I heard once a story of woe from a man who was the dear friend of both of us.

The gentleman wanted a large sum of money instantly,--something under two thousand pounds,--had no natural friends who could provide it, but must go utterly to the wall without it.

Pondering over this sad condition of things just revealed to me, I met Thackeray between the two mounted heroes at the Horse Guards, and told him the story.

"Do you mean to say that I am to find two thousand pounds ?" he said, angrily, with some expletives.

I explained that I had not even suggested the doing of anything,--only that we might discuss the matter.