“I 've been so busy of late; up to my ears, as they say. Going to start a new company, and thinking of asking your assistance too.”
“What's the nature of it?”
“Well, it's a kind of a mutual self-securing sort of thing against family accidents. You understand,—a species of universal guarantee to insure domestic peace and felicity,—a thing that will come home to us all; and I only want a few good names in the direction, to give the shares a push.”
Beecher looked imploringly, to try and restrain him; but he went on,—
“May I take the liberty to put you down on the committee of management?”
Before any answer could come to this speech, Mr. Clowes called out in a deep voice,—
“Mr. Annesley Beecher and Captain Davis;” and flung wide the door for them to pass out.
“Why did you say that to him, Grog?” whispered Beecher, as they moved along.
“Just because I was watching the way he looked at me. He had a hardy, bold expression on his face that showed he needed a reminder, and so I gave him one. Always have the first blow when you see a fellow means to strike you.”
Mr. Davenport Dunn rose as the visitors entered the' room, and having motioned to them to be seated, took his place with his back to the fire,—a significant intimation that he did not anticipate a lengthy review. Whether it was that he had not previously settled in his own mind how to open the object of his visit, or that something in Dunn's manner and appearance unlike what he anticipated had changed his intention; but certain is it that Beecher felt confused and embarrassed, and when reminded by Dunn's saying, “I am at your service, sir,” he turned a most imploring look towards Davis to come to his rescue. The captain, however, with more tact, paid no attention to the appeal; and Beecher, with an immense effort, stammered out, “I have taken the liberty to call on you. I have come here today in consequence of a letter—that is, my brother, Lord Lackington—You know my brother?”