I have found out his mother's house, and have been directed by her to this place as the nearest in which I should be likely to find him.

That's the cause of my presenting myself here this morning.' 'I am very glad of any cause, sir,' said the Notary, 'which procures me the honour of this visit.' 'Sir,' retorted the stranger, 'you speak like a mere man of the world, and I think you something better.

Therefore, pray do not sink your real character in paying unmeaning compliments to me.' 'Hem!' coughed the Notary.

'You're a plain speaker, sir.' 'And a plain dealer,' returned the stranger.

'It may be my long absence and inexperience that lead me to the conclusion; but if plain speakers are scarce in this part of the world, I fancy plain dealers are still scarcer.