190
WYLDER'S HAJVD.
"My dear sir, I only wish I could; but my hands are
so awfully full," and he lifted them up and shook them,
and shook his tall, bald head at the same time, and smiled
a weary smile.
'' It was very unreasonable of me to think of troubling
you with my wretched affairs; but really I do not know
very well where to turn, or whom to speak to. Maybe,
my dear sir, you can think of some conscientious and
Christian practitioner who is not so -laden with other peo-
ple's cares and troubles as you are."
Mr. Larkin stood at the window ruminating, with his
left hand in his breeches pocket, and his right, with finger
and thumb pinching his under lip, after his wont, and the
despairing accents of the poor Vicar's last sentence still
in his ear.
"Well," he said, hesitatingly, "it is not easy, at a
moment's notice, to point out a suitable solicitor; there
are many, of course, very desirable gentlemen, but I feel
it, my dear sir, a very serious responsibility, naming one
for so peculiar a matter. But you shall not go to the
wall for want of advice. Rely upon it, we'll do the best
we can for you," he continued, in a patronising way, with
his chin raised, and extending his hand kindly to shake
that of the parson. Can you give me two hours to-
morrow evening — say to tea — if you will do me the
honor. My friend, Captain Lake, dines at Brandon to-
morrow. He's staying here with me, you are aware, on
a visit; but we shall be quite by ourselves, say at seven
o'clock. Bring all your papers, and I'll get at the root
of the business, and see, if possible, in each particular
case, what line is best to be adopted."
"How can I thank you, my dear sir, cried gentle Wil-
liam Wylder, his countenance actually beaming with de-
light and gratitude. "I feel as if my prayer for direction