nd "pursuing with wistful
eyes" the departing "Swallow," he stopped, and, accosting him, soon
possessed himself of the facts that "old Talbot had been robbed and
murdered, but that Mr. Linden had brought him to life again; and that
old Talbot had given him a hundred thousand pounds, and adopted him as
his son; and that how Mr. Linden was going to be sent to foreign parts,
as an ambassador, or governor, or great person; and that how meester and
meeses were quite 'cut up' about it."

All these particulars having been duly deposited in the mind of
Mr. Brown, they produced an immediate desire to call upon the young
gentleman, who, to say nothing of his being so very nearly related to
his old customer, Mrs. Minden, was always so very great a favourite with
him, Mr. Brown.

Accordingly, as Clarence was musing over his approaching departure,
which was now very shortly to take place, he was somewhat startled by
the apparition of Mr. Brown--"Charming day, sir,--charming day," said
the friend of Mrs. Minden,--"just called in to congratulate you. I have
a few articles, sir, to present you with,--quite rarities, I assure
you,--quite presents, I may say. I picked them up at a sale of the late
Lady Waddilove's most valuable effects. They are just the things, sir,
for a gentleman going on a foreign mission. A most curious ivory
chest, with an Indian padlock, to hold confidential letters,--belonged
formerly, sir, to the Great Mogul; and a beautiful diamond snuff-box,
sir, with a picture of Louis XIV. on it, prodigiously fine, and will
look so loyal too: and, sir, if you have any old aunts in the country,
to send a farewell present to, I have some charming fine cambric, a
superb Dresden tea set, and a lovely little 'ape,' stuffed by the late
Lady W. herself."

"My good sir," began Clarence.

"Oh, no thanks, sir,--none at all,--too happy to serve a relation of
Mrs. Minden,--always proud to keep up family connections. You will be
at home to-morrow, sir, at eleven; I will look in; your most humble
servant, Mr. Linden." And almost upsetting Talbot, who had just entered,
Mr. Brown bowed himself out.

CHAPTER XXII.

He talked with open heart and tongue,
Affectionate and true;
A pair of friends, though I was young
And Matthew seventy-two.--WORDSWORTH.

Meanwhile the young artist proceeded rapidly with his picture. Devoured
by his enthusiasm, and utterly engrossed by the sanguine anticipation
of a fame which appeared