WYLDER'S HAND. 157
« Yes."
And then he ordered his dog-cart, and drove off to
Dollington, and put up at Johnson's Hotel, where Stanley
Lake had slept on the night of his sister's return from
London. Mr. Larkin got into a little brown room, looking
into the inn garden, and called for some luncheon, and pen
and ink, and had out a sheaf of law papers he had brought
with him, tied up in professional red tape; and asked the
waiter, with a grand smile and recognition, how he did -
and asked him next for his good friend, Mr. Johnson; and
trusted that business was improving; and would be very
happy to see him for two or three minutes, if he could
spare time.
So, in due time, in oame the corpulent proprietor, and
Lawyer Larkin shook hands with him, and begged him to
sit down, like a man who confers a distinction; and assur-
ed him that Lord Edward Buxleigh, whom he had recom-
mended to stay at the house for the shooting, had been
very well pleased with the accommodation — very highly so
indeed — and his lordship had so expressed himself when
they had last met at Sir Hugh Huxterly's, of Hatch
Court.
Then he inquired after the two heifers that Mr. Johnson
was so good as to feed for him on his little farm; and
then he mentioned that his friend, Captain Lake, who was
staying with him at his house at Gylingden, was also very
well satisfied with his accommodation, when he, too, at
Lawyer Larkin's recommendation, had put up for a night
at Johnson's Hotel; and it was not every house which
could satisfy London swells of Captain Lake's fashion and
habits, he could tell him.
Then followed some conversation which. I dare say,
interested the lawyer more than he quite showed in Mr.
Johnson's company. For when that pleased and com-