Fortunately I was provided with cards, and having given him one, we
found ourselves constrained, as it were, to take our leave. The
whole interview did not last two minutes, and I never was less
satisfied with myself. The Doctor and my mother were in the
greatest anguish; and when we were again seated in the coach, loudly
expressed their apprehensions. They were convinced that some
stratagem was meditated; they feared that their journey to London
would prove as little satisfactory as that of the Wrongheads, and
that they had been throwing away good money in building castles in
the air.

It had been previously arranged, that we were to return for my
sister, and afterwards visit some of the sights; but the clouded
visages of her father and mother darkened the very spirit of Rachel,
and she largely shared in their fears. This, however, was not the
gravest part of the business; for, instead of going to St. Paul's
and the Tower, as we had intended, my mother declared, that not one
farthing would they spend more till they were satisfied that the
expenses already incurred were likely to be reimbursed; and a
Chancery suit, with all the horrors of wig and gown, floated in
spectral haziness before their imagination.

We sat down to a frugal meal, and although the remainder of a bottle
of wine, saved from the preceding day, hardly afforded a glass
apiece, the Doctor absolutely prohibited me from opening another.

This morning, faithful to the hour, we were again in Broad Street,
with hearts knit up into the most peremptory courage; and, on being
announced, were immediately admitted to Mr. Argent. He received us
with the same ease as in the first interview, and, after requesting