orphans that ever I see, Oliver, you are one of the most

'Hold your tongue, Beadle,' said the second old gentleman, when

Mr. Bumble had given vent to this compound adjective.

'I beg your worship's pardon,' said Mr. Bumble, incredulous of

having heard aright. 'Did your worship speak to me?'

Mr. Bumble was stupefied with astonishment. A beadle ordered to

hold his tongue! A moral revolution!

The old gentleman in the tortoise-shell spectacles looked at his