"Thought so—don't know me—don't recollect shop—Mr Brookes's—Tim—rudiments—and so on."
"I have not the least objection to tell you my name; but I am afraid you have the advantage in your recollection of me. Where may I have had the honour of meeting you?"
"Meeting—what, quite forgot—Smithfield?"
"And pray, sir, where may Smithfield be?"
"Very odd—can't comprehend—same name, same face—don't recollect me, don't recollect Smithfield?"
"It may be very odd, sir; but, as I am very well known in London, at the west end, perhaps we have met there. Lord Windermear's perhaps—Lady Maelstrom's?"—and I continued mentioning about a dozen of the most fashionable names. "At all events, you appear to have the advantage of me; but I trust you will excuse my want of memory, as my acquaintance is very extensive."
"I see—quite a mistake—same name, not same person—beg pardon, sir—apologies—and so on," replied the apothecary, drawing in a long sigh.
Chapter XLI
I turn lawyer.