griffin, could have withstood these things in Thomas Pinch.

Some men would have slapped him on the back, and pledged him in a bumper
of the currant wine, though it had been the sharpest vinegar--aye, and
liked its flavour too; some would have seized him by his honest hand,
and thanked him for the lesson that his simple nature taught them. Some
would have laughed with, and others would have laughed at him; of which
last class was Martin Chuzzlewit, who, unable to restrain himself, at
last laughed loud and long.

'That's right,' said Tom, nodding approvingly. 'Cheer up! That's
capital!'

At which encouragement young Martin laughed again; and said, as soon as
he had breath and gravity enough:

'I never saw such a fellow as you are, Pinch.'

'Didn't you though?' said Tom. 'Well, it's very likely you do find me
strange, because I have hardly seen anything of the world, and you have
seen a good deal I dare say?'

'Pretty well for my time of life,' rejoined Martin, drawing his chair
still nearer to the fire, and spreading his feet out on the fender.
'Deuce take it, I must talk openly to somebody. I'll talk openly to you,
Pinch.'

'Do!' said Tom. 'I shall take it as being very friendly of you,'

'I'm not in your way, am I?' inquired Martin, glancing down at Mr Pinch,