He then carefully folded up the paper, restored it to Mr.Brown, with a low bow, and said, "Excuse me, sir, I will not take advantage of your generosity; keep your parrot and other treasures for some more worthy person.

I cannot accept of what you are pleased to term your very valuable presents!" "Oh, very well, very well," said Mr.Brown, pocketing the paper, and seeming perfectly unconcerned at the termination of his proposals; "perhaps I can serve you in some other way ?" "In none, I thank you," replied Linden.
"Just consider, sir!--you will want lodgings; I can find them for you cheaper than you can yourself; or perhaps you would prefer going into a nice, quiet, genteel family where you can have both board and lodging, and be treated in every way as the pet child of the master ?" A thought crossed Linden's mind.

He was going to stay in town some time; he was ignorant of its ways; he had neither friends nor relations, at least none whom he could visit and consult; moreover, hotels, he knew, were expensive; lodgings, though cheaper, might, if tolerably comfortable, greatly exceed the sum prudence would allow him to expend would not this plan proposed by Mr.Brown, of going into a "nice quiet genteel family," he the most advisable one he could adopt?
The generous benefactor of the late and ever-to-be-remembered Lady Waddilove perceived his advantage, and making the most of Clarence's hesitation, continued,-- "I know of a charming little abode, sir, situated in the suburbs of London, quite rus in urbe, as the scholars say; you can have a delightful little back parlour, looking out upon the garden, and all to yourself, I dare say." "And pray, Mr.Brown," interrupted Linden, "what price do you think would be demanded for such enviable accommodation?
If you offer me them as 'a present,' I shall have nothing to say to them." "Oh, sir," answered Mr.Brown, "the price will be a trifle,--a mere trifle; but I will inquire, and let you know the exact sum in the course of the day: all they want is a respectable gentlemanlike lodger; and I am sure so near a relation of Mrs.Minden will upon my recommendation be received with avidity.

Then you won't have any of these valuable articles, sir?
You'll repent it, sir; take my word for it--hem! "Since," replied Clarence, dryly, "your word appears of so much more value than your articles, pardon me, if I prefer taking the former instead of the latter." Mr.Brown forced a smile,--"Well, sir, very well, very well indeed.

You will not go out before two o'clock?
and at that time I shall call upon you respecting the commission you have favoured me with." "I will await you," said Clarence; and he bowed Mr.Brown out of the room.
"Now, really," said Linden to himself, as he paced the narrow limits of his apartment, "I do not see what better plan I can pursue; but let me well consider what is my ultimate object.