better of his rigidity and surprise, recovered his self-possession in an instant, and even his troublesome cough appeared to be very considerably amended; for he, forthwith, commenced a speech of no small length, in which he acknowledged that he felt sensibly affected by the confidence which his new client was disposed to place in him that he was aware how frequently he was engaged in suits of various descriptions, and that really the offer was too flattering-too tempting-too-and then, and not till then, he began to hem, and again complain of his cough.

"Precisely so," observed the gentleman in black. "Well, there must be a beginning: so now, as the Comte, by running away from the country, has left you perfectly at liberty, I wish to know what, in his case, you would advise me to do?"

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'Humph!" said Bagsby, "it is an ugly piece

of business! but, my dear Sir, as we are, comparatively speaking, utter strangers; that is, I mean, in comparison with what we may be in future-'

Precisely so," observed the dark gentleman;

"proceed."

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Well," continued the man of law, "under such circumstances, I am sure, my dear Sir, you will excuse my freedom,-but, ahem, hem, my cough is very troublesome! under these circumstances, I say, I am sure you will excuse,but it is a rule that I laid down for myself many years ago, when I first went into business, I am sure youw ill excuse, but really, there are so many-hem, hem! my cough is very trouble. some."

"Then come to the point at once," said the gentleman in black, somewhat testily, "are you willing to assist me with your advice?"

"Not unless I have something in hand to

begin with," replied old Bagsby, speaking as plain as though he had never coughed in his life.

He had so frequently, in the course of his practice, experienced the potency of this proposition, in putting an end to many a promising conference, that even the knowledge of his client's wealth could not prevent him from watching his dingy countenance with some anxiety.

But the dark gentleman was evidently gratified by this display of the ruling passion, and his eyes twinkled as he replied "Precisely so. Nothing can be more reasonable! I have no idea of cheap law. It would be a pretty sort of thing if justice were to be given away! quite contrary to my ideas of propriety, I assure you. Shocking! just as if it was a thing of no value. Ho, ho, ho! ha, ha, ha! upon my darkness, your're a capital old fellow; I admire your rule exceedingly, and hope it will become general