Yes, I had
brought something of which I would ask him if he could make any use;
something which is only in my way at home, assure you of it--are quite an
annoyance--some buttons. Well, what then? what was there about the
buttons? and he thrusts his eyes down close to my hand. Couldn't he give
me a couple of halfpence for them?--whatever he thought himself--quite
according to his own judgment. "For the buttons?"--and "Uncle" stares
astonishedly at me--"for these buttons?" Only for a cigar or whatever he
liked himself; I was just passing, and thought I would look in.
Upon this, the old pawnbroker burst out laughing, and returned to his desk
without saying a word. There I stood; I had not hoped for much, yet, all
the same, I had thought of a possibility of being helped. This laughter
was my death-warrant. It couldn't, I suppose, be of any use trying with my
eyeglasses either? Of course, I would let my glasses go in with them; that
was a matter of course, said I, and I took them off. Only a penny, or if
he wished, a halfpenny.
"You know quite well I can't lend you anything on your glasses," said
"Uncle"; I told you that once before."
"But I want a stamp," I said, dully. "I can't even send off the letters I
have written; a penny or a halfpenny stamp, just as you will."
"Oh, God help you, go your way!" he replied, and motioned me off with his
hands.
Yes, yes; well, it must be so, I said to myself.
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