lecture upon honor.
Everything, however, is admirably arranged _quoad_ the marriage. We have
got a special license for the purpose of meeting our peculiar case, so
that the marriage can be private; that is to say, can take place in
the lady's own house. Do you think though, that M'Bride has actually
destroyed the papers?"

"The drunken ruffian! certainly. He gave me great insolence a couple of
days ago."

"Why so?"

"Because I didn't hand him over a hundred pounds for his journey and the
theft of the registry."

"And how much did you give him, pray?"

"A fifty pound note, after having paid his expenses, which was quite
enough for him. However, as I did not wish to make the scoundrel our
enemy, I have promised him something more, so that I've come on good
terms with him again. He is a slippery customer."

"Did you get the bills cashed yet?"

"No, my lord; I am going about it now; but I tell you beforehand, that I
will have some difficulty in doing it. I hope to manage it, however; and
for that reason I must bid you good-by."

"The first thing to do, then, is to settle that ugly business about the
mare. By no means must we let it come to trial."

"Very well, my lord, be it so."

Norton, after leaving his dupe to meditate upon the circumstances in
which he found himself, began to reflect as he went along, that he
himself was necessarily involved in the ruin of his friend and patron.

"I have the cards, however, in my own hands," thought he, "and M'Bride's
advice was a good one. He having destroyed the other documents, it
follows that this registry, which I have safe and snug, will be just
what his lordship's enemies will leap at. Of course they are humbugging
the old peer about the other papers, and, as I know, it is devilish easy
to humbug the young one. My agency is gone to the winds; but I think
the registry will stand me instead. It ought, in a case like this, to be
well worth five thousand; at least, I shall ask this sum--not saying but
I will take less. Here goes then for an interview with Birney, who has
the character of being a shrewd fellow--honorable, they say--but then,
is he not an attorney? Yes, Birney, have at you, my boy;" and having come
to this virtuous conclusion, he directed his steps to that gentleman's
office, whom he found engaged at his desk.

"Mr. Birney, I presume," with a very fashionable bow.

"Yes, sir," said Birney, "that is my name."

"Haw! If I don't mistake, Mr. Birney," wi