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Little Dorrit looked at him doubtfully, and not without alarm

'I wish you'd show me the palm of your hand,' said Pancks 'I should

like to have a look at it Don't let me be troublesome' He was so far

troublesome that he was not at all wanted there, but she laid her work

in her lap for a moment, and held out her left hand with her thimble on

it 'Years of toil, eh?' said Pancks, softly, touching it with his blunt

forefinger 'But what else are we

into the lines 'What's this with bars? It's a College! And what's this

with a grey gown and a black velvet cap? it's a father! And what's this

with a clarionet?

It's an uncle! And what's this in dancing-shoes? It's

a sister! And what's this straggling about in an idle sort of a way?

It's a brother! And what's this thinking for 'em all? Why, this is you,

Miss Dorrit!' Her eyes ly into his

face, and she thought that although his were sharp eyes, he was a

brighter and gentler-looking man than she had supposed at dinner His