before the visit of
Allcraft to the Continent, he had entertained a very serious intention
of drawing out of the concern the anticipatory profits of a few years,
in order to relieve himself and fine estate from certain engagements
which pressed inconveniently on both--but his object had not, for many
reasons, been carried into effect. In the first place, a moderate degree
of actual shame withheld him--and again, he had begged for time from his
creditor, and obtained it. Allcraft absent, the sense of shame
diminished; before he could return to England, the grateful respite was
at an end. It was a fine bright morning when Mr Bellamy's grand carriage
drew up in state before the banking-house, and the highly respectable
proprietor descended from it with his accustomed style and dignity. Mr
Planner was, at the moment, at his desk, very busy with the prospectus
of the _Pantamorphica_ Association, in which he had just completed some
very striking additions--but perceiving his respected colleague, he
jumped from his seat, and hastened to give him greeting.

"Don't let me disturb you, my dear friend," said the gracious Mr
Bellamy. "I beg you'll prosecute your labours."

"Don't mention it, I pray--so like you, Mr Bellamy--always considerate
and kind."

"Busy, Mr Planner--eh?--a deal to do now in the absence of our good
friend?"

"Enough, enough sir, I assure you--but business, sir, is pleasure to the
active mind."

"Very true--we feel your worth, sir--the house acknowledges your
ability, Mr Planner."

"Dear Mr Bellamy--you are very flattering."

"No--not at all. Have you any engagement, Mr Planner, for this evening?
Can you find time to dine with us at the Hall? I am positively angry
with you for your repeated excuses."

"I shall be too proud, sir--business hitherto"----

"Ay--ay--but, my good sir, we must not sacrifice ourselves to business.
A little recreation is absolutely necessary."

"So it is, sir--so it is--and you, sir, with your splendid fortune and
superior taste"----

"Ah, ah--_apropos_! have you heard from Mr Allcraft lately?"

"This morning, sir."

"When does he return, pray?"

"In about a week from this. He writes he leaves Vienna this very day."

"Dear me, how very inconvenient, how very vexing!"

"What is it, may I ask, sir?"

"Oh, a trifle, Mr Planner. Dear me--dear me--it is annoying too!"

"Is it nothing that we can do, sir? Any thing the bank can offer?"

"Why--my dear sir--it is rath