I was putting up my letters in high spirits, and was just leaving the picture-dealer's shop to look out for comfortable lodgings, when I was met at the door by the landlord of one of the largest hotels in Liverpool--an old acquaintance whom I had known as manager of a tavern in London in my student days.
"Mr.Kerby!" he exclaimed, in great astonishment.

"What an unexpected meeting! the last man in the world whom I expected to see, and yet the very man whose services I want to make use of!" "What, more work for me ?" said I; "are all the people in Liverpool going to have their portraits painted ?" "I only know of one," replied the landlord, "a gentleman staying at my hotel, who wants a chalk drawing done for him.

I was on my way here to inquire of any artist whom our picture-dealing friend could recommend.
How glad I am that I met you before I had committed myself to employing a stranger!" "Is this likeness wanted at once ?" I asked, thinking of the number of engagements that I had already got in my pocket.
"Immediately--to-day--this very hour, if possible," said the landlord.
"Mr.Faulkner, the gentleman I am speaking of, was to have sailed yesterday for the Brazils from this place; but the wind shifted last night to the wrong quarter, and he came ashore again this morning.

He may of course be detained here for some time; but he may also be called on board ship at half an hour's notice, if the wind shifts back again in the right direction.

This uncertainty makes it a matter of importance that the likeness should be begun immediately.