“Not a penny:—you'll be in pocket by it. But, before I explain, allow me to ask,—have you any interest with, or influence over Mrs. Morgan? Be candid.”

“Why, sir, I think I ought to have.”

“Oh! I see:—a managed matter;—a candidate for dead men's shoes, eh?—Ah! you sly dog!”

“Sly dog!”

“You'll soon be master, I guess.”

“I hope so; I have been long trying for it.”

“Ha, ha! I know it. Oh! I can see things. But now to business:—the fact is, I'm a professional man.”

“Oh! are you?”

“Yes,—you understand:—and as soon as any thing occurs, call me in; and I'll make matters agreeable to you.”

“But Mrs. Morgan,—she must be consulted: I'm just going to see a gentleman on this very business.”