Once Clive bought a
half-dozen of theatre tickets from Mr. Moss, which he distributed to the
young fellows of the studio. But, when this nice young man tried further
to tempt him on the next day, "Mr. Moss," Clive said to him with much
dignity, "I am very much obliged to you for your offer, but when I go to
the play, I prefer paying at the doors."
Mr. Chivers used to sit in one corner of the room, occupied over a
lithographic stone. He was an uncouth and peevish young man; for ever
finding fault with the younger pupils, whose butt he was. Next in rank
and age was M'Collop, before named: and these two were at first more than
usually harsh and captious with Clive, whose prosperity offended them,
and whose dandified manners, free-and-easy ways, and evident influence
over the younger scholars, gave umbrage to these elderly apprentices.
Clive at first returned Mr. Chivers war for war, controlment for
controlment; but when he found Chivers was the son of a helpless widow;
that be maintained her by his lithographic vignettes for the
music-sellers, and by the scanty remuneration of some lessons which he
gave at a school at Highgate;--when Clive saw, or fancied he saw, the
lonely senior eyeing with hungry eyes the luncheons of cheese and bread,
and sweetstuff, which the young lads of the studio enjoyed, I promise you
Mr.
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