Now, there came from Messrs. Burlington and Smith a peremptory demand for
the fourteen pounds ten shillings, and an equally summary one for
twenty-eight pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence, their costs in
this matter.

When the poor vicar received this latter blow, he laid the palm of his
hand on the top of his head, as if to prevent his brain from boiling
over. Twenty-eight pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence! _Quod
impossibile._ again.

When he saw Larkin, that conscientious guardian of his client's interests
scrutinised the bill of costs very jealously, and struck out between four
and five pounds. He explained to the vicar the folly of borrowing
insignificant and insufficient sums--the trouble, and consequently the
cost, of which were just as great as of an adequate one. He was
determined, if he could, to pull him through this. But he must raise a
sufficient sum, for the expense of going into title would be something;
and he would write sharply to Burlington, Smith, and Co., and had no
doubt the costs would be settled for twenty-three pounds. And Mr. Jos.
Larkin's opinion upon the matter was worthy of respect, inasmuch as he
was himself, under the rose, the 'Co.' of that firm, and ministered its
capital.

'The fact is you must, my dear Mr. Wylder, make an effort. It won't do
peddling and tinkering in such a case. You will be in a worse position
than ever, unless you boldly raise a thousand pounds--if I can manage
such a transaction upon a security of the kind. Consolidate all your
liabilities, and keep a sum in hand. You are well connected--powerful
relatives--your brother has Huxton, four hundred, a year, whenever
old--the--the present incumbent goes--and there are other things