'Oh, yes; and how do you do, Mr. Larcom? Quite well, I trust. Yes--about
the Naunton Junction. Well, I'm happy to tell you--but pray take a
chair--that I have succeeded, and the directors have allotted you five
shares; and it's your own fault if you don't make two ten-and-six a
share. The Chowsleys are up to six and a-half, I see here,' and he
pointed to the 'Times.' Mr. Larcom's fat face smiled, in spite of his
endeavour to keep it under. It was part of his business to look always
grave, and he coughed, and recovered his gravity.

'I'm very thankful, Sir,' said Mr. Larcom, 'very.'

'But do sit down, Mr. Larcom--pray do,' said the attorney, who was very
gracious to Larcom. 'You'll get the scrip, you know, on executing, but
the shares are allotted. They sent the notice for you here. And--and how
are the family at Brandon--all well, I trust?'

Mr. Larcom blew his nose.

'All, Sir, well.'

'And--and let me give you a glass of sherry, Mr. Larcom, after your walk.
I can't compete with the _Brandon_ sherry, Mr. Larcom. Wonderful fine
wine that!--but still I'm told this is not a _bad_ wine notwithstanding.'

Larcom received it with grave gratitude, and sipped it, and spoke
respectfully of it.

'And--and any news in that quarter of Mr. Mark Wylder--any--any
_surmise_? I--you know--I'm interested for all parties.'