nstant he entered, followed by Basset, over whose hard
countenance a shade of better nature seemed to pass.

[Illustration: May Good Digestion Wait on Appetite 171]

"In that case," cried the captain, "I'm your man, not that I 'm anything
of a performer at breakfast or dinner; supper 's rather my forte,--an
odor of a broiled bone at three in the morning, a herring smeared with
chetna and grilled with brandy, two hundred of small oysters, a few hot
ones to close with, a glass of seltzer dashed with hollands for health,
and, then any number you like of glasses, of hot brandy and water
afterwards for pleasure."

While Bubbleton ran on in this fashion, he had broken about half a
dozen eggs into the slop basin, and seasoning the mess with pepper
and vinegar, was busily engaged in illustrating the moderation of his
morning appetite.

"Try a thing like this, Tom," cried he, not defining how it was to be
effected under the circumstances; while he added in a whisper, "your
affair's all right."

These few words brought courage to my heart; and I ventured to begin the
breakfast that had lain untasted before me.

"I think, Mr. Burke," said Basset, as soon as he recovered from the
surprise Bubbleton's mode of breakfasting had excited,--"I think and
trust that all has been arranged to your satisfaction." Then turning
to the clerks, who ate away without even lifting their heads,--"Mr.
Muggridge, you will be late at the Masters' Office; Jones, take that
parcel to Hennet; Kit, carry my bag up to the Courts."

Miss Nelly did not wait for the part destined for her, but with a demure
face rose from the table and left the room; giving me, however, one sly
glance as she passed my chair that I remembered for many a day after.

"You 'll excuse me, gentlemen, if I am pressed for time this morning; a
very particular case comes on in the Common Pleas."

"Never speak of it, my dear fellow," said Bubbleton, who had just
addressed himself to a round of spiced beef; "business has its calls
just as pleasure has,--ay, and appetite too. That would make an
excellent bit of supper, with some mulled port, after a few rubbers of
shorts."

Basset paid little attention to this speech, but turning to me,
continued:

"You mentioned your intention of leaving Ireland, I think. Might I
ask where you have decided on,--from where? Is it possible that your
brother--"

"My brother's anxieties on my account, Mr. Basset, can scarcely be very
poignant, an