individual of the multitude which
passed him;--all appeared anxiety, bustle, and selfishness. Newton was
not sorry when he turned down the narrow court which had been indicated
to him, and, disengaged from the throng of men, commenced a more rapid
course. In two minutes he was at the door of his uncle's chambers,
which, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, stood wide open,
as if there should be no obstacle in a man's way, or a single moment for
reflection allowed him, if he wished to entangle himself in the expenses
and difficulties of the law. Newton furled his weeping umbrella, and
first looking with astonishment at the mud which had accumulated above
the calves of his legs, raised his eyes to the jambs on each side, where
in large letters, he read at the head of a long list of occupants, "Mr
Forster, Ground Floor." A door with Mr Forster's name on it, within a
few feet of him, next caught his eye. He knocked, and was admitted by
the clerk, who stated that his master was at a consultation, but was
expected back in half an hour, if he could wait so long. Newton
assented, and was ushered into the parlour, where the clerk presented
the newspaper of the day to amuse him until the arrival of his uncle.

As soon as the door was closed Newton's curiosity as to the character of
his uncle induced him to scrutinise the apartment and its contents. In
the centre of the room, which might have been about fourteen feet
square, stood a table, with a shadow lamp placed before the only part of
it which was left vacant for the use of the pen. The remainder of the
space was loaded with parchment upon parchment, deed upon deed, paper
upon paper. Some, especially those underneath, had become dark and
discoloured by time; the ink had changed to a dull red, and the imprint
of many a thumb inferred how many years they had been in existence, and
how long they had lain as sad mementos of the law's delay. Others were
fresh and clean, the japanned ink in strong contrast with the glossy
parchment, new cases of litigation fresh as the hopes of those who had
been persuaded by flattering assurances to enter into a labyrinth of
vexation, from which, perhaps, not to be extricated until these
documents should assume the hue of the others, which silently indicated
the blighted hopes of protracted litigation. Two massive iron chests
occupied the walls on each side of the fireplace; and round the whole
area of the room were piled one u