188
WYLDER'S HAJVJD.
from Cambridge, and find that my good friend, Mr.
Mountain, the bookseller, has been dead two months, and
his wife is his sole executrix, and has sold the business,
and directed two gentlemen — attorneys — to call in all
the debts due to him — peremptorily — and they say I
must pay before the 15th; and I have but five pounds in
the world, until March, when my half-year will be paid.
And indeed, only that the trades-people here are so very
kind, we should often find it very difficult to manage."
"Perhaps," said Mr. Larkin, blandly, "you would
permit me to look at the letter you mention having re-
ceived from the solicitors at Cambridge?"
"Oh, thank you, certainly; here it is," said William
Wylder, eagerly, and he gazed with his kind, truthful
eyes upon the attorney's countenance as he glanced over
it, trying to read something of futurity therein.
"Foukes and Mauley," said Mr. Larkin. "I have
had but one transaction with them; they are not always
pleasant people to deal with. You must be cautious; in-
deed, my dear sir, very cautious. The fifteenth — just
ten clear days. Well, you know you have till then to
look about you; and we may any day hear from your
brother, directing the loan to be paid over to you. And
now, my dear and reverend friend, you know me, I hope,"
continued Mr. Larkin, very kindly, as he handed back
the letter; "and you won't attribute what I say to im-
pertinent curiosity; but your brother's intended advance
of three hundred pounds can hardly have had relation
-only to this trifling claim upon you. There aie, no
doubt — pardon me — several little matters to be ar-
ranged; and considerable circumspection will be needed,
pending your brother's absence, in dealing with the per-
sons who are in a position to press their claims unpleas-
antly. You must not trifle with these things. And let