I should perhaps tell you that I am not amenable to the pathetic.' 'I am sorry, sir, if I 'ave seemed to tresparse on your private feelin's,' said the clerk, cringing and stealing a step.

'At least, sir, you will never pe'suade me that you are not a perfec' gentleman; I know a gentleman when I see him; and as such, I 'ave no 'esitation in throwin' myself on your merciful consideration.

It IS 'ard lines, no doubt; it's 'ard lines to have to hown yourself beat; it's 'ard lines to 'ave to come and beg to you for charity.' 'When, if things had only gone right, the whole place was as good as your own ?' suggested Attwater.

'I can understand the feeling.' 'You are judging me, Mr Attwater,' said the clerk, 'and God knows how unjustly! THOU GAWD SEEST ME, was the tex' I 'ad in my Bible, w'ich my father wrote it in with 'is own 'and upon the fly leaft.' 'I am sorry I have to beg your pardon once more,' said Attwater; 'but, do you know, you seem to me to be a trifle nearer, which is entirely outside of our bargain.

And I would venture to suggest that you take one--two--three--steps back; and stay there.' The devil, at this staggering disappointment, looked out of Huish's face, and Attwater was swift to suspect.