nd sum the documents on which that claim was founded, and by
which apparently that claim could only be sustained.

The vendor of these muniments was Baptist Hatton, and the sum which he
obtained for them, by allowing him to settle in the metropolis, pursue
his studies, purchase his library and collections, and otherwise give
himself that fair field which brains without capital can seldom command,
was in fact the foundation of his fortune. Many years afterwards Lord de
Mowbray had recognised Hatton in the prosperous parliamentary agent who
often appeared at the bar of the House of Lords and before committees
of privileges, and who gradually obtained an unrivalled reputation and
employment in peerage cases. Lord de Mowbray renewed his acquaintance
with a man who was successful; bowed to Hatton whenever they met; and
finally consulted him respecting the barony of Valence which had been in
the old Fitz-Warene and Mowbray families and to which it was thought the
present earl might prefer some hocus-pocus claim through his deceased
mother; so that however recent was his date as an English earl, he
might figure on the roll as a Plantagenet baron, which in the course of
another century would complete the grand mystification of high nobility.
The death of his son dexterously christened Valence had a little damped
his ardour in this respect; but still there was a sufficiently intimate
connection kept up between him and Hatton; so that before he placed
the letter he had received in the hands of his lawyers he thought it
desirable to consult his ancient ally.

This was the reason that Lord de Mowbray was at the present moment
seated in the same chair in the same library as was a few days back that
worthy baronet, Sir Vavasour Firebrace. Mr Hatton was at the same table
similarly employed; his Persian cat on his right hand, and his choice
spaniels reposing on their cushions at his feet.

Mr Hatton held forward his hand to receive the letter of which Lord
de Mowbray had been speaking to him, and which he read with great
attention, weighing as it were each word. Singular! as the letter
had been written by himself, and the firm who signed it were only his
instruments, obeying the spring of the master hand.

"Very remarkable!" said Mr Hatton.

"Is it not!" said Lord de Mowbray.

"And your Lordship received this yesterday?"

"Yesterday. I lost no time in communicating with you."

"Jubb and Jinks," continued Mr Hatton, musingly, su