He did not in person dine at this public repast (it took place at two in
the afternoon, and his dinners now came in from the hotel at six), but
his son was so good as to take the head of the principal table, and to
be very free and engaging. He himself went about among the company, and
took notice of individuals, and saw that the viands were of the quality
he had ordered, and that all were served. On the whole, he was like a
baron of the olden time in a rare good humour. At the conclusion of the
repast, he pledged his guests in a bumper of old Madeira; and told them
that he hoped they had enjoyed themselves, and what was more, that they
would enjoy themselves for the rest of the evening; that he wished them
well; and that he bade them welcome.
His health being drunk with acclamations, he was not so baronial after
all but that in trying to return thanks he broke down, in the manner of
a mere serf with a heart in his breast, and wept before them all. After
this great success, which he supposed to be a failure, he gave them 'Mr
Chivery and his brother officers;' whom he had beforehand presented with
ten pounds each, and who were all in attendance. Mr Chivery spoke to the
toast, saying, What you undertake to lock up, lock up; but remember that
you are, in the words of the fettered African, a man and a brother ever.
The list of toasts disposed of, Mr Dorrit urbanely went through the
motions of playing a game of skittles with the Collegian who was the
next oldest inhabitant to himself; and left the tenantry to their
diversions. But all these occurrences preceded the final day. And now the day
arrived when he and his family were to leave the prison for ever, and
when the stones of its much-trodden pavement were to know them no more.
Noon was the hour appointed for the departure. As it approached, there
was not a Collegian within doors, nor a turnkey absent. The latter class
of gentlemen appeared in their Sunday clothes, and the greater part of
the Collegians were brightened up as much as circumstances allowed. Two
or three flags were even displayed, and the children put on odds and
ends of ribbon. Mr Dorrit himself, at this trying time, preserved a
serious but graceful dignity. Much of his great attention was given to
his brother, as to whose bearing on the great occasion he felt anxious.
'My dear Frederick,' said he, 'if you will give me your arm we will pass
among our friends together. I think it is right that we should go out
arm in arm, my dear Frederick.' 'Hah!' said Frederick. 'Yes, yes, yes, yes.'