WYLDER'S HAJVD.
191
and deliverance 'were answered at last. Oh! my dear
sir, I have suffered a great deal; but something assures
me I am rescued, and shall have a quiet mind once more
— I am now in safe and able hands." And he shook the
safe and able, and rather large, hands of the amiable at-
torney in both his.
"You make too much of it, my dear sir. I should at
any time be most happy to advise you," said Mr. Larkin,
with a lofty and pleased benevolence, "and with great
pleasure, provisionally, until we can hit upon a satisfac-
tory solicitor,' with a little more time at his disposal, I
undertake the management of your case."
"Thank Heaven!" again said the Vicar, who had not
let go his hands. "And it is so delightful to have for
my guide a Christian man, who, even were I so disposed,
would not lend himself to an unworthy or questionable
defence; and although at this moment it is not in my
power to reward your invaluable assistance " —
"Now really, my dear sir, I must insist — no more of
this, I beseech you. I do most earnestly insist that you
promise me you will never mention the matter of profess-
ional remuneration more, until, at least, I press it, which,
rely upon it, will not be for a good while."
The attorney's smile plainly said, that his "good
while" meant in fact " never."
CHAPTER XXXIII
THE LADIES OP GTLINGDEN HEATH.
Just at this moment they became aware of a timid little
tapping which had been going on at the window during