ite satin doublet and hose, slashed with pale
cherry-colored ribbons to match, small hat looped, aigrette and white
plume. She was perfect; her leg and foot were three certain rounds of
applause from the pit and gallery."

"What nonsense!" said I, angrily; "we weren't playing a comedy."

"Were n't you, though? Well, I 'm deuced sorry for it, that 's all; but
it did look confoundedly like an undress rehearsal."

"Come, come, no foolery, I beg. I'm here in a very sad plight, and this
piece of nonsense may not make matters any better. Listen to me, if you
can, patiently for five minutes, and give me your advice."

I took him by the arm as I spoke, and leading him from the room,--where
I saw that everything was only suggesting some piece of scenic
effect,--and in as few words as I could command, explained how I was
circumstanced; omitting, of course, any detail of my political bias,
and only stated so much of my desire as implied my wish to be free of my
contract with Basset, and at liberty to dispose of myself as I liked in
future.

"I see," cried Bubbleton, as I finished; "the old fox has this five
hundred pounds of yours."

"No, I didn't say that; I only mean--"

"Well, well, it 's all the same. If he has n't, you know he ought."

"No; that 's not essential either."

"No matter, he would if he could; it just comes to the same thing, and
you only wish to get clear out of his hands at any cost. Is n't that
it?"

"Exactly; you have it all perfectly."

"Bless your heart, boy, there 's nothing easier; if I were in your
place, should arrange the affair in less than a week. I 'd have
fits,--strong fits,--and burn all the papers in the office during the
paroxysm. I 'd make a pile of deeds, leases, bonds, and settlements in
the backyard."

"I don't fancy your plan would be so successful as you flatter
yourself," said a dry, husky voice behind; "there 's rather a stringent
law for refractory apprentices, as Mr. Burke may learn." We turned
round, and there stood Mr. Basset, with a grin of most diabolical
malignity in his by no means pleasant features. "At the same time,"
continued he, "your suggestions are of infinite value, and shall be duly
appreciated in the King's Bench."

"Eh,--King's Bench! Lord bless you, don't speak of it. Mere trifles,--I
just threw them out as good hints; I had fifty far better to come. There
's the young lady, now. To be sure, he has started that notion himself,
so I must not pretend it