CHAPTER VI.
“He comes—
Yet careless what he brings; his one concern
Is to conduct it to the destined inn;
And having dropp’d the expected bag, pass on—
To him indifferent whether grief or joy.”
COWPER: Description of the Postman.
The pale gentleman entered Mr. Morton’s shop; and, looking round him, spied the worthy trader showing shawls to a young lady just married. He seated himself on a stool, and said to the bowing foreman—
“I will wait till Mr. Morton is disengaged.”
The young lady having closely examined seven shawls, and declared they were beautiful, said, “she would think of it,” and walked away. Mr. Morton now approached the stranger.
“Mr. Morton,” said the pale gentleman; “you are very little altered. You do not recollect me?”
“Bless me, Mr. Spencer! is it really you? Well, what a time since we met! I am very glad to see you. And what brings you to N——? Business?”
“Yes, business. Let us go within?”
Mr. Morton led the way to the parlour, where Master Tom, reperched on the stool, was rapidly digesting the plundered muffin. Mr. Morton dismissed him to play, and the pale gentleman took a chair.