I should be delighted beyond anything, but--" "But--no buts, my boy! Hark ye! the Chancellor of the Exchequer does me the honour to dine with us, and I want you to see him; for the truth is, I have bragged about you to his Lordship as the best actuary in the three kingdoms." Roundhand could not refuse such an invitation as _that_, though he had told us how Mrs.R.and he were going to pass Saturday and Sunday at Putney; and we who knew what a life the poor fellow led, were sure that the head clerk would be prettily scolded by his lady when she heard what was going on.

She disliked Mrs.Brough very much, that was the fact; because Mrs.B.kept a carriage, and said she didn't know where Pentonville was, and couldn't call on Mrs.Roundhand.

Though, to be sure, her coachman might have found out the way.
"And oh, Roundhand!" continued our governor, "draw a cheque for seven hundred, will you! Come, don't stare, man; I'm not going to run away! That's right,--seven hundred--and ninety, say, while you're about it! Our board meets on Saturday, and never fear I'll account for it to them before I drive you down.

We shall take up the Chancellor at Whitehall." So saying, Mr.Brough folded up the cheque, and shaking hands with Mr.
Roundhand very cordially, got into his carriage-and-four (he always drove four horses even in the City, where it's so difficult), which was waiting at the office-door for him.
Bob Swinney used to say that he charged two of the horses to the Company; but there was never believing half of what that Bob said, he used to laugh and joke so.

I don't know how it was, but I and a gent by the name of Hoskins (eleventh clerk), who lived together with me in Salisbury Square, Fleet Street--where we occupied a very genteel two-pair--found our flute duet rather tiresome that evening, and as it was a very fine night, strolled out for a walk West End way.