Ah! my dear sir,” said the captain, ‘‘] am aware of your good feelings towards me. That faithful creature,” he added, pointing to- wards Tom, ‘told me how generously you behaved this morning. Yes, my dear uncle,” he continued, ‘‘ this noble-hearted gentleman, although naturally stung to the quick by the idea of my baseness, and smarting under impressions of my ingratitude, actually sent me money Gomichbooks (E(0)