The Argosy — page 203: what you’re looking at

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184 The House of Halhwell. leasehold property, and my father and mother’s before me. And now an impious wretch comes forward and says there’s a flaw in the lease, and I must turn out, and am responsible for back rent! Tl go and consult the first lawyer in the town. Come along with me, Thomas.” | “Tt’s impossible, dear aunt. I have six hours’ work before me to-day : reading up for Mr. Dicks.” ‘The truth was, he had made an appointment for billiards. ‘“That’s exceedingly vexatious. JI should like to have had you with me for a witness. But you are quite right, Thomas: never put your studies aside for anything. Il wish you good-afternoon. Rachel, if anyone comes, you don’t know when [I shall be at home, for I am gone to Lawyer Freer’s.” ‘Lawyer Freer’s!” screamed Tom, rushing after his aunt and nearly upsetting Rachel. ‘‘Of course you must have a witness, aunt, 1f you are going there. My reading can wait. Just stop while I shp on another coat and waistcoat.” ‘“What is the matter with those you have on?” demanded Mrs.. Agatha. ‘‘Oh—this is my professional suit. And, when I walk with you,, I like to look as your nephew ought.” “ Dutiful lad!” aspirated Mrs. Agatha. ‘‘ He shall not be a loser by his attachment to me.” Lawyer Freer was at home, and ensconced Mrs. Agatha in his con- sulting-room. Her dutiful nephew slipped aside as they were going in, and shut the door on the old lady and the attorney. Mrs. Agatha Needham was too full of her subject to notice, at first, the absence: of her nephew; and afterwards she would not disturb the considera- tion of her case by calling for him. ‘They both concluded Mr. ‘Tom was exercising his patience in company of the clerks in the front office. Not he. He was as daring as he was high; and he went along the passage, peeping here and peeping there, till he came to a room where two young ladies were seated—his beauties of the previous night. Clara, the eldest, a splendid girl; Louisa (the prize) prettier still, with dancing eyes and shining curls. ‘““T beg pardon,” cried Tom, as the young ladies rose in surprise, ‘““do not let me disturb you. Iam sent here to wait, while my aunt holds a private consultation with Mr. Freer—Mrs. Agatha Need- ham.” The young ladies bowed. They had a speaking acquaintance with Mrs. Agatha, and hoped she was well. ‘Tom assured them she was: very well, and went on talking upon other subjects, and made himself entirely at home. Mr. Tom Elliot had won his bet. Gomicbooks.co m