a month."

"Pardon me, sir--convince me of your identity--we must be particular in
matters of this sort--and you shall have possession of the property in
season to secure your own election or that of any of your friends. I
will return Lord Pledge his small advances, and another time he will
know better than to fail of keeping his promises. What is a borough good
for if a nobleman's word is not sacred? You will find the electors, in
particular, every way worthy of your favor. They are as frank, loyal,
and straightforward a constituency as any in England. No skulking behind
the ballot for them!--and in all respects they are fearless Englishmen
who will do what they say, and say whatever their landlord shall please
to require of them."

As I had sundry letters and other documents about me, nothing was easier
than to convince the attorney of my identity. He called for pen and
ink; drew out of his pocket the contract that had been prepared for Lord
Pledge; gave it to me to read; filled the blanks; and affixing his
name, called the waiters as witnesses, and presented me the paper with a
promptitude and respect that I found really delightful. So much, thought
I, for having given pledges to society by the purchase of a borough. I
drew on my bankers for three hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds,
and arose from table virtually the owner of the estate of Householder
and of the political consciences of its tenantry.

A fact so important could not long be unknown; and in a few minutes all
eyes in the coffee-room were upon me. The landlord presented himself and
begged I would do him the honor to take possession of his family parlor,
there being no other at his disposal. I was hardly installed before a
servant in a handsome livery presented the following note.

"DEAR MR. GOLDENCALF:

"I have this moment heard of your being in town, and am exceedingly
rejoiced to learn it. A long intimacy with your late excellent and most
loyal father justifies my claiming you for a friend, and I waive all
ceremony (official, of course, is meant, there being no reason for any
other between us), and beg to be admitted for half an hour.

"Dear Mr. Goldencalf,"

"Yours very faithfully and sincerely,"

"PLEDGE."

"--GOLDENCALF, Esquire."

"Monday evening."

I begged that the noble visitor might not be made to wait a moment.
Lord Pledge met me like an old and intimate friend. He made a hundred
handsome inquiries after my dead ancestor; spo