We sat in the dark for some time, breathless.
I heard that Mr.Sharp and Mr.Mell were both supposed to be wretchedly paid; and that when there was hot and cold meat for dinner at Mr.
Creakle's table, Mr.Sharp was always expected to say he preferred cold; which was again corroborated by J.Steerforth, the only parlour-boarder.
I heard that Mr.Sharp's wig didn't fit him; and that he needn't be so 'bounceable'-- somebody else said 'bumptious'-- about it, because his own red hair was very plainly to be seen behind.
I heard that one boy, who was a coal-merchant's son, came as a set-off against the coal-bill, and was called, on that account, 'Exchange or Barter'-- a name selected from the arithmetic book as expressing this arrangement.

I heard that the table beer was a robbery of parents, and the pudding an imposition.

I heard that Miss Creakle was regarded by the school in general as being in love with Steerforth; and I am sure, as I sat in the dark, thinking of his nice voice, and his fine face, and his easy manner, and his curling hair, I thought it very likely.

I heard that Mr.Mell was not a bad sort of fellow, but hadn't a sixpence to bless himself with; and that there was no doubt that old Mrs.Mell, his mother, was as poor as job.

I thought of my breakfast then, and what had sounded like 'My Charley!' but I was, I am glad to remember, as mute as a mouse about it.
The hearing of all this, and a good deal more, outlasted the banquet some time.