"And hark ye, Titmarsh my boy," said he, "leave your diamond pin upstairs: our friends to-day don't like such gewgaws; and though for my part I am no enemy to harmless ornaments, yet I would not shock the feelings of those who have sterner opinions.

You will see that my wife and Miss Brough consult my wishes in this respect." And so they did,--for they both came down to dinner in black gowns and tippets; whereas Miss B.had commonly her dress half off her shoulders.
The Captain rode over several times to see us; and Miss Brough seemed always delighted to see _him_.

One day I met him as I was walking out alone by the river, and we had a long talk together.
"Mr.Titmarsh," says he, "from what little I have seen of you, you seem to be an honest straight-minded young fellow; and I want some information that you can give.

Tell me, in the first place, if you will--and upon my honour it shall go no farther--about this Insurance Company of yours?
You are in the City, and see how affairs are going on.

Is your concern a stable one ?" "Sir," said I, "frankly then, and upon my honour too, I believe it is.