rity."

"Well, sir, I can get the acceptance of three friends of ample means."

"Do you mean to tell me, Miss Snape, that you will write down the names
of three parties who will accept a bill for one hundred pounds for you?"

Yes, she could, and did actually write down the names of three
distinguished men. Now I knew for certain, that not one of those
noblemen would have put his name to a bill on any account whatever for
his dearest friend; but, in her unabashed self-confidence, she thought
of passing another forgery _on me_. I closed the conference by saying "I
cannot assist you;" and she retired with the air of an injured person.
In the course of a few days, I heard from Mr. Axminster, that his
liability of one hundred pounds had been duly honored.

In my active and exciting life, one day extinguishes the recollection of
the events of the preceding day; and, for a time, I thought no more
about the fashionable forger. I had taken it for granted that, heartily
frightened, although not repenting, she had paused in her felonious
pursuits.

My business, one day, led me to the establishment of one of the most
wealthy and respectable legal firms in the city, where I am well known,
and, I believe, valued; for at all times I am most politely, I may say
most cordially, received. Mutual profits create a wonderful freemasonry
between those who have not any other sympathy or sentiment. Politics,
religion, morality, difference of rank, are all equalized and
republicanized by the division of an account. No sooner had I entered
the _sanctum_, than the senior partner, Mr. Precepts, began to quiz his
junior, Mr. Jones, with "Well, Jones must never joke friend Discount any
more about usury. Just imagine," he continued, addressing me, "Jones has
himself been discounting a bill for a lady; and a deuced pretty one too.
He sat next her at dinner in Grosvenor Square last week. Next day she
gave him a call here, and he could not refuse her extraordinary request.
Gad, it is hardly fair for Jones to be poaching on your domains of
West-end paper!"

Mr. Jones smiled quietly, as he observed,

"Why, you see, she is the niece of one of our best clients; and, really,
I was so taken by surprise, that I did not know how to refuse."

"Pray," said I, interrupting his excuses, "does your young lady's name
begin with S.? Has she not a very pale face, and cold gray eye?"

The partners stared.

"Ah! I see it is so; and can at once tell you that th