Sketches by Boz

Chapter 4

MISS EVANS AND THE EAGLE

Mr. Samuel Wilkins was a carpenter, a journeyman carpenter of small

dimensions, decidedly below the middle size--bordering, perhaps,

upon the dwarfish. His face was round and shining, and his hair

carefully twisted into the outer corner of each eye, till it formed

a variety of that description of semi-curls, usually known as

'aggerawators.' His earnings were all-sufficient for his wants,

varying from eighteen shillings to one pound five, weekly--his

manner undeniable--his sabbath waistcoats dazzling. No wonder

that, with these qualifications, Samuel Wilkins found favour in the

eyes of the other s*x: many women have been captivated by far less

substantial qualifications. But, Samuel was proof against their

blandishments, until at length his eyes rested o