On the occasion of such conferences, they generally appeared in the office some half an hour after their usual time, and in a very smiling state, as though their late plots and designs had tranquillised their minds and shed a light upon their toilsome way.

In the present instance, they seemed particularly gay; Miss Sally's aspect being of a most oily kind, and Mr Brass rubbing his hands in an exceedingly jocose and light-hearted manner.

'Well, Mr Richard,' said Brass.

'How are we this morning?
Are we pretty fresh and cheerful sir--eh, Mr Richard ?' 'Pretty well, sir,' replied Dick.
'That's well,' said Brass.

'Ha ha! We should be as gay as larks, Mr Richard--why not?
It's a pleasant world we live in sir, a very pleasant world.