Passing the time

Well, even before I knew young Charles' situation, I could tell that his gift was no small matter to him - in truth, from the way he looked, I shouldn't have been surprised if he'd asked me for money.

Don't misunderstand me, sir; I am not belittling your generous gift - however, anyone would know from your demeanour that those were not your last coins in the world. With young Master Dickens, I would have guessed that he hadn't a single farthing to his name.

In one respect though, both your kindness and his are identical; you were both the first people to give me money in the cruel month of December. And, while I don't have occasion to talk to many people, I do make it a rule that I will spend some time in conversation with whoever is the first to show me a little kindness.

You may not be surprised to hear that some are not so willing to stop and talk, though many are. And some souls, such as yourself - and young Charles - are happy to put aside preconceptions and talk to someone such as myself. That said, all do pass the time of day with me - one way or another.

What's that? Ah yes - I see you're still puzzling over the dates - and who can blame you? That meeting of which I talk must have been - oh, let me see now... yes: some 185 years ago.



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