Part 90 (1/2)

”Nay,” replied Sparkle, ”I could hardly expect to obtain such from you.

I must therefore be excused and acquitted of all such intentions--but joking apart, how are you devoted?”

”To you,” replied Tallyho, who was much pleased by this accession to their society.

”Then,” continued Sparkle, ”lend me all the a.s.sistance in your power.

When did you see our old friend Merrywell!”

”The last time I saw him was in a place of safety, studying the law, and taking lessons from its professors in the Priory.”

”We must find him,” replied Sparkle; ”so if you are not engaged, come along, and I will relate the circ.u.mstances which induce this search as we proceed.”

To this proposal Tom and Bob readily acceding, the party were quickly on their way towards Abbot's Park.

~~257~~~ ”You must know,” said Sparkle, ”that Merry well's uncle in the country having received some information upon the subject of his confinement, probably very highly coloured, has since his release withdrawn his patronage and support, so that the poor fellow has been without supplies for some time past, and I am at a loss to conjecture by what means he is now working the oracle for a subsistence. His uncle, however, is in the last stage of a severe illness, with little chance of recovery; and as I apprehend there is but little time to spare, I intend, if possible, to find our old acquaintance, start him for his relative's residence, in hope that he may arrive in time to be in at the death, and become inheritor of his estate, which is considerable, and may otherwise be apportioned among persons for whom he has had but little or no regard while living.”

”The object in view is a good one,” said Dashall, ”and I sincerely hope we shall succeed in our endeavours.”

Pa.s.sing down St. James's-street, Sparkle was quickly recognized by many of his old acquaintances and friends, and congratulated upon his return to the scenes where they had, in company with him, enjoyed many a lark; and invitations came in as fast upon nim as the moments of life were fleeting away: for the present, however, all engagements were declined, till the princ.i.p.al object of his journey to London should be accomplished; and after inquiries about old friends, and observations upon the pa.s.sing occurrences of the moment were over, they proceeded on their way. Westminster Bridge was the precise line of direction for them to pursue, and as fortune would have it, they had scarcely arrived at the foot of it, before they discovered Merrywell bustling along in an opposite direction: he, however, appeared rather inclined to pa.s.s without recognition or acknowledgment, when Sparkle turning close upon him, gave him a hearty tap on the shoulder, which made him as it were involuntarily turn his head.

”Well met,” said Sparkle, ”I want you.”

”At whose suit. Sir?” was the immediate inquiry.

”To suit yourself,” was a reply as quickly given.

”Zounds!” said Merrywell, ”I had little idea of being tapped on the shoulder by an old friend--but are you indeed in earnest?”

”Certainly I am, and can't be refused; but if you should be pinched for bail, I think I have two friends with me who will do the needful;”

introducing Tom and Bob.

”I see how it is,” continued Merrywell, ”and have no objection to a joke; but I can't bear to have it carried too far.--How d'ye do, how d'ye do--can't stop--in a devil of a hurry--full of business.”

~~258~~~ ”Zounds!” said Tom, ”you are almost as bad as the man who having married a wife could not come; but if I may be so bold, whither away so fast?”

”To Westminster Hall--the sessions is on--must go--law is like the tide, it stays for none--adieu.”

”We cannot part thus,” said Sparkle, ”I have come some miles in search of you, and cannot afford to be played with now.”

”Then accompany me to Westminster Hall, and I will be at your service.”

”If not,” replied Sparkle, ”I shall enter a special detainer against you--so come along.”

They now entered Westminster Hall, where Merry well having disposed of some briefs and other papers into the hands of a counsellor preparatory to a cause coming on;

”There,” continued he, unow I am at your service.”

”Then tell me,” said Sparkle, ”what you are at.”

”First,” inquired Merry well, ”let me know what is your object in asking such a question.”