large and bald, eye small and brilliant, and his cheeks had dropped down so as to increase the width of his lower jaw. Deep, yet not harsh, lines were imprinted on the whole of his countenance, which indicated inflexibility and self-possession.

"Good morning, gentlemen," said he, as he entered the room; "I hope you have not been waiting long. May I request the pleasure of knowing who came first? First come, first served? is an old motto."

the

"I believe this gentleman came first,” replied

66

young man.

Don't you know, sir? Is it only a believe?"

“I did arrive first, sir,” replied Newton; "but as I am not here upon legal business, I had rather wait until this gentleman has spoken to you."

"Not upon legal business-humph!" replied Mr. Forster, eyeing Newton. "Well, then, if that is the case, do me the favour to sit down in the office until I have communicated with this gentleman."

Newton, taking up his hat, walked out of the door, which was opened by Mr. Forster, and sat down in the next room until he should be summoned. Although the door between them was closed, it was easy to hear the sound of the voices within. For some minutes they fell upon Newton's ears; that of the young man like the loud yelping of a cur; that of his uncle like the surly growl of some ferocious beast. At last the door opened :—

"But, sir," cried the young man, in alto.

'Pay, sir, pay! I tell you pay !" answered the lawyer, in a stentorian voice.

"But he has cheated me, sir!"

"Never mind-pay!"

66

Charged twice their value, sir!”

"I tell you, pay!”

"But, sir, such imposition!"

"I have told you twenty times, sir, and now tell you again-and for the last time--pay!"

"Won't you take up my cause, sir, then?"

"No, sir! I have given you advice, and will not pick your pocket!-Good morning, sir;" and Mr. Forster, who had backed his client out of the room, shut the door in his face to prevent farther discussion.

The young man looked a moment at the door after it was closed, and then turned round to Newton.

"If your's is really law business, take my advice, don't stay to see him; I'll take you to a man who is a lawyer. Here you'll get no law at all."

Thankye," replied Newton, laughing, "but mine really is not law business."

The noise of the handle of the door indicated that Mr. Forster was about to re-open it to summon Newton; and the young man, with a hasty good morning, brushed by Newton, and hastened into the street.

CHAPTER XI.

HAMLET. Is not parchment made of sheepskin?
HORATIO. Ay, my lord, and of calves' skins too.
HAMLET. They are sheep and calves which
Seek out their assurance in that-

SHAKSPEARE.

THE door opened as intimated at the end of our last chapter, and Newton obeyed the injunction from the lawyer's eye to follow him into the

room.

"Now, sir, your pleasure?" said Mr. Forster.

"I must introduce myself," replied Newton : "I am your nephew, Newton Forster."

"Humph! where 's your documents in proof of your assertion?"

"I did not consider that any thing farther than my word was necessary. I am the son of your brother, Nicholas Forster, who resided many years at Overton."

"I never heard of Overton: Nicholas I recollect to have been the name of my third brother; but it is upwards of thirty years since I have seen or heard of him. I did not know whether he was alive or dead. Well, for the sake of argument, we 'll allow that you are my nephew; -what then?"

Newton coloured up at this peculiar reception. "What then, uncle ?—why, I did hope that you would have been glad to have seen me'; but as you appear to be otherwise, I will wish you good morning;"-and Newton moved towards the door.

I presume that
you did
Before you go, tell me

"To tell you the truth," replied Newton, with emotion, "it was to ask your assistance and your advice; but-"