human
You copied some affidavits in that cause for me lately.
gpt
Yes sir, we did.
human
There was one of them, says Mr. Tulkinghorn, carelessly feeling--tight, unopenable oyster of the old school!--in the wrong coat-pocket,
gpt
Who copied this, sir? says Mr. Snagsby, taking it, laying it flat on the desk, and separating all the sheets at once with a twirl and a twist of the left hand peculiar to law-stationers.
human
We gave this out, sir. We were giving out rather a large quantity of work just at that time. I can tell you in a moment who copied it, sir, by referring to my book.
gpt
Jewby--Packer--Jarndyce.
human
Jarndyce! Here we are, sir, says Mr. Snagsby.
gpt
To be sure! I might have remembered it. This was given out, sir, to a writer who lodges just over on the opposite side of the lane.
human
Nemo, sir. Here it is. Forty-two folio. Given out on the Wednesday night, at eight o'clock; brought in on the Thursday morning, at half after nine.
gpt
Nemo! repeats Mr. Tulkinghorn.
human
Nemo is Latin for no one.
gpt
It must be English for some one, sir, I think, Mr. Snagsby submits, with his deferential cough.
human
It is a person's name. Here it is, you see, sir! Forty-two folio. Given out, Wednesday night, eight o'clock; brought in, Thursday morning, half after nine.
gpt
My dear, a customer!
human
Half after nine, sir, repeats Mr. Snagsby.
gpt
Our law-writers, who live by job-work, are a queer lot; and this may not be his name, but it's the name he goes by. I remember now, sir, that he gives it in a written advertisement he sticks up down at the Rule Office, and the King's Bench Office, and the Judges' Chambers, and so forth. You know the kind of document, sir--wanting employ?
human
Tul-king-horn--rich--in-flu-en-tial!
gpt
Have you given this man work before?
human
O dear, yes, sir! Work of yours.
gpt
Thinking of more important matters, I forget where you said he lived!
human
Across the lane, sir. In fact, he lodges at a-- Mr. Snagsby makes another bolt, as if the bit of bread and butter were insurmountable--
gpt
Can you show me the place as I go back?
human
With the greatest pleasure, sir!
gpt
Oh! here is my little woman! he says aloud.
human
My dear, will you be so kind as to tell one of the lads to look after the shop, while I step across the lane with Mr. Tulkinghorn? Mrs. Snagsby, sir--I shan't be two minutes, my love!