The Argosy — page 107: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Lady Grace. 95 out; but he could not get very near you, he says; only gave you .a few words over the people’s heads.” “‘ He gave them to somebody else ; not to me.” At which remark Peter Chester laughed as heartily as his throat allowed him. Charles stayed with him until ten o’clock, and then went home to his chambers, letting himself in with his latch key. Turning up the gas in the inner room, where he generally sat, he touched the bell upon the table. Joe came in to answer it. He was a smart lad of fifteen, who slept in the chambers. “‘ Anyone been here, Joe ?” “No, sir, not since I came back,” replied the boy. “When was that ?” “Only now, sir.” “Only now!” repeated Charles Baumgarten. ‘Why, where did you stay?” “They kept me ever so long down there, sir, while they was answering of the note—I put it upon your table, sir. Mother was here, too, to answer anybody that might ring. She had some work to do.” “Well, look here, Joe. If you are going to take to be long on your errands—as you have been several times lately—TI shall have to replace you with someone who can be quicker. You can go to bed now.” CHAPTER XII. WHAT THE BISHOP SAW ON THE BLOTTING-PAD. Earty the following morning, while Charles was at his breakfast, and before the arrival of his clerk, he was surprised by a visit from the Bishop of Denham. The same bishop, only older, whose ear for Music was deficient, as he once confided to Lady Grace. A good but rather strict and straitlaced man, who had never ceased to take an interest in Charles since Dean Baumgarten’s death, with whom he had been very friendly. His carriage had brought him to Pump Court ; at least, as near to it as was possible ; he came up-stairs and apologised to Charles, who rose to receive him, for his early visit. He was on his way to Lambeth Palace, where he had an appointment. The Bishop opened his business standing, saying he had not time to sit. It appeared that he was trustee for something or other, a very trivial affair, but it touched the rights of the Church, as he solemnly worded it, and-an action at law was unavoidable ; if his young friend felt sufficient confidence in himself to do them justice, he would see that he was appointed leading counsel ; it might be a lift to him in his profession. “Of course all this is sub ros4,” remarked the prelate. ‘You will receiye particulars from the solicitors, together with the brief. T’l | vehi gum