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WYLDER'S HAJVD.
sure, that I am running this queer rig, masquerading,
hiding, and dodging, like a runaway forger, which is not
pleasant any way, and if you doubt it only try. You
must arrange about Chelford and Lake. I don't know where
Lake is staying. I don't suppose at Brandon; but he
won't stay in the country nor spend his money to please
you or I. Therefore you must have him at your house —
be sure — and I will square it with you; I think three
pounds a week ought to do it very handsome. Don't be
a muff and give him expensive wines — a pint of sherry
is plenty between you; and when he dines at his club
half-a-pint does him, / know; but if he costs you more, I
hereby promise to pay it. Won't that do? Well, about
Chelford: I have been thinking he takes airs, and maybe
he is on his high- horse about that awkward business about
Miss Brandon. But there is no reason why Captain Lake
Bhould object. He has only to hand you a receipt in my
name for the amount of cheques you may give him, and
to lodge a portion of it where I told him, and the rest to
buy Consols; and I suppose he will expect payment for
his no-trouble. Every fellow, particularly these gentle-
manlike fellows, they have a pluck at you when they can.
If he is at that, give him at the rate of a hundred a-year,
or a hundred and fifty if you think he won't do for less;
though 100/. ought to be a good deal to Lake; and tell
him I have a promise of the adjutancy of the county mi-
litia, if he likes that; and I am sure of a seat in Parliament
either for the county or for Dollington, as you know, and
-can do better for him that; and I rely on you, one way „
or another, to make him undertake it. And now for my-
self: I think my vexation is very near ended. I navo
not fired a gun yet, and they little think what a raking
broadside I'll give them. Any of the county people you
meet, tell them I'm making a little excursion on the Con-