WrLDER'S HAJVD. 265
Larkin, condescendingly; "a most interesting child.
I'm very fond of children myself, and should, of course,
put the entire case — to the best of my humble powers,
before you. Is there any thing else just now you think
of, for time presses, and really we have ground to appre-
hend something unpleasant to-morrow. You ought not,
my dear sir — you really ought not to have allowed it to
come to this."
The poor Vicar sighed profoundly, and shook his head,
a contrite man. They both forgot that it was arithmeti-
cally impossible for him to have prevented it, unless he
had got some money.
"Perhaps," said the Vicar, brightening up suddenly,
and looking in the attorney's eyes for answer, "Perhaps
something might be done with the reversion, as a security,
to borrow a sufficient sum, without selling."
The attorney shook his high head, and whiskers grey
and foxy, and meditated with the seal of his pencil case
between his lips.
'' I don't know that any lender, in fact, would entertain
such a security. If you wish it I will write to Burling-
ton, Smith, and Company, about it — they are largely in
policies and post obits."
"It is very sad — very sad, indeed. I wish so much,
my dear sir, I could be of use to you; but you kno'~ the^_
fact is, we solicitors seldom have the command of *
money; always in advance — always drained to f
most shilling, and I am myself in the prer"'
will see there."
And heYthrew a little note from the
to Jos Larkin, Esq., The Lodge, Gyl*
the fact that he had overdrawn his p
shillings, and pence, and inviting
the balance.
12