Dickens probably wrote the following portion of 'My Uncle': from 'My Uncle's office' (p. 243) to 'like tigresses' (p. 244).
Dickens may also have added a few details to the following passage: from the opening to 'Tao-Kwang' (p. 241).
In addition, Dickens seems to have added touches to other passages by Wills. For example, he probably interpolated such bits as the elaborate and suddenly intruded description of Phelim O'Shea's coat (from 'a loose blue' to 'the centre,' p. 42). For a discussion of the Dickens-Wills attributions, see note to 'Valentine's Day at the Post-Office'.
Pawnshops, their habitues, and their little dramas were subjects that fascinated Dickens and that he often wrote about. As early as 30 June 1835, in 'The Pawnbroker's Shop' - reprinted in Sketches by Boz (1836) - he developed such a scene at length. In his share of the piece below, Dickens dwells on many of the same details and pretences, but now his attitude is more sympathetic.
Harry Stone; © Bloomington and Indiana University Press, 1968. DJO gratefully acknowledges permission to reproduce this material.
