accidents of our voyage, we yesterday morning sallied forth, the
Doctor, my mother, and your humble servant, in a hackney coach, to
Broad Street, where the agents have their counting-house, and were
ushered into a room among other legatees or clients, waiting for an
audience of Mr. Argent, the principal of the house.

I know not how it is, that the little personal peculiarities, so
amusing to strangers, should be painful when we see them in those
whom we love and esteem; but I own to you, that there was a
something in the demeanour of the old folks on this occasion, that
would have been exceedingly diverting to me, had my filial reverence
been less sincere for them.

The establishment of Messrs. Argent and Company is of vast extent,
and has in it something even of a public magnitude; the number of
the clerks, the assiduity of all, and the order that obviously
prevails throughout, give at the first sight, an impression that
bespeaks respect for the stability and integrity of the concern.
When we had been seated about ten minutes, and my father's name
taken to Mr. Argent, an answer was brought, that he would see us as
soon as possible; but we were obliged to wait at least half an hour
more. Upon our being at last admitted, Mr. Argent received us
standing, and in an easy gentlemanly manner said to my father, "You
are the residuary legatee of the late Colonel Armour. I am sorry
that you did not apprise me of this visit, that I might have been
prepared to give the information you naturally desire; but if you
will call here to-morrow at 12 o'clock, I shall then be able to
satisfy you on the subject. Your lady, I presume?" he added,
turning to my mother; "Mrs. Argent will have the honour of waiting
on you; may I therefore beg the favour of your address?"