. Thomas, in
order to somewhat diversify his apologies, had three different times
satisfied this person by informing him that the gentlemen of the
Legation were in consultation with the Prime Minister; but this time
he was determined to see for himself, and regardless of Thomas'
assurance pushed his way into the presence of Mr. Bolt, who I need
scarcely add was extremely put out. 'I ask your honor's pardon' spoke
the man; 'you always come,' petulantly interrupted our hero, 'when we
are in a uproar.' The man replied with a bow, that it was the first
time he had gained an audience. He came from Madame Lacelooper's, and
would be extremely glad if Mr. Bolt could make it convenient to
discharge that little account, which had stood over for some time. It
was only two hundred and fourteen pounds, he said, in reply to a
question from Mr. Bolt, who encouragingly took the missive from his
hand. 'Thank you--thank you!' the man continued, evidently encouraged
as our hero cast his eye over the long list of items, so neatly
carried out with heavy numbers of pounds, shillings, and
pence. 'Rather heavy;' sighed the astonished Secretary. 'I suppose you
have orders for all these little affairs?' The man replied that he
would have them forthcoming if necessary--that Madame Lacelooper's was
one of the most respectable establishments. With a gracious bow,
reaching his hand for a book which the expectant gentleman mistook for
a bank-book, Mr. Bolt replied that it was on that account he gave it
his patronage. The gentleman thanked him for the honor, and hoped he
would continue his favors. And while this little episode was
performing in the great parlour, Mr. Thomas was exercising his skill
in diplomacy at the door--informing gentlemen that Mr. Bolt was
engaged over important State affairs, and politely bowing them out.'

"'Then Mr. Bolt having worked the gentleman's anxiety up to the
highest pitch, would take up his great gold pen, and on a piece of
whitest paper, figure, and figure, and figure, multiply and subtract,
contort his face and nervously frisk his fingers through his curly
black hair. It was all to no purpose, however he could not twist the
plaguy figures into a favorable balance. In fact the balance, despite
all his diplomacy, would get on the wrong page. At length, having
exhausted patience and found language to adapt himself to
circumstances, with great blandness of manner he would beg the
gentleman, convey his compliments to