Martin Chuzzlewit Chapter 44

In which Mr Pecksniff, ever adept at wearing a mask of virtue even under scrutiny, engages in a curious and somewhat uneasy alliance with his son-in-law Jonas, who hints at connections far beyond their humble village. Their discourse leads to a lively yet ambiguous business arrangement with the distinguished Mr Montague, evoking a mixture of geniality and guardedness beneath the superficial cordiality of their meeting.