rtained for him by Mrs. Lobkins, who in all probability would
solicit his return the next day, he thought it not unlikely that Paul
would enjoy the same good fortune as that presiding over his feline
companion, which, though it had just been kicked to the other end of the
apartment, was now resuming its former occupation, unhurt, and no less
merrily than before. He therefore thought it would be imprudent
to discard his quondam pupil, despite of his present poverty; and,
moreover, although the first happy project of pocketing all the profits
derivable from Paul's industry was now abandoned, he still perceived
great facility in pocketing a part of the same receipts. He therefore
answered Paul very warmly, that he fully sympathized with him in his
present melancholy situation; that, so far as he was concerned, he would
share his last shilling with his beloved pupil, but that he regretted
at that moment he had only eleven-pence halfpenny in his pocket; that he
would, however, exert himself to the utmost in procuring an opening for
Paul's literary genius; and that, if Paul liked to take the slashing and
plastering part of the business on himself, he would willingly surrender
it to him, and give him all the profits whatever they might be. En
attendant, he regretted that a violent rheumatism prevented his giving
up his own bed to his pupil, but that he might, with all the pleasure
imaginable, sleep upon the rug before the fire. Paul was so affected by
this kindness in the worthy man, that, though not much addicted to the
melting mood, he shed tears of gratitude. He insisted, however, on not
receiving the whole reward of his labours; and at length it was settled,
though with a noble reluctance on the part of MacGrawler, that it should
be equally shared between the critic and the critic's protege,--the half
profits being reasonably awarded to MacGrawler for his instructions and
his recommendation.

CHAPTER VI.

Bad events peep out o' the tail of good purposes.--Bartholomew Fair.

IT was not long before there was a visible improvement in the pages
of "The Asinaeum." The slashing part of that incomparable journal
was suddenly conceived and carried on with a vigour and spirit which
astonished the hallowed few who contributed to its circulation. It
was not difficult to see that a new soldier had been enlisted in the
service; there was something so fresh and hearty about the abuse that it
could never have proceeded from the w