stract me."

"Well, sir, well," answered Mr. Brown, greatly mollified; "I am sure no
Christian can be more forgiving than I am; and, since you are sorry
for what you were pleased to say, let us think no more about it. But
touching the umbrella, Mr. Wolfe, have you a mind for that interesting
and useful relic of the late Lady Waddilove?"

"Not at present, I thank you," said Wolfe, mildly; "I care little for
the inclemencies of the heavens, and you may find many to whom your
proffered defence from them may be more acceptable. But tell me if
the Mr. Mordaunt you mentioned was ever residing in town, and in very
indifferent circumstances?"

"Probably he was," said the cautious Brown, who, as we before said, had
been bribed into silence, and who now grievously repented that passion
had betrayed him into the imprudence of candour; "but I really do not
busy myself about other people's affairs. 'Brown,' said the late Lady
Waddilove to me, 'Brown, you are a good creature, and never talk of what
does not concern you.' Those, Mr. Wolfe, were her ladyship's own words."

"As you please," said the reformer, who did not want shrewdness, and saw
that his point was already sufficiently gained; "as you please. And now,
to change the subject, I suppose we shall have your attendance at the
meeting at W---- to-morrow?"

"Ay," replied the worthy Brown: "I thought it likely I should meet many
of my old customers in the town on such a busy occasion; so I went a
little out of my way home to London, in order to spend a night or two
there. Indeed, I have some valuable articles for Mr. Glumford, the
magistrate, who will be in attendance to-morrow."

"They say," observed Wolfe, "that the magistrates, against all law,
right, and custom, will dare to interfere with and resist the meeting.
Think you report says true?"

"Nay," returned Brown, prudently, "I cannot exactly pretend to decide
the question: all I know is that Squire Glumford said to me, at his own
house, five days ago, as he was drawing on his boots, 'Brown,' said he,
'Brown, mark my words, we shall do for those rebellious dogs!'"

"Did he say so?" muttered Wolfe, between his teeth. "Oh, for the old
times, or those yet to come, when our answer would have been, or shall
be, the sword!"

"And you know," pursued Mr. Brown, "that Lord Ulswater and his regiment
are in town, and have even made great preparations against the meeting a
week ago."

"I have heard this," said Wolfe; "but I